Nebraska Community Foundation visit to South West Victoria

In October, we had the privilege of hosting Jeff Yost, President and CEO of the Nebraska Community Foundation, and his wife Cindy at the Camperdown Community House for a wide ranging and deeply inspiring conversation about the building abundant regional networks, and supporting communities to invest back into their hometowns in a meaningful way.

 

Jeff, along with his talented team, is leading the charge in inspiring charitable giving and fostering connections among passionate individuals in 270 communities across 81 of Nebraska’s 93 counties. For over 25 years, Jeff has been dedicated to advancing NCF’s mission and championing community-driven, asset-based approaches. Taking a deliberately strength-based approach to community development, the NCF and its affiliated funds have reinvested an impressive $517 million into Nebraska’s hometowns over the past 25 years. 

 

Also in attendance was the Chair of Community Foundations Australia, Ben Rodgers, who is also Executive Officer for the Inner North Community Foundation, (Melbourne) and Roger Babolka, CEO of the Stand Like Stone Foundation (South Australia).  Jeff and Cindy had visited community foundations in WA, SA and QLD on their way to south west Victoria, and the session proved to be an invaluable experience for all who attended. The insights shared will help guide the continued growth and success of the South West Community Foundation in 2025, and we look forward to sharing more of what we have learned in the coming year. 

Our sincere thanks to Emily Mercer and the team at the Camperdown Community House and Garden for generously hosting us.  SWCF has been a supporter of the Camperdown Community House for several years, read more about their exceptional work for the Corangamite community here.

Img 0053