More than 950 people in Omaha and Southwest Iowa have realized how rewarding it is to start an account with the Omaha Community Foundation. Some are established philanthropists and community leaders; others are new college graduates and young families. Here are just a few of our donors—and the ways they are using the Foundation to reach their charitable goals.

Featured Donor Story
Gordon and Joy Watanabe


Donor Stories
Darren and Sherri Obrecht

When you want to give back, you know it's home.


Fred Amis

Working backwards to give back.


Lorie Lewis

Her first priority - second chances.


Paul and Mary Jessen

Pursuing charitable goals as wisely as financial ones.


Sam Fried

A legacy he can trust.


Scott and Paige Berryman

The Charitable Checkbook.  Your giving, your timetable.


Donor Profiles
Bill and Sally Hanley

Giving through the Foundation increases the impact of the Hanleys’ church donations.


Bill Minier and Becky Anderson

Their Foundation account lets Bill Minier and Becky Anderson take a holistic view on their annual giving.


Carol Gendler

Carol Gendler gives to the charities she cares about – without giving up her say in the matter.


Connie O’Neil

Inspired by her sister's struggles with cerebral palsy and her mother's tireless advocacy, Connie O'Neil came to the Foundation with a mission to help disabled adults.


Dave Karnes

Dave Karnes turned to the Foundation for help honoring his wife, Liz, and her accomplishments in the community.


Dick and Helen Kelley

Their Donor Advised Fund allows the Kelleys to have a family foundation within the Omaha Community Foundation.


Dick Hays

After receiving a generous inheritance, Dick Hays came to the Foundation for help sharing that generosity with the community.


Esther Pilster

Esther Pilster says she’s an ”educator, not a businesswoman.” She trusts the Foundation to help her make intelligent decisions about charitable giving.


Joel Russell

Joel Russell uses the Foundation as a resource to learn more about which organizations are doing the most good in the community.


John Hancock

John Hancock, a partner at the public accounting firm of Hancock and Dana, PC, guides his clients to the Foundation for the tax benefits—and to benefit from the Foundation's deep knowledge of the charitable landscape.


Mark Weber

Mark Weber – an estate, retirement, and financial planner at Silverstone Group – appreciates the flexibility the Omaha Community Foundation gives his clients.


Mike App

The ease of working with the Foundation helps Mike App find a place for philanthropy in his life—despite a busy career.


Mike Fahey

Omaha is thriving, says Mayor Mike Fahey, because of the generosity and commitment of its charitable citizens.


Mike McCarthy

Chairman Mike McCarthy believes the Omaha Community Foundation is helping more people than ever make their charitable dreams come true.


Paul Jessen

Attorney Paul Jessen wishes he would have known sooner about all the ways the Foundation could help him help his clients with their estate planning.


Rick Scofield

The Foundation makes it simple for Rick Scofield to keep track of all the donations he and his wife make throughout the year.


Rick Shaneyfelt

Now that Rick Shaneyfelt has a family, he can’t afford to give as much time to the religious organizations he cares about. But, with his Foundation account, he still offers meaningful support.


Susan Peplow

Susan Peplow uses the Foundation to get—and give—more from a stock donation.