Centralia Community Fund

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation (STEP) recently announced the establishment of the new Centralia Community Fund. The announcement was made official when Centralia Community Fund Advisory Committee and STEP Board President Debbie Tangeman signed the fund agreement December 26, 2018.

Those serving as founding advisory committee members for the Centralia Community Fund include: Brent Alverson, Kelsey Burdiek, Tyler Glatczak, Kelli Holthaus, and Dustin Walters.

Tory Jost, executive director of STEP, expressed optimism about the potential small Kansas communities have for creating lasting endowments that can help preserve the viability of their towns. Jost stated, "We are excited to partner with the Centralia Advisory Committee, creating an opportunity to educate citizens across Northeast Kansas about the positive impact of philanthropy and charitable giving. By building local endowments, we help strengthen smaller communities like Centralia. This is the second community fund established through the local community foundation, and we are anticipating others. Together we are fulfilling the mission of Nemaha County STEP Foundation, which is to make Nemaha County a great place to live and work."

By creating a fund for the Centralia Community, the Nemaha County STEP Foundation provides office support, including accounting, gift receipting, and online fund management, opportunities for pooled investment opportunities, education and training, and encouragement, particularly important in the early start-up years for new funds.