Kearney Area Community Foundation launches Critical Needs Fund to support local families

KEARNEY, Neb. — The Kearney Area Community Foundation has officially launched its Community Critical Needs Fund, which aims to help local nonprofits that serve families struggling with essentials such as food, housing, transportation and health care.

The fund was launched with a $75,000 challenge gift from two local philanthropists, Rhonda Artrup and Pam Radtke, which doubles the impact of every donation made during the initial campaign.

Officials say the fund is designed to provide flexible, rapid support to nonprofits responding to urgent community needs.

“This fund represents an opportunity for our community to come together and help families when they need it most,” said Kearney Area Community Foundation President and CEO Judi Sickler. “Every contribution, no matter the size, can make a real difference for families across the region.”

Nonprofits across the Kearney area can apply for funding to address immediate needs in the community.

The foundation said the fund aims to fill gaps in services where traditional resources may be unavailable or insufficient.

The Community Critical Needs Fund is part of the foundation’s broader mission to strengthen the Kearney area, providing both short-term relief and long-term support to families and local organizations. 

The foundation will open grant applications for nonprofits to request funding after the foundation's annual "Give Where You Live" campaign in early December.

Community members can donate now, with the foundation expecting to award most of the grant funding before the end of the year.

For more information or to donate, visit the Kearney Area Community Foundation website.