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The Foundry Community exists to support, educate, and develop the Nebraska purpose-driven community.

  • Nonprofit Members

    100+

  • Nonprofits Served

    240+

  • Impact Hours

    6,500+

  • Students Served

    70+

TESTIMONIALS

 

Intern Foundry equipped me with the education, professional leadership skills, and something even more valuable - a vision for Nebraska's future. Through purpose-driven work, the program helped me move from a potential brain drain statistic to a community catalyst. I found my voice testifying before state legislators, built confidence mentoring peers, and discovered that staying in Nebraska isn't limiting; it's where I can lead the most meaningful change. Intern Foundry taught me that reversing brain drain starts with leaders who choose to stay, build, and inspire others to do the same.” 

— Livia Ziskey, Spring 2024 and Summer 2025 Intern Foundry Student

"The Intern Foundry program has been so important to OutNebraska. The process is so supportive and each student we've worked with has been highly motivated to add to our work,"

— Abbi Swatsworth, Executive Director, OutNebraska

"We love officing within The Foundry. The community connections are invaluable, the IF internship program has been incredibly beneficial to our organization, and the leadership provided by Julie is inspiring.  The Foundry team ensures that we are equipped with the tools and space to bring our mission to life and make an impact with our community."

— Tiffani Childress, Linked2Literacy

“One of the most important things I learned through the Intern Foundry program was how to blaze my own trail...I’m so grateful to the Foundry for helping me build that foundation.”

— Drew Baldridge, 2023 intern and 2024 coordinator

"The first meeting with [Base Camp Foundry] , I explained what my frustrations were, and they gave me the perspective shift I needed to make everything make sense. It was a relief because I was so close to getting there and I was stuck. Their help has re-positioned me to continue better prepared and better equipped."

— Base Camp Client

Make Giving a Part of Your New Year’s Resolutions

Ah, New Year’s Eve. Every year, this week brings with it a sense of excitement, anticipation and hope as we look forward to the upcoming year. Suddenly, everything that happened in 2025—the things we did or didn’t do, did or didn’t say—doesn’t seem to matter as much. Instead, we can look ahead and clearly see 2026 laid out before us, untarnished and ready for our next adventure.

Of course, with New Year’s Eve come New Year’s resolutions. These resolutions symbolize the things we care about most in life, and reflect the areas of life we want to improve. Whether it be weight loss, reading more or simply trying something new, resolutions often mark what matters most to us. Which means, if you want to make a difference in 2026, make giving a part of your New Year’s resolutions. Here are some ideas for how you can create resolutions that give back.

 

Get your family on board.

One simple way to make giving a part of your New Year’s resolutions is to get your family on board. Altruism is an incredibly important value to instill in young children. As you make plans for 2026, consider how you and your family can serve the community together.

 

Share on social media. 

With today’s technology, social media often plays a critical role in the success of various fundraising and awareness efforts. This year, see how you can support organizations around the world simply by sharing, tweeting, pinning or posting.

 

Give blood.

No matter who you are, we all have something we can give: blood. If you’re eligible, make a commitment to donate blood consistently in 2026. Whether you give to a community blood bank or a national chain, you can feel confident in your efforts to support—and save—another’s life.

 

Mentor a child.

Speaking of support, you can often find children in need of support in the community. One way you can support a child in 2026 is by volunteering to be a mentor. Give a child the gift of someone who loves, encourages and supports them this year to have an impact on their life.

 

Pay it forward.

For a simple way to have a huge effect this upcoming year, pay it forward. Commit to taking small acts of kindness whenever you possibly can. For example, pay for a person’s coffee, leave a caring note or donate used goods. However you pay it forward, keep the message of positivity moving in 2026.

 

Volunteer consistently.

If you want something to really commit to doing next year, then consider volunteering consistently. Local and national nonprofit organizations are constantly looking for new people to get involved with their cause. Join in as a regular volunteer they can rely on.

 

Commit to donating.

Finally, make a difference in 2026 by finding a cause you care about and committing to donating regularly. While one-time donations are definitely celebrated, regular donations can have a huge impact all-year round. Find a monthly amount you feel comfortable with and commit to giving.

With 2026 nearly upon us, the New Year’s resolutions will soon start rolling in. If you want to have an even-greater impact this upcoming year, make giving a part of your resolutions. Try out some of these ideas, or come up with your own to give back and make a valuable contribution to the life of a fellow human being in 2026.