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

  • Organizations Impacted

    300+

  • Foundry Members

    180+

  • Nonprofits Served

    61%

  • Students Served

    50+

 

*Data from the 2025 year.

WHAT WE OFFER

 

What We Offer

 

 

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS

 

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

May 25, 2026

Everything You Need to Know About Memorial Day

Graves Stones Decorated with American Flags

Today we celebrate Memorial Day. This day is so much more than a time for vacations, barbecues or beach days. Memorial Day is a chance to commemorate our U.S. veterans and everything they have done for this nation.

But why is Memorial Day so significant? Where did it come from, and why is it such a historic piece of national history? Today we’re going to discuss everything you need to know about Memorial Day: where it came from, why it’s important and how you can honor our nation’s heroes today.

Where did Memorial Day come from?
In the spring of 1865, the Civil War ended, having claimed the lives of more Americans than any other U.S. conflict in history. With so many lost, it caused establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries. A few years later in the late 1860s, individuals across various towns and cities in the United States began holding springtime tributes to honor these countless fallen soldiers. These original commemorations decorated the soldiers’ often unmarked graves with flowers, and honored their memories through song and prayer.

Who started Memorial Day?
While it’s unclear just exactly who started this springtime tradition, different community gatherings eventually developed into memorial ceremonies. However, on May 5, 1866, Waterloo, New York first celebrated the specific day to host their annual, community-wide event. Businesses were closed and residents decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. One hundred years later in 1966, the federal government would declare Waterloo as the official birthplace of Memorial Day.

What was Decoration Day?
On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Union veterans’ group known as the Grand Army of the Republic, declared a nationwide day of remembrance for later that month. He proclaimed that May 30th should be a nationwide day of commemoration for the more than 620,000 soldiers killed in the Civil War. Logan named the holiday Decoration Day, as individuals would commonly decorate the graves of fallen soldiers in their honor. On the very first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there.

How did Memorial Day develop?
Over time, Decoration Day gradually became known as Memorial Day. While originally intended to honor only those who lost during the Civil War, after the United States became involved in WWI, Memorial Day evolved to commemorate all American military personnel who had fallen in all wars. Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30th, until 1968 when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May, in order to create a three-day weekend for workers. Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday, and continues to be celebrated on the last Monday of May every year.

This Memorial Day, honor U.S. heroes past and present by taking some time to recognize the significance and history of the day. Commemorate the day with your friends and family, and be sure to thank a veteran for his or her service to our nation.