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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.

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

Creative Ways to Say Thank You

Thank You written on an envelope.

Thank you. Gracias. Merci. Grazie. شكرا. Спасибо. No matter how you say it, thank you is important. Giving thanks to others is an incredible way to show appreciation and promote your own positive lifestyle. When you thank others, you establish trust, build relationships and grow a grateful life.

The usual “Thank you,” is a wonderful way to show how much you appreciate others, but sometimes it can be fun to be a little more imaginative. Get some ideas by checking out these creative ways to say thank you.

Write a Thank-You Note
Writing someone a handwritten thank you note shows them a true appreciation for their actions. It takes a little extra time and a little extra effort, but it goes a long way. Next time you’re at the store, pick up a box of thank you notes to save and use throughout the coming months.

Give a Gift
Gifts don’t have to be just for special occasions, and they especially don’t have to be extravagant. Giving someone a simple gift like a chocolate bar, bouquet of flowers or a new pack of gum can make a person feel remembered and valued. Listen to what the person enjoys, and then pick it up next time you’re in the area.

Make a Care Package
For bigger thank you’s, try putting together a care package for your friends or family. Include some snacks, a couple of small items and maybe one big one. Tie it up pretty and have it delivered, or leave it somewhere they’ll find it for an encouraging surprise.

Write a Poem
You don’t have to be a writer to give poetry a go. Writing a poem for someone shows you truly appreciate the person’s actions and want to take the time to say a unique thank you they won’t forget. Write something special for them to enjoy. Plus there ain’t no time like now to rhyme!

Send a Letter
Can you remember the last time you received a personal, handwritten letter in your mailbox? With today’s technology, they’re pretty rare. Bring them back and use it to say thank you to someone you’re grateful for. They’ll appreciate the effort and more than likely save the letter longer than they would ever remember a text or email.

Serve Up Some Treats
Everybody loves food, so why not say thank you with a tasty homemade treat? Get ideas and recipes from friends, family or online and give it a go. Cookies? Yum. Brownies? Delicious. Homemade fruit pizza? Sign us up!

Pay It Forward
Finally, show your gratitude by paying it forward to other people around you. Try paying for someone’s gas at the gas station, compliment a coworker’s new haircut or volunteer at a local shelter. When you give, others give as well, and you get back in return.

Saying thank you is a valuable part of any positive lifestyle. It lifts us up and fills us and those surrounding with gratitude. Get creative with your thank-you’s and try out some of these ideas. Trust us, you won’t be sorry.