The Nemaha County STEP Foundation celebrated their 30th anniversary when they held their annual meeting Wednesday evening at the American Legion building in Seneca. The following was submitted by STEP Foundation Executive Director Tory Jost.

• The local community foundation has been serving Nemaha County since 1993.

• Grants and scholarships make a positive impact.

• STEP continues to make Nemaha County a great place to live, work and give.

2022 grant awards funded several projects in Nemaha County.

• $750 - Nemaha County Historical Society for the preservation of historical USD 115 documents.

• $1,250 - Sabetha Community Hospital for a new audiometer to screen newborn babies hearing.

• $1,000 - Centralia Ball Association for equipment to maintain the ball field.

• $3,000 - Corning Recreation Association to replace existing lights with new LED lights and four new poles.

Grants from the CNB/CNB Custody/Invisor Underprivileged Children Fund:

• $1,170 - Centralia Schools to provide athletic shoes and warm-up shirts to students who are economically disadvantaged.

• $2,000 - Mary Cotton Public Library to provide wireless internet access to the underprivileged children.

• $2,500 - Kids Kloset to provide clothes, food, toiletries, gym clothes, and shoes for children in need.

• $2,000 - USD 115 to provide basic needs to low-income students. Some examples include tennis shoes, backpacks, nap mats, coats, gloves, lice treatment, hair brushes and other basic hygiene needs.

Several new funds have been opened at the Nemaha County STEP Foundation. They are the Nemaha County Historical Society, the Seneca Free Library, the Seneca Impact Fund (for the creation and restoration of murals), the Centralia Community Project Fund, the Corning Impact Fund, the Centralia Community Church Endowment Fund, and the Centralia Community Church Scholarship Fund. All of these funds are improving the quality of life in Nemaha County and are eligible for Match Day donations.

STEP's second Match Day was a huge success receiving over 278 gifts totaling over $133,000. The third Match Day is set for Friday, August 25 at the Seneca Free Library from 10 am to 6 pm.

In other business, Kevin Feldkamp was elected to the STEP Foundation Board. President Marceil Hasenkamp recognized longtime board member and treasurer, Justin Lueger. “We really appreciate the diligence and financial expertise Justin has provided to STEP,” Marceil shared. “What an amazing asset to have in this community,” she added.

“STEP's component funds total over $1.9 million. Over the last five years, the foundation- net assets have increased by 8.8% a year. That's a product of investing STEP's assets prudently and connecting with donors in a way that serves their needs,” Lueger reported.

A meal was served before the meeting, catered by Home Cookin’ of Seneca. The meal was sponsored by Koch and Company.