The Spirit of Giving

Christmas tree and gifts.
November 21 2025

We all have so much to be thankful for in rural Nebraska. I feel this time of year reminds me of this. Nebraskan’s philanthropic spirit is deeply rooted in communities with a strong emphasis in local giving. Giving can be done in many ways through time, talents and monetary.


I recently have read and added my thoughts on some important points about philanthropy in rural Nebraska:


• Local giving - drives rural resilience. Philanthropy sustains Nebraska’s small towns by funding youth, housing, healthcare, and community projects and ideas.
• Keep wealth local. Dollars raised and invested locally have a lasting impact for generations to come.
• Community foundations are key. Partnering with local foundations such as the Bruning Community Foundation and on the state level, Nebraska Community Foundation empower local leaders and build endowments for the future. Endowments can be set up through foundations to help build future projects to come.
• Optimism is rising. Rural Nebraskans report greater confidence in their economic and community well-being even during tough times.
• Challenges can persist. In some rural communities there is a limited donor base, nonprofits are not available and the potential outflow of local wealth can be hard on rural communities in Nebraska.
• Philanthropy as strategy, not charity. I feel we need to think of philanthropy as a long-term investment in economic vitality and quality of life.
• Leadership opportunity. Banks can champion and facilitate local philanthropy—aligning financial expertise with community prosperity. I feel we try and do this in all of our communities. Our staff is dedicated to giving back to our local communities through their time, talents and monetary donations.
 

So, when you are thinking about giving during this wonderful holiday season, think of your local community foundations, churches and places of need in our local communities. We all should be proud of where we came from and be willing to give back to our roots!
 

Please see page four of our newsletter (2025WINTER_ONLINE_FINAL.pdf) for a list of each of our bank’s locations and their Holiday Giving Opportunities — from toy drives to meal donations and more ways to give back locally this season.

-Fred D. Bruning, CEO-

“We may never understand His wisdom, but we simply have to trust His will.”

Sonny Manley
President
Hebron

“Be kind because everybody is dealing with something you know nothing about.”

Jim Scott
President
Broken Bow

“Part of attaining success is surrounding yourself with people that share the same drive, determination and direction that you want to achieve.  I feel the people we hire at Bruning Bank represent those assets and they strive to help our customers build, grow and thrive in business as well as personal endeavors.” 

Todd Clabaugh
President
Kearney

"You’ve heard this before, '50% of success in your life comes from just showing up, more precisely showing up on time and being there when you are supposed to be.' That does not apply only to financial success it applies to everything. Your persistence in being there and being present and engaged in your family, your church and your work/career, you don’t have to talk a good game to be successful, you need to do. If you show-up, you're half way there.  And when you show-up, help will be available to get you the rest of the way.  Thanks to all of you that show-up!" 

Jerry Catlett
President & COO
Bruning

“At Bruning Bank, we are about building relationships. If you walk through our doors, we want you to feel like family. Whether it is your first time in, or you are a long-established customer, we want your experience to be positive, insightful, and lasting. The people we employ are vital in this role and do an amazing job carrying out the values and mission established by the bank. I truly feel this is what sets Bruning Bank apart from other institutions.“

Luke Thorell
President
Holdrege