This blog was written in collaboration with our partners at American National Bank, the presenting sponsor of the 8th annual Omaha Gives! day.

Omaha Gives! is our chance to celebrate Omaha’s spirit of generosity and to help our nonprofits to do more of the important work that keeps our community strong. Your participation has never been more valuable.

The impacts of COVID-19 have been felt by everyone in our community—some more than others. And for those already struggling, the need has become even greater.

“In this eighth year of Omaha Gives! especially this year, we join with OCF and thousands of Omaha, Council Bluffs donors on May 20 to support hundreds of local nonprofits who critically need our help,” said American National Bank Co-Chairman, John Kotouc.

“In this eighth year of Omaha Gives! especially this year, we join with OCF and thousands of Omaha, Council Bluffs donors on May 20 to support hundreds of local nonprofits who critically need our help,” said American National Bank Co-Chairman, John Kotouc.

Last year, American National Bank donated to 398 nonprofits in its service area whose missions align with the bank’s giving priorities of education and youth development, health and human services, and community development.  The majority of American National Bank’s sponsorship investment decision-making is made by its 30-branch location employees to ensure a connection with local communities.

Locally, more than one-third of the nonprofits in the Omaha community have already reported a loss due to the volatile environment of closures, social distancing limitations, and economic turmoil. Our community’s nonprofits, who already often operate on razor-thin margins, are depending on Omaha Gives! contributions to continue their missions and make necessary shifts to address immediate community needs.

Spring is commonly known as fundraising season for many local nonprofits. This year, nonprofits have faced the strain of canceling their awareness- and fund-raising spring and summer events out of concern for our community health and COVID-19.

Beginning in March, American National Bank maintained its underwriting commitments to continue to support these nonprofits in their greatest time of need, including to this month’s Omaha Gives! drive.

Getting our community back on its feet means each of us doing more to help each other. For those able to give more generously this year, additional support to your favorite nonprofit, or support to a new nonprofit can be the difference between staying operational or having to make a difficult decision to close the doors.