Capitalizing on Strengths for Long-Term Fundraising Success

By Dr. Leah Barrett and Dr. Tracy Kruse

Northeast Community College (Northeast) serves a 20-county region in Northeast Nebraska, encompassing approximately 160,000 residents across nearly 14,400 square miles. The service area is made up primarily of rural communities. The college’s main campus is in Norfolk, the region’s largest population and economic center, with a population of approximately 26,000.

Northeast’s service area is one of Nebraska’s most productive farming and livestock regions. Agriculture and agribusiness form the backbone of the local economy, supported by thousands of family farms and agricultural operations. Complementing this agricultural strength, the region also maintains a robust rural manufacturing base that is closely tied to agriculture and transportation, as well as Nebraska’s growing bioeconomy. Local producers supply feedstocks for ethanol, biofuels, renewable natural gas, and other value added bioproducts, reinforcing agriculture’s role as both a food and energy source.

Agricultural producers and industry professionals rely on Northeast’s wide-ranging agriculture programs, including precision and mechanized agriculture, agronomy, agribusiness, and veterinary technology. Likewise, regional manufacturers depend on Northeast to prepare technically skilled workers in welding, industrial maintenance, Electrical mechanical systems, CNC machining, electrical construction and controls, diesel technology, truck driving, utility line work, and wind energy.

Over the past decade, Northeast has leveraged these core programming areas to attract new partners and significant external funding. Since 2015, the College has secured more than $100 million in support, including federal and state grants, private foundation funding, and corporate and individual contributions. More than half of these dollars have been raised specifically to expand Northeast’s agricultural offerings, resulting in two new agriculture facilities, three new agriculture programs, and increased capacity in a fourth agriculture program.

In addition, Northeast is the recipient of several USDA cooperative agreements that have supported the development and growth of a national consortium focused on two year agricultural education. This work recognizes the importance of community colleges in keeping pace with the rapidly evolving technology and innovation shaping the agricultural sector.

Now 29 colleges strong, the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement (C2A3) is positioning itself as the only nationwide association devoted exclusively to supporting two year agriculture education professionals through resources, professional development, and networking. C2A3 and its members focus on the convergence of agricultural technologies, sustainable practices, and experiential student learning, creating new opportunities for Northeast to engage in national conversations with key industry stakeholders. These relationships are strengthening the College’s profile and positioning it for continued fundraising success while cementing its reputation as a leader in agriculture education.

“Northeast has doubled down on expanding the programs that will keep our region strong for years to come—leveraging our successes and building upon them,” said President Leah Barrett. “This includes offering short-term credentials and multiple entry and exit points for today’s learners.”

One example of this strategy, says Barrett, is the development of the iHub in downtown Norfolk, which strengthens the nexus between agriculture, ag technology, and manufacturing. The iHub houses workforce development training space for industrial automation, a youth robotics center, and a makerspace complete with woodworking, metals, and prototyping labs—all within a single facility. To date, the project has attracted more than $9 million in regional investment from federal and state grants, as well as corporate and philanthropic partners.

Additionally, the iHub’s colocated partnership with Invest Nebraska is expected to spur increased entrepreneurial activity and longterm economic opportunities. This work, alongside a partnership with the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance to develop shortterm manufacturing credentials across all Nebraska community colleges, will be coordinated through the iHub and made accessible to learners statewide.

“We continue to build upon our expertise and reputation in core areas and use our brand to strengthen our fundraising capacity,” said Dr. Tracy Kruse, vice president of development and external affairs. This fall, Northeast plans to launch a comprehensive campaign aligned with the College’s newly developed strategic plan. More than 1,000 faculty, staff, students, and community members participated in the planning process over the past year.

With the launch of the new plan, Northeast is positioned to celebrate its past accomplishments, highlight its regional and statewide impact, and articulate a bold vision for the future.

“A comprehensive campaign is really nothing more than a coordinated brand awareness effort that can be leveraged by the College’s development team to support fundraising success,” Kruse said. “Rather than focusing on a single capital project with a limited donor pool, we can raise funds for multiple priorities simultaneously.” Kruse added that Northeast is shifting from a project focused approach to a Donor centered strategy, made possible by the strategic plan’s three key pillars. This structure allows the College to deepen relationships with donors, better understand their passions, and connect those interests directly to Northeast’s mission and longterm impact.