Lincoln –  The Nebraska Bankers Association (NBA) board of directors recently voted unanimously to award a combined $88,000 in disaster relief grants to several organizations across Nebraska.

Grants are funded through the Bank On Nebraska Strong fund which was established by the NBA in coordination with the Nebraska Community Foundation and various Nebraska United Ways. It has raised more than $155,000 to date.

These awards follow an initial $25,000 grant in May given to the Boyd County Rural Water District #2 to support rebuilding the water supply infrastructure damaged when the Spencer Dam collapsed.

“The NBA is pleased to offer opportunities for funding to help rebuild Nebraska,” said NBA Chairman Alan Emshoff. “We are eager to see the grant dollars go to work to support these important long-term recovery projects.”

Grants were awarded as follows:

• City of Wood River: $15,000 to assist home repairs in Wood River.

• Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity: $10,000 to assist home repairs in Greater Dodge County.

• MCH Auxiliary Thrift Shop Inc: $2,000 to assist with replacements of items used in fundraising.

• Northern Heights Baptist Church: $34,500 to assist with home repairs in Lynch and Bristow.

• Pierce Historical Society: $1,500 to assist with repairs to Pierce Historical Society Museum.

• Village of Lynch: $25,000 to assist with home repairs in Lynch.

“Throughout the entire healing process, Nebraska bankers have consistently provided support, structure and resources of every kind to the communities that have been impacted,” said NBA President and CEO Richard Baier.

As rebuilding and recovery projects move forward, the association encourages other nonprofits and municipalities to apply for grants. The Bank On Nebraska Strong fund grant application form and funding guidelines are available at nebankers.org/bankonnestrong.html. Approved grants will be awarded until available funds are expended.

– Nebraska Bankers Assocation