The First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) is making a $150,000 donation to organizations in western Nebraska to support wildfire relief, providing resources to ranchers, farmers and rural communities.

Devastating spring wildfires have burned nearly a million acres of pastureland. 

FNBO’s collective gift is further amplified by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, which matched FNBO’s contribution through its new Community Assistance Recovery Effort (CARE) program. 
 
The need is urgent, as wildfires swept across western Nebraska in March, destroying pastures, fences and structures. As a result, many producers have been forced to relocate parts of their herd to feed yards, due to lack of available grass, which is increasing their operational costs and placing more strain on already tight margins. 

“Nebraskans are resilient, but many are facing immediate challenges,” said Lucas Dart, the Managing Director, Community Banking. “FNBO wants to support them in a way that is meaningful and timely as they work to recover.” 

The $150,000 is allocated to four organizations that are actively delivering aid to help ranchers and farmers get back on their feet:

• Nebraska Cattlemen’s Disaster Relief Fund
• Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation
• Red Cross Serving Western NE
• Salvation Army Western Division 

The funding reflects strong internal support, with FNBO employees contributing to the relief effort and the company providing a matching contribution. 

“Many of our clients feel fortunate to have preserved their homes and buildings, but there are many cases of lost fences, grass and structures,” Dart said. “Feeding cattle is not something that waits. The added costs of transportation and feeding, as well as repairing and replacing infrastructure, create significant financial pressure, and without a change in the weather pattern, the situation will not improve.” 

FNBO has been working with its agricultural customers throughout the crisis, providing financial guidance and support while listening to firsthand accounts of the impact. 

“We’ve seen neighbors, volunteers and first responders step in without hesitation, often putting themselves at risk for others,” said Dart. “That spirit is part of what makes Nebraska special.” 

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