As discussions continue in Washington, D.C. regarding potential changes to federal funding, community non-profit leaders in Lincoln County encourage residents to reflect on what’s at stake and how we can work together to protect vital programs that help our families, economy, and future thrive.

“United in Purpose Lincoln County Collaborative,” a network of nonprofit executive directors, is working to raise awareness about how potential cuts to federal support could impact Lincoln County. Through local data gathering, the group estimates that more than $100 million in federal funding* connected to community organizations and services could be affected.

The funding cuts span critical areas such as agriculture, healthcare, roads, education, and economic development, threatening the infrastructure that keeps our community running. Programs that provide shelter for the homeless, support for survivors of domestic violence, child advocacy, environmental protection, childcare support, mentorship, and substance abuse prevention and recovery will struggle to survive, leaving our most vulnerable without lifelines. These organizations form a crucial safety net, ensuring that people receive the care and resources they need. Without them, individuals and families will be left without options, creating long-term challenges that will be far more costly to address in the future.

What’s at stake

Federal funds currently help power many of the programs and services that form the foundation of Lincoln County life:

• Healthcare: Access to medical professionals, hospitals, mental health support, nursing homes, addiction recovery and public health services 
• Education: Funding for rural schools, classroom supplies, and intervention programs to help children struggling with reading and math, and student meals
• Agriculture: Disaster relief programs, drought assistance, livestock health initiatives, agricultural research, environmental and conservation programs, farming subsidies
• Public Safety: Equipment and support for local fire departments, EMS, and law enforcement, infrastructure projects like roads and bridges 
• Community Services: Shelters, youth mentoring, rape and domestic abuse, child advocacy, and more.

If those funds are reduced or paused, it may create ripple effects that make everyday life harder for residents, especially for families with limited resources.

Moving forward

Losing federal funding isn’t just something that happens elsewhere. It affects our local everyday lives. It means our schools might not have what they need, our neighborhoods could be less safe, businesses might struggle, roads and buildings could fall apart, and it could be harder for people to get the healthcare they need. If we don’t do something about it, we’ll feel the impact for a long time.

While the potential for cuts is real, the collaborative encourages community members to respond with action and unity rather than fear. Lincoln County is full of resilient people. We can work with local and state leaders, support our nonprofits, and speak up about the importance of continued investment in rural communities like ours.

How to help

• Stay informed: Learn more about how federal programs impact your school, hospital, or nonprofits.
• Speak up: Contact elected officials to share why ongoing support for rural communities matters.
• Support local nonprofits: Donate, volunteer, or partner with community organizations.
• Share the message: Help spread awareness by talking with friends, family and neighbors.

We believe that when we stand together, we can protect the systems that make our communities stronger, safer, and more sustainable.

The “United in Purpose Lincoln County Collaborative” will present to the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on April 21 at 9:30 a.m. Please reserve questions for United in Purpose agencies during that time.  

*This includes current federal funding through multiple programs to organizations across the county, including: Farm payments through Bridge of Hope, City of North Platte, Community Connections, Communities for Kids Lincoln County (C4KLC), The Connection Homeless Shelter, ESU16, Farm payments through USDA, Great Plains Health, Hope Esperanza,  Keep North Platte & Lincoln County Beautiful, Linden Court, Mid-Nebraska Community Action, North Platte Police Department, North Platte Public Schools, Rape and Domestic Abuse Program (RDAP), Region 2, UNL’s Education Center and the West Central District Health Department.

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