We empower individuals and families to make a
meaningful, philanthropic impact on the community they love.
Take a look at some of the extraordinary impact the Hamilton Community Foundation has made.
Community Recognition
The William and Delight Eloe Award for Inspirational Academic Leadership
We are honored to offer this award established in 2010 to recognize an outstanding teacher or administrator in the Aurora Public School District. Howard Eloe created the William and Delight Eloe Award for Inspirational Academic Leadership in honor of his parents, William and Delight Eloe.
Delight Eloe
William Eloe
Last Year’s Recipient
Brenda Klawonn
This $1,500 award recognizes teachers or administrators who demonstrate exemplary academic leadership, effective classroom teaching, administrative professionalism, continuous professional growth, and strong public relations with students, parents, peers, alumni, and the community.
Nomination forms are available online, the Aurora Public School’s Superintendent officeand in person at the Hamilton Community Foundation. Submissions by students, parents, colleagues, and community members can be made each year between February 1 and March 15.
The recipient of the award is honored at the annual Aurora Public School Teachers Luncheon held every May.
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Most recent first:
2024 - Brenda Klawonn (Aurora High School, History Teacher)
2023 - Haley Sigler (Aurora Elementary School, Title 1 Teacher)
2022 - Randy Maahs (APS Custodial Supervisor)
2021 - Rod Havens (Aurora High School English and STRIV)
2020 – Doug Monson (Aurora Elementary School Counselor)
2019 – Shari Krejci (Aurora Elementary School, 2nd Grade)
2018 – Laurie Anderson (Aurora Elementary School, Kindergarten)
2017 – Jason Frew (Aurora High Vocal Music)
2016 – Amy Wilson (Aurora Elementary School, 5th Grade)
2015 – Jessica Gallagher (Aurora Schools Physical Education/Asst. Athletic Director)
2014 – Karrie Wiarda (Aurora High School English)
2013 – Luey Krejdl (Aurora Special Education)
2012 – Maggie Rasmussen (Aurora High School Counselor)
2011 – Dan Sodomka (Aurora High School Band)
Community Investment
The Mural
THANK YOU
Hamilton Community Foundation
John Nelson & Hamilton Telecommunications
Jim and LaVonne Clarke
Hamilton Telecommunications
Frank and Alice Farr Trust
Robert and Bethel Kolar Charitable Trust
Heritage Bank
Pinnacle Bank
The detail in the mural is fantastic! The artists honed in on the many facets of our community. The heart sculpture at the library captures the beauty of the public art in our community. The Farmer’s Market on the Square has grown over the years and is held in front of the courthouse every summer.
Brianna Lewis
Bristol Lewis
We are twins, graphic designers, mural artists and the owners of Twin Tone Design Co. Growing up, we always had a passion for the arts and loved to flex our creative muscles beyond a canvas. Our strong connection to Nebraska frequently brings us back to see family in Albion & Lincoln.
- Brianna & Bristol
Scholarships
Scholarships and Educational Grants are one of the finest ways a person can extend a portion of their estate, be it large or modest, to encourage young people on their pursuit of an education. Oftentimes, this encouragement is just what it takes to keep a young person educationally motivated.
In the 2022- 2023 school year, 107 scholarships totaling $237,900 were awarded. The Foundation has awarded over 3,300 scholarships in the past 57 years. There are now 96 scholarship funds. We host our annual scholarship breakfast to honor and celebrate our donors and scholarship recipients.
Community Engagement
Women In Philanthropy
Women in Philanthropy unites women in Hamilton County to inspire and promote philanthropy by working collaboratively to cultivate a strong and vibrant community. Members are engaged in their area of interest to impact Hamilton County in a meaningful way. Join to connect with women who share your passion for our community.
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Angie Coufal
Anita Shaw
April Mason
Barb Bonifas
Connie Cranston
Dawn Shaw
Deb Nelson
Deb Oswald
Heidi Hoegh
Holly Herzberg
Jaime Kreutz
Jennie Snoberger
Jill DeMers
Juanita Regier
Katie Mitchell
Laura Reeson
Liz Friesen
Loa Winter
Lori Thiele
Maggie Priessler
Melanie Klute
Mindy Moyer
Myra Higgins
Roberta Cool
Robin Sanderson
Tammy Morris
Foundation
Aurora
Tonya Papineau
Tracy Ohlson
Youth Engaged In Philanthropy
Empowerment starts with belief – in oneself, in the power of community, and in the capacity to make a difference. Youth engaged in philanthropy and leadership carry the torch of change, igniting hope and shaping a brighter tomorrow.
The Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) Program provides opportunities for youth to add their voice and action to important community issues. These issues are often those which are immediately impacting the greatest needs in our community, that are surrounded by a sense of urgency and importance, and in which youth input is clearly needed to more fully understand and address the issue. Actively addressing such community challenge generally requires a broad, collaborative effort to be successful.
In this program, students are taught how to recognize and how to seize opportunities for addressing community needs through grantmaking. The approach focuses on the students’ ability to be more engaged in decisions that impact youth and the community they live in. Students will proactively organize, plan and implement a course of action. This often requires a high degree of resourcefulness, ingenuity and collaboration with others.
Community Impact
Impact Reports
We are inspired by our donors, partners and staff who have risen to the challenges and opportunities to demonstrate compassion and dedication to the communities we serve and diligently meet the needs of Hamilton County in a remarkable way.