As a response to the ever-increasing needs for services from its member health agencies, CHAD established an endowment with the goal of providing monetary support for health programs throughout Nebraska, positively and directly impacting patients and their families across the state. In July 2007, following the death of retired longtime CHAD President Curt Gordon, the Foundation was renamed in his honor. The new and/or expanded initiatives funded by the CHAD Curt Gordon Memorial Foundation are not otherwise possible through CHAD’s annual statewide workplace giving campaigns or through current agency resources.

In 2016, the Foundation exceeded the $500,000 threshold required by policies to make distributions. CHAD began distributing grant proceeds in 2017, and, to date, has awarded over $200,000 to member agencies. Per the Foundation grant guidelines, CHAD continues to receive compelling outcomes data from member agency recipients, including a significant number of testimonials from their respective constituents. This year’s funded programs are already showing results. Some projects have concluded, and we’re beginning to see the impact. Don’t miss this powerful outcome report from the Brain Injury Association’s annual conference.

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Grant History

Over the last several years, the Foundation has funded a wide range of community projects. Here are a few highlights:

  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: increase distribution of grief kits in schools, funeral homes, and counseling centers for Nebraskans affected by suicide.

  • Autism Action Partnership: first responder training and sensory kits for Otoe County and expand Project Lifesaver training for police departments, along with sensory kits, to two new communities.

  • National Bleeding Disorders Foundation: purchase vein finders for self-infusion and hold a Kearney retreat and infusion clinic for adolescents with blood disorders.

  • Nebraska AIDS Project: provide holiday food assistance to families affected by HIV in Nebraska communities.

  • Nebraska Health Care Foundation: translate the Basic Nursing Assistant Training Manual into Spanish, expanding access to training materials across the state.

  • Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Association: provide pediatric hospice training statewide in collaboration with Children's Nebraska.

  • Nebraska Kidney Association: expand an emergency assistance program for kidney disease patients, which offers financial aid to dialysis patients.

  • Susan G. Komen Nebraska: financial support for patients in need.

  • United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska: development of a Tech Library in Fremont, in partnership with Fremont Public Schools.

Grant Requirements

The CHAD Board of Directors is responsible for the Foundation's management, including overseeing of the distribution of funds through a grant-making process. Grants are evaluated for meeting identified needs with achievable and deliverable outcomes based on the following criteria:

  • All monies distributed through the Foundation must be used for funding very specific agency programs and may not be used for annual operating expenses.

  • Funds must be used to expand existing programs or for new initiatives where our member agencies' current resources are not sufficient to meet the needs.

  • Grants will be made to agencies after the Endowment Fund exceeds $500,000 in assets. Grants will be dispersed from interest and dividends generated from those contributions.

CHAD Curt Gordon Memorial Foundation Investment Opportunities

Circle of Friends

We thank all who have contributed generously to the CHAD Curt Gordon Memorial Foundation; these individuals are helping us build a legacy of hope and healing for future generations. The Foundation recognizes the following contribution categories:

Platinum Circle ($50,000+)
Gold Circle ($10,000 to $49,999)
Silver Circle ($5,000 to $9,999)
Bronze Circle ($1,000 to $4,999)
Friends Circle (Gifts up to $999)

Your tax-deductible investment to the Foundation will make a lasting difference in the lives of all Nebraskans affected by chronic illness. To contribute to the Foundation, click here.

Founder's Society

We honor the members of the CHAD Founder's Society who have made provisions for future contributions to the CHAD Curt Gordon Memorial Foundation. You have a chance to make a lasting, impactful investment while benefiting your family's future financial well-being. If you would like to invest in member agencies through wills, life insurance, trusts and other planned gifts, please contact Michelle.