A strong foundation for Denmark

On Thursday, representatives from numerous area organizations, businesses and the general community gathered in Village Hall to discuss a vision of a more united community. That night, the 22 greater Denmark residents met to envision and brainstorm a new organization dedicated to facilitating better communication and cooperation between Denmark's various organizations, businesses and community members. 

In October, a number of community members were invited to a special discussion session with the authors of "Pulling Together: A Handbook for Community Change", Mike Breininger and Tom Mosgaller, as well as President & CEO of the Nebraska Community Foundation, Jeff Yost. At this meeting, the three presenters spoke on how small communities can undertake big projects and events by working together and involving the whole community. They also discussed ways this cooperation can lead to the establishment of a financial foundation to better facilitate donations.

On Thursday, many of the attendees of the October meeting, as well as some new faces, joined together to discuss how the conversations from the earlier session could be best applied to the Denmark community. The meeting was organized and led by Brandon Ackley, Molly Arneson and Andy DiMezza and was attended by representatives of the Denmark American Legion, Denmark VFW, Denmark Lions, Denmark Connects, OneDenmark, Denmark Youth Baseball and Softball, Denmark School District, Denmark Summer Reading Program, Denmark Cub Scouts, Hardware Hank, Salm Partners and The Denmark News among others.

Arneson opened the meeting by explaining its purpose was to "try to get everyone to work together and be on the same page" including the sharing of resources and volunteers. DiMezza stated they could also identify "shared goals" which would allow them to "spend less time and resources to do more because we're on the same page". Ackley stated this new organization or foundation was meant to be separate and independent from the Village government.

Ackley explained they had researched the Nebraska Community Foundation and believed a similar organization would greatly benefit Denmark. He pointed to the recent Denmark Tree Lighting event which involved collaboration from a number of organizations to find greater success. He also pointed out the lack of a shared schedule and proper communication between organizations hurts recruitment as well as the success of their respective events. Ackley said an organization could find ways to share volunteers to prevent "volunteer fatigue" and increase the success of their events and initiatives.

Arneson explained they were hoping to establish a 501( c)(3) to have a foundation for community members to donate to, particularly in their estates, that would use the funds to benefit community organizations. These donations could be earmarked for a specific organization or left to the general fund to be used as needed. Ackley stated this kind of system would ensure donated money "would make a much greater impact" than donating to individual organizations. Arneson said they are looking at a grant that, if accepted, would fund the creation of a website that individual organizations could log into and update an all-encompassing community calendar. The site would also serve as a directory or database for the different organizations active in the community.

Ackley continued, explaining the establishment of a 501(c)(3) would require the establishment of bylaws, and all the work involved may necessitate a paid position. This new organization would not require other entities to pay membership fees and would operate under a "collective agreement". He further explained a 501(c)(3) would allow them to facilitate large donations for organizations and cited examples where this had been an issue.

After a small group session, attendees then discussed ideas for "gaps" the new organization would cover with most seemingly supporting its establishment. They also brainstormed some new cooperative events that could arise from this model of community building. Ackley stated their main goals now were establishing the community calendar, developing their website and looking into establishing a 501(c)(3) and the processes involved. Potential names for the organization were discussed including "The Denmark Foundation" and "Give Back Denmark".

While it is still in its very early stages, this kind of organization holds a great deal of potential for the greater Denmark community, especially for the dozens of organizations that operate within. The Denmark News will continue to monitor its development as it progresses. If you or your organization are interested in learning more or taking part, please reach out to Brandon Ackley at brandonatrustee@vi.denmark.wi.gov or Molly Arneson at jerabek13@yahoo.com.