Giving Tuesday is a global celebration of generosity, where communities come together to support causes that make a difference. In that spirit, the Community Health Endowment of Lincoln (CHE) is proud to announce a historic $5 million grant to the Cultural Centers of Lincoln (CCL). This is the largest single grant in CHE’s 27-year history.
This investment supports CCL’s capital campaign to build a new 62,000-square-foot shared facility at 21st and Vine Streets, bringing together four trusted organizations to advance health equity, cultural empowerment, and community well-being.
The new Cultural Centers of Lincoln facility will co-locate the Asian Community & Cultural Center; El Centro de las Américas; the Good Neighbor Community Center’s healthy food distribution program; and the Malone Center’s early childhood program. Together, the programs and services of these organizations will create seamless access to critically important support and resources for families in one of Lincoln’s highest-need neighborhoods.
“This project brings together so many of CHE’s long-standing priorities, including health equity, early childhood, mental well-being, access to healthy food, and support for culturally diverse communities,” said Kate Bolz, CEO of the Community Health Endowment. “By investing in this collaborative model, we are investing in a healthier future for Lincoln. We are proud to support a project that removes barriers, uplifts families, and strengthens the fabric of our community.”
Located in an area with some of Lincoln’s greatest health disparities, as highlighted in CHE’s Place Matters report and Lincoln Vital Signs, the new facility will serve as a trusted place for immigrant, refugee, and low-income families. With programs offered in multiple languages, it will provide expanded mental health services, healthy food access, culturally responsive early childhood education, and welcoming community gathering spaces.
“This extraordinary commitment from CHE reflects their belief in what can happen when communities come together,” said Tom Randa, Chair of the Cultural Centers of Lincoln. “The impact of this facility will be generational. It will honor culture, expand opportunity, and meet families where they are with dignity and care.”To date, the Cultural Centers of Lincoln have received more than $15.5 million in generous commitments toward the $22.7 million campaign goal. Community members interested in donating can visit https://culturalcentersoflincolncollaborative.com/
Once complete in early 2027, the facility will include community gathering spaces, shared classrooms, early childhood education rooms, a food distribution hub, wellness and counseling suites, and up to 18 additional offices for partner and collaborative organizations.
