Civic Nebraska is honored to be among the groups chosen for the Trust for Civic Life‘s new Civic Entrepreneur program. The gift from the Trust will help power Civic Nebraska’s Idea of America fellowship – which fosters thoughtful leadership and reflection among elected officials and civic leaders in rural Nebraska – in 2025.
The Idea of America fellowship convenes a cohort of eight to 12 participants, engaging them in monthly discussions on foundational American texts, influential philosophical works, and pivotal speeches that have helped define the nation.
Civic Nebraska was among more than 100 organizations nationwide on Monday to earn small grants from the Trust for Civic Life. It is the only Nebraska group among the Trust’s awardees; the 100-plus organizations will share in $1.5 million of funding.
“In Nebraska, we know firsthand that rural innovation is driven by necessity and fueled by strong relationships. This generous gift helps us expand and sustain that work,” said Lily Sughroue, Civic Nebraska’s director of civic health. “We’re thankful to the Trust for Civic Life for its vision, trust, and commitment to locally led civic action.”
Launched in 2024, The Idea of America assembles leaders from across Nebraska’s political spectrum and offers them the tools and space to learn from one another. Together, fellows read and reflect on cornerstone documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, alongside writings by political philosophers such as John Locke and Aristotle.
The cohort also delves into speeches by towering American figures like Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr., drawing connections between historical ideals and present-day governance.
Fellows are encouraged to set aside hyperpartisan noise and reactionary digital culture to make space for guided readings. The texts then serve as a springboard for deeper conversations about the nature of democracy, the balance between self-interest and the common good, and the tension between idealism and pragmatism in policymaking.
“Looking at these themes through the lens of historical and philosophical texts gives leaders a chance to reflect, both critically and together, on the values at the heart of American civic life,” said Allen Chlopek, Civic Nebraska’s rural civic health program manager, who is based in Fullerton. “The fellowship helps participants build their skills in civil discourse and connect with peers from nearby communities who might be facing some of the same challenges in leadership.”
The first Idea of America cohort was formed in 2024 in the Panhandle; the second cohort is underway this spring in northeast Nebraska. The third cohort will assemble later this year in the Tri-Cities (Kearney, Hastings, Grand Island).
The Trust for Civic Life is a collaboration of 16 funders from philanthropy and the private sector whose goal is to direct national resources to historically underfunded rural communities. Through its Civic Entrepreneur and Civic Hub programs, the Trust aims to invest $50 million in 500 communities by 2028.
“These grantees may look very different, but they all create new avenues for people to work across differences to improve life in their communities,” Trust Co-Chair Michelle Barsa said. Read the Trust’s full statement here, and see all the awardees here.
Learn more about the Idea of America fellowship.
