ECONOMIC & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

The purpose of this program is to help local businesses improve the overall appearance of their buildings located within the city limits of Pawnee City, Nebraska and to encourage the restoration of architectural features consistent with the Downtown Historic District.

What Does the Grant Do?

This program assists with funding for enhancements to the exterior of buildings to:

Improve curb appeal

Preserve historic character

Support local businesses

Strengthen the downtown district

What Projects Are Eligible?

Awnings & Signage

HVAC equipment & installation

Concrete repair or replacement

Exterior improvements (windows, roofs, doors, tuckpointing, etc.)

How Much Funding Is Available?

Up to $35,000 per business per year with dollar-for-dollar matching required

Who Can Apply?

Businesses located within Pawnee City

Priority is given to operating businesses

Closed businesses must submit a business plan

Nonprofits may apply for non-matching grants

Government-owned properties are ineligible

How to Apply

Email [email protected] for assistance with the application and/or design guidance.

Apply Here

Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD)

The Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD) provides loans and financing assistance through revolving loan funds supported by USDA Rural Development and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). According to SENDD’s website, the goal of these funds is to support startup or existing small businesses that are unable to secure sufficient conventional financing, as well as to help attract new businesses to the region.

imagiNE

The ImagiNE Nebraska Revolving Loan Fund (INRLF) is another funding source to monitor. These loans are administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and are intended to support infrastructure development and workforce training. Applications are not currently being accepted.

Pawnee City Public Schools Youth Leadership Programs

Youth Programs

Brave Bites
- Delivers snacks daily.
Kindness Crew
- Writes and delivers handwritten notes to staff weekly.
Pawnee Puzzler
- Strengthens public speaking skills by announcing trivia facts over the intercom daily.
Indian Impact
- Host monthly staff recognition events, such as drink and snack deliveries from local businesses and recognition of staff member of month through nominations by students and other staff.
Tribe of Service
- A heavily community service focused group organizing and completing service activities in the Pawnee City community, such as gathering meals to distribute for holidays to local families in need.
Pawnee Power
- Promotes extracurricular activities available through the school and the importance of being involved.

Junior Chamber of Commerce

Includes student representatives who engage with local business leaders monthly at the Pawnee City Chamber of Commerce Board meetings.

Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
- This challenge offers business pitch competitions and incubator-style challenges for juniors. In 2025, this program was launched for Juniors to present their personal strengths and career goals. They were encouraged to wear career appropriate attire, practice mock interviews with a local business owner, then present “Shark Tank” style for established professionals around the area. This event was followed by a luncheon for students to network with the attending professionals.

Arts, Culture & Media

One Act Play Productions

Students participate in theater performances, enhancing teamwork and communication skills.

Yearbook Club

Covers school and community events, promoting media literacy and storytelling.

Living History Day

Involves students in preserving and presenting local history through the Pawnee City Historical Society and Museum.

Community Service & Volunteering

Community Services Hours (20 Hours Required for Students)

View details here about required hours.

Pawnee City (PC) Pride Committee
- Recognizes those who put effort into beautifying our community and making it welcoming to everyone.
Pawnee City Public Library
- Help organize books and other miscellaneous tasks.
- Contact [email protected]
Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC)

Engages youth in team-based service experiences that build life and work skills.

Southeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership (SENCA)

Collaborates with student leadership teams for food drives and other community services.
Meals on Wheels delivery drivers.

Safe Haven Animal Rescue Effort (S.H.A.R.E.)

S.H.A.R.E. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization that is formed by volunteers focused on the welfare of ALL animals.

Sports & Recreation Leadership

Youth-Led Sports Clinics

Older students mentor younger athletes in skill development and teamwork.

Additional Opportunities

Volunteer Nebraska

Connects young people with positive adult mentors and promotes volunteerism.

Nebraska 4-H

Offers hands-on learning experiences and helps youth build confidence and practical life skills.

Nebraska Empowered Youth Leadership Camp (NEYC)

Prepares youth for life after high school through leadership development.

Future Farmers of America (FFA)

Nebraska FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

View the Parents Guide to Pawnee City, Nebraska FFA here.

Leadership & Volunteer Programs

Pawnee City also has several boards that local community members can join to showcase their skillset in a meaningful way. Those groups include: Pawnee City Chamber of Commerce, Pawnee City Development Corporation, Pawnee City Community Foundation, Pawnee City Agricultural Society, and more.

Looking to get involved in the Pawnee City, Nebraska community? View many available opportunities here or contact our Leadership and Volunteer Coordinator, Jessica Colo, for more information at 402.926.8809 or [email protected].

TeamMates Mentoring

The Pawnee City TeamMates Chapter was started in 2016. The chapter has 14 active mentor/mentee matches, and more students are waiting for a mentor.

The mission of the TeamMates Mentoring Program is to impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential. TeamMates serves close to 8,000 youth in more than 150 communities across Nebraska, Wyoming, Kansas and Iowa. Mentors meet with their mentees one-on-one in school, once a week, during the academic year.

Mentees can be nominated one of three ways. They can be nominated by a parent, a school staff member, or self-nomination. Mentors are not tutors, counselors, nor are they there to “fix” anything— they’re there to be friends. Mentors are matched with mentees based on interests and life experiences.

TeamMates at Pawnee City allows students to discover strengths through mentoring. Mentees and mentors hang out together. Many matches play games, put puzzles together, walk around the track on nice days, or just talk during an activity.

One of the goals of TeamMates is for the relationship to go from school-based mentoring to a forever friend after graduation.

For more information about the program contact:

Program Coordinator Julie Pierce at [email protected] or teammates.org

Leadership Nebraska

Interested in developing your leadership skills and representing Pawnee City, Nebraska? Apply here for the next Leadership Nebraska class!

Leadership NE Alumni:

Class XIII | Jessica Colo | 402.926.8809 | [email protected]

Leadership Certified Community

Pawnee City, Nebraska is actively working to obtain their Leadership Certified Community (LCC) status. The Nebraska LCC program provides a solid framework for communities to identify capacity, stimulate focused planning, and utilize technology to build strong foundations and to meet the challenges of the future.