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Prospective Community Building Partners

Eligibility | Application Process | Review Process | Involvement

The CEC aims to share its spaces with dynamic organizations with missions, programs, and people that align with and support our values and vision. Spaces in the partnership suites are available to community-based organizations that are eligible to be housed in the CEC and submit a successful proposal through an application process.

Community Space Application Status: Open to apply
Due Date: Friday, March 26, 2021

Interested applicants should please schedule a meeting with Heike Langdon, CEC Manager of Possibilities. You can email her at halangdon@unomaha.edu.

Eligible Community Organizations

  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Multi-agency collaborations focused on a project for public benefit
  • Government projects or initiatives
  • Micro-enterprise organizations (must have a major social entrepreneurship or public good/benefit component)
  • Institutions of higher education (including other NU campuses), early childhood, K-12 and/or K-16 initiatives
  • Philanthropic initiatives, programs or organizations

Types of community organizations that are NOT well-suited for the CEC spaces:

  • Organizations that intend to provide direct or confidential services to students or clients, e.g., advising, counseling, treatment, one-to-one training, etc. in the CEC (due to the open nature of CEC office space).
  • Organizations that intend to offer regular and frequent training or classes in the CEC as part of the proposed CEC-based project/program. The CEC does not allow any organization to schedule regular events or multiple spaces on a daily or weekly basis.
  • Organizations looking at the CEC primarily as a location for office and meeting space, and not as a rich opportunity for expanded community collaboration.
  • Organizations seeking permanent space in the CEC. The CEC is designed to be flexible and responsive to the evolving and growing engagement needs of the university and general community. Outside of designated UNO anchor engagement organizations already in the CEC, we do not commit any space to the permanent needs of any UNO or community organization. All CEC building partners are required to go through a reapplication process on a regular (3 year) basis.

Before and During the Application Process

  • Before you begin your application, please review the CEC building partner eligibility and expectations sections of this page, as well as the CEC's values, and rental fees and amenities.
  • You must meet with Heike Langdon, the CEC's Manager of Possibilities, before submitting your application for space. You can email her at halangdon@unomaha.edu.
  • Once you have met with Heike, you will receive an individualized link to begin the application online and a preview of the questions.
Things you will need to apply:
  • Please be prepared to provide a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). However, an EIN is necessary in order to obtain liability insurance, which is a requirement for occupancy.
  • Prepare the following most recent organizational documents (as PDFs) to be attached at the end of your application:
    • Financial statements (prior year budget, current year budget, anticipated next fiscal year, and balance sheet)
    • Strategic plan
    • A list of board members/directors or advisory committee

If you have questions during the application process please contact Heike Langdon at halangdon@unomaha.edu.

Application Process

Step 1: Interested organizations should first reach out to Heike Langdon, the CEC's Manager of Possibilities, at halangdon@unomaha.edu to schedule an initial consultation. This initial consultation with Heike provides interested applicants with information about the application process and requirements, community building partner expectations, and the CEC’s mission, vision, and values.

Step 2: Each organization receives a unique application link via email to complete their application through DocuSign, an online platform.

Step 3: All applications are initially reviewed by the CEC External Advisory Committee.

Step 4: Finalists will be contacted for an interview with the CEC External Advisory Committee. This committee will make recommendations to UNO’s Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Step 5: Approved applicants provide required documentation including a signed lease agreement, certificate of Insurance with limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 aggregate naming the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska as an additional insured, and go through the orientation process.

Community Building Partner Involvement

Community building partners located in the CEC are asked to be active participants in the CEC environment and contribute positively to its success. This is achieved by taking advantage of opportunities to work with students, faculty, staff, and community organizations in ways that derive mutual benefits. Here are some examples of how our building partners meet these expectations:

  • Offering student internships, service learning opportunities
  • Participate in special lectures and seminars open to selected students
  • Providing guest lectures
  • Participate in mentoring programs
  • Utilizing students and faculty for research and consultation
  • Participating in special events to expose students to the operations of the community partner and its impact on the community
  • Collaborating with other community/university CEC building partners in mutually beneficial ways
  • Sharing news and lessons learned from the CEC experience through UNO public relations materials, social media, and organizational communications
  • Working collaboratively and democratically within the CEC environment to ensure the overall goals of the CEC are met
  • Participating in annual surveys and evaluation

CEC community building partners should be prepared to report their participation and contributions in these types of activities on a regular basis through an online form and by communicating with CEC staff.

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