A Nebraska community foundation gets a $2 million bequest from a donor who gave quietly

The Lexington Community Foundation in Lexington, Nebraska, has announced a $2 million legacy gift from the late Leonard Schinzel, a longtime member of the community, Central Nebraska Today reported on October 12, publishing the foundation's announcement. The foundation said Schinzel preferred to give quietly, without recognition, during his lifetime, and left the gift through a planned gift.

The gift will provide resources for future educational opportunities and community advancement, according to the foundation. The announcement does not say whether the money will be held as an endowment or a designated fund, or when the foundation will receive it.

What the foundation said

"He never sought attention for his generosity. His desire was simply to help make our community stronger, and we are honored to carry that vision forward," said Beth Roberts, the foundation's executive director.

"This is more than a $2 million gift," said Tod McKeone, who chairs the foundation's development committee. "It is a statement about believing in the future of our community."

The foundation plans a further memorial to Schinzel in its 2026 annual report, to be released in February 2027.

A local foundation, a large bequest

The Lexington Community Foundation was established in 1982. Its announcement does not give its asset size, so we cannot say how large the gift is next to its existing funds. The foundation used the news to make a broader point: a donor does not have to be abundantly wealthy or seek recognition to leave a meaningful legacy through an estate plan.

What other nonprofits can take from it

In our view, the story is a practical case for talking about bequests early and often. Small community foundations and local charities can name a contact for legacy gifts, as Lexington did, and can put the donor's intent in writing so the money is used as promised; see why a restricted gift is a promise. Boards that want to build this work can start with what a board is for.