Omaha, NE, April 30, 2026 – FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha) has announced a $150,000 donation to organizations in Western Nebraska to support wildfire relief, providing critical resources to ranchers, farmers and rural communities working to recover from devastating spring wildfires that have burned hundreds of thousands of acres across Nebraska and more than one million acres across the broader Great Plains region.
“Nebraskans are resilient, but many are facing immediate challenges,” said Lucas Dart, Managing Director, Community Banking. “FNBO wants to support them in a way that is meaningful and timely as they work to recover.”
The $150,000 is being allocated across four organizations that are actively delivering aid in affected areas to help ranchers and farmers get back on their feet:
- Nebraska Cattlemen’s Disaster Relief Fund
- Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation
- Red Cross Serving Western NE
- Salvation Army Western Division
The funding reflects strong internal support, including FNBO employee contributions and a company matching contribution.
FNBO’s contribution was further supported by matching funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka through its Community Assistance Recovery Effort (CARE) Program.
This assistance is an urgent matter, as wildfires swept across Western Nebraska in March, destroying pastures, fences and structures. As a result, many producers have been forced to relocate parts of their herd to feedyards due to lack of available grazing, significantly increasing operational costs and placing additional strain on already tight margins.
“Many of our clients feel fortunate to have preserved their homes and buildings, but there are many cases of lost fences, grass and structures,” said Dart. “Feeding cattle is not something that waits. The added costs of transportation and feeding, as well as repairing and replacing infrastructure, create significant financial pressure, and without a change in the weather pattern, the situation will not improve.”
FNBO has been working closely with its agricultural customers throughout the crisis, providing financial guidance and support while listening to firsthand accounts of the impact.
“We’ve seen neighbors, volunteers and first responders step in without hesitation, often putting themselves at risk for others,” said Dart. “That spirit is part of what makes Nebraska special, and it’s something we’re proud to support. I’m appreciative of all our team members who have stepped forward as part of this effort. It’s about more than dollars; it’s about showing up for our customers and communities when it matters most.”
About FNBO
FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha), a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska, Inc. (FNNI), is one of the largest privately held banks in the US and has been in business for nearly 170 years. FNNI and its affiliates have $35 billion in assets and more than 4,500 employees. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, with primary banking offices in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming, FNBO provides personal and business banking, mortgage, payment solutions, wealth management and more. Founded in 1857, FNBO has maintained its commitment to customers and helping build strong communities. Learn more at FNBO.com and connect on Facebook, X and Instagram. Member FDIC.
For information contact:
Sally Christensen
402-871-1933
schristensen@fnbo.com
