The Sowers Club History

The Sowers Club of Lincoln, Inc. has a history dating back more than 100 years. Beginning in 1887, this organization began as the Union Club, which was originally formed as a men’s social group representing Lincoln’s business community.

Over the years, the Union Club consolidated with the Lincoln Commercial Club. The new role of the club was to promote economic development in the younger capital city; promote community improvement; and promote camaraderie. The Union Commercial Club was later renamed the Lincoln Commercial Club.

In the 1920’s, the Lincoln Commercial Club joined with similar organizations across the United States to form the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Sowers Club was the “sub-group” of the Chamber who traveled through Nebraska selling Lincoln as a trade center. Our theme was, “Purchase whatever you can in your hometown; however, if a particular item is not available in your hometown, come to Lincoln to shop.”

The Sowers Club of Lincoln, Inc. was incorporated in 1977. Since this time, The Sowers Club Membership has continued making several trips a year throughout Nebraska. By joining the business leaders in other communities, members were able to share ideas for improving the community’s quality of life, and to better know and boost all of Nebraska. Years later, The Sowers Club explored the option of selling pickle cards for additional funding. By selling pickle cards, the club has been able to provide financial assistance to charities throughout Nebraska, making a better quality of life possible for children and families.

The Sowers are proud in knowing they can help brighten the lives of many people in Nebraska.

Members participated in many local events, either by active involvement or sponsorship. You will find The Sowers involved in the Cornhusker State Games Adopt-An-Athlete, Nebraskaland Days, and Elementary Schools’ Activities.

The Sowers Club of Nebraska Foundation History

In 1986, the Foundation was created to be a charitable, philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in Nebraska.

The Sowers Club of Nebraska Foundation is an organization exempt from income taxes under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
This organization provides financial support to worth causes throughout the State by awarding community grants for qualifying charitable and educational organizations.

Over the years, The Sowers Club of Nebraska Foundation developed a mission:
To improve the quality of life in our Community & Nebraska by providing funding for a wide range of charitable giving with emphasis on youth; underprivileged, and education; and by providing a fiscally responsible program for protecting and growing the assets of the Foundation.

Due to the development of our mission, The Sowers Club of Nebraska Foundation created criteria, which needed to be met, in order for a 501(c) 3 to receive funding from the Foundation.

The criteria focuses on:

Children
Underprivileged
Disabled
Community Service Organizations
Medical Support
Elderly
Education
Community Safety

In addition to disbursing monies to the community, The Sowers Club of Nebraska Foundation created a scholarship program. In 2000, the Milton Scholarship was created. This is a criteria-set scholarship that gives aide to culinary art students attending Southeast Community College.

In 2002, the Sowers Scholarship was created. This scholarship gives aide to students who attend any college or university in or around Lincoln.

Through grant disbursements and scholarships, the Foundation has been able to focus on meeting the communities’ needs, but the Foundation would like to focus on additional areas.

Over the years, the Foundation has developed a Code of Ethics Policy, Gift Acceptance Policy, and a Written Disbursement Policy. In addition, and endowment fund has been established.

Club Board of Directors

Foundation Board of Directors

Pickle Card Salesmen

Disbursement Committee

Scholarship Committee

Media Committee

Event Chairs