Lincoln, NE – Nonprofits are the quiet backbone of strong communities. They protect the vulnerable, lift up families, and create opportunities that often go unseen, yet their impact is felt every day across neighborhoods, cities, and generations.

At Schemmer, we recognize the essential role nonprofits play in the health and future of the communities we serve. Giving back isn’t separate from our work. It’s part of our responsibility. That belief is what led to Schemmer Gives Back, an initiative that allows our teams to donate professional architecture and engineering services to organizations creating meaningful, lasting impact.

This year, that commitment led us to partner with The Foundry Community in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Foundry supports nonprofit and purpose-driven organizations by providing space, resources, and a sense of belonging. Each year, it serves hundreds of groups doing vital grassroots work throughout the region.

“We serve over 250 groups a year, and over half of them are nonprofits. A lot of them are small groups…serving the homeless, rescuing animals, doing all these things that a lot of people don’t even really recognize,” said Julie Murray-Jensen, Executive Director of The Foundry.

As demand for those services continued to grow, The Foundry found itself at a critical crossroads. Like many nonprofits, it needed to balance growth with limited resources.

“Sometimes we’re doing planning on the back of a napkin. There’s always more need than there are resources,” said Murray-Jensen.

The question wasn’t just how to grow, but how to grow wisely, and that’s where Schemmer comes in.

“They were looking at either purchasing a building and expanding into it, or figuring out how to continue to grow in their existing space. It was a really unique problem at the outset,” said Project Manager and Architect Michael Sinclair.

Rather than pushing a single solution, Schemmer focused on listening, exploring options, and helping The Foundry gain clarity before making a decision. That approach starts with people.

“What’s really important at the beginning of any design effort is making people feel as if they’re heard. Their voice matters in the project,” said Sinclair.

With more clarity, The Foundry ultimately chose to expand into a neighboring building while continuing to make the most of its existing space, creating more room to support the organizations it serves. That impact goes far beyond square footage.

“Having this really intentionally designed space that’s set up to support their work, it not only helps them better achieve impact for the city of Lincoln and for the state of Nebraska and the region, but it also inspires that next generation,” said Murray-Jensen.

Because The Foundry supports hundreds of organizations each year, the impact of this work extends far beyond a single space.

“We like to approach projects with the understanding of the number of people they’ll influence…not just today, but years to come,” said Sinclair.

For The Foundry, this partnership marked a turning point. One that brought clarity, confidence, and renewed momentum for the future.

“We know it will have impact for decades to come…during a time when so many people feel discouraged, it’s such a bright light,” Murray-Jensen said.

At its core, Schemmer Gives Back is about recognizing the essential role nonprofits play in thriving communities and choosing to support them with intention and care.

“It means that nonprofits are recognized as an important part of this city and this state,” said Murray-Jensen.

Through Schemmer Gives Back, we’re proud to stand alongside organizations like The Foundry, helping strengthen the people and systems that make our communities healthier, stronger, and more connected today and for generations to come.

SCHEMMER – DESIGN WITH PURPOSE. BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE.

At Schemmer, we believe that great design goes beyond structures; it strengthens communities. As a full-service architecture, engineering, and construction field services consultant, we deliver innovative solutions that enhance the built environment and improve lives.

Since 1959, we have been shaping the future while honoring our legacy. With eight offices across five states in the Midwest, our expertise reaches coast-to-coast, bringing thoughtful, sustainable, and impactful solutions to every project.

Our Comprehensive Services:

• Architecture
• Structural Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Site/Civil Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Water/Wastewater Engineering
• Surveying
• Interior Design
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Field Services

At Schemmer, we don’t just design, we create lasting impact. Let’s design a better future together.

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