In the early 1990s, a friend asked Lund-Ross Constructors CEO Larry Lundquist to serve on the board for the Omaha, Neb., chapter of Girls, Inc., a national organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold. When the organization began to discuss a significant fundraising effort for a new facility, he offered his expertise. That process showed him how valuable a good contractor can be to an organization that doesn’t do construction on a regular basis. To Lundquist, there is no better way to maximize funds raised by a nonprofit than an honest contractor, on board early, understanding the vision and leading the construction team.

Since that first experience, Lundquist and Lund-Ross have always looked for opportunities to better the Omaha community through financial donations, event sponsorships and paid time off for employees to volunteer.

With a 30-year background in historic renovations and adaptive reuse—plus multifamily, health care and public work—Lund-Ross is fortunate to have a staff of highly skilled carpenters who can assist with in-kind repairs and small projects that might otherwise go undone.

Fundraising money in charitable organizations often goes to large capital campaigns, leaving little for operating and upkeep expenses. This is where Lund-Ross believes a few hours or days of its time can be very valuable.

“The most rewarding part of my job has been working with mission-based clients. Not just the initial projects, but the ongoing relationship you develop helping wherever you can, allowing them to concentrate on their mission,” says Superintendent Larry Wasco.

Nearly all of the donations or volunteer hours Lund-Ross provides are for past clients. The company believes that as a contractor, it’s impossible to do a great job for a client without a clear understanding of their goals and vision. When that client’s goals are caring for the homeless, providing housing or food to the underserved or helping kids reach their full potential, it’s hard to simply finish up a project and walk away. Open Door Mission, One World Health, Girls Inc., Siena Francis House and many others have become lifetime clients for Lund-Ross, whether staff is moving a door or assisting in an estimate to help kick off fundraising for a capital campaign.

Last year, the company helped the Siena Francis House, a homeless shelter for which it has done work for 15 years, create an outdoor playground and learning center. Because of its relationship with the subcontracting community, Lund-Ross was able to procure materials and labor at little or no cost to the organization. It also constructed a Habitat for Humanity house and is planning to do another this year.