Late in the afternoon on Giving Tuesday, as the workday was winding down, Omaha Community Foundation fundholder Ernie Goss noticed that Mosaic was just $15,000 shy of meeting a one-day challenge grant deadline. The challenge was significant, not only for its size, but for the momentum it would create among Mosaic’s supporters.
Mosaic is a nonprofit that supports nearly 5,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other diverse needs across 12 states, including Nebraska.
Ernie called Nathan Morgan, Donor Services Advisor at the Omaha Community Foundation, with a simple but time-sensitive question: if he initiated a grant that evening, even if it was processed later, could it still count toward Mosaic’s challenge? After Nathan confirmed that it was possible, Ernie took the next step. He reached out directly to Mosaic and initiated a three-way conversation to ensure everyone was aligned and the details were clear. Within the hour, the path forward was confirmed, and the grant was requested with confidence.
That $15,000 grant completed the match. Mosaic surpassed its Giving Tuesday goal, and their team celebrated the news together at the end of the business day.
For Mosaic, the moment was about more than meeting a deadline. It was about partnership.
“What made this special was the human touch,” said Matt Sheffield, Mosaic Vice President of Development. “Nathan was available, responsive, and willing to work alongside all of us in real time. In a world where you often reach voicemail or automated systems, that kind of accessibility matters. It brought joy to our staff and helped us deliver on our mission.”
For Ernie and his wife, Jackie Goss, the decision to give reflects both broad support for Mosaic’s work across the country and a deeply personal local connection. Ernie is a long-time supporter and former board member who understands Mosaic’s impact across its 12-state footprint. At the same time, his stepdaughter has been supported by Mosaic for more than two decades, giving him a firsthand view of the organization’s day-to-day care.
He often speaks about Brian, a Mosaic Direct Support Professional, who helps his stepdaughter get safely out the door regardless of weather, always with patience, consistency, and warmth.
“I’ve seen Mosaic in action,” Ernie said. “People like Brian make a real difference. Working with OCF allows me to give in a way that’s thoughtful and efficient, so I can give more. Nathan makes it easy to plan my giving, whether that’s through bunching gifts or using a Qualified Charitable Distribution. It’s approachable, secure, and personal all at once.”
Nathan sees this story as a reminder of OCF’s role in the community.
“Connecting a donor with an organization they care about is the most rewarding part of my work,” Nathan said. “This is where OCF shines. Donors know they can call us, get answers right away, and trust that we’ll communicate with nonprofits so they can move forward with confidence. That trust, paired with the systems we’ve built, makes giving seamless for everyone involved.”
Giving Tuesday is often measured in dollars, but stories like this remind us that its true impact is built on relationships, trust, and a shared commitment to show up for our community when it matters most.
