Where Place Meets Possibility
Community Health Endowment’s Ongoing Commitment to Health in Lincoln
The Community Health Endowment (CHE) of Lincoln is a unique organization for community well-being. Established in 1998 by the proceeds of the sale of Lincoln General Hospital, CHE has since invested over $44 million in the community with one goal: to make Lincoln the healthiest city in the nation. CHE funds programs that improve health outcomes across Lincoln, especially in neighborhoods facing the greatest barriers.
Place Matters: Using Local Data to Drive Change
One of CHE’s most impactful tools is Place Matters, a community mapping project launched in 2015 that visually illustrates how where live in Lincoln affects your opportunity for a healthy life. The maps reveal information related to health access, social determinants, and outcomes, mapping topics such as youth aerobic fitness levels and lack of health insurance. The most recent edition, Place Matters 6.0, was released in August of 2025 and celebrates the ten-year anniversary of the project.
Elevating Local Leadership
CHE believes the most powerful solutions come from within the community itself. That’s why the organization launched the Place Matters Pioneer Award in 2025, honoring organizations that reduce health disparities through local innovation. The award symbolizes reflection, resilience, and visibility. To learn more about this award and other community initiatives, events, and opportunities, visit www.chelincoln.org.
Stewardship
CHE offers funding through two grant cycles each year, supporting both short-term and multi-year projects that align with its evolving health priorities. These priorities are informed by local data and community input and are designed to address the most pressing health needs in Lincoln. Details about current funding opportunities can be found at www.chelincoln.org.
In 2026, CHE launched the Community Health Ideas Challenge, a new initiative to spark bold, community-driven ideas for improving health and well-being across Lincoln. Learn more at www.healthideaschallenge.org.
Looking Ahead
As CHE looks to the future, its people remain committed to the mission: making Lincoln the healthiest city in the nation. By listening deeply, collaborating widely, and using data to drive impact, CHE continues to support bold, community-rooted solutions that help all Lincoln residents live healthier lives, no matter where they live.
To learn more about the Community Health Endowment, visit www.chelincoln.org
