LINCOLN, Neb. — Charitable Gift Planners of Nebraska (CGPN) is honored to announce Richard K. “Chip” DeBuse II as the 2025 recipient of the J. Robert Sandberg Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to advancing charitable gift planning in Nebraska.
Nominated by Tracy Edgerton, President of the Lincoln Community Foundation, Chip embodies the very spirit of the Sandberg Award. The award honors a visionary who has brought warmth, clarity, and deep humanity to philanthropic advising.
“Bob Sandberg exuded warmth, curiosity, and a passion for helping others,” said Edgerton. “Chip embraces the same spirit. He puts donors at ease, takes the time to truly understand their goals, and guides them with expertise and care. His impact on families, colleagues, and the philanthropic community is both profound and lasting.”
A Legacy of Excellence at Lincoln Community Foundation
For the past 12 years, Chip has served as a cornerstone of the Lincoln Community Foundation’s Philanthropy Services team, where his professionalism, kindness, and steady leadership have shaped hundreds of donor relationships. Colleagues describe him as calm, collaborative, and exceptionally generous with his expertise.
Chip’s work has helped scores of families identify, structure, and realize their long-term charitable visions, ensuring their gifts will benefit future generations. His deep knowledge of complex gift strategies, especially gifts of real property, has made him a trusted advisor to donors across the region.
A Leader and Mentor in the Philanthropic Community
Chip’s influence reaches far beyond the Foundation. He has been an active and deeply engaged partner with:
- Charitable Gift Planners of Nebraska (CGPN)
- Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
- Council on Foundations’ AdNet group
- Lincoln Estate Planning Council
His leadership is illustrated clearly by his work launching Lincoln’s Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) study group. Seeing an opportunity to strengthen philanthropic advising in the region, Chip researched national best practices, recruited local professionals, and spearheaded the first Lincoln CAP cohort. His work created a lasting contribution to the field.
A Career Defined by Integrity, Warmth, and Service
As Chip approaches retirement, his colleagues reflect on his enduring impact. They highlight his mentorship, his thoughtful guidance, and his unwavering commitment to serving donors with compassion and clarity.
“Chip is the voice of reason and professionalism,” Edgerton said. “He elevates everyone around him. We will miss his wisdom and steady presence.”
Honoring Chip DeBuse
Charitable Gift Planners of Nebraska proudly recognizes Richard K. “Chip” DeBuse II for his distinguished service, his leadership in advancing philanthropic excellence, and his lifelong dedication to helping donors create meaningful and lasting change. He exemplifies the qualities of the J. Robert Sandberg Distinguished Service Award and the very best of Nebraska’s philanthropic community.
Award Presentation
Richard K. “Chip” DeBuse II will accept the 2025 J. Robert Sandberg Distinguished Service Award during the Charitable Gift Planners of Nebraska Annual Meeting on Friday, December 5, 2025.
About Charitable Gift Planners of Nebraska
Charitable Gift Planners of Nebraska (CGP Nebraska) connects and supports the professional community engaged in charitable gift planning. Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, CGP Nebraska strengthens philanthropic partnerships that build a more generous and resilient future for our state.
