LDF Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT

Reflecting on our journey, Crafting our fate.

Letter from our Founders 03

Dear Friends, Partners, and Fellow Do-Gooders, Another year has flown by, and here we are again-reflecting, celebrating, and maybe just slightly wondering how time moves this fast (seriously, is there a grant for that?). The Lincoln Dynamic Foundation has had a year filled with impact, inspiration, community love, and many strong cups of coffee as we work to support meaningful change in the Las Vegas Valley. Let's start with the highlights: this year, we had the privilege of granting funds to incredible organizations that are out there doing the work real, tangible, roll-up-your-sleeves, change-the-world kind of work that you will read in the following pages. Further, we continued supporting bright, determined scholars through our LDF Scholars program, and expanded partnerships that amplify our collective impact. Every dollar, every scholar, every initiative is about more than giving it’s about building something greater that lasts.

What’s next? Glad you asked.

We’re rolling out our 6th annual Catalyst Grant Program, our push to think bigger, collaborate smarter, and stretch every dollar further. That means more matching programs, stronger partnerships, and new fundraising opportunities, all designed to create lasting, regenerative impact. And yes, we ’ re also focusing on boosting collaboration in our own office, because even world-changing work is better when your team is energized (and properly caffeinated). This work matters to us. Philanthropy isn’t just about generosity it’s about strategy, vision, and action. It’s about making sure that the work we do today creates meaningful change tomorrow. None of it happens without partners like you who believe in this mission and push us to think bigger, do better, and keep moving forward.

So here’s to another year of impact, growth, and maybe even an office snack upgrade. Thank you for being part of this journey let’s continue to do great things, together.

Respectfully,

Johnny&BethanyLincoln

Mission and Values 04

Mission

Lincoln Dynamic Foundation seeks to collaborate with our community in a way that generates positive change, empowers, educates, and creates a healthier future for youth and the planet.

Values

Empowerment

Enabling people to achieve their best, supporting diversity, and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and able to contribute

Integrity

Our relationships are built on trust and a collaborative spirit.

Purposeful Growth

Growth that is intentional and committed to evolving in meaningful ways.

Sustainability

Using our donations responsibly to positively impact the global community while promoting a healthier planet.

Holistic Wellbeing

We emphasize the importance of mental, physical, and emotional health.

Our Programs 05

Annual Catalyst Grant

Offers grants up to $75,000 for projects with substantial, lasting change potential. Promotes a philanthropy model based on deep collaboration, innovative solutions, and strategic impact.

Focuses on initiatives, often originating from our team, to foster collaboration and a ripple effect of positive change.

LDF Gives

Tailored for local needs not aligned with our annual grant cycle.

Supports smaller, urgent, or developing projects and organizations with promising leadership and purpose, even if not fully vetted.

LDF Scholars

Launched in 2023 to celebrate our growth and commitment to education.

Our scholars receive up to $5,000 per year for up to 4 years of schooling

Specifically for students pursuing degrees in environmental sciences and sustainability, recognizing entrepreneurial skills, work ethic, and community engagement.

Sustainability of Materials (WISDOM):

Initial grantor for the World’s Institute for Sustainable Development of Materials (WISDOM)

Our Chair, Dr. Lincoln, plays a key role as a principal scientist.

A multi-university collaboration in the American Southwest, aiming to revolutionize engineering and design practices in material development.

2024 Grant Recipients 06

DISCOVERY Children's Museum

The DISCOVERY Children's Museum used its $25,000 grant to complete its Energy|Energía exhibit, which educates visitors about renewable energy sources through engaging and bilingual STEM experiences. Since its launch in November 2023, the exhibit has welcomed over 251,000 visitors and facilitated STEM career inspiration through interactive programs. The grant supported new "Daily Discoveries" programs on solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric energy. The museum continues to expand collaborations with organizations like NV Energy and Southwest Gas, fostering community partnerships to enhance STEM education.

2024 Grant Recipients

Green Our Planet

Green Our Planet utilized its $25,000 grant to support the design of its HydroLab within a new headquarters in East Las Vegas. The facility will host programs in nutrition, STEM education, and sustainability, serving underserved communities. The organization partnered with local schools and groups, including The Just One Project, for food distribution and educational outreach. Progress includes securing construction partners and engaging the community in program planning, despite challenges with permitting and rising costs. Green Our Planet aims to expand its hydroponics and gardening programs, leveraging strong partnerships with groups like UNR Extension to maximize impact.

2024 Grant Recipients 08

Obodo Collective

The Obodo Collective used its $15,000 grant to advance its Urban Farm and Green Grocer Initiative, addressing food insecurity in the Historic Westside of Clark County. Key milestones include building renovations, installing refrigeration and shelving, and launching the Harvest Bag program, which has provided fresh, locally sourced produce to over 170 residents. Weekly contributions to a farmers market and support for local businesses have further amplified community impact. The project also introduced a youth marketing program to engage local youth in entrepreneurship. With plans to open the grocer by May 2025, the Obodo Collective continues to expand partnerships and explore delivery models to enhance food access.

2024 Grant Recipients 09

Climate Mobilization Project & Green Side Up Farms

The $56,250 Catalyst Grant to the Climate Mobilization Project and Green Side Up Farms, enabled the launch of The F.A.R.M. (Food Access and Reclamation Model), a membership-based organization addressing food insecurity, economic development, and climate justice on Las Vegas’ Westside. Over the year, 38 leaders from 16+ organizations collaborated through workshops, training sessions, and innovative initiatives like VegRx, a produce prescription program serving 145 residents, and Green Side Up’s WIC Farmers Market, which distributed over 5,000 pounds of fresh produce to underserved families. These efforts laid the foundation for Agrotech Valley, a vision for sustainable indoor farming and economic empowerment. The project’s organizing model, shared nationally with 200+ leaders, exemplifies LDF’s commitment to fostering grassroots leadership, resilience, and transformative community change.

2024 Grant Recipients

Start:Empowerment & CORE Academy

This partnership focused on delivering environmental justice education to Clark County schools, supported by a $34,000 grant. Over the year, they developed locally relevant curricula featuring case studies on water issues and environmental racism, engaging over 400 students through lessons and activities. Collaborations with Indigenous leaders and local environmental organizations enriched the program, emphasizing cultural relevance. The curriculum is set to expand to more schools, with plans for gamified lessons and partnerships with green tech companies. The initiative has laid a foundation for sustainable environmental education, fostering student leadership and awareness.

Piper Irvin

University of Nevada Las Vegas

Double Major: Earth & Environmental Science and Anthropology

Annie Augilar- Falcon

Cornell University

Major: Environment & Sustainability

1st member of her family to attend college

Nykita Rustad

University of California, Berkeley

Major: Chemistry

Sunstandout Citizen of the Year 2022

WISDOM 12

With a vision to minimize both carbon and chemical footprints, the WISDOM team, generously supported by a $1.35 million donation from LDF, strives to revolutionize engineering design and manufacturing practices for a more sustainable future.

The WISDOM team is engaged in research across various environmental sustainability aspects. Here is a summary of their research topics over the last 2 years:

Battery Technologies:

Investigating energy storage battery technologies focused on toxic chemical use and greenhouse gas emissions. Chemical hazard assessment of lithiumion battery electrolytes.

Recycled Polystyrene in Bicycle Helmets:

Partnering with Epsilyte and Trek to assess the impacts and benefits of using recycled polystyrene in bicycle helmets.

Life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental aspects.

Collaborating with Microsoft Research for environmentally sustainable PCB manufacturing and recycling. Exploring biodegradable and non-toxic PCB materials.

Studying environmental impacts of metal recycling techniques for waste PCBs.

Value of Renewable Hydrogen:

Collaborating with UCI’s (APEP) to evaluate the life cycle impacts and societal value of renewable hydrogen. Focus on industrial processes and heavy-duty transportation (trucks, rail, cargo ships).

Societal value derived from reduced environmental impact, minimized resource depletion, and reduced negative impact on human health.

2025 Strategic Priorities

Our 2025 initiatives at LDF reflect the essence of what drives us: connection, collaboration, and community. By using our talents, resources, and creativity to go beyond funding, we ’ re prioritizing intentional grantmaking, empowering partnerships, innovative fundraising, and fostering a workplace culture that thrives on energy and connection.

1. Grant Big, Grow Forward

Our programs Annual Catalyst Grant, LDF Gives, LDF Scholars, and Spot Donations are at the core of what we do. We’re leveling up what works, streamlining efforts to be more effective, and making every dollar count to create the biggest impact possible.

3. Strategic Fundraising

We’re tapping into our network of public and private funders to support impactful projects. Together, we ’ re building resources to fuel bold ideas and multiply our collective impact.

2. Partnerships with Purpose

Collaboration amplifies change. We’re deepening connections with local initiatives, providing strategic support, and stepping in where we can make a real difference.

4. Energize Within

A connected and motivated team is essential to our success. We’re focusing on strengthening bonds, boosting morale, and creating vibrant, positive energy in our office.

2024 Community Events