Best Cass County Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

Nebraska Department of Economic Development

Since 1967, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has been focused on growing and diversifying the state’s economic base, bringing new dollars, new businesses, and new people into the state.

DED Functions:

• Support communities with development efforts
• Assist with starting, retaining, and expanding businesses.
• Promote the state for business locations and expansions.

Rural Workforce Housing Fund

Signed into law in 2017 by Governor Pete Ricketts as part of the Rural Workforce Housing Investment Act (LB518), the Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF) provides competitive matching grants to non-profit development organizations who administer workforce housing investment funds. The funds are invested in eligible projects to increase the supply and reduce the costs of workforce housing in Nebraska’s rural communities.

Workforce housing is housing that meets the needs of working families and is attractive to new residents locating in a rural community.

Eligible Areas

Communities in a county with a population of less than 100,000, as determined by the most recent federal decennial census, are eligible. Presently, this excludes communities in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy Counties.

Grants for 501(c)(3) pet welfare organizations in Cass County, Nebraska can support capacity building, capital improvements, and program or spay/neuter work. Grants from Nestlé Purina help eligible U.S. shelters and pet welfare nonprofits, especially those near company facilities, expand services that improve the well-being of pets and the people who love them.

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness through its sponsorship and donation initiatives. With a mission to exceed customer expectations, ATI actively engages in philanthropic efforts that improve lives and promote quality care beyond clinic walls. They encourage requests for support while emphasizing a review process that ensures timely responses. Partnering with local organizations, ATI aims to elevate awareness of health and wellness, impacting thousands of lives each year.

Nonprofit organizations supporting physically handicapped individuals in Cass County, Nebraska and nearby areas can seek funding for financial or other direct assistance programs. Grants from the Jackson Charitable Trust typically range from US $4,000 - US $7,000 and are awarded to a small number of disability care and services providers each year.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

Midlands Community Foundation

MCF is a community foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Sarpy and Cass counties, as well as surrounding areas. Through partnerships with local organizations, donors, and volunteers, we address critical needs and invest in initiatives that create lasting, positive change. Our efforts are focused on ensuring that the resources we provide have a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.

Discretionary Community Gifts

Midlands Community Foundation facilitates discretionary giving, which is an alternative to the grant application process for gifts under $1,000. Nonprofit organizations that need immediate financial assistance can request these gifts using the required form along with any supporting information that would help describe the program or project. All requests are reviewed with careful consideration by the Board Treasurer and the Executive Director on a monthly basis.

Nonprofits and local entities in Cass County, Nebraska can apply for Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s HOME-American Rescue Plan grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $75,000 for homelessness assistance, supportive housing, and related services. Funding supports qualifying populations through housing, shelter, and residential care projects, with funds available through September 2030.

The Midlands Community Foundation Grant Program has been supporting not-for-profit organizations for over 30 years, focusing on enhancing life quality in Sarpy and Cass counties. Grants are available for projects in health, arts, education, and community services. Eligibility requires organizations to operate in the specified counties and be federally tax-exempt. However, requests for general operating expenses, direct aid to individuals, and religious or political projects are typically not supported.

Nonprofit agencies working in the Omaha metro area, including Cass County, Nebraska, can seek capacity-building grants starting at More than US $21,000 to strengthen organizational infrastructure. With a mission to break the cycle of poverty, Weitz Family Foundation supports established grantees advancing racial equity, accessibility, and systemic change through advocacy, organizing, or culturally competent direct services.

Nebraska-accredited public or private schools and nonprofits serving pre-K–12 students in Cass County, Nebraska can receive up to US $1,000 per year to support arts-related field trips and activities. Grants from Nebraska Arts Council help Southeast Nebraska educators cover school bus and transportation costs that expand student access to arts and cultural experiences.

501(c)(3) public charities and government entities in Cass County, Nebraska and southwest Iowa can apply for Iowa West Foundation’s program, operating, capital, or launch grants to strengthen community well-being and opportunity. Funding may support initiatives in areas like economic development, housing, education, mental health, family services, and related community priorities benefiting Iowa residents.

Cass County, Nebraska 501(c)(3) charitable organizations and government entities can seek project support that strengthens community life, leadership, youth engagement, and local assets. Grants from Nebraska Community Foundation help Cass County nonprofits and public agencies fund civic, recreational, cultural, educational, and other community-improvement initiatives in Plattsmouth through the Plattsmouth Community Foundation Fund.

Cass County, Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing food access, homelessness, or military and veterans services can apply for support, provided they are within 30 miles of a SpartanNash location. With a mission to back Hunger, Heroes and Hope initiatives, SpartanNash Foundation provides local partners with community-focused grant funding.

About

The Walter Scott Family Foundation was built on the belief that giving back should be a part of how you live, not something you do once. For Walter Scott, Jr. and his family, philanthropy began as quiet acts of generosity. Over time, those values shaped a more intentional approach to giving, culminating in the creation of a foundation dedicated to thoughtful, lasting impact. This is the story of how that vision took shape.

Omaha Award

The Walter Scott Family Foundation recognizes that for people and places to truly be healthy, the basic needs of individuals must first be met. We value the work of health and human service agencies that care for our community’s most vulnerable members and strive to assist in times of high demand and financial uncertainty.

The Omaha Award is a competitive grant program that provides support to nonprofit organizations working directly in the areas of food, personal care items, shelter and health for residents of the Omaha metro area. Eligible organizations can request a maximum grant of $75,000 annually.

Funding priorities

Funding is available for operations, programs and capacity building within organizations that serve those in need.

• General operating support for organizations whose programs are focused on meeting basic needs.
• Services available to anyone in need, particularly where “safety net” resources are limited and agency services are essential.
• Program support for expenses incurred while providing essential services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Cass County, Nebraska that run existing technology access or digital literacy programs for families or seniors can apply for Spectrum Digital Education Grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $50,000. Charter Communications supports programs in Spectrum service areas that bridge the digital divide and can report clear impact metrics for diverse, low-income communities.

Cass County, Nebraska local governments and partners planning tourism-focused economic development projects can apply for US $250,000 - US $450,000 through the Community Development Block Grant Tourism Development opportunity. Focused on tourism, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development supports attraction facilities that benefit low- and moderate-income residents or address slums and blight while strengthening local and regional economies.

Cass County, Nebraska first responder organizations seeking funding for safety equipment, professional training, or safety education programs can access support through Enbridge’s Safe Community First Responder Program; awards range from US $1,000 - US $10,000. Eligible applicants must serve communities within 10 miles of Enbridge operations and include fire, EMS, emergency management, 9-1-1, ambulance, and law enforcement agencies.

Cass County, Nebraska local governments and community development entities can access funding through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to support economic development projects that expand the state’s economic base and create quality jobs for low- and moderate-income residents. Awards range from US $125,000 - US $1,015,000 for eligible projects under the Community Development Block Grant Economic Development opportunity.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

QuikTrip is dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and early childhood education through strategic community investments. By donating 5% of annual net profits to qualified non-profits, QuikTrip aims to empower individuals and break the cycle of poverty. The company partners with organizations providing educational opportunities, ensuring that all youth, regardless of their backgrounds, can thrive as independent citizens. This initiative highlights QuikTrip's commitment to making a measurable impact in the communities where its employees live and work.

Nebraska Medical Center supports non-profit organizations aiming to serve vulnerable populations and address major health issues like cancer, mental health, and prenatal care. They prioritize funding for initiatives aligned with community health improvement, specifically benefiting underserved groups. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations and submit proposals 60 days prior to events. However, they do not fund activities related to debt retirement, scholarships, or religious programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on affordable housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or community development in Cass County, Nebraska can seek project support through the Ferguson Cares Grant. Grants from Ferguson help U.S.-based nonprofits within its operating footprint build partnerships that improve community wellbeing and economic opportunity.

The Veridian Credit Union’s Nonprofit Partnership Grants, in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, offer up to $5,000 to support nonprofit organizations enhancing financial stability through education in financial literacy and employment readiness. This funding prioritizes IRS classified 501(c)(3) public charities serving Iowa and specific Nebraska counties, focusing on organizations with a proven track record in improving financial literacy and demonstrating commitment to diversity and collaboration.

Nonprofit and government organizations conserving or restoring grassland habitat in the Southern Great Plains, including Cass County, Nebraska, can seek US $150,000 - US $400,000 to support on-the-ground projects. Grants from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation help habitat and ecosystem restoration, land and wildlife conservation, and climate resilience efforts that benefit rural, ranching-based communities and grassland-dependent species.

Cass County, Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing food, shelter, essential items, or health services can access funding through the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation’s Omaha Award, with grants up to Up to US $75,000. Eligible organizations in the Omaha–Council Bluffs metro may request general operating or program support, with past grantees able to seek added capital or capacity funds.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools serving Cass County, Nebraska can request sponsorships or charitable contributions for community needs, conservation, and youth leadership programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Black Hills Corporation Foundation provides support for food security, housing, childcare, energy assistance, environmental stewardship, and STEAM and mentoring initiatives within its service territory.

Nonprofit and public 501(c)(3) organizations in Cass County, Nebraska can seek more than US $500 for capital improvements to tourism-related attractions and recreational facilities. Focused on tourism, Cass County Tourism invites local nonprofits to expand or create public sites of educational, cultural, historical, artistic, or recreational significance that draw additional visitors to the county.