Best Garden County Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Youth Engaged in Philanthropy Scholarship

The Youth Engaged in Philanthropy Scholarship Fund provides a college scholarship as part of Marion Community Foundation’s annual Scholarship Program. Each year the high school senior members participate in the selection process to recommend a scholarship recipient.

The scholarship awards are available to graduates and seniors from any high school in Marion who have been a resident of Marion County throughout their entire high school experience and have demonstrated commitment and dedication to community service, volunteerism, and philanthropy.

The FY26 Reconstructive Transplant Research Program (RTRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award supports innovative studies aimed at enhancing reconstructive transplant research and patient care. It emphasizes projects with military relevance, focusing on all research phases from basic to clinical. Essential components include rigorous study design, preliminary data, and the potential for significant short- and long-term impacts on patients and the reconstructive transplant field.

About

A History Of Making Waves

Carnival Foundation oversees the many philanthropic endeavors of Carnival Corporation as well as its employee-driven service group, the “Friends Uniting Neighbors” (F.U.N.) Team.

Carnival Foundation’s contributions are widespread, touching the communities where the brands visit and operate. From the cities where our brands are headquartered to ports we visit around the world, we endeavor to make a difference to the lives of many.

Through monetary and in-kind donations, innovative philanthropic programs, employee fundraisers and hands-on volunteer initiatives, Carnival Foundation and the brands of Carnival Corporation support a variety of organizations. Whether it’s providing meals to the homeless and abuse prevention or working toward medical advancement and educating youth, Carnival Foundation’s reach is communitywide.

In-Kind Donations

To apply for an in-kind donation from Carnival Foundation, submit an online application complete with the following information:

• A letter of request with a brief description of the organization including its legal name, history, activities, purpose and governing board
• Contact name and information, including phone number and address for the individual who is organizing the event
• Name and date of the event
• Average amount of funds raised from the auction in previous years and estimated number and demographics of the event audience
• Description of how funds raised from the donation will be used within the organization
• List of other cruise suppliers, if any, participating in the event
• An outline with details of Carnival’s publicity/promotional opportunities associated with the event
• Copy of Internal Revenue Service determination letter indicating 501© (3) tax-exempt status as an organization that is not a private foundation.
• Copy of organization’s most recent 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service
• Geographical area(s) served

About

A History Of Making Waves

Carnival Foundation oversees the many philanthropic endeavors of Carnival Corporation as well as its employee-driven service group, the “Friends Uniting Neighbors” (F.U.N.) Team.

Carnival Foundation’s contributions are widespread, touching the communities where the brands visit and operate. From the cities where our brands are headquartered to ports we visit around the world, we endeavor to make a difference to the lives of many.

Through monetary and in-kind donations, innovative philanthropic programs, employee fundraisers and hands-on volunteer initiatives, Carnival Foundation and the brands of Carnival Corporation support a variety of organizations. Whether it’s providing meals to the homeless and abuse prevention or working toward medical advancement and educating youth, Carnival Foundation’s reach is communitywide.

Grants Or Sponsorships

To apply for a grant or sponsorship from Carnival Foundation, prospective applicants must complete an online application and include the following information and documents:

• A letter of request with a brief description of the organization, including its legal name, history, activities, purpose and governing board
• Purpose for which the grant is requested
• Grant amount requested
• Listing of other sources of financial support
• Operating budget of the project for which the funds are requested
• Organization’s annual budget
• Copy of the organization’s most recent audited financial statement
• Copy of organization’s most recent 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service
• Copy of Internal Revenue Service determination letter indicating 501© (3) tax-exempt status as an organization that is not a private foundation
• Organization’s completed W-9 form
• Geographical area(s) served
• Organizations applying for a grant renewal must submit a final report detailing use of the prior grant award. Interim and final reports will be submitted through our online portal.

Nebraska Blue Foundation

Empower. Support. Uplift.

Nebraskans serving Nebraskans – It’s who we are and what we have done for more than 85 years at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE).

Our customers and employees have lived, worked and played here for generations, and we’re proud to be part of the Cornhusker State’s history. As a local business, we are also invested in the state’s next chapter because your communities are our communities. We share in the successes and challenges facing our state and are dedicated to helping Nebraskans thrive by serving as a champion for health and well-being.  

The Nebraska Blue Foundation, founded in 2024, powers BCBSNE’s philanthropic initiatives. Through the foundation, we support programs improving the health and well-being of Nebraskans and the economic vitality of our state.

The foundation builds on BCBSNE’s rich legacy of uplifting all who call Nebraska home.

Fall Grant Cycle

Overview

For more than 85 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) has been a champion for the health and well-being of our members and the communities we serve. Founded in 2024, the Nebraska Blue Foundation now allows us to concentrate our efforts into pockets of our community that need to be uplifted the most.

The foundation has four priority areas:

The Nebraska Blue Foundation is particularly interested in supporting innovation and pilot projects. As a new foundation, our approach is to be catalytic with our grants – primarily investing in new ideas or programs that could meet a specific need with a one-time investment.

Idaho Community Foundation

The Idaho Community Foundation distributes millions annually in grants and scholarships across the state. These awards are made possible by individuals, families, businesses, affiliates, giving circles, and everyday Idahoans who care for their community.Robert C. Weaver Memorial Scholarship FundEstablished by Neola Weaver in memory of her late husband, residents or former residents of Buhl are eligible for scholarship support as either traditional or nontraditional students. For part-time or full-time traditional or nontraditional students pursuing post high school vocational or academic training. 

The Higher Education Challenge Grants Program, managed by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, aims to enhance institutional capacities in food and agricultural sciences education. This initiative focuses on improving curriculum, faculty, and student recruitment for master's and doctoral programs, particularly in veterinary medicine. By strengthening these educational frameworks, the program seeks to ensure the availability of skilled professionals in critical agricultural sectors.

The BJA FY 2025 Forensic Ballistics and Higher Education Program invites public and state-controlled higher education institutions to collaborate with law enforcement and the ATF. This funding opportunity aims to enhance forensic education in firearm ballistics and crime gun intelligence, ensuring students receive hands-on training. By developing specialized curricula, the program will foster a skilled workforce in forensic science and law enforcement, while establishing sustainable partnerships to address violent gun crime across the nation.

The RNomics Technology Enhancement Centers, supported by the NIH Common Fund, aim to enhance tools for comprehensive RNA analysis, facilitating insights into health and disease. This initiative focuses on developing technologies for RNA sequencing, modification mapping, and functional testing. By fostering collaborations and strengthening existing resources, RTECs will advance the study of RNA molecules, ensuring broad community access to improved experimental and computational methods.

The RNomics Outreach and Coordination (ROC) Center, established by the NIH Common Fund, aims to enhance understanding of RNA molecules through integrated analysis. This center will serve as a hub for data management and community engagement, developing a central data portal, supporting data standards, and coordinating consortium-wide analyses. By fostering collaborations and providing training, the ROC Center seeks to ensure the long-term availability of essential RNomics resources, ultimately advancing health and disease research.

The RNomics Molecular Standards initiative, supported by the NIH Common Fund, aims to enhance research on RNA molecules by developing standardized references. This program will facilitate the creation, testing, and distribution of RNA molecular reference standards, which are crucial for ensuring consistency and reliability in RNA research. By providing guidance on best practices and planning for long-term availability, RNomics will help advance technologies that analyze RNA sequences and functions, ultimately improving health and disease understanding.

The NIH Common Fund is launching the RNomics program to advance RNA research through innovative technologies. This initiative focuses on developing tools for comprehensive analysis of RNA molecules, addressing current methodological limitations. Key priorities include sequencing RNA, detecting modifications, and studying RNA function across various biological contexts. The program encourages high-risk, early-stage projects that demonstrate potential for significant impact. Successful Phase 1 projects may transition to Phase 2, aimed at delivering validated resources for the research community.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Marion WM. Edwards Scholarship

For Torrington High School graduating seniors who are planning to continue in Italian studies, planning to teach or planning to study literature or journalism.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Robyn A. Macsata Memorial Fund

This fund was established in honor Dr. Robyn Ann Macsata. This scholarship will be awarded to a female Torrington High School student who intends to pursue the study of medicine. 

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Russell F. Bruno Scholarship

For Torrington High School graduating seniors who have excelled in the study of English and are planning to major in writing, literature, journalism or a related field.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Steven A. Chupka Memorial Scholarship

For Oliver Wolcott Vocational-Technical High School graduating seniors; preference may be given to students who participate in community service and who have an academic focus in electronics, but students pursuing other fields of study also are eligible to apply.

Food insecurity impacts every town in America — rural, urban, and all the communities on every road in between. It affects all age groups — from children through seniors — including about one-third of college students. It happens for different reasons — a lost job, a natural disaster, a pandemic, and more.

Ann B. Zekauskas saw this food insecurity first-hand while volunteering in New York City soup kitchens, often on Thanksgiving. She knew that people go hungry every day — and that many food-insecure people are prone to obesity. Limited options often lead to food choices that are higher in calories, but lower in nutrition.

Whether it’s to aid a family that has fallen on hard times or to assist a community or a country during a crisis, we support food banks, neighborhood kitchens, and other hunger relief organizations to provide the next healthy meal to those in need.

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers. 

NACO Scholarship

NACO began its scholarship program in 1999 when it presented six high school seniors with $500 awards each to be used toward their post-secondary educations. Since 2004, NACO has presented twelve high school seniors with $1000 awards each to be used toward their post-secondary educations. 

To be considered, students must complete the required application form, submit a seven-semester transcript from an accredited Nebraska high school and prepare a written essay on the importance of county government.

Scholarship recipients must plan to attend a post-secondary educational institution within the state of Nebraska and may use the NACO scholarship for any costs associated with their continuing education. Scholarships are available for one year and are non-renewable.

The FY26 Arthritis Research Program Clinical Research Award supports innovative clinical research addressing factors and interventions for arthritis. This program encourages proposals focusing on Prevention and Early Diagnosis or Treatment and Mitigation of Disease Progression. Applicants can choose between two research levels, with the requirement of a community collaborator for Research Level 2. Projects should aim to provide actionable evidence to enhance patient care and outcomes, making significant contributions to the field of arthritis research.

The DoW Alzheimer’s Transforming Research Award supports innovative research aimed at reducing the risk and preventing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It emphasizes projects that enhance understanding of risk factors and develop effective risk reduction strategies. Clinical research is permitted, but trials and animal studies are not. Collaboration and preliminary data are essential for proposal consideration, and an option for multiple principal investigators is available to foster partnerships.

The FY26 Alzheimer’s Research Program's Transforming Diagnosis Award (TrDA) promotes innovative research aimed at overcoming significant barriers to accurate diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease. This award encourages community collaboration and requires preliminary data. It supports studies leveraging existing cohorts, especially those including individuals aged 65 and younger. The TrDA also offers a partnership option for multiple principal investigators, fostering collaborative research efforts while ensuring at least one independent investigator meets eligibility criteria.

The DoW Arthritis Translational Research Award, funded by the U.S. Army Medical Command, aims to support high-impact translational research focused on accelerating findings into clinically relevant solutions for arthritis. This award is intended for preclinical or animal research, emphasizing the significance of the proposed outcomes in advancing arthritis research and benefiting Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. Applications must include preliminary or published data to demonstrate the feasibility and relevance of the research.

The DoW Alzheimer’s Transforming Care Award aims to support innovative clinical research and trials enhancing dementia care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. This funding opportunity encourages collaborative partnerships and requires preliminary data, focusing on interventions that do not solely test pharmacological solutions. Community collaboration is essential, and studies leveraging existing cohorts, including those with younger participants, are encouraged. The award supports both new and existing partnerships among principal investigators.

The FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP) Idea Development Award aims to fund innovative research that enhances understanding and treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. The program encourages creative approaches that challenge existing paradigms and fosters impactful discoveries. A special career development option is available for early-career investigators, offering mentorship and a tailored review process to support significant research advancements.

The FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP) Therapeutic/Diagnostic Research Award aims to foster innovative therapeutic and diagnostic research for Lyme disease and other tick-borne conditions. This award supports early-stage drug discovery and evaluation studies, as well as novel diagnostic methods that can be seamlessly implemented in clinical environments, ultimately enhancing patient care and quality of life.