Best Lincoln Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Lincoln, Nebraska nonprofits and impact-driven startups tackling urgent social or environmental challenges can access funding through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, with awards up to US $300,000. Early-stage, scalable organizations serving underserved communities and operating post-pilot may be eligible, including independent 501(c)(3)s and mission-driven for-profits focused on measurable impact and long-term sustainability.

Lincoln, Nebraska nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Eligible projects include auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, STEM and K-12 education, and food insecurity programs in U.S. communities.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Mission

The Sherwood Foundation® promotes equity through social justice initiatives enhancing the quality of life in Nebraska.

Vision

We believe social justice is the proactive reinforcement of policies, practices, attitudes, and actions that all produce equitable power, access, opportunities, treatment, impacts, and outcomes for all.

Who We Fund

The Sherwood Foundation limits grants to organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3), government entities, schools, or churches that are serving Nebraska. These organizations must be in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service. 

What We Fund

The Sherwood Foundation limits grants to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that predominately benefit those that are serving Nebraska and must address one of our categories:

Urban Community Partnerships

Our work in Nebraska’s urban communities focuses on family stability and child wellbeing with an overarching emphasis on community context. Using a two-generation approach, we are interested in the relationship between direct service provision and the greater systems that impact a community. Applicants are wise to cite specific research that influences a service model or approach to solving a community challenge.

Omaha Public Schools

Guidelines: 

• OPS employees must obtain approval from the District before submitting an application. 
• Applications lacking such documentation will not receive consideration.
• For assistance, please contact the OPS Grant Coordinator at 531.299.9653.

Greater Nebraska Initiatives

Through these grants, The Sherwood Foundation promotes equity and inclusion as pathways for creating the good life for all in Nebraska.  Core areas of work include child welfare, immigrant inclusion, housing, advocacy & civic engagement, leadership, and community infrastructure. Requests from communities outside of the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas are considered during standard grant cycles.

Early Childhood Education

The Sherwood Foundation supports early childhood education on a regional and national basis through The Buffett Early Childhood Fund.

What the Sherwood Foundation Values

 The Sherwood Foundation has strongly held values regarding civil liberties, equality and fairness with a particular focus on women and people oppressed because of their race, sexual orientation, and/or religion or lack-thereof.

• We respect that not all nonprofit organizations share the same values as the Foundation.
• We don’t ask nonprofits to change values for us or for funding.
• We do ask that nonprofits leaders respect our values and save everyone time and energy by not seeking funding if our organizational values aren’t aligned.

Equal rights.

We believe all humans are created equal. We work to eliminate government and social barriers to equality.

Access to civic life.

We are proud to live in a democracy and believe that the rights provided to individuals in the United States should be protected and the best way to protect those rights is to ensure equal access to the voting polls. 

Reproductive justice.

We support a woman’s right to self-determination about reproductive health choices. We expect our grantees serving women and girls to ensure access and education to all health care options, including abortion. 

Opportunity to thrive.

We believe a zip code should not determine the outcome of a life. We see how government institutions and laws have historically and do presently oppress and suppress opportunity, particularly for people of color but also other minority populations and women. We work with our community to undo systemic oppression and build systems that meet the needs of citizens and do not further oppress. We seek economic justice for our neighbors and the opportunity that lies therein.

Access to services.

We expect grantees to ensure that clients have access to services and that service providers work to remove barriers rather than create barriers to care and compassion. A service provider’s religious belief system should not be imposed upon those who seek their services, whether through proselytization, coercion, guilt, or an unspoken quid-pro-quo expectation to participate in faith-based classes or religious services.

Operating Grants

The Sherwood Foundation® believes that providing operating support can make all the difference to nonprofit organizations by providing flexible funding to cover the ongoing costs of day-to-day operations (administrative/overhead). This type of support can free nonprofits to become more strategic about how they address community issues, craft internal solutions to enhance effectiveness, and build organizational infrastructure.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing health, education, or recreation services in Lincoln, Nebraska and other Midwest Bank communities can apply for support from the Jim B. & Lillian F. Cooper Foundation. With a mission to strengthen these Nebraska communities, the foundation provides community-focused grants to eligible charitable organizations in its service area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Lincoln, Nebraska can receive unrestricted funding for environmental and human services programs through the Lawrence Foundation; awards typically range from US $5,000 - US $10,000. This private family foundation supports both program and general operating requests, with no geographic restrictions and openness to reasonable indirect costs.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and other tax-deductible charities in Lincoln and Lancaster County can receive flexible funding for operations, programs, or capital projects across arts, education, environment, health, and human services, up to US $20,000. With a mission to strengthen community prosperity, Lincoln Community Foundation prioritizes impact, equity, financial stability, and strong reputations.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Lincoln, Nebraska can seek funding for arts and culture, civic and community projects, education, and human services, including innovative pilots and operational support. Woods Charitable Fund especially welcomes collaborative efforts, programs for refugees and immigrants, and initiatives that build community acceptance and expand opportunities for underrepresented residents; awards up to US $10,000.

Graduating high school seniors and recent graduates from select Kansas counties planning full-time study at colleges, universities, community colleges, or vocational/technical schools in Kansas or Nebraska can apply for the Tom Lynch Educational Scholarship. Greater Salina Community Foundation gives preference to students with financial need or plans to return to their home counties, which may include those studying near Lincoln, Nebraska.

Graduating high school seniors in Macoupin or Montgomery Counties pursuing a STEAM-related degree can apply for the Fred E. Droste Memorial Scholarship from Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln. This higher education scholarship may benefit Lincoln, Nebraska nonprofits that support local students from these Illinois counties headed to college.

Graduating high school seniors planning four-year higher education and needing financial aid can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 for college costs; awards are open nationally, including Lincoln, Nebraska. With a mission to inspire enduring philanthropy, San Diego Foundation provides scholarship support to students who demonstrate community service, financial need, and at least a 3.0 GPA.

Graduating seniors from Lincoln, Morse or downtown San Diego High Schools planning to attend a four-year U.S. university full-time can receive higher education scholarship support through the Lehman Family Scholarship. The San Diego Foundation seeks students with at least a 3.0 GPA, financial need, community involvement, and gives preference to foreign-born children of immigrant parents.

Graduating seniors and past graduates of Lincoln Northeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska can access funding for college or trade/technical education through the Donald & Janice Svehla Family Endowed Scholarship, awarding US $1,200. Grants from Lincoln Community Foundation help eligible students with demonstrated financial need pursue 2- or 4-year nonprofit postsecondary programs.

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

Founded in 1984, we are a 501(c)(3) public charity. Today, we manage more than 1,000 charitable funds, serving as the trusted stewards for more than $390 million in assets.

Our Community Investment team works with local nonprofits, schools and community leaders to identify gaps, assess critical needs and explore opportunities and possibilities. Our Philanthropy team works with individuals, families, advisors, businesses, and nonprofits, offering deep and broad experience and expertise in philanthropic strategy, charitable and organizational endowments, and legacy planning.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation manages one of the state's largest scholarship programs, awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships to local students each year. If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, it's likely we have a scholarship that can help you achieve your dream.

Mark Bielen Scholarship

Awarded to a graduating senior of an accredited high school in Minnehaha or Lincoln County in South Dakota.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Lincoln, Nebraska students pursuing medical or paramedical degrees can access funding through Samaritan Health Services’ Mary Decker Scholarship. This scholarship supports higher education and professional medical training at accredited schools, helping develop future doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health professionals. Awards are US $1,500 for qualified applicants.

Students and current medical providers pursuing nursing, diagnostic imaging, laboratory sciences, or related medical and technical training can receive tuition support through this scholarship, including applicants from Lincoln, Nebraska. Samaritan Health Services’ North Lincoln Hospital Foundation Medical Training Scholarship offers up to US $1,500 for certification programs or degree studies in health care fields.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Older adult learners pursuing registered nursing education can receive up to US $3,000 for tuition and training through a scholarship from Samaritan Health Services, serving students from Lincoln County, Oregon. Individuals with prior military or medical experience may receive preference, and recipients agree to seek nursing employment within the Samaritan system after graduation.

Nonprofits, government agencies, educational institutions, and tribal entities in Lincoln, Nebraska can apply for Community Health Endowment’s CHE Grant to support health-related projects and operating costs. Funding can back programs improving access to healthcare, healthy food, and mental health services, as well as facility improvements and equipment that enhance community health services.

Women pursuing midwifery or doula education can receive up to US $1,000 for training, certification, or licensing through the Jeanne Hazleton Scholarship from Samaritan Health Services. Focused on medical education and professional training, it supports students with primary residence ties to Benton, Linn, or Lincoln counties who are enrolled in accredited programs.