Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in Nebraska

Nebraska 501(c)(3) public charities, units of government, public universities, and K–12 schools can seek program or general operating support, plus technology, staff, advocacy, and capacity building needs. Cooper Foundation supports arts, education, environment, human services, humanities, and civic and community engagement organizations, prioritizing those based in and serving Lincoln and Lancaster County, with quarterly grant cycles.

501(c)(3) organizations in Nebraska focused on public pre-K–12 education, human services, community programs, or aviation/STEM initiatives can apply for the Duncan Family Trust’s Duncan Aviation Family Trust Grant. Funding prioritizes groups in Lincoln and surrounding communities that enhance education, meet basic needs, and build interest in aviation careers and STEM activities.

With a mission to support community-focused programs, Ethel S. Abbott Charitable Foundation provides Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities with funding for education, arts, environment, human services, wellness, and sports initiatives. Eligible applicants must operate in Nebraska or clearly benefit Nebraskans and should begin by submitting the online grant interest form.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project-based support can apply for grants that fund specific, time-limited efforts benefiting disadvantaged and vulnerable residents. Nebraska organizations can access funding through Hirschfeld Family Foundation, which prioritizes efficient, community-involved initiatives, with particular preference for applicants based in central and western parts of the state.

Focused on community health, Nebraska Medical Center invites Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations to request support for programs serving underserved or vulnerable populations and patient needs. Eligible nonprofits in specified counties may receive funding for cancer, mental health, nutrition, physical activity, prenatal health, and infant mortality initiatives, with priority for current community health improvement efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Nebraska communities served by NorthWestern Energy can receive support for education, health and human services, civic projects, culture and the arts, and resource conservation. NorthWestern Energy provides Nebraska nonprofits with monetary donations, generally favoring program, equipment, or facility improvement requests over overhead expenses.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities can access funding for charitable, scientific, cultural, religious, or educational activities through the Robert B. Daugherty Foundation. Preference goes to projects using funds in Nebraska, especially greater Omaha, with support available for one-time, multi-year, program, capital, and challenge or matching grants.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities can seek program, capital campaign, or matching support for charitable, scientific, cultural, religious, or educational activities, with preference for the greater Omaha area. Robert B. Daugherty Foundation looks for strong leadership, diversified income, community backing, and sound operations in proposed projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Nebraska can receive more than US $10,000 to support basic needs, healthcare, education, arts, and services for veterans, first responders, and people with disabilities. The Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation prioritizes rural and local communities served by Pinnacle Bank, Bank of Colorado, and related Dinsdale companies.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, health care, education, civic projects, or first responder support in Boone County can access funding through Valero Energy Foundation. Grants focus on communities near Valero operations, so eligible nonprofits should submit all funding requests for the calendar year at the same time.

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.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) and other qualifying nonprofits can seek funding for agricultural education, hunger and nutrition, and rural disaster relief or essential services, with awards up to US $25,000. Focused on strengthening rural communities, Farm Credit Services of America supports projects like food pantries, ag classrooms, community ag facilities, first responder equipment, and disaster response initiatives.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on health, education, or recreation can seek community project support in Pilger, Creighton, Deshler, Lincoln, Norfolk, Pierce, Plainview, Wisner, and York. Jim B. & Lillian F. Cooper Foundation funds charitable organizations serving these Midwest Bank communities through its Community Grants program.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations and groups using a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent can seek funding for education, arts, healthcare, and community improvement projects in western Nebraska. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Oregon Trail Community Foundation supports eligible public, tax-exempt projects benefiting residents of Kimball, Morrill, and Scotts Bluff Counties.

Nebraska and Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on financial literacy or employment readiness can receive up to US $5,000 in general operating support to help individuals become more financially stable. Organizations in eligible Nebraska counties may benefit from Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s preference for proven, data-driven, collaborative, and financially healthy programs.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

The Burlington Capital Foundation focuses on community-driven initiatives with significant impacts in Nebraska and Iowa, particularly in the areas of Military/Veteran support, senior communities, education, and the arts. They encourage applications from local organizations and those with national reach that can benefit these regions. Grant requests should be submitted at least one week before scheduled committee meetings, which occur quarterly.

With a mission to support innovative community projects, University of Nebraska Foundation provides Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits and University of Nebraska departments with approximately US $100,000 for bold, urgent initiatives. Eligible applicants can propose projects on any issue important to Nebraskans, including collaborative efforts between nonprofits and university units.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Lincoln community can seek Woods Charitable Fund support for arts and culture, civic and community initiatives, education, and human services, including pilot projects and operational needs. Grants up to US $10,000 favor collaborative efforts, coalition-building, and programs that expand opportunities, especially for underrepresented residents, refugees, immigrants, and New Americans.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving seniors, advancing community health, or supporting ELCA congregations can access funding through Immanuel Community Vision Foundation, with awards up to US $75,000. Eligible projects must benefit Nebraska or select Iowa counties and demonstrate strong leadership, clear plans, and diversified funding beyond this grant.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) colleges, universities, and professional educational associations can seek funding for innovative programs that expand educational opportunities for women. Monticello College Foundation provides Midwestern organizations with single-year support for projects serving women’s education, with preference for private institutions in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.

The Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) charitable organizations running health, human services, education, youth development, community betterment, or food insecurity programs can apply for flexible project funding; awards have no set size limit. With a mission to support communities where employees live and work, W R Berkley Corporation Charitable Foundation reviews requests twice yearly through CWG.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) arts organizations and eligible public or tribal entities can access funding for touring artist projects, covering a portion of artist fees for public performances and outreach events. Through the Regional Touring Program from Mid-America Arts Alliance, grantees may receive up to US $5,000 per project, with potential rural and roster-artist bonuses.

Established 501(c)(3) organizations in Nebraska offering youth cultural education programs can apply for more than US $20,000 in program-focused funding. Focused on arts and educational enrichment, Omaha Community Foundation’s Jetton Charitable Fund supports large-scale youth engagement in performing and visual arts, natural science, technology, zoological, botanical, and historical programs, primarily serving the Omaha metropolitan area.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations running civic education, public policy, or democracy-focused programs can access funding through Hatton W Sumners Foundation For The Study & Teaching Of Sci Self Govt. Grants support civic engagement activities, teacher training on democratic principles, and programs that educate current and future leaders about American self-government.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits with substantial programs or capital campaigns in arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, or community and economic development can seek program or capital funding, typically US $15,000 - US $100,000. Eligible organizations must primarily serve the greater Omaha area and meet Pacific Life Foundation’s size and experience requirements.