Best Grants for Environmental Projects in Nebraska

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities working on environmental projects can access funding through the Ethel S. Abbott Charitable Foundation to support programs that benefit Nebraskans. The foundation also considers related efforts in education, arts, human services, wellness, and sports that positively impact local communities.

Environmental organizations and other eligible applicants in Nebraska can seek funding for projects that deliver clear public environmental benefits, including habitat, water, waste, air quality, and soil management initiatives. Grants from Nebraska Environmental Trust help Nebraska environment-focused projects with technically and financially feasible work, often reimbursing expenses over up to three years and encouraging, but not requiring, matching funds.

Doctoral candidates at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities conducting Smithsonian-based environmental or related research can receive up to US $50,000, including stipend and research allowance. The Smithsonian Institution provides Nebraska-focused environment and ecology scholars with 3–12 month fellowships that may support fieldwork, dissertation research, or other projects tied to the listed disciplines.

Recent graduates in conservation-related fields seeking hands-on ecological and land management experience in Nebraska can apply for the Claire M. Hubbard Young Leaders in Conservation Fellowship, with awards up to US $27,300. This one-year program from The Nature Conservancy supports early-career leaders working on environmental and habitat projects at the Platte River Prairies Preserve.

Nebraska environmental nonprofits, public agencies, and schools can seek funding for program or general operating support, as well as technology, staff, advocacy, and capacity building. Focused on arts, civic engagement, education, environment, human services, and humanities, Cooper Foundation prioritizes organizations based in and serving Lincoln and Lancaster County, with broader Nebraska projects considered when meeting its priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Nebraska working on conservation, environment, early childhood education, family empowerment, or health can seek capital or special project funding through the James M Cox Foundation. Grants from James M Cox Foundation help communities where Cox Enterprises operates, with Nebraska applicants outside metro Atlanta needing a local Cox manager endorsement letter.

Nonprofits, charities, municipalities, Indigenous groups, and foundations near TC Energy operations in Nebraska can seek US $2,500 - US $25,000 for safety, education, environment, or resilient communities projects. Focused on community impact, TC Energy Foundation invites environmental initiatives that address local needs, promote equity, and demonstrate measurable results.

Researchers and potential authors conducting natural history and environmental research in western North America, including Nebraska, can receive up to US $2,500 for travel, supplies, student wages, and other justifiable costs. Western North American Naturalist especially encourages applicants from higher education institutions where research is possible but not the primary focus.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and IRS-recognized tribes working in environmental science, STEM education, or human services can seek project funding that advances people and planet. Grants from Change Happens Foundation help organizations nationwide, including those in Nebraska, pursue environmental conservation, climate resilience, and related educational initiatives.

Environmental nonprofits, public schools, and qualified local government entities near Georgia-Pacific manufacturing communities can seek support for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects in Nebraska. Grants from Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritize organizations within 30 miles of a GP facility that strengthen long-term community well-being and sustainability.

Nebraska environmental organizations can access funding through the James C Stewart Charitable Foundation to support nature and environmental projects, alongside related community and public benefit work. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits; grants are approximately US $10,000 and may also cover education, health, human services, arts, and other charitable programs.

Wabtec Foundation provides Nebraska environmental nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support local projects in communities where Wabtec operates. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must be nondiscriminatory and show measurable results; programs that engage local Wabtec employees and address environmental stewardship, pollution reduction, or natural resource management may be especially competitive.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) public charities and other tax-deductible organizations can seek flexible funding for environmental operations, programs, or capital projects serving Lincoln/Lancaster County, with awards up to US $20,000. Lincoln Community Foundation also supports related work in areas like community improvement, youth, health, and human services that advance local prosperity and equity.

Nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit innovators with early-stage projects in environment, heritage conservation, or social justice can receive up to US $175,000 in flexible, three-year funding. The J.M. Kaplan Fund provides U.S. organizations, including those in Nebraska, with seed capital and capacity-building support to pilot game-changing environmental and social innovation projects.

Environmental and conservation-focused nonprofits, especially those based in Michigan, can apply for more than US $250,000 from the Towsley Foundation for program, capital, or educational conference projects. Focused on environment alongside education and community needs, the foundation also considers national projects, so Nebraska environmental organizations may be eligible if they align with its priorities.

Nebraska environmental nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations working on nature and environmental initiatives may be eligible for support, including general operating or project grants. The Goodnow Fund primarily backs tax-exempt organizations, with a particular focus on Fairfield County, Connecticut, and identifies and contacts prospective grantees directly rather than accepting unsolicited proposals.

Municipal, religious, charitable, benevolent, and educational organizations in Nebraska can apply for the Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust’s project-based community grants to support work in areas such as environment, education, health, human services, arts, and religion. Eligible environmental projects may be funded alongside other community-focused initiatives.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, housing, jobs, hunger, or environmental initiatives can seek sponsorship support to advance economic mobility and social progress. With a mission to strengthen communities, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides regional U.S. sponsorships for programs in basic needs, workforce development, arts and culture, environmental projects, and diversity and inclusion.

Students pursuing environmental science, biology, engineering, or related physical sciences in Nebraska can access funding through the RTK Scholars Program, which provides US $1,500 for science and environmental studies education. RTK Environmental Group offers this annual essay-based scholarship to U.S. citizens or legal residents enrolled in accredited schools with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Nonprofit organizations running STEM education or food access and nutrition programs in the U.S., including Nebraska, may be eligible for support that advances health and educational equity. Focused on food as health and building STEM foundations, Takeda invites community-based initiatives to strengthen K–12 math and science pathways and expand access to healthy, affordable food.

The Sorenson Legacy Foundation Grant aims to improve lives through support for education, health care, community development, and innovation. Established by James and Beverley Sorenson, the foundation focuses on enhancing art education, medical technologies, and community assistance in Utah. It prioritizes projects that foster artistic growth, promote innovative solutions, and address health care challenges while aiding vulnerable populations. The foundation's commitment to enriching lives reflects a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and community engagement.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a Princeton, New Jersey-based endowment fund providing grants to individuals, young adults who volunteer or intern for progressive social action projects or programs in an area of their interest and commitment. The Amy Adina Fund also sponsors a lecture each year on a relevant and timely topic related to its educational mission.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund was started in 1987 one year after Amy Adina, 20, died suddenly while a student and activist at Rutgers University. It is a realization of her family and her communities’ desire to celebrate her life, to fulfill her dreams and her potential. Since its inception, almost 1,500 grants have been awarded for work in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States—nearly $1,000,000 in total. The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

About Our Grants

Small grants (depending on length of service), are awarded to as many applicants as possible rather than giving larger amounts to fewer individuals. The number of awards has grown each year thanks to annual contributions as well as to gifts sent to the Fund to honor special occasions and life cycle events.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) invites U.S. researchers to apply for Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (DDRIGs) in Arctic Sciences. This initiative aims to support innovative research that enhances understanding of the Arctic's changing environment and cultural systems. The program seeks to foster early career scientists and strengthen STEM workforce development, while also promoting collaboration across federal and international partners to advance Arctic research and logistical capabilities.

The Bernie Bahr Forestry and Natural Resources Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $1,000 grant to undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related fields. Eligible applicants must have completed at least two years of college and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to graduates from specific high schools in Missouri. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to environmental and natural resource management.

The FY 2026 Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program invites applications for research in various domains, including Advanced Scientific Computing and Biological Research. This ongoing opportunity from the Department of Energy will remain available until September 30, 2026. Eligible projects must align with SC's mission, supporting innovative research that advances scientific knowledge and energy solutions.

The Leland J. and Dorothy H. Olson Charitable Foundation aims to transform lives in Omaha, NE, and Stanwood, WA, through impactful grants. Focused on education, family support, health initiatives, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to address local needs by funding projects that foster community well-being. With an annual funding cycle, they are committed to awarding grants in various amounts to support essential programs that enhance the quality of life for residents in these areas.

The Sensata Foundation, established in 2017, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting community development and STEM education across the U.S. With a focus on improving access to STEM resources and empowering youth, the Foundation partners with nonprofits to address food insecurity, homelessness, and environmental sustainability. By fostering community partnerships and providing financial support, Sensata Foundation aims to inspire future leaders and enhance the quality of life for all, particularly in underserved areas.