Best Grants for Science Research in Nebraska

With a mission to strengthen communities, US Bancorp Foundation provides Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture. Organizations based in and serving Nebraska U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and advancing equity, may be eligible to support related science or STEM-focused initiatives.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary support from Costco Foundation. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, the funder provides grants for evidence-based programs with measurable outcomes, which may benefit organizations conducting biology or health-related science research that serves local communities.

Nebraska science research nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and innovative approaches to social problems can seek support for human services–related work. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites smaller or evolving organizations to propose new ways of addressing societal issues, which may include research-driven solutions in biology, health, environment, or related fields.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting youth-focused scientific or environmental programs in Nebraska and beyond can receive support for research, education, and enrichment activities. The Dan Paul Foundation provides up to US $15,000 for projects advancing children’s health, education, development, and welfare, including science endeavors, clean air and water, and related youth initiatives.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation’s support, with awards up to US $300,000 over three years. Ventures in Africa, Europe, India, the U.S., and select regions that use scalable, systems-based models may benefit, including those with science-based approaches in Nebraska.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology to address education, economic empowerment, crisis response, or climate resilience can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, including organizations in Nebraska. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities scale innovative, early-stage solutions, with awards up to US $100,000 and a year-round LOI-based application process.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Nebraska can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, and K–12 or higher education, including STEM-focused efforts.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting health, education, or community programs in Nebraska can receive funding for healthcare access, STEM education, food pantries, and related services. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support to U.S.-based charities, and science research initiatives connected to health, preventative care, or STEM education may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations supporting education, health, civic projects, culture, or conservation in Nebraska communities served by NorthWestern Energy can access funding for programs, equipment, or facility improvements. NorthWestern Energy provides Nebraska nonprofits with Community Works grants, with local committees reviewing 501(c)(3) and 170(c)(2) applicants on a rolling, quarterly basis.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, science education, community, environmental, or arts initiatives, including those connected to science learning and outreach in Nebraska, can seek philanthropic support to expand high-quality, innovative projects. With a mission to strengthen communities worldwide, La Roche provides flexible funding that may benefit organizations complementing scientific research, STEM education, or community health efforts.

Nebraska science research organizations and nonprofits focused on health, education, or humanitarian needs can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for projects serving marginalized or vulnerable communities. This global funder supports work in areas like health care access, disease, child welfare, and literacy, and Nebraska-based efforts may be eligible within its broader U.S. and international portfolio.

Nebraska science research and education nonprofits can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust to support charitable, scientific, medical, and educational programs conducted in the U.S. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, tax-exempt under federal (and where applicable, California) law, seeking support for well-managed projects with broad impact and public benefit.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community-focused programs can apply for sponsorship funding to advance economic mobility and social progress. Grants from Bank Of America Charitable Foundation help organizations address housing, hunger, workforce development, community development, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, and diversity and inclusion, which may benefit science-related outreach or education efforts.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations seeking to tell the impact of their work can use this grant to fund storytelling projects. With a mission to support preservation, education, and wellness, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides Nebraska science and conservation organizations with more than US $50,000 to share their community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting education, health, environmental, or related humanitarian programs in Nebraska and the broader Southern region can apply for Robinson Foundation support. Focused on relief of hardship, the foundation invites established organizations (3+ years) seeking single-year program funding in areas like medical assistance, poverty relief, disaster response, and nature or wildlife conservation.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding projects can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. These flexible grants may benefit science-related or research-based initiatives that advance environmental understanding, community well-being, or broader social impact within the state.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities near Georgia-Pacific manufacturing communities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, environmental, and community enrichment projects. Focused on strengthening GP communities, the Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites Nebraska science and research programs located within 30 miles of an eligible facility to apply.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. Grants from TJX Foundation help organizations serving vulnerable children and families, including those whose work intersects with health or science-related services and research support.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries can receive unrestricted support for environmental, human services, or related programs, including operating or project costs. Lawrence Foundation provides U.S. organizations with grants typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000, which may benefit science and earth science research efforts within its environmental priorities.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including those in Nebraska, can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs and facilities. Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports museums, cultural and performing arts, schools and hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, environmental and wildlife efforts, and education initiatives that may include science-related activities.

Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven programs, including hunger relief, housing, workforce readiness, and cultural enrichment. Nebraska organizations that meet these focus areas, demonstrate measurable outcomes and financial stability, and can engage Ameriprise volunteers may be competitive applicants.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for education, health care, social services, environmental, or civic and cultural programs can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation. U.S.-based organizations may request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project funding, with a required online LOI and annual application cycle.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

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.

Nebraska science research organizations that are 501(c)(3) nonprofits or similar entities working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant can access funding through Gupta Family Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Eligible smaller organizations operate in select countries, including the U.S., and focus on poverty, disability, social services, or disaster relief.