Best Grants for Youth Programs in Nebraska

Nebraska youth and family-serving nonprofits focused on education, health, safety, or children can access funding through Encova Foundation of West Virginia to support community programs. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based charitable organizations with a verifiable tax ID, with preference for those engaging Encova associates as volunteers, board members, or partners.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools serving youth and families in Nebraska and other Denver-region states can seek program support in health and human services, hunger, youth and education, veterans, and inclusion. The Albertsons Companies Foundation typically awards US $500 - US $5,000 to first-time grantees, with quarterly reviews and potential for larger renewals.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) public charities running programs for economically deprived children can seek US $1,000 - US $5,000 to provide basic necessities and joyful extras like Christmas gifts. With a mission to support central Nebraska children, Benjamin A. Black Charitable Trust for Children funds education, health, and human services programs, with a preference for the Grand Island area.

Youth-serving librarians in accredited Nebraska public or institutional libraries can apply for Nebraska Library Commission’s Youth Grants for Excellence to launch or expand youth reading and literacy programs. Projects must include at least one youth program or event and require a 25% local match, with at least 10% provided as a cash contribution.

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.

ServeNebraska provides Nebraska youth-serving and community organizations with AmeriCorps funding to run evidence-based service programs that strengthen local communities. Eligible groups engage AmeriCorps members in interventions addressing youth services, education, public health, workforce readiness, poverty, environmental stewardship, and related community needs, with training and technical assistance available for AmeriCorps programming.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

Nebraska youth-serving organizations focused on K–12 truancy prevention and intervention can seek up to US $115,000 to implement and operate community-based programs in Nebraska. Focused on youth services, the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice invites applicants addressing excessive absences and preventing juvenile system involvement to apply; funded programs must report data through JCMS.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits serving youth battling illness in Nebraska can receive US $25,000 - US $65,000 annually to build or expand gaming programs. The Joy in Childhood Foundation funds equipment, staffing, systems, connectivity, and virtual programming that engage pediatric and teen patients through bedside and remote play.

Children’s hospitals and general hospitals with pediatric departments in Nebraska can receive US $20,000 - US $50,000 to host prom-like experiences for teen patients ages 13–19 who cannot attend their own prom due to illness. Joy in Childhood Foundation funds event space, food, entertainment, formal wear, and related prom-night needs.

Nonprofit organizations in Nebraska serving teens and young adults’ mental health and well-being can apply for AE Foundation Community Grants, with awards up to US $10,000. Grants from AE Foundation help U.S. and Canadian youth programs fund projects that support authenticity, resilience, and a better future within 12 months of receiving funding.

U.S. charitable organizations running direct-service programs for children and young adults, including youth services in Nebraska, can apply for project funding from the Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation. Grants support initiatives that deliver immediate, measurable benefits within nine months in areas like youth services, children’s health, mental health, disabilities, housing, and educational access, with all funds used in the U.S.

Nebraska youth-serving nonprofits, health providers, and community groups can access funding for healthcare, patient care, advocacy, civic projects, disaster relief, and children’s programs. Nebraska youth programs can access funding through BioMarin for initiatives related to rare diseases, child health, and community relations in the North American region; requests are accepted year-round.

Nebraska youth programs focused on food access, nutrition education, and Indigenous food justice can access funding through Newmans Own Foundation’s Hunger to Health Collaboratory 2026 Prizes for Innovation. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Tribes, public schools, and school districts may receive up to US $100,000 for community-driven projects improving kids’ healthy eating and school meal experiences.

Nebraska youth programs and 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, health, or arts can access funding through the Joan M Wismer Foundation, with awards of US $2,500 - US $25,000. Eligible applicants include established nonprofits, schools, state governments, and churches with active, fiscally responsible boards and plans for future funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting offenders or former offenders, victims of crime, and underserved youth in Nebraska may be eligible for youth services funding through the CoreCivic Foundation, which supports programs across the U.S. CoreCivic Foundation supports youth services in Nebraska by prioritizing measurable outcomes and alignment with its mission, with preference for organizations working within Tennessee.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Nebraska seeking support for arts, education, health care innovations, or programs for at-risk youth can apply for grants that improve people’s lives. Hays Foundation supports youth services alongside economic achievement, making Nebraska youth programs that foster discipline, ambition, and commitment to goals potential candidates.

U.S.-based nonprofits supporting youth-led or youth-focused climate and justice projects, including those serving Nebraska, can seek US $200 - US $20,000 for grassroots initiatives. Earth Rising Foundation funds work on Indigenous sovereignty, climate-resilient agriculture, environmental justice, future-focused visioning, and youth climate activism, as long as awards are disbursed through an existing U.S. nonprofit.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on youth services, children’s health, or social enhancement programs in Nebraska can apply for The Robert B Mcmillen Foundation’s annual grants program. Funding supports efforts that build a more equitable, just, and thriving society, with preference for child-focused initiatives and smaller “underdog” charities; medical research projects may also be eligible.

The Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation Grant aims to support education, scientific research, and spiritual ministries through voluntary grants. Focused on enhancing the welfare and quality of life for children and youth, this foundation perpetuates the charitable intentions of the Jordan family. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that align with these values and objectives, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

Mildred's Dream Foundation Grant provides vital support to community-based non-profit organizations focused on Education, Domestic Violence, and Physical or Mental Health Challenges. With grants up to $25,000, the foundation aims to honor Mildred's commitment to improving lives and creating a better world. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits providing direct services in these areas. Notably, the foundation excludes funding for certain institutions, ensuring resources are directed to those genuinely in need.

The Josh Dubin Fellowship, launched in January 2022 by the Shawn Carter Foundation, is a seven-week paid program designed for five exceptional students interested in the legal field. This immersive experience includes mentorship from legal professionals, direct involvement in case analysis, and off-site visits to courtrooms. Fellows not only gain invaluable insights into legal practices but also receive additional scholarship support for their educational pursuits, empowering them to overcome socio-economic barriers and achieve their dreams.

The Eleanor & Henry Jansen Foundation, established in 1998, supports nonprofit organizations in Whatcom County, focusing on youth programs. The foundation encourages proposals that directly impact the community and emphasizes the importance of a substantial volunteer base. Special consideration is given to projects that were significant to Eleanor and Henry Jansen. Applicants are encouraged to seek matching funds from multiple sources, with priority given to youth-serving initiatives.

The Dr. Chao-ying & Sue Wu Early Learning Scholarship, established by the Chuckanut Health Foundation in 2022, honors the vital contributions of Dr. Chao-ying and Sue Wu to the health and education of Whatcom youth. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers for local students pursuing careers in early learning, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to investing in community potential and fostering opportunities for future generations.

The BTCF: Simple Gifts Fund Grant supports young artists aged 13-19 in the Berkshire Taconic region, providing financial assistance for summer enrichment programs in the arts. Established in 1998 in memory of folk singer Bill Crofut, the fund aims to empower youth through small grants that can cover costs for tuition, art supplies, or living expenses. The grant fosters creativity and personal growth, ensuring that young individuals have opportunities to pursue their passions.