Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Nebraska

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations in the greater Chicago area can seek McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs. Grants from McGraw Foundation help Nebraska nonprofits exploring national funders understand this invitation-only opportunity, typically ranging from US $2,000 - US $10,000 for operating, project, or occasional capital needs.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related research, the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship may benefit Nebraska-based students whose work supports safer drinking water and public health protection.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community events or seeking general operating support in Nebraska can request unrestricted community sponsorships that align with seven FNBO focus areas, from affordable housing to arts and culture. Focused on community development and financial well-being, First National Bank of Omaha reviews sponsorship requests monthly across its Nebraska service communities.

Nebraska nonprofit organizations planning capital campaigns or major facility projects can apply for First National Bank of Omaha’s capital or major donations, supporting specific building, renovation, or other large initiatives. Eligible projects must advance community priorities such as affordable housing, community health, education and workforce development, entrepreneurship, environmental stability, or access to arts and culture in FNBO service areas.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, and Tribes in Nebraska can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve environmental quality and farm operations. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service supports projects that enhance soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, energy efficiency, and climate resilience through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for economic advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for the Community Possible Grant Program. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities address work, home, and play, with priority for groups led by people of color and advancing equity.

Agricultural producers and private forest landowners in Nebraska can apply for the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Conservation Stewardship Program to receive financial and technical assistance for conservation practices on working lands. Eligible applicants include individuals, legal entities, joint operations, and Tribes seeking to improve soil, water, wildlife habitat, and overall environmental stewardship on their operations.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building for projects primarily benefiting communities on the Union Pacific service map, with strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit organizations and local government units serving Wakefield, Nebraska can seek funding for community projects in areas like arts and culture, civic improvement, education, environment, health, and human services. Siouxland Community Foundation’s Wakefield Community Foundation Grant offers up to US $1,000 with a required 50% match for initiatives that enhance quality of life and address local needs.

Nonprofit organizations serving women and children with self-sufficiency, humanitarian aid, or child welfare programs in Nebraska can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation. This U.S.-based funder supports projects such as homelessness services, education, food security, microfinance, health care, and anti-human trafficking, with awards up to US $750,000 for scalable, sustainable initiatives.

Nebraska nonprofit organizations planning AmeriCorps programs can receive up to US $75,000 for program design and operational capacity-building, not for general operating expenses. ServeNebraska supports evidence-based, high-impact service initiatives across areas like education, public health, housing, and economic development, providing training and technical assistance to help grantees prepare for future AmeriCorps operational grants.

Nebraska nonprofits and eligible educational or religious organizations providing community services can seek monetary or in-kind support for social equity, education, climate and food security, or mental health initiatives. Nebraska nonprofit organizations can access funding through The Caesars Foundation’s regional and property giving program when their work aligns with these strategic community impact areas.

Nonprofit, faith-based, Tribal organizations, and community partnerships in Nebraska can apply for AmeriCorps funding to engage members in evidence-based service projects addressing educational, economic, environmental, health, veterans, and disaster response needs. Focused on community-strengthening service, these grants may benefit organizations tackling poverty, racial equity, climate, public health, and related priorities.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Nebraska conducting small-scale biomedical research can receive up to US $375,000 to expand research opportunities for students and strengthen their research environment. The National Institutes of Health supports projects in areas such as public health, neuroscience, genetics, cancer, HIV/AIDS, mental health, and related biomedical fields at institutions with limited prior NIH funding.

Recent graduates in conservation-related fields in Nebraska can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Claire M. Hubbard Young Leaders in Conservation Fellowship, with awards up to US $27,300 for a one-year, hands-on experience. This fellowship supports early-career leaders in ecology, habitat restoration, fire ecology, and natural resources management at the Platte River Prairies Preserve.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country academic or research institutions conducting clinical trials can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 in support. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Nebraska-connected nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators advance cancer, cardiovascular, mental health, environmental health, and related research programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities in Nebraska’s Greater Omaha metro area that benefit Iowa residents can apply for Iowa West Foundation’s program, operating, capital, or launch grants to strengthen communities. Funding can support initiatives in areas like family services, housing, workforce readiness, education, and community well-being, with LOIs accepted year-round.

About CommonSpirit

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At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries, including those with Nebraska partnerships, can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health. Awards of approximately US $140,000 support three to five years of mentored health-related research and career development aligned with their country’s health priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Nebraska seeking support for education-focused or youth-serving programs can apply for US $5,000 - US $20,000 from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Funding may also assist arts and culture, community initiatives, environmental education, disabilities access, and historic preservation projects, with a strong preference for new or enhanced programs.

Nebraska organizations planning health-related congresses, events, or similar initiatives that offer tangible sponsorship benefits can seek funding to support their activities. Biogen Foundation provides corporate sponsorships for programs in areas such as neurological diseases, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and related conditions, with decisions based on fit, event details, and geographic location.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

The Data Center Community Grants Program (US-CBF) supports nonprofit organizations that enhance their local communities surrounding Google data centers. Funding is available for projects focused on education, economic opportunity, bridging the digital divide, sustainability, health, and arts. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, prioritizing measurable community benefits and innovative approaches. Eligible projects must demonstrate long-term impact, while operational expenses are generally ineligible. This initiative aims to empower underserved groups and foster collaboration within local ecosystems.

The FNBO Impact Grant Program aims to empower nonprofit organizations that eliminate barriers to economic and social opportunities. Focusing on Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, and Financial Literacy, this initiative supports projects that enhance community well-being and promote personal economic self-sufficiency. While the 2025 grant cycle is closed, interested applicants should check back in early 2026 for updates on future funding opportunities.

The Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grants Fund supports innovative waste management projects in Nebraska. By funding recycling systems, market development for recyclable materials, and composting initiatives, it aims to enhance sustainability and reduce waste. This program also oversees the Scrap Tire Management Grant, promoting environmentally sound practices. With a focus on integrated solutions, these grants empower communities to implement effective waste reduction strategies and foster a circular economy.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.