Best Literacy Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

Nebraska nonprofits, schools, and public agencies offering K–12 financial literacy or driver education programs can apply for US $5,000 - US $15,000 to support curriculum, scholarships, or related needs. The Auto Club Group Foundation also funds traffic safety initiatives, including passive speed enforcement equipment, for eligible organizations within its 14-state footprint and two U.S. territories.

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 programs. Organizations serving Nebraska communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple “work, home, and play” pillars, may be eligible to apply.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Nebraska that support children, education, or health and human services can seek program funding through Costco Foundation’s charitable contributions. With a mission to strengthen communities, Costco Foundation provides monetary support for evidence-based, community-driven programs, which may include literacy initiatives that fit within its child- and education-focused priorities.

501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting youth health, education, development, and welfare can receive up to US $15,000 for direct-service programs, including those in Nebraska. The Dan Paul Foundation funds initiatives such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, and environmental education, which may include literacy components within broader youth enrichment efforts.

Early-stage nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations in Nebraska working on scalable social or environmental solutions can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation support; awards up to US $300,000 over three years for capacity, capital, and community. Literacy-focused initiatives serving underserved populations may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s growth, impact, and geographic criteria.

Nebraska arts and cultural nonprofits with U.S.-based 501(c)(3) status and audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and science programming, capital projects, or limited general support. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes arts education, artist development, and STEAM programs, which may benefit organizations advancing literacy-related learning.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits and equivalent charities working in health, education, or community services can seek funding for healthcare access, food pantries, STEM education, and related programs. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support to U.S.-based organizations, which may include literacy efforts connected to education and community well-being, with requests reviewed in March and September.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or arts projects in Nebraska and worldwide can seek philanthropic support to advance sustainable development and community well-being. With a mission to strengthen communities, La Roche provides nonprofits with funding for high-quality initiatives that may include literacy-related youth education and community programs when managed through the appropriate in-country affiliate.

Nebraska literacy nonprofits and other human services organizations can access funding through the Semnani Family Foundation to support education, health, and humanitarian programs for marginalized communities. This global funder backs initiatives such as literacy, child welfare, health care access, and disaster relief in the U.S. and selected countries, prioritizing society’s most vulnerable.

Nebraska literacy and education nonprofits can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust to support charitable, scientific, medical, and educational programs serving U.S. communities. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations with tax-exempt status whose projects operate within the U.S., including Nebraska-based initiatives that improve reading, writing, and broader educational outcomes.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years can seek single-year funding for education, youth, family, poverty relief, or related services from the Robinson Foundation. Nebraska literacy nonprofits may be eligible if they serve communities below the Mason-Dixon line and can demonstrate fiscally responsible operations and tangible, meaningful impact.

Nebraska literacy and workforce nonprofits focused on financial literacy or employment readiness can access funding through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, with awards up to US $5,000 in Veridian Credit Union’s service area. General operating support helps 501(c)(3) organizations address barriers to financial stability for residents in eligible Iowa and Nebraska counties.

Nebraska literacy and education nonprofits can access funding through Dudley T Dougherty Foundation to support programs that advance community services, peacebuilding, and environmental stewardship. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations working to improve reading, writing, and related community outcomes may be competitive for support under this broad, future-focused mission.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, environmental, and community enrichment programs in communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Focused on strengthening local well-being and sustainability, the Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites eligible groups, including those with literacy initiatives, to apply if they are within 30 miles of a qualifying manufacturing community.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit organizations in Nebraska working on literacy, education, youth, or related community programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support their work. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports U.S.-based IRS-qualified nonprofits, including schools, museums, cultural programs, skills training, and community-based services that benefit youth, seniors, and people with disabilities.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can receive funding from Ameriprise Financial to support hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and community development programs. Nebraska organizations with strong Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteer engagement may be especially competitive, including those pairing literacy or life-skills education with economic stability efforts.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking program support in education, social services, health care, civic or cultural work, or environmental initiatives can apply for Dr Scholl Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Literacy-focused organizations whose work fits these categories may be eligible; funding is for one-year projects, with one application per organization each grant cycle.

With a mission to support preservation, education, and wellness, the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profits with funding over US $50,000 to tell their impact stories. Nebraska literacy and education organizations whose work fits these pillars may be eligible for the Storytelling Grant.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving literacy and related services can access funding through the O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, general operating, or capital support. U.S.-based community organizations in O’Reilly Auto Parts service areas that address literacy, workforce readiness, economic stability, health, or disaster relief may be eligible if they meet the nondiscrimination requirements.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits and independent emergency response organizations can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 to support safety, workforce development, community vitality, environmental sustainability, and related literacy or youth education initiatives. Grants from Union Pacific Foundation help programs in Union Pacific–served communities deliver direct services, build organizational capacity, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented residents.

Nonprofit organizations in Nebraska with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing social issues may be eligible for recognition and funding through the Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners, which can include literacy-focused initiatives that measurably improve lives and communities.

Nebraska literacy nonprofits and other human and social service organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can access funding through Gupta Family Foundation for program support or humanitarian relief, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Eligible applicants are typically smaller 501(c)(3) organizations or qualified foreign entities operating in select countries, including the U.S.

Omaha Community Foundation

The Foundation was created in 1982, first functioning primarily as a charitable bank for Omaha and Southwest Iowa philanthropists. Since then, our community knowledge has grown, programming has expanded, partnerships have been forged, and the Omaha Community Foundation has become a regional thought leader in philanthropy and community investment.

Our Mission: We maximize the power of philanthropy to strengthen our community.

Donna Kennedy Schatz Foundation Grant

An Early Childhood Development Initiative

Powered by Blue Sage Impact in partnership with OCF, the Donna Kennedy Schatz Foundation was established in Omaha in honor of Mrs. Schatz, a dedicated Omaha resident for more than 75 years.

Programmatic Emphasis

This Foundation is centered on early childhood, defined here as prenatal through 8 years old, in order to support a strong start to life. The Foundation will fund organizations and initiatives that support education, wrap-around services, or ecosystem-level infrastructure. Specifically, the themes of the foundation include:

• Supporting caregiver relationships with children through training, wraparound supports, and engaging experiences. We define caregivers as trusted adults in a child’s life, including parents, extended family and educators.
• Championing high quality early education opportunities that build a strong foundation of literacy and are grounded in the future of learning.
• Elevating intergenerational connections through places and programs that combat the isolation epidemic. We envision these programs to strengthen bonds between older adults and young children.

Target Populations: Marginalized communities of Omaha, Nebraska

Funding Structure: Exploration Grants

Given the dramatically changing funding landscape and trickle-down effects on programs, we are structuring the exploration grants as flexibly as possible: providing resources for “thinking time.” Organizations or partnerships can use this funding to support an exploration or planning process to consider what the future looks like for their program(s).

We will provide 10–15 philanthropic grants ranging from $15,000–$25,000. There is flexibility in the use of funds (e.g., planning retreat; consultant assistance with data/strategy development; general operations for staff time; etc.), whatever would be most helpful to leadership to explore and think through.

Grant period: 6 months to 1 year