Best Financial Assistance Grants in Nebraska

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Nebraska that run programs for children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary support, which may aid financial assistance efforts. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, Costco Foundation provides program-focused grants, considering demonstrated community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit social impact organizations in Nebraska tackling urgent social or environmental problems can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation’s support, with awards up to US $300,000. Funding combines unrestricted capital, intensive capacity-building, and community to help scalable, systems-focused ventures expand solutions for underserved populations.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to tackle education, crisis response, or economic empowerment can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, including in Nebraska, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants support innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled solutions serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round following an initial letter of inquiry.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental agencies in Cairo, Nebraska can seek funding for community services and philanthropic projects addressing unmet local needs. Grants from Greater Grand Island Community Foundation help Nebraska organizations undertake charitable programs in Cairo, with awards up to US $9,999 based on project scope and available funds.

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.

Nebraska nonprofit organizations working in charitable, scientific, medical, or educational fields can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust to support programs that significantly benefit their communities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities, tax-exempt under federal (and where applicable California) law, with all granted funds used within the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and eligible government entities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment initiatives in Nebraska. Focused on these four areas, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites community-based programs within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community to apply for support that strengthens local well-being and sustainability.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits located 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 families and children, provided they align with its community mission and meet nondiscrimination and prior-funding requirements.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries working on environmental conservation or human services can receive unrestricted support for programs or operations, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Lawrence Foundation provides flexible funding with no geographic restrictions, so eligible Nebraska organizations may apply if their work fits the foundation’s priorities.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including those in Nebraska, can seek 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 services, environmental and wildlife protection, workforce training, and related initiatives where modest grants make a significant impact.

Nebraska tourism organizations and communities in Nebraska seeking to boost visitor promotion and marketing can access funding through Nebraska Tourism Commission for projects that attract more nonlocal visitors. Grants up to US $25,000 support directed marketing such as digital campaigns, professional photography, travel guide ads, social media blitzes, and other innovative tourism marketing initiatives requiring at least a 25% match.

Nonprofit organizations serving rural communities with agriculture education, hunger and nutrition, or disaster relief projects in Nebraska may be eligible for this funding. Focused on strengthening rural areas, Farm Credit Services of America offers grants up to US $25,000 for initiatives like ag education facilities, food distribution improvements, and essential services equipment.

Subunits of government, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations in Nebraska can receive support for small projects that prevent or reduce nonpoint source water pollution. Grants from Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy offer up to US $15,000 for pilot demonstrations, local activities, or events that advance the state’s Nonpoint Source Management Plan within one year.

Focused on water resource management, Nebraska nonprofits, educational institutions, and units of government in Nebraska can access funding through the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy for watershed-based projects. Grants up to Up to US $300,000 support best management practices, water quality restoration, technical assistance, and education to prevent and reduce nonpoint source pollution.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits and community groups can access funding for charitable, educational, health, recreation, and community improvement projects benefiting Hamilton County residents. Hamilton Community Foundation offers quarterly grants for programs such as child and senior care, disease prevention, sanitation, recreation facilities, and other public benefit initiatives where other funding is limited.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and groups with a charitable fiscal sponsor in Nebraska can seek support for programs and projects that enhance quality of life in the Kearney area and surrounding communities. Grants from Kearney Area Community Foundation help fund work in arts and culture, education, health, human services, community development, recreation, civic affairs, and inclusive religious activities.

Focused on disability care and services, the Verne P. Jackson and Rose Marie Jackson Charitable Trust invites Nebraska nonprofits to request US $4,000 - US $7,000 to aid physically handicapped individuals. Organizations within roughly 100 miles of Omaha that provide financial or other direct assistance may be especially competitive for this annual funding.

Bayer Fund provides Nebraska health and wellness organizations with support for evidence-based programs addressing cancer and cardiovascular disease. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, government units, and qualifying schools near Bayer communities in Buffalo or York Counties may receive funding for education, disease awareness, supportive services, and access-to-care efforts, including housing for families traveling for treatment.

Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice

The Governor's Crime Control Commission was created in 1967 by Executive Order. The name was later changed to the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice with legislation enacted in 1969 to establish the Crime Commission as an agency of state government.

The Crime Commission was established to develop comprehensive plans and coordinate activities related to the improvement of criminal justice administration among state and local agencies. Since its inception, additional statutory responsibilities have been assigned to the Crime Commission, which now serves as an umbrella agency for many criminal and juvenile justice programs. The majority of the Crime Commission's responsibilities are set forth in Nebraska Revised Statutes 81-1415 to 81-1429.02.

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) & Victim Assistance Grant

Executive Summary

This Request for Applications (RFA) for the federal Victim of Crimes Act (VOCA) and state Victim Assistance Grant Programs for Nebraska’s State Fiscal Year. Under this program, Nebraska provides grants to local community-based public, non-profit, and other organizations that provide services directly to crime victims.

The VOCA and Victim Assistance Grant Program support a broad array of programs and services that focus on helping victims in the immediate aftermath of crime, and continuing to support them as they rebuild their lives. All services funded through the VOCA and Victim Assistance Grant Program are provided to individual crime victims at no cost to the victim.

Purpose

The purpose of the VOCA and Victim Assistance Grant Programs is to provide direct services to individual crime victims at no cost to the victim and to improve outreach and services to victims of crime. VOCA guidelines define a crime victim as a person who has suffered physical, sexual, financial, or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime. State Statute defines a crime victim in Neb. Rev. Stat. §§29-119(2).

Victim services, as outlined by federal VOCA Program Guidelines, are efforts that:

• Respond to the emotional and physical needs of crime victims.
• Assist primary and secondary victims of crime to stabilize their lives after victimization.
• Assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system.
• Provide victims of crime with a measure of safety and security.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Nebraska with strong, replicable community partnerships may be eligible for the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award, which honors exemplary collaborations addressing significant social issues across the U.S. Selected partnerships receive national recognition for their impact, leadership, and ability to model effective cross-sector cooperation for the greater good.

The Recreational Trails Program - Educational Grant in Nebraska supports training and education related to trail construction and environmental stewardship. With funding requests ranging from $2,500 to $25,000, eligible applicants include political subdivisions and non-profit organizations. These groups may seek waivers on funding limits with proper justification. The program aims to enhance recreational trail experiences and promote sustainable practices within the community.

With a mission to empower community legacies, Greater Grand Island Community Foundation provides Nebraska nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations with capacity-building support up to US $10,000. Hall County organizations can fund board and staff training, strategic planning, technology upgrades, critical equipment, and other consulting to strengthen organizational effectiveness and sustainability.

About

Greater Grand Island Community Foundation is a growing legacy, not of a single person, but of the entire community. It is, in a very real sense, the community's foundation. Under one organizational roof, it unites donors, large and small who want to make our community a better place for all.

Like the wind powers a pinwheel the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation powers individual legacies to make communities better places to live, work and play. When you give through the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, making your gift is simple.

Our Mission

Empowering people to turn their passion into purpose by creating legacies that strengthen the future of the communities we serve. 

Our History

E.J. Wolbach passed away in 1959, leaving a bequest in his will to establish a community foundation. The Grand Island Foundation was formed on September 12, 1960, with Helen Connell serving as the first president. In 1985, Richard E. Spelts, Jr. began volunteering his time, talents, and resources to serve as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Spelts recognized the need for a full-time director and hired the Foundation's first paid executive director on May 1, 1997. "Community" has been added to the Foundation's name as it continues to serve Grand Island and the greater Hall County area. In 2020 “Greater” was added to the Foundations name to reflect the wide range of communities in Central Nebraska that we touch.

Doniphan Community Foundation Grant

The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation grant program is designed to help address unmet charitable needs and unique program opportunities for essential and emerging issues in the Hall County area.

Grant amounts vary based on the project and availability of funds, but generally do not exceed $10,000.