Best Grants for Community Centers in Nebraska

Municipalities and nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and nearby southwest Iowa can seek up to US $250,000 in capital funding to create or enhance shared community spaces such as community centers, libraries, parks, trails, museums, and youth recreation facilities. The Walter Scott Family Foundation prioritizes collaborative, community-led projects that are mostly funded, sustainable, and ready to launch.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit organizations, libraries, senior centers, and assisted living facilities in Nebraska can receive up to US $3,000 to hire artists to lead sequential arts workshops for older adults. With a mission to promote and sustain the arts, Nebraska Arts Council provides funding that builds skills, encourages social engagement, and culminates in a community showcase.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

501(c)(3) organizations in Nebraska focused on public education, human services, community programs, or aviation/STEM can apply for the Duncan Family Trust’s Duncan Aviation Family Trust Grant. Funding supports nonprofits in local communities such as Lancaster County, including those operating or partnering with community centers to improve quality of life.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to address crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Nebraska can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to Up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help early-stage, tech-enabled programs serving mostly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an initial LOI.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community health for underserved or vulnerable populations in Nebraska can apply for Nebraska Medical Center’s charitable giving. Focus areas include cancer, mental health, nutrition, physical activity, prenatal health, and infant mortality. Community centers offering relevant health programs in eligible counties may be strong candidates.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) and 170(c)(2) nonprofit organizations can receive funding for community-focused programs, equipment, or facility improvements in NorthWestern Energy’s service territory. NorthWestern Energy provides Nebraska community centers and related groups with support for education, health and human services, civic and community projects, culture and the arts, and resource conservation initiatives that strengthen local communities.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, health care, education, civic projects, or community services may be eligible for grants supporting local community centers and programs. Grants from Valero Energy Foundation help Nebraska communities near its Albion operations with initiatives that improve quality of life where the company’s employees live and work.

Nebraska community centers and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on financial literacy or employment readiness can access funding through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa for general operating support. Organizations serving Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, Saunders, or Washington counties, or Iowa communities, may receive up to US $5,000 if their core work removes barriers to financial stability.

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 initiatives. Focused on strengthening community well-being, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites Nebraska community-centered programs within 30 miles of a GP facility to apply if they meet its investment priorities.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit organizations and local government units serving Wakefield, Nebraska can seek funding for arts, culture, civic improvements, education, environment, health, and human services projects. Siouxland Community Foundation’s Wakefield Community Foundation Grant offers up to US $1,000 for community-centered initiatives, with a required 50% match and priority for high-impact, volunteer-driven projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and groups with a charitable fiscal sponsor in Nebraska can seek support for programs or projects that enhance quality of life in the Kearney area and surrounding communities. Grants from Kearney Area Community Foundation help community centers and related organizations fund initiatives in areas like education, health, human services, and community development.

Grants from Shickley Community Foundation help Nebraska community and economic development efforts by supporting projects that enhance quality of life in the greater Shickley area. Community groups and individuals in Fillmore County may be eligible for initiatives such as community facilities, youth development, and broader community development or revitalization projects.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Municipalities, rural fire districts, and first responder departments in Nebraska communities under 5,000 residents can receive up to US $50,000 for safety equipment, training, and facility improvements, including needs tied to community centers. Walter Scott Family Foundation’s Jack Lewis Safety Fund prioritizes projects showing local fundraising and collaboration, with spring and fall application cycles each year.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) public charities running safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability programs can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Grants from Union Pacific Foundation help community centers and related nonprofits in Union Pacific–served communities deliver direct services and build organizational capacity with a strong DEI focus.

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.

Public 501(c)(3) organizations in the Omaha metro area providing educational services to underserved children up to age 12 can apply for Omaha Community Foundation’s Creche Childhood Education Fund Grant; awards approximately US $24,999 for educational programming and projects, not operating expenses. Nebraska community centers offering early childhood or elementary education activities may be eligible.

Nebraska Blue Foundation

For more than 85 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) has been a champion for the health and well-being of our members and the communities we serve. Founded in 2024, the Nebraska Blue Foundation now allows us to concentrate our efforts into pockets of our community that need to be uplifted the most.

In 2025, the Nebraska Blue Foundation launched two grant opportunities through its inaugural grant cycles. The foundation awarded 42 organizations with a total of $500,000 in grant funding to further their goals and missions, supporting organizations across Nebraska that:

• Provide quality preventive care
• Serve the aging population 
• Further economic vitality  
• Support the development of third places

Third Places Grant

Building and strengthening the social fabric of communities across the state. For this program, we will fund:

• Parks, libraries, recreational centers and other outdoor public space
• Community gathering spaces
• Programs or projects that breathe new life into underused public spaces

The Nebraska Blue Foundation is particularly interested in supporting innovation and pilot projects. As a new foundation, our approach is to be catalytic with our grants – primarily investing in new ideas or programs that could meet a specific need with a one-time investment.

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

Hospitals, behavioral health providers, community health centers, rural emergency hospitals, and tribal health facilities in Nebraska can seek up to US $5,500,000 for equipment and minor renovations to expand mental health and substance use crisis services. Grants from Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services help rural providers enhance crisis response, stabilization, and withdrawal management capacity, which may benefit community-centered facilities.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Nebraska City seeking support for community development, health care, education, fine arts, or historic preservation projects can apply for grants from the Nelson Family Foundation. With a mission to back worthy local initiatives, the foundation provides funding to Otoe County groups that present clear plans, budgets, and demonstrated community relevance.

Nebraska Department of Economic Development

Since 1967, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has been focused on growing and diversifying the state’s economic base, bringing new dollars, new businesses, and new people into the state. DED's mission is to provide quality leadership and services that enable Nebraska’s communities, businesses, and people to succeed in a global economy. We are here, equipped and ready, to assist you and your community in developing and capitalizing on economic development opportunities.

Community Development Block Grant

The federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides funding for community and economic development projects in order to encourage additional federal, state and private resource investment. Communities receiving CDBG funds use the grants to provide safe and sanitary housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities. The Nebraska DED administers the CDBG program for most of the state. Due to population size, some cities in Nebraska are the administrators of the CDBG program in their communities. DED receives federal funds for CDBG from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on an annual basis.

CDBG Downtown Revitalization

CDBG funds can be utilized for downtown revitalization projects. The purpose of the Downtown Revitalization (DTR) Opportunity is to leverage investments that will contribute to the revitalization or redevelopment of downtown infrastructure and develop a greater capacity for growth, addressing health and safety concerns and commercial revitalization within the traditional business centers of our Nebraska communities. This provides a sound basis for fostering local economic development through public and private sector partnerships. This recognizes the importance of the condition and viability of a downtown to increase the community’s tax base and cultivates a tangible center for community activity. These projects directly relate to business retention, expansion, and location decisions, recognizing that downtowns reflect the economic core and persona of our communities.