Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Nebraska

Municipalities and nonprofit organizations in Nebraska can seek capital funding to create or improve shared community spaces such as libraries, parks, trails, museums, and community centers. Walter Scott Family Foundation’s Advancing Communities Grant offers up to US $250,000 for ready-to-launch projects that are largely funded, community-led, and designed for long-term, multi-generational benefit.

Nebraska nonprofits, schools, first responders, and local government agencies can seek funding for traffic safety, driver education, and K–12 financial literacy programs, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $15,000. The Auto Club Group Foundation supports organizations within its 14-state and 2-territory footprint, including Nebraska, for initiatives that improve roadway safety and financial decision-making skills.

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.

New and established Nebraska nonprofits serving older adults through arts workshops can apply for up to US $3,000 to hire a trained teaching artist for sequential, skill-building residencies. With a mission to sustain the arts, Nebraska Arts Council provides Nebraska organizations with funding for creative aging programs in senior centers, assisted living facilities, libraries, and similar settings.

Nebraska-accredited schools and nonprofits serving pre-K–12 students in Southeast Nebraska can receive up to US $1,000 per year to cover school bus transportation for arts experiences. With a mission to promote and sustain the arts, Nebraska Arts Council provides Nebraska education and youth arts programs with travel support to increase arts access and participation.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

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.

New and established 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies in the North Platte region of Nebraska can seek Betterment Grants for capital projects, equipment, technology, vehicles, training, new programs, and community facilities. Grants from Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation range from US $500 - US $50,000 and support diverse community, health, education, and human services initiatives.

Established 501(c)(3) organizations working on human services, education, poverty relief, or related programs in the Southern region may be eligible for single-year support, but Nebraska nonprofits fall outside this service area. Focused on community well-being, the Robinson Foundation seeks fiscally responsible charities where grants create tangible, meaningful impact and show direct results.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Nebraska seeking support for environmental or human services programs can apply for Lawrence Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. The foundation provides unrestricted program or operating support to U.S.-headquartered organizations working in community services, environmental conservation, ecology, and related causes, with no geographic restrictions.

Nebraska tourism-focused nonprofits and for-profit organizations can access funding for marketing projects that attract more nonlocal visitors to Nebraska. Nebraska Tourism Commission prioritizes directed-marketing efforts like professional photography, online campaigns, travel guide ads, and social media blitzes. Eligible expenses also include website and app development, regional branding, media advertising, and tourism awareness programs, with awards up to US $25,000.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) and other nonprofit organizations serving agricultural education, hunger and nutrition, or rural disaster relief and essential services can apply for Working Here Fund grants up to Up to US $25,000. Focused on strengthening rural communities, Farm Credit Services of America prioritizes projects benefiting communities within its Nebraska service area, which may include newer nonprofits.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can receive support from Ameriprise Financial for programs in areas like hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and community development. Nebraska organizations may be eligible, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers and demonstrating measurable outcomes and financial stability.

With a mission to support bold, innovative community initiatives, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and University of Nebraska departments in Nebraska can receive approximately US $100,000 for projects addressing urgent state needs. Women Investing in Nebraska, via the University of Nebraska Foundation, awards two fall grants each year, including to newer organizations with strong, solution-focused proposals.

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

Increasing Access to Preventive Healthcare Grant

Proactive measures to prevent illness, detect health issues early and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

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.

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.

The foundation has four priority areas:

• Serving Seniors – Addressing the needs of Nebraska’s aging population
• Increasing Access to Preventive Healthcare – Proactive measures to prevent illness, detect health issues early and reduce the risk of chronic disease
• Economic Vitality – Investing in job creation and civic programs to promote a vibrant economy
• Third Places – Building and strengthening the social fabric of communities across the state

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.

Serving Seniors

The spring cycle focuses on Serving Seniors and Preventive Healthcare. 

This funding addresses the needs of Nebraska’s aging population.

Nonprofit organizations serving Lincoln, Nebraska can seek up to US $10,000 to support pilot projects, innovative programs, or general operations in arts and culture, civic and community initiatives, education, and human services. Woods Charitable Fund prioritizes coalition-building, advocacy, and efforts that expand opportunities for underrepresented residents, including refugees and immigrants.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public entities running cancer or cardiovascular health programs in Nebraska communities near eligible Bayer sites can seek Health & Wellness funding for education, disease awareness, and access-to-care services. Bayer Fund supports evidence-based programs, allowing limited overhead and evaluation costs, with awards tailored to community size, programming type, and organizational reach.

The Artistic Innovations Grant Program, supported by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, provides up to $15,000 to artists and arts organizations in the M-AAA six-state region. This initiative fosters creativity by funding the development and premiere of original works, encouraging innovative projects that engage local audiences. Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit organizations, promoting a vibrant arts community through financial support for artistic exploration.

Nebraska nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and governmental subdivisions can access funding for time-limited arts projects open to the general public, including exhibitions, performances, festivals, murals, and heritage projects. Grants from Nebraska Arts Council range from US $2,000 - US $7,500 and require a dollar-for-dollar cash match and a detailed budget, with applications due six weeks before project start.

Nebraska community nonprofits improving Fremont’s quality of life can access funding through Fremont Area Community Foundation for projects, programs, and services that benefit local residents. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations or FACF-sponsored projects located in Fremont, operating primarily within the city, and able to provide a 50% match and demonstrate strong community need and impact.

New and established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Nebraska working on youth development, education, housing, hunger, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Organizations serving children and families through community, food, or environmental programs may be especially competitive.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nebraska nonprofit arts organizations seeking to improve accessibility for people with disabilities can apply for Nebraska Arts Council’s Arts Accessibility Grant for Improvement Projects; awards up to US $5,000 for equipment, facility upgrades, or staff training. Organizations in Nebraska, including new nonprofits meeting the arts-focused criteria, may benefit from this non-matching support.

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.

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.

Focused on rural public transportation, Nebraska Department of Transportation invites Nebraska transit providers and eligible nonprofits to seek support for operating assistance, vehicles, and transit facility projects. New rural transit agencies and private nonprofit organizations starting services may be able to secure multi-year assistance to connect residents with jobs, healthcare, and education.