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 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.

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.

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 educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K–16 education and career pathways.

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 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 new nonprofits focused on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable communities. This globally active private foundation supports work such as healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, and related human and social services in the U.S. and other countries.

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.

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.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

New and established 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profits in Nebraska can seek the Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their preservation, education, or wellness work. With a mission to partner locally, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides U.S. organizations more than US $50,000 to tell powerful stories about their community change efforts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.