Best Grants for Preschools in Nebraska

Grants from the Bureau of Reclamation help Nebraska water resource organizations plan, design, or construct water reclamation and reuse projects, with awards from US $1,000 - US $40,000,000. Preschools and early childhood providers that operate eligible facilities or campuses with qualifying water infrastructure projects may be able to apply under this WaterSMART Title XVI opportunity.

Public entities and other eligible organizations planning water resource management projects in Nebraska and other western states can apply for US $50,000 - US $3,000,000 to support conservation, infrastructure improvements, and river or watershed restoration. Grants from US Department of the Interior: Bureau of Reclamation help applicants implement multi-benefit WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects that may support community-serving facilities, including preschools, through improved local water systems.

Nebraska preschools and early childhood programs working on youth development or violence prevention in Nebraska can seek funding for community-based initiatives. With a mission to strengthen public safety, Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice provides support for efforts reducing street and gang violence, firearm-related homicides and injuries, and creating youth employment opportunities in high-crime areas.

Preschools and other organizations in Nebraska planning desalination facilities for seawater or brackish water may be eligible for US $1,000 - US $120,000,000 to support planning, design, or construction. The Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects program funds efforts that expand local water supplies and improve long-term water resource reliability.

The Hirschfeld Family Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations in Nebraska, focusing on projects that aid disadvantaged communities. Established in 1993, the foundation prefers time-limited requests over ongoing budgetary support. Priority is given to local organizations in Central and Western Nebraska that demonstrate community involvement and efficient operations. Grants are available for projects that align with the foundation's mission to promote well-being and make a meaningful difference.

The AmeriCorps Formula Grant NE aims to strengthen communities in Nebraska through national service and volunteering. ServeNebraska mobilizes individuals to address critical needs in education, health, and economic opportunity. The 2024 funding initiative prioritizes partnerships that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based interventions to tackle local challenges, while emphasizing racial equity and community representation. By investing in diverse organizations, AmeriCorps enhances civic engagement and fosters a culture of service across the nation.

The NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

The AmeriCorps Funding Opportunity Planning Grant, provided by ServeNebraska, supports organizations in developing effective service programs to address community needs. This grant enables applicants to build operational capacity, develop program components, and receive essential training. With a focus on evidence-based interventions and quality management, recipients are better equipped to manage AmeriCorps grants and enhance their community impact, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively without duplicating existing services.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers for implementing conservation practices that enhance environmental quality and address natural resource concerns. This program, managed by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service in Nebraska, helps improve water and air quality, soil health, and wildlife habitats. With year-round applications, EQIP encourages sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both producers and the environment, making it a vital resource for enhancing agricultural operations.

The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) offers Grant-In-Aid (GIA) funding to support conservation and management programs for wild sheep populations across North America and Central Asia. Established in 1977, WSF prioritizes collaborative proposals that involve partners and matching funds. The organization has raised over $130 million for wild sheep conservation, emphasizing scientific management and public education about sustainable hunting practices. GIA funding decisions align with WSF's mission and identified priority goals.

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

Healthy Home Team Grant

BCBSNE is proud to be a champion for health and well-being for our members and the communities we serve. That's why we're stepping up to present Healthy Home Team, an initiative to partner with Nebraska high schools in boosting health and well-being in communities across our state.

Each year we'll select up to 100 applicant schools to receive a $500 grant to support health and wellness for your students or local community. Schools may only receive a grant once every three school years.

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.

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.

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.

The Legal Aid and Service Fund Grant, administered by the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, aims to provide essential legal representation to indigent defendants in serious criminal cases. Established in 1995, the Commission supports public defenders and oversees the Legal Aid and Services Fund to assist those unable to afford civil legal services. The agency ensures that counties comply with constitutional mandates while offering additional assistance based on financial need and service years, enhancing access to justice for vulnerable citizens.

The Working Here Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming, providing funding options tailored to rural community needs. With a focus on agricultural education, hunger relief, and disaster assistance, the program has awarded over $13.5 million since 2013. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, with eligibility for organizations demonstrating alignment with FCSAmerica's mission. Priority is given to IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fostering sustainable solutions for local challenges.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is inviting proposals for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops in Nebraska. With approximately $820,000 available, projects can include fruits, vegetables, and horticulture without a maximum grant limit or cost-sharing requirements. Funds will be available starting September 30, 2026, and must be used by September 29, 2029. For more information, visit the USDA website.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

About

Nebraska Arts Council aspires to positively impact the lives of Nebraskans through the power of art. We provide programming, grants, and opportunities to foster creative innovation statewide.

Formed in 1974 by an act passed in the Nebraska Legislature, Nebraska Arts Council is comprised of 15 board members appointed by the Governor of Nebraska. Together, the board and staff partner with the State of Nebraska, National Endowment for the Arts, and Nebraska Cultural Endowment—a unique partnership among the state and private contributors.

Mission:

To promote, cultivate and sustain the arts for the people of Nebraska. In doing so, the Nebraska Arts Council provides grants and services to artists, organizations, and communities that:

• Build creative and proactive leadership in the arts.
• Forge partnerships that create and expand opportunities for the arts.
• Cultivate new resources needed to sustain the arts in Nebraska.
• Establish the arts as basic to education and lifelong learning.
• Use the arts as a catalyst for understanding among cultures.
• Advocate for increased awareness and access to the arts.

Creative Aging Arts Program

This program provides grants to hire an artist to lead workshops at senior centers, assisted living facilities, libraries and nonprofit organizations serving older adults. Applicants select from a list of teaching artists (see below) trained in best practices of engaging older adults.

During a residency, artists will share their expertise through sequential arts lessons, helping participants hone their skills in a variety of disciplines. Programs will also foster intentional social engagement among participants, culminating with a special event to showcase their work with peers and the community.

The MEM Safety Grants program, offered by Missouri Employers Mutual, provides critical funding to enhance workplace safety. With one-to-one matching funds available from $500 to $10,000, it supports policyholders in acquiring necessary safety equipment. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made monthly. To qualify, applicants must maintain an active policy and clearly demonstrate the need for safety improvements. This initiative aims to foster safer work environments across Missouri, reflecting the company’s commitment to worker safety.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

Nebraska preschools and early childhood organizations that are NNLM Network Members can access funding to support virtual professional development in health information access, data science, or health education. National Library of Medicine awards up to US $2,000 for staff training, conferences, workshops, or bringing in presenters to better serve underrepresented communities and improve health literacy.

Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program Enhancement

Pursuant to NRS §43-2404.02, the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program (CBA) shall be apportioned as aid in accordance with a formula based on the total number of residents per county and federally recognized or state-recognized Indian tribe who are twelve years of age through eighteen years of age and other relevant factors as determined by the Commission. Funds not awarded through the CBA Request for Application (CB RFA) will be distributed as the Enhancement (EB) grant.

Enhancement funding is distributed on a competitive basis to eligible counties and tribes with a demonstrated need in the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid funding areas. This announcement is an extension of the FY2026 CBA RFA released October 29, 2024. Please refer to the CBA RFA, found here, for detailed funding purpose, funding limitations, funding requirements, and application instructions. All CBA requirements and restrictions apply.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate additional need in the funding areas.

Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program Purpose

The Juvenile Services Act (NRS 43-2401 to 43-2412) was created due to a Legislative finding that the incarceration of juveniles in adult jails, lockups, and correctional facilities is contrary to the best interests and well-being of juveniles and frequently inconsistent with state and federal law requiring intervention by the least restrictive method. The Legislature further found the lack of available alternatives within local communities is a significant factor in the incarceration of juveniles in such adult jails, lockups, and correctional facilities. To address such lack of available alternatives to the incarceration of juveniles, the Legislature declared it to be the policy of the State of Nebraska to aid in the establishment of programs or services for juveniles under the jurisdiction of the juvenile or criminal justice system and to finance such programs or services through the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program, the Juvenile Services Commission Grant Program, and funds acquired by participation in the federal act (Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974) (NRS 43-2403).

The Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program shall be used in alignment with the Juvenile Services Act purpose' and to promote the development and implementation of community-based programs designed to prevent unlawful behavior and to effectively minimize the depth and duration of the juvenile's involvement in the juvenile justice system. Programs and services shall be designed to serve and target youth who are eleven through eighteen years of age. Programs focused on reducing excessive absenteeism may serve and target students in grades kindergarten - twelfth grade (ages five through eighteen). Aid recipients shall prioritize programs and services that will divert juveniles from the juvenile justice system, reduce the population of juveniles in juvenile detention and secure confinement, and assist in transitioning juveniles from out-of-home placements.

For purposes of the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program, the population of youth being served must be youth in the juvenile justice system or be at risk of entering the juvenile justice system. Youth at risk shall include youth who are identified as being at risk of violating the law, those whose behavior is such that they endanger themselves or others, youth with low protective factors,?youth with risk factors for delinquency, youth with criminogenic needs factors, and at-risk youth as defined by the federal act.

Programs and services targeting non-criminogenic risk factors alone (such as mental health, anxiety, low self-esteem, creative abilities, and medical needs) for a general population of youth that are not for the specific purpose of including in the programming of the at-risk population do not align with the purpose of this grant program. Low self-esteem is a prime example of a non-criminogenic factor. Although a youth's low self-esteem may suggest a need for counseling, it is not a risk factor for delinquency, and changing a youth's self-esteem level will not change the likelihood of reoffending®.

The NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program provides critical funding for farmers and ranchers seeking sustainable agricultural solutions. Launched in 1992, this competitive program supports innovative on-farm research and education projects, allowing individuals to apply for grants up to $15,000 or collaborate for up to $30,000. By empowering farmers with resources, NCR-SARE encourages practices that enhance livelihoods while promoting environmental stewardship.

The NCR-SARE Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative agricultural projects that are environmentally sound and socially responsible. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 are available for projects lasting up to 36 months, promoting collaboration among researchers, educators, and producers. This program emphasizes outreach, farmer involvement, and research on topics such as sustainable pest management, local food systems, and crop diversification, addressing the economic and environmental aspects of agriculture.

The NCR-SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports agricultural educators through competitive grants aimed at enhancing training in sustainable agriculture. This initiative promotes cross-agency collaboration, utilizing farmers as educators to address pressing issues within the farming community. Projects funded are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes, fostering knowledge and behavioral changes that lead to sustainable practices in agriculture and food systems. The program encourages diverse participation, ensuring a comprehensive approach to professional development.

The NCR-SARE Partnership Grant Program aims to enhance sustainable agriculture by fostering collaboration between agricultural professionals and groups of farmers. By facilitating innovative research and educational activities, this program supports projects that test new cropping strategies, develop marketing approaches, and enhance food security. Focused on the North Central Region, it encourages partnerships that drive on-farm research, ultimately improving economic viability and environmental stewardship for communities across 12 states.