Best Grants for the Arts in Nebraska

Early-career LGBTQ+ performance artists creating new avant-garde work in Nebraska can apply for the XENO Prize, which awards US $5,000 to support new performance art. Focused on performance and conceptual art, Franklin Furnace Fund invites eligible artists in restrictive-care states, including Nebraska, who are not students and actively generate original work.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities seeking support for arts and culture, education, science, community services, or related programs can apply for general operating and project funding. Grants from Robert B. Daugherty Foundation help Nebraska arts and culture groups, especially in greater Omaha, with program, capital, one-time, multi-year, and matching support.

Nebraska arts and culture nonprofits can seek project support via Burlington Capital Foundation, which focuses its giving in Nebraska and Iowa. 501(c)(3) organizations working in arts, education, military/veteran, or senior services may be eligible, including national groups whose programs directly benefit these communities.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities planning capital construction or other charitable projects can seek support for arts, culture, education, community services, science, religion, or human services work. Robert B. Daugherty Foundation provides Nebraska nonprofits with one-time, multi-year, program, capital campaign, or challenge grants, with preference for projects in the greater Omaha area and those offering matching funds.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities in Nebraska can apply for Robert B. Daugherty Foundation support for charitable, scientific, cultural, religious, or educational activities. Arts and culture nonprofits, especially in the greater Omaha area, may receive program, capital, multi-year, or matching grants that demonstrate strong community impact and sound operations.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government units, public universities, and K–12 schools can seek funding for arts and culture programs, general operations, or capacity building. Focused on strengthening strong, sustainable organizations, Cooper Foundation prioritizes applicants based in and serving Lincoln and Lancaster County, with broader Nebraska projects considered when they meet its funding priorities.

Arts and culture nonprofits in Nebraska can seek funding for community arts, cultural institutions, arts education, and youth involvement in the arts. Grants from US Bank Foundation help 501(c)(3) organizations that also advance economic opportunity, housing stability, or community development, especially those led by people of color and serving designated U.S. Bank communities.

Nebraska arts and culture nonprofits planning capital campaigns or major facility projects can apply for First National Bank of Omaha’s capital or major donations, supporting work in access to arts and culture and community cohesion. Eligible organizations must be key community partners within FNBO’s Nebraska service areas advancing its community impact goals.

Nonprofit organizations hosting arts, culture, or community events in Nebraska can seek community sponsorships to support fundraisers, general operations, or seasonal arts programming. Focused on arts and culture within broader community impact areas, First National Bank of Omaha offers unrestricted support for events and activities important to its Nebraska communities, with requests reviewed monthly.

Nebraska arts and culture nonprofits and 501(c)(3) public charities can access funding for local programs, capacity building, and community services that fit Union Pacific’s Community Ties priority areas. Local organizations with arts, cultural, youth development, or community vitality projects in Nebraska communities served by Union Pacific may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $30,000 grants.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting Japanese arts and cultural exchange projects in Nebraska and other states east of the Rockies can receive up to US $5,000 for program costs. Japan Foundation New York reimburses eligible expenses such as artist honoraria, travel, shipping, publicity, printing, and online project costs for performances, exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and workshops.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek funding for arts and culture, education, human services, civic projects, and environmental conservation, primarily in Lincoln, Lancaster County, and other NEBCO communities. Focused on community enhancement, Abel Foundation invites proposals that strengthen local arts programming, facilities, and related community initiatives.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities seeking support for arts and culture projects can access funding through the Ethel S. Abbott Charitable Foundation. The foundation also considers education, environment, human services, sports, wellness, and programs for disadvantaged people, as long as they operate in Nebraska or primarily benefit Nebraskans.

Mid-America Arts Alliance

Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) believes art can be a catalyst for expression, connection, collaboration, and community. This philosophy is reflected in our mission and values.

M-AAA is a nonprofit, regional arts organization representing Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. We focus on strengthening communities and improving lives by supporting artists, elevating arts organizations, and connecting people to extraordinary cultural experiences.

Artistic Innovations Grants for Individual Artists

Program Objectives

The Artistic Innovations program supports the development of new or original works of art across all disciplines, created exclusively by in-region individual artists and art-based organizations in M-AAA’s six-state region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Native Nations in this geography). Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations in the region.

Individual Artist Grant Considerations

The Artistic Innovations grant program supports direct project expenses incurred in the art-making process and production of public-facing engagements to individuals through private funds. These grants are funded through private support and, unlike Artistic Innovations grants to organizations, are not supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Indigo Oak Fund is a Colorado-based foundation dedicated to empowering individuals through support for education, the arts, and social justice. Focused on fostering lifelong learning and creative expression, the Fund aids various programs that enhance community engagement. It supports both youth and adult initiatives, including classes and community events in diverse artistic disciplines. By prioritizing equal opportunity and personal potential, the Fund strives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and the community.

Youth leaders ages 13–23 in Nebraska creating arts, culture, or performing arts projects that drive community change can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, with awards up to US $5,000. Projects must be youth-led, U.S.-based, and fiscally sponsored by or structured as a 501(c)(3).

Nebraska arts organizations and presenters collaborating with artists on new work that advances racial and cultural justice can access funding through the National Performance Network’s Creation & Development Fund. This program offers approximately US $15,000 in unrestricted support for early-stage creation, relationship-building with co-commissioners, and community-engaged live, virtual, or hybrid exchanges.

Immigrant culinary professionals in Nebraska working in food and beverage or media and storytelling can apply for the Vilcek Foundation’s Creative Promise prizes, which provide US $50,000 in unrestricted support. Eligible applicants are early-career, U.S.-based immigrants with at least five years’ professional experience in culinary arts who intend to pursue their careers here.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations running arts and culture or community programs in Nebraska can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives funding. Support may benefit initiatives in arts access, cultural participation, education, or community development that strengthen local communities in Canada and the U.S.

Nebraska arts and culture nonprofits can apply for support from Valley Foundation to run educational, historical, and preservation programs that improve quality of life. 501(c)(3) organizations focused on art and culture, education, health, human services, or historic preservation may be eligible, with funding available for work in Santa Clara County and beyond, including Nebraska.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

The Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, offered by Morris Arts, awards $1,500 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. Applicants are evaluated by a panel of experts based on their work samples, essays, and dedication to the arts. The scholarship directly supports tuition at the chosen college or arts program, continuing the legacy of Eugenie R. Coladarci, a passionate advocate for young artists.

The Looking Out Foundation Grant supports social justice and humanitarian initiatives, having donated nearly $6 million to various causes globally. With an average donation of $25 per campaign, it aids organizations focused on disaster relief, racial justice, and support for marginalized communities. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes diverse funding sources and encourages organizations to adapt to changing needs, with grant allocations ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

The Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship, established in 2002, offers $5,000 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. The scholarship is awarded based on a panel's evaluation of work samples and character. This initiative honors Elaine Ehlers' legacy, promoting arts education and supporting students pursuing their creative passions at accredited institutions.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation Grants support tax-exempt organizations working to enhance lives through arts, healthcare, education, and youth programs. The foundation requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) from all applicants, emphasizing its mission to select grant recipients who align with its values. Grants are not available for political purposes, endowment campaigns, or organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion. This framework ensures a focused impact on community betterment.