Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Nebraska

The Investigator Initiated Research (IIR) Grants program by the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation aims to enhance patient safety in anesthesia care through innovative research. Grants up to $200,000 (or $300,000 with waiver) are available for projects addressing critical safety issues, with a focus on studies leading to measurable improvements in outcomes. The program encourages collaboration and creativity, prioritizing research that lacks alternative funding sources, while also supporting junior investigators with mentorship opportunities.

The Quality Improvement Awards, sponsored by the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF), aim to enhance patient safety during anesthesia care. This initiative invites current trainees and recent graduates to showcase their quality improvement projects. Winners will receive sponsorship to attend the Stoelting Conference in Massachusetts, where they will present their work. The APSF is committed to promoting a culture of safety and learning in anesthesia, ensuring that no one is harmed by anesthesia care.

The Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) program aims to enhance maternal health outcomes by providing technical assistance across all U.S. states and territories. This initiative focuses on implementing best practices to improve safety during childbirth, ultimately saving lives. By supporting jurisdictions and birthing facilities involved in AIM, the program seeks to promote quality improvements in maternal health care, ensuring safer births and better health for mothers and infants.

About

Chicken & Egg Films shapes a more equitable and just world with the catalytic power of documentary films by providing funding, mentorship and industry access to a global community of women and gender-expansive filmmakers. Founded in 2005 by Julie Parker Benello, Wendy Ettinger, and Judith Helfand, and helmed today by CEO Jenni Wolfson, our goal is to disrupt and dismantle barriers to filmmaking caused by gender bias.

Research & Development Grant

Now in its fourth year, the Research & Development Grant supports filmmakers from around the world who have directed at least one feature-length documentary and are in the research & development stage of their next feature-length film.

With continued grant-making support by Netflix, the Research & Development Grant supports directors to ideate and plan for their next feature-length film. Many filmmakers invest their personal resources into their films and face funding challenges when entering into the research & development stages of new projects. It is hard to secure funding for a new project without significant sample material, yet producing material without external funding can be almost impossible. To address this challenge, the Research & Development Grant provides financial support to directors during a filmmaking stage that is too often unpaid and unsupported. 

A total of $450,000 USD will be awarded in the following grant amounts:

• $10,000 USD grants for Research
• $20,000 USD grants for Development

The final number of Research Grants vs. Development Grants disbursed will be determined during the selection process, based on the characteristics and strength of the applicant pool for each category.

The purpose of the Research & Development Grant is to support projects at the early stages of their lifecycle. If you have already raised a significant amount of capital (over 35% of your film’s total budget) and have shot and/or edited a substantial amount of footage, you may not be competitive for this grant, unless you can demonstrate very specific needs for the project (such as previously overlooked research activity). 

We have separated the Research Grant from the Development Grant to allow early-stage projects to receive support without the need to submit all the deliverables required for projects in the development phase. 

We recognize that each documentary is unique and that processes for research and development, fundraising, and production can vary widely. The information provided here is not intended as strict eligibility criteria, but rather as general guidelines to help applicants understand the stage at which we aim to provide support for projects. 

The 2026 Chicken & Egg Films Research & Development Grant is generously supported by Netflix.

May Family Foundation

Eleanor Jean May established the May Family Foundation in 2000, as a gesture of gratitude to the communities that shaped her life. The May Family Foundation is dedicated to identifying programs that strongly resonate with our mission and values as we work together to empower and uplift lives within our communities.

Our foundation provides resources and opportunities that empower young individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Our goal is to create a brighter future for under-resourced youth in our local communities.

May Family Foundation Mentoring Grant

Our foundation strives to be engaged in our local communities beyond grant funding. We support select programs that align with our goals and form a connection through potential volunteering opportunities, site visits, and recognition of successes.

We welcome grant applications for financial support in mentoring:

• Programs that pair students with adult mentors who provide guidance and support to help students succeed academically and develop important life skills.
• These can go beyond the classroom, such as sports and recreation enrichment programs.

The Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP) focuses on genome-scale research to tackle vital biological, societal, and economic challenges. It promotes innovative tools and resources for the plant research community to explore significant scientific questions. The program emphasizes high-impact data accessibility and integration while supporting training and career development. PGRP offers two funding tracks: the Research-PGR Track for fundamental biological inquiries and the TRTech-PGR Track for advancements in functional plant genomics.

The Amit Gosalia Scholarship in Private Practice Audiology, funded by the American Academy of Audiology, offers two $1,500 scholarships to full-time audiology students (AuD, PhD) who demonstrate exceptional promise and have completed their first year of studies. Eligible candidates must be enrolled at a U.S. university for the Fall 2025 semester and cannot graduate in Spring/Summer 2025. This initiative aims to support future audiologists pursuing careers in private practice.

The Continued Achievement Scholarship, offered by the American Academy of Audiology Foundation, provides $2,000 to two promising audiology graduate students in the U.S. It recognizes students for their potential as clinical audiologists based on their resumes and personal statements. This scholarship aims to support full-time graduate students (AuD, PhD) in good standing, fostering their professional development and commitment to the audiology field.

The Judith Blumsack Scholarship, offered by the American Academy of Audiology Foundation, awards $500 to a full-time graduate student in audiology who demonstrates exceptional clinical skills and commitment to clinical research and community service. Established in honor of Dr. Judith Blumsack upon her retirement, this scholarship acknowledges her significant contributions to the field and aims to inspire future audiologists to excel in their professional journey.

The American Society for Theatre Research (ASTR) Sally Banes Publication Prize celebrates outstanding publications that explore the relationship between theatre and dance. This award alternates between recognizing books and essays based on even and odd years, respectively. Eligible works must have been published within the last two years. The award includes a $500 prize and free conference registration, encouraging scholarly contributions to the field.

The ASTR Jessica Berson Dance Research Assistance Fund Grant aims to support contingent faculty engaged in dance-based scholarship within theatre. This initiative acknowledges the critical role of non-tenure track faculty and provides them with a $1000 honorarium, conference registration, and a one-year ASTR membership. The grant encourages research and attendance at the annual ASTR conference, ensuring broader access to resources and professional opportunities for those who often lack institutional support.

The ASTR Selma Jeanne Cohen Conference Presentation Award supports scholars participating in plenary or working sessions at the ASTR conference. This award encourages exploration of the intersections between theatre and dance, providing funds for travel and hotel expenses. Eligible applicants include graduate students, independent scholars, and faculty members accepted to present at the 2025 conference. The award offers a $1000 honorarium and complimentary registration, promoting active engagement in ASTR's community.

Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.NetVUE Grants for Fostering Leadership for Communities of FaithThis grant program provides funding for institutions that are working to augment their support for students who are considering possible callings to leadership roles in communities of faith.

Grant funds should be used to develop or extend programming for students, and/or professional development for faculty members and staff, with the goal of connecting students to local faith communities and supporting them as they explore and discern their callings. Initiatives may be developed within or across a variety of academic departments and campus offices, and should involve leaders of one or more faith communities near campus. NetVUE Grants for Fostering Leadership for Communities of Faith may be requested in amounts ranging up to $60,000 for use over two years to develop new programs, or to strengthen existing programs, that support students as they consider vocations of leadership for communities of faith.

The Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association (MEIEA) offers Student Enrichment Grants to support educational activities in the music and entertainment fields. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for accredited institutions that are MEIEA members. Eligible projects include workshops, guest speakers, and community service initiatives. Special consideration is given to first-time applicants and projects promoting diversity and inclusion, aiming to enrich student experiences and foster greater engagement within the industry.

The ESA Youth Scholarship Program, by the Electronic Security Association, provides financial support to children of first responders, having awarded over $941,500 to date. Eligible applicants are high school seniors with parents who are full-time active first responders. Each scholarship winner receives $1,000 and a chance to compete for larger awards of $14,000 for first place and $5,000 for second place. Applications are welcomed from students in participating states.

The NIGMS Institutional Biomedical Undergraduate Research Training Program aims to enhance the training of undergraduate students in biomedical research. By supporting institutions with limited NIH funding, the program provides trainees with 2–3 years of full-time research training. This initiative fosters a skilled workforce prepared for advanced biomedical degrees, addressing national health-related research needs through comprehensive educational and developmental programs.

The Raskob Foundation offers domestic grants to organizations located in the U.S. and its territories. Founded in 1945, this private, non-profit foundation focuses on supporting Catholic institutions. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, listed in the P.J. Kenedy Official Catholic Directory. However, requests from individuals and certain projects, such as debt reduction or completed projects, are not accepted. The foundation emphasizes its commitment to philanthropy and community support.

The CAO Legislative Crisis Grant, funded by the National Education Association Staff Organization, is designed to support affiliates in creating and refining student-centered initiatives. Grants can be utilized for contract campaigns, new program development, or enhancing existing practices to improve sustainable learning conditions. This opportunity is exclusive to affiliates, ensuring a focused approach to advocacy and collective bargaining efforts that benefit students.

The Bowman Family Swimming Scholarship, provided by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors in Hardin County who are active swimmers. Eligible applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be involved with their school's swim team. This scholarship embodies the Foundation's mission to enhance community life by empowering students to pursue their educational goals in athletics.

The AO Spine NA Young Investigator Research Grant Award supports early-career surgeons and researchers focusing on clinically relevant spinal or spinal cord research. With funding of $20,000, this initiative encourages new investigators by providing essential start-up capital. Successful applicants are required to present their findings at the Annual AO Spine North America Fellows Forum and submit progress and final reports detailing their research outcomes. This grant aims to foster innovation and excellence in spinal care.

$20K for changemakers with transformative ideas & firsthand insight in early childhood

About the Imagine Award

The Imagine Award by the Promise Fund offers $20,000 in flexible funding (see definition in FAQs) and a six-month cohort-based learning experience for community-rooted early childhood leaders with ideas for transformative impact. ​​Award recipients are at the idea stage and will launch a pilot within six months, testing their solutions with real users, gathering feedback, and refining their approach.

Imagine Award recipients will learn strategies for designing and executing lightweight tests for rapid learning while gaining clarity on their idea's direction using impact and business models. They will craft a compelling story about their work to build future partnerships and run a focused pilot with strong feedback loops for gathering data, all while growing alongside a supportive peer community.

What We Provide

Our grant dollars are flexible and meant to be used at award recipients’ discretion for the pursuit of tests or a pilot of a transformative idea. Read the FAQ for more information.

Direct, one-on-one support from our team to help you learn, get tailored help, and make relevant connections.

Multi-day gathering for peer connection, learning, and pilot design.

Access to a bench of mentors to guide you as you transition out of the program and navigate next steps with your pilot.

Light, tailored coaching to support pilot preparation, launch, and implementation.

Ongoing peer community and resources to continue learning and collaboration

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela's Outdoor Fund supports conservation-focused nonprofits through fundraising events and donation of merchandise or gift cards. Organizations eligible for funding must be registered 501(c)(3) entities in the U.S. or provincially registered nonprofits in Canada. This initiative aims to connect communities to outdoor activities while promoting wildlife conservation and support for military veterans. Grants of up to $1,000 are available to enhance local fundraising efforts.

The Student Research Fellowship Awards program provides financial support of up to $2,500 for students conducting research on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) for a minimum of 10 weeks. Aimed at undergraduate, medical, and graduate students, the initiative encourages research interest in IBD. Up to 16 awards are available, and research must be conducted under a qualified mentor at an accredited institution, ensuring a professional academic environment for the study of this critical health issue.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Joan Tatsak Memorial Scholarship

Joan Tatsak was a beloved friend, colleague and mentor to many of our friends and neighbors here in Armstrong County. She inspired and encouraged her peers and coworkers to achieve and strive for excellence. This unique fund is a fitting memorial. The Joan Tatsak Memorial Fund is a non-traditional scholarship fund that offers grants for entrepreneurship, leadership and scholarship.

Scholarship Details

• Available to Adult Students
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Michael Petronchek Musical Scholarship Fund

Mike Petronchek was a well known musician in our community. During the 40′s Mike played trombone in Angie Sgro and Johnny Murphy’s Dance Band. He loved the Big Band sound and attended many of the formal dances that were held at Laube Hall in Freeport to benefit charity. Mike served as a radio operator with the 8th Air Force during World War II because of his great “ear”. He received his bachelor’s degree from IUP and his master’s from Penn State.

For nearly four decades Mike shared his love of music with children here in Armstrong County. He was the Ford City High School music director from 1958 through 1984 and organized the county’s first elementary school band at Lenape Elementary. In his honor, the Michael Petronchek Musical Scholarship Fund was established for Ford City High School graduates pursuing an education in music.

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation awards Research Fellowship Awards to support post-doctoral individuals pursuing innovative research in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With a maximum award of $70,000 per year for up to three years, the program encourages research aimed at understanding and preventing IBD progression. Eligible applicants must hold an MD or PhD and demonstrate relevant research experience. This initiative fosters the development of future independent researchers in the field of IBD.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award supports pediatric oncology training through a two-year fellowship, with a potential third year based on need and achievements. This initiative, powered by community fundraising events, aims to advance research for childhood cancer cures. The award provides a salary capped at $97,500 per year, covering salary and benefits for fellows. This fellowship not only fosters professional growth but also contributes significantly to the fight against childhood cancers.