Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

The NCI Research Specialist Award (R50) supports clinician scientists involved in NCI-funded clinical trials. This funding opportunity encourages the development of stable research careers by providing salary support and autonomy, allowing clinician scientists to contribute to national clinical trial development and implementation. They play a critical role in sustaining the NCI clinical trials network without serving as principal investigators. This award aims to ensure continuity in cancer research careers.

The St. John Lutheran College Educational Fund/Spiritual Growth Fund Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides financial support for students affiliated with St. John Lutheran Church. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate commitment to spiritual growth through various activities. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for eligible students pursuing their studies at Lutheran colleges, with the foundation managing a significant endowment to support their mission.

The Stindt, Ben j., Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $1,000 award to a graduating senior of Beatrice High School. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational enrichment and scholarships with a $3.8 million Endowment Fund. Preference is given to students who are active in their Christian community, participate in athletics, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence both academically and athletically.

The First Book Grant for Scholars of Color (FBG) offers up to $55,000 to support early-career, pre-tenured scholars of color in completing significant research projects related to Christian faith and life, religious trends, and social issues. This grant aims to facilitate the publication of their first book, enhancing the connection between academic scholarship and the church in North America, while prioritizing projects that are already underway.

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin gives everyone the opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community. We manage over 320 funds that enhance Portage and Waushara counties. Together with our generous donors, we create a strong culture of philanthropy in Central Wisconsin.

We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

Whether you're a student seeking financial support or a donor looking to grow a scholarship fund, we invite you to explore available opportunities and learn how you can be involved.

Don & Mary Hamerski Memorial Scholarship Fund

Qualifications: Graduating High School seniors from a Central Wisconsin high school.

The Sokolik, Irene, Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $750 award to graduating seniors of Beatrice High School. Established in 1987, the Foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities through financial support, managing a substantial Endowment Fund. To qualify, applicants must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher during their last two semesters. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering academic achievement and supporting local students.

The Spotlight Fund Grants, specifically the STEM Fund, provide essential funding for K-12 educators to enhance their curriculum with necessary tools and materials for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education. Aimed at supporting under-served communities, these grants typically range from $500 to $1,000 per educator, with a cap of $5,000 per school. Priority is given to educators from high-needs schools, ensuring equitable access to quality STEM education.

The Smithfield Fresh Meats Corporation Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides two $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School. To be eligible, applicants must be dependents of current employees at Smithfield Fresh Meats Corporation facilities. The Foundation, established in 1987, manages a $3.8 million Endowment Fund and awards over $55,000 annually in scholarships to enhance educational opportunities for local students.

The Smethers, Neva and Ernest Scholarship is offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, a nonprofit established in 1987. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior girl from Beatrice High School, emphasizing active participation in school and community activities. Preference is given to female athletes who have played golf or softball for at least two years, supporting both educational and athletic pursuits within the community.

The Shelter Insurance Foundation Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides $2,000 to a student pursuing any accredited course of study. Established in 1987, the foundation supports educational opportunities in Nebraska. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, citizenship, and moral character. With a robust $3.8 million endowment, the foundation annually grants over $55,000 to Beatrice High School seniors, ensuring ongoing support for local education.

The Sertoma Club Scholarship offers a $1,000 award to a senior from Beatrice High School aiming to pursue further education. Established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation in 1987, the scholarship prioritizes applicants with speech or hearing challenges, although this is not mandatory. The Foundation manages a $3.8 million endowment and supports over $55,000 in scholarships annually, enriching educational opportunities within the Beatrice School District.

The Sertoma Club Scholarship offers a $500 award to a senior from Beatrice High School who plans to continue their education at Southeast Community College-Beatrice Campus, provided funds are available. Established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, which has been supporting educational opportunities since 1987, this scholarship prioritizes applicants with speech or hearing challenges, although this is not a strict requirement.

The Schuster, Larry A. and Constance J. Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $10,000 renewable scholarship for undergraduates at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational initiatives in the Beatrice School District, managing a $3.8 million endowment and awarding over $55,000 annually in scholarships. Preference is given to Beatrice High School graduates demonstrating financial need, making this opportunity vital for local students.

The Scherling, Andrea M. Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $200 scholarship to a graduating senior from an area school. Established in 1987, the foundation supports educational opportunities in the Beatrice School District, awarding over $55,000 annually in scholarships. Selection is based on community service, public speaking, and leadership qualities. This scholarship is not need-based, ensuring all eligible students can apply.

The Flint Hills Resources Discovery Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $1,500 scholarship to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. Eligible applicants must demonstrate leadership skills and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with academic success in subjects like math, science, technology, or agriculture. This scholarship is part of the Foundation's mission to enhance educational opportunities for students in the Beatrice School District.

The Spotlight Fund: Arts Grants support K-12 educators by providing funding for essential tools and materials to enhance art education. With grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, the program prioritizes educators in high-needs schools, fostering creativity and reducing dropout rates among at-risk youth. By engaging children in various art forms, the initiative enriches their educational experience and opens up future possibilities. This targeted support is vital for cultivating a new generation of artists and creative thinkers.

The FY26 Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCIRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) supports innovative research aimed at enhancing patient care and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries. This award encourages collaboration, allowing an Early-Career Partnership Option for two Principal Investigators, where one must be an early-career investigator. Focused on impactful research from basic to translational science, this opportunity is crucial for advancing SCI knowledge and interventions.

The FY26 Spinal Cord Injury Research Program Clinical Trial Award supports innovative clinical trials aimed at significantly improving spinal cord injury treatment. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration by allowing two Principal Investigators, including an early-career investigator, to drive the research forward. Applicants must partner with at least two SCI community members, ensuring that the project is informed by lived experiences and community needs throughout its development and implementation.

The FY26 Spinal Cord Injury Research Program Clinical Translation Research Award funds innovative clinical research aimed at bridging the gap to larger clinical trials. It focuses on accelerating the application of new techniques and improving patient outcomes through effective diagnosis and rehabilitation strategies. Key features include an Early-Career Partnership Option for principal investigators and a requirement for community partner involvement, ensuring collaborative research that meets real-world needs.

The DoW Spinal Cord Injury Translational Research Award supports innovative research to transform promising spinal cord injury findings into clinical applications. It features an Early-Career Partnership Option, requiring at least one early-career principal investigator. Collaborations with SCI community partners are essential for providing guidance throughout the project. This funding opportunity aims to enhance the effectiveness of spinal cord injury interventions and improve patient outcomes.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Aris Kasotis Memorial Scholarship

Aris Kasotis was a young man who liked to see people included. “He made friends easily,” said his mother, Joan Kasotis, Marion County Auditor, “and he liked to make sure that no one was overlooked.”

Aris’ enjoyment of life and his desire to share with others prompted his parents, Joan and long-time local restaurateur and caterer, George Kasotis, to establish a memorial scholarship in Aris’ name following his untimely death in an automobile accident. More than 100 memorial contributions from friends and family helped to establish this scholarship fund in 2007.

The Kasotis Fund provides an annual scholarship for a senior from Marion Harding High School who ranks in the upper 50 percent of his or her senior class, but not the top 10 percent. Special consideration is given to applicants who have participated in Harding Singers, interscholastic wrestling, and/or interscholastic football—school activities that Aris enjoyed.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Scholarships

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

BCPS Life Enhancement Scholarship Fund

The purpose of this fund is to provide support to students who are seeking to enhance their lives - either after high school or later in adulthood whether or not they have a traditional high school diploma or a G.E.D. from Battle Creek Public Schools. The donor stated, "You may be a parent or grandparent who has chosen to place your children in BCPS, a graduating senior, a graduate or even someone who dropped out of BCPS, whatever the scenario, you choose to stick with BCPS and stay associated with the district in some way instead of transferring to another district, that speaks volumes to me. This is the primary reason I established the BCPS Life Enhancement Education Fund, I want to support those who support the district and this fund helps me do that."

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Beatrice Prior Memorial Scholarship

The Beatrice Prior Memorial Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to the academically highest ranking graduating female students of Marion Harding High School.

This fund was created from the Mary Evelyn Prior Trust. Mary Evelyn (1924-2008) was a Marion resident. The fund honors her aunt, Beatrice, who was a 1905 graduate of Marion High School (which pre-dates Harding High School) and taught in Lakewood, Ohio, as well as the Marion City Schools’ elementary grades for many years.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Frayssignes-Randall Scholarship Fund

The Frayssignes-Randall Scholarship Fund was established by Phillip Pierre Antoine Randall for the purpose of providing scholarships to graduating seniors and adult graduates of Calhoun County high schools. The Scholarship will remember two families who lived and worked in the Battle Creek area from 1900 to the present. Pierre Frayssignes and his wife, Sidonie immigrated from a small village in southern France prior to WW1. Pierre worked initially in Pennsylvania coal mines and ended up in the Battle Creek area. He knew both C W Post and W K Kellogg personally, working for both at different times. At one time he was the oldest and longest-serving Kellogg factory employee. His youngest daughter was Dr. Randall’s mother, Blanche Sidonie Frayssignes. The Randall family were prairie farmers from English/Irish stock who settled in the Climax area in the late 1800s. Floyd and Kitty Randall lost their first farm to the WW2 expansion of Fort Custer and the Battle Creek airfield, moving north to the Assyria area. Their oldest son was Dr. Randall’s father Charles DuWayne Randall. These names and those of their offspring will be found scattered throughout the historical records of Calhoun County and later, throughout the world. These families placed great value on education, hard work and personal responsibility as a means to self-sufficiency. Scholarship assistance to further individual development is consistent with these values.

Omaha Community Foundation

The Foundation was created in 1982, first functioning primarily as a charitable bank for Omaha and Southwest Iowa philanthropists. Since then, our community knowledge has grown, programming has expanded, partnerships have been forged, and the Omaha Community Foundation has become a regional thought leader in philanthropy and community investment.

Our Mission: We maximize the power of philanthropy to strengthen our community.

Donna Kennedy Schatz Foundation Grant

An Early Childhood Development Initiative

Powered by Blue Sage Impact in partnership with OCF, the Donna Kennedy Schatz Foundation was established in Omaha in honor of Mrs. Schatz, a dedicated Omaha resident for more than 75 years.

Programmatic Emphasis

This Foundation is centered on early childhood, defined here as prenatal through 8 years old, in order to support a strong start to life. The Foundation will fund organizations and initiatives that support education, wrap-around services, or ecosystem-level infrastructure. Specifically, the themes of the foundation include:

• Supporting caregiver relationships with children through training, wraparound supports, and engaging experiences. We define caregivers as trusted adults in a child’s life, including parents, extended family and educators.
• Championing high quality early education opportunities that build a strong foundation of literacy and are grounded in the future of learning.
• Elevating intergenerational connections through places and programs that combat the isolation epidemic. We envision these programs to strengthen bonds between older adults and young children.

Target Populations: Marginalized communities of Omaha, Nebraska

Funding Structure: Exploration Grants

Given the dramatically changing funding landscape and trickle-down effects on programs, we are structuring the exploration grants as flexibly as possible: providing resources for “thinking time.” Organizations or partnerships can use this funding to support an exploration or planning process to consider what the future looks like for their program(s).

We will provide 10–15 philanthropic grants ranging from $15,000–$25,000. There is flexibility in the use of funds (e.g., planning retreat; consultant assistance with data/strategy development; general operations for staff time; etc.), whatever would be most helpful to leadership to explore and think through.

Grant period: 6 months to 1 year

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Scholarships

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

ASMO Manufacturing, Inc. Scholarship Fund

The ASMO Manufacturing, Inc. Scholarship was established to provide scholarships to graduates or graduating seniors from the Battle Creek area seeking educational opportunities beyond high school. The eligible recipients are dependent children or regular employees of ASMO Manufacturing, Inc. "Employees" may be the parent, legal guardian, stepmother, or stepfather of the dependent child. Retirees and former spouses are excluded from these criteria. The recipient must be a high school graduate or a G.E.D. recipient who has been accepted to a college or university in the fall, or students who are already pursuing a full-time course of study at an accredited two (2) or four (4) year college, university, or vocational-technical school. There is a minimum GPA of 2.5. Selection criteria will be based on academic achievement, career plans, and involvement in school and community activities.

Angels Over Sandpoint

Mission: It is the mission of the Angels Over Sandpoint to honor the memory of the Angels who have gone before us by helping those in need in our community.

A New Direction Grant

Amber Coffman Campbell Memorial Fund

Amber and her generous heart took time to genuinely listen, as good friends do. She saw the bright side of everyone and believed in the goodness in each person. Her blue eyes were luminous and her smile made everything right in the world. Bubbly and effervescent, Amber was a soul of happy endless optimistic youth.

In 2007 Amber and Darby Campbell were married at their new home on Sunny Side Road. She fell for his dashingly romantic side and was swept away with his humor and creative ideas. He adored her passionate energy and bright spirit. They loved the sun and surf …and each other. Amber always had an interest in beauty. She was a model in her younger days and on Maui she found the Esthetician school from which she graduated in 2003. She creatively blended the idea of beauty with the natural world and brought about a new spa in 2008. Her creation of Wildflower Day Spa took off. It was an unfolding of her dream.

Amber was passionate, inspiring and generous of spirit. She brought forth an idea that there was always something about to unfold, something magical just in front of us, that something beautiful would happen this very day. And it always did, she would find something delightful in her path, even the littlest thing and embrace it.

Although Amber left this world too soon, she has given us a gift of her unbidden joy that we carry around with us in our hearts. 

A New Direction Grant is offered to Bonner County residents seeking to better themselves by attending a college, university or trade school. 

You may use funds for tuition/registration to any college, university, technical school.