Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

The U.S. Hillman Prize for Magazine Journalism, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, recognizes outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Open to global journalists, it requires works to be published in English and accessible to a U.S. audience within the past year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at the annual ceremony in New York City. The foundation prioritizes stories with U.S. impact across diverse topics.

Mark Gradeless Welding Scholarship

This award was created in 2021 to honor the life of Mark “Grady” Gradeless. A 1977 graduate of Columbia City Joint High School, he worked at Dana Corporation, where he tirelessly serviced machines from the age of 18 until his retirement. “Grady” was a member of the United Auto Workers, Steelworkers Union and could often be found in his barn fixing something or tinkering. He was known for his daredevil shenanigans, practical jokes, patience, hard work, common sense advice and ability to uplift those around him. “Grady” was an amazing Dad, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and friend to all who knew and loved him. This award is for a student attending Ivy Tech Community College for the pursuit of a welding certificate.

Kenny Simon Scholarship

Kenny Simon, a member of the class 1988, met an untimely death in the summer of 1985. Kenny’s parents and friends established a scholarship fund in his honor.

The interest from this fund is to be used annually to provide a scholarship for a deserving member of the graduating class. In the event the scholarship if not applied for by students, the money will be contributed to the Special Olympics Program.

The Holy Cross Lutheran Mitchell Scholarship, managed by the Kearney Area Community Foundation, provides $1,000 to support students associated with Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney, Nebraska. Eligible applicants must be part-time or full-time undergraduate students at accredited institutions, be members of the church, and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. This scholarship aims to empower local youth to pursue higher education, fostering community engagement and charitable giving.

The U.S. Hillman Prize for Newspaper Journalism, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, recognizes outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Open to global journalists, entries must be published in English and accessible to U.S. audiences within the last year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at a New York City ceremony. The foundation also honors work related to racial and economic justice through additional awards. Entries should focus on impactful stories.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region Scholarship

Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region is an organization that welcomes for membership all women regardless of age, race, creed, religion or national origin, who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to volunteerism.

The league has had many fundraising events in its history, always with the purpose of returning monies to the community through varied and needed projects. The Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region Scholarship is one of those projects.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Judge Gary R. McDonald Memorial Scholarship

January 2004 marked the passing of a true champion of justice and compassion for the men and women of Michigan. Judge Gary R. McDonald, beloved father and friend, served the citizens of Saginaw and the rest of Michigan for over 30 years.

In honor of his esteemed service, the family and colleagues of this respected Michigan leader have created the Judge Gary R. McDonald Memorial Scholarship Fund. Its purpose is to grant students of Saginaw County the financial means to pursue a career in a law-related field so that Judge McDonald’s unrelenting pursuit of justice may continue in his honor.

Awarding this scholarship to those in need serves Judge McDonald’s personal mission of inspiring the hearts and minds of our youth to serve our communities for the good of all.

The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Youth Grants empower young changemakers aged 5 to 25 to create impactful projects addressing childhood hunger. Grants of $500 are available to projects engaging at least 50 youth volunteers. Activities must occur during the Sodexo Servathon (April 1 – May 31, 2025) and should focus on sustainable solutions to combat hunger in local communities, encouraging participation from underserved youth.

The Alcon Foundation Grant aims to enhance eye care services and improve patient access, with a focus on educational and training programs. The foundation also supports cultural and community development initiatives that uplift the quality of life in areas where Alcon operates, including cities like Fort Worth, Houston, and Irvine. However, it does not fund non-501(c)(3) organizations, athletic leagues, or fundraising events, among other exclusions.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Our Community Foundation was established in Roanoke in 1988. With our growth, we expanded into the Martinsville/Henry County area in 2005. Today, we administer many hundreds of named endowment funds ranging in size from a minimum of $10,000 to millions of dollars. To date, donors have also committed very significant resources to the Foundation through future estate gifts.

Our Mission:Enabling people who love their community to easily give back.

Scholarships

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Jim Barker Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher educational scholarship assistance to deserving students.

The UNK Pi Kappa Alpha Alumni Scholarship, managed by the Kearney Area Community Foundation, supports male freshmen attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Two scholarships of $750 each are awarded at the start of the second semester of the first year. Eligibility criteria include being a full-time student and meeting specific academic standards. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for local youth.

The CDC's NCIPC is seeking research proposals to tackle implementation challenges in providing linkage to care services for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). This initiative encourages partnerships with public health entities and local healthcare champions to create actionable, evidence-based strategies. The goal is to enhance care access and ensure comprehensive overdose prevention services are available in real-world healthcare settings, thereby improving outcomes for those at risk of opioid overdose.

The Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards, supported by The ASCAP Foundation, encourages emerging jazz composers aged 13-30. This annual award offers a platform for creativity and innovation in jazz music. Eligible applicants must submit original works, including a score and recording, by the deadline. Previous winners may apply if their submission is a new piece. The foundation focuses on nurturing talent and enhancing arts education, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape.

The USPOULTRY Research Grants program, sponsored by the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, aims to enhance the poultry industry through comprehensive research funding. Established in 1963, it supports diverse projects related to poultry and egg production. With over $30 million invested, the program emphasizes improving product quality and safety. Proposals are evaluated by a panel of experts, with a funding rate of 15-20%. Eligible projects typically have budgets under $80,000 and timelines of 1-2 years.

The Henry Hanff Fellowship Award offers a unique opportunity for practicing North American trauma surgeons to enhance their skills through a short-term fellowship at a trauma clinic in North America or Europe. Sponsored by AO North America, the fellowship lasts four to eight weeks and covers airfare and a stipend for living expenses, with a total award not exceeding $5,900. Participants must submit a report on their experience for publication, enhancing professional development and collaboration.

The AO North America: Young Investigator Research Development Award supports research initiatives for orthopedic trauma fellows in their first year post-fellowship. With a maximum funding of $30,000, the award facilitates professional growth through periodic reporting and networking. Eligible applicants must be fellows in an AO-supported program and current members of AO Trauma, ensuring a commitment to excellence in patient care and outcomes in the field of orthopedic trauma.

The MCSF- Undergraduate & Associate Degree Scholarship is designed to support the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen pursuing undergraduate education. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00. This scholarship can cover various educational expenses such as tuition, books, and transportation. It is an excellent opportunity for those who meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to furthering their education, while honoring the legacy of service in the Marine Corps.

The Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards Implementation Development and Maintenance initiative aims to enhance the national animal food safety system. This funding opportunity supports state regulatory programs in achieving and sustaining the Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS) within five years. By fostering collaboration with the FDA and standardizing regulatory processes, this initiative seeks to improve food safety, promote compliance, and mitigate foodborne illnesses, ultimately creating a more integrated food safety framework.

Harvey E. Anderson Scholarship

To be awarded to students who participate in Section V sports, have been diligent in academic and athletic endeavors, and exhibit self-motivation and extraordinary effort.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $4,000 each to both a male and a female athlete; paid as $1,000 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Additionally, one non-renewable award of $1,000 to both a male and a female runner-up. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

The Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation is committed to enhancing community awareness of hospice and palliative care services. It supports nonprofit organizations that provide end-of-life care and grief recovery resources. Through educational initiatives and financial grants, the Foundation aims to promote excellent hospice care and assist caregivers. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and the Foundation does not fund administrative costs or general funding. Grant applications are accepted once per year.

The Established Investigator Bridge Funding Award, supported by the ACG Institute for Clinical Research and Education and the American College of Gastroenterology, offers $300,000 in funding over two years for established researchers facing funding gaps. Designed for clinical gastroenterology and hepatology, this grant aims to sustain impactful research programs during federal funding lapses. Eligible applicants must be ACG members and have at least eight years of experience post-training, along with a proven track record of federal funding in relevant fields.

The Jordan Fund, established by John & Kelly Olerud in 2003, is dedicated to supporting children with special needs and their families. This grant-making organization assists children with substantial disabilities up to age twenty-one, covering costs for respite, therapy, and essential equipment not provided by insurance. By funding 501(c)(3) organizations, the Jordan Fund aims to enhance the quality of life for these children and their families.

The Knights Templar Eye Foundation Career-Starter Research Grant provides up to $90,000 to support the early careers of researchers focused on preventing and curing blinding diseases in children. Eligible candidates must hold an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree. Research areas include amblyopia, congenital cataract, glaucoma, and other hereditary eye diseases. This funding aims to foster innovative solutions in pediatric ophthalmology, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for infants and children.

The Junior Faculty Development Award, funded by the American College of Gastroenterology, offers $450,000 over three years to support junior researchers in gastroenterology or hepatology. Aimed at ACG members, this award allows recipients to dedicate 50% of their time to clinical research, enhancing their skills and advancing their careers. Eligible candidates include those within seven years post-fellowship who can guarantee protected research time. The initiative fosters novel research that directly impacts gastrointestinal health.

The John William Pope Foundation offers annual grants to support public policy research promoting a free-market economy and individual liberty under the rule of law. Emphasizing the importance of property rights and personal initiative, the foundation welcomes proposals from tax-exempt organizations, particularly those impacting public policy in North Carolina. By focusing on long-term solutions rather than short-term aid, the foundation aims to empower communities and foster sustainable economic growth.

The Campership Grant, offered by the Colburn-Keenan Foundation, aims to support children affected by chronic inherited bleeding disorders by providing up to $500 for camp attendance. This initiative is designed to help families send their children to specialized camps, fostering community and support. Eligible applicants include children under 18 with chronic illnesses and those whose siblings or parents are affected. The program emphasizes the importance of community engagement and aims to alleviate financial burdens for families.

The Camp Equipment & Capital Improvement Grant Program, established by the Colburn-Keenan Foundation, aims to enhance the experiences of children with chronic inherited bleeding disorders. This initiative provides funding to camps for acquiring new equipment or improving facilities, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment for these children. Eligible camps must serve at least 25% of participants affected by such disorders, ensuring that the assistance directly impacts those in need.