Best Public Policy Grants in Nebraska

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Nebraska can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Eligible programs must primarily serve economically underserved communities and propose innovative, tech-enabled solutions that address significant social challenges and improve service reach and efficiency.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Nebraska offering impactful arts or science programs for broad U.S. audiences can seek program, capital, or limited general support, with awards more than US $100,000. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes arts education, artist training, and STEAM-focused science initiatives that demonstrate measurable outcomes and strong organizational sustainability.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in health, education, or community services in Nebraska can seek funding for programs like food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and preventive health initiatives. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support that may benefit organizations engaged in public policy efforts tied to these community health and welfare priorities.

Nebraska public policy organizations and nonprofits focused on health, education, or humanitarian relief can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for work benefiting marginalized communities. This global funder supports initiatives such as healthcare access, child and women’s health, disaster relief, literacy, and social services in the U.S. and internationally, including potential efforts with a policy or systems-change component.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. Grants from TJX Foundation help organizations whose public policy work intersects these areas, provided they meet mission alignment and nondiscrimination requirements and have not been funded by TJX in the past year.

Lawrence Foundation provides Nebraska nonprofits, public schools, and libraries with unrestricted operating or program grants for environmental and human services work. U.S.-headquartered 501(c)(3) public charities and similar organizations may be eligible for awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000, which can support programs that intersect with public policy priorities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Nonprofit and public organizations serving Merrick County residents in Nebraska can apply for Merrick Foundation grants up to US $10,000 to support future or in-progress community programs and projects. Funding may benefit initiatives in areas like civic affairs, health, education, arts, or human services that intersect with public policy priorities.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can seek funding from Ameriprise Financial to support hunger relief, housing, adult self-sufficiency, and community development initiatives, including in Nebraska. Ameriprise Financial provides priority to programs with strong employee or advisor volunteer engagement and to organizations in key employee center communities or with national reach.

Early-career parasitology researchers with a recent master’s or doctoral degree can receive recognition and support through the Ashton Cuckler New Investigator Award, including travel, accommodation, a cash award, and a plaque. Scholars in Nebraska working on public policy-relevant parasitology issues may benefit from this American Society of Parasitologists opportunity.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 are awarded annually, primarily to U.S. applicants, for one year of project-based support rather than general operating needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on arts, education, human services, civic engagement, and community development projects in Nebraska, especially impacting Lincoln, can seek up to US $10,000 for pilot initiatives, innovative programs, or operating support. Woods Charitable Fund supports direct services and policy efforts, including coalition-building, public education, and advocacy that advance public policy and social change.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or groups with a fiscal sponsor serving African Americans in Omaha and nearby Nebraska counties can apply for Omaha Community Foundation’s African American Unity Fund, with awards up to US $30,000 for community programs. Funding may support arts and culture, basic needs, community development, health, or capacity building that can include public policy-related efforts.

Nebraska organizations planning AmeriCorps service programs can receive up to US $75,000 for program design and capacity-building costs. ServeNebraska supports evidence-based, high-impact service initiatives that address community challenges across areas like education, health, housing, economic development, and environmental stewardship, helping groups prepare for future operational AmeriCorps grants and manage compliant, effective programs.

Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations in Nebraska can seek more than US $50,000 to develop storytelling projects that highlight their impact in preservation, education, or wellness. With a mission to support community-focused initiatives, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides funding to help capture and share meaningful change, which may benefit public policy efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Nebraska serving youth, families, or communities can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants ranging from US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs in education, youth leadership, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship may be eligible, including initiatives connected to public policy or community systems change.

Nebraska arts-focused 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities can access funding to present touring artists from within the Mid-America Arts Alliance region. Grants provide up to US $5,000 in matching support for artist fees and public-facing events. Organizations working on community engagement or public policy-related arts initiatives may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can receive national recognition and support through the Community Partnership Award, which includes Nebraska-based efforts. Mutual of America Foundation honors collaborations that measurably improve communities, address significant social issues, and demonstrate potential to scale or be replicated in other locations.

Public 501(c)(3) organizations in the Omaha metro area providing educational services to underserved children up to age 12 can apply for Omaha Community Foundation’s Creche Childhood Education Fund Grant, awarding approximately US $24,999 for educational programming and projects. Funding cannot be used for operating expenses and is available to organizations in Douglas, Sarpy, or Pottawattamie Counties.

Focused on public policy and cultural education, eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Nebraska can apply for Omaha Community Foundation’s Jetton Charitable Fund grants of more than US $20,000 to support youth arts and educational programming. Funding is primarily for programmatic work in the Omaha metro, with limited opportunities across Nebraska and southwest Iowa.

Omaha-area public schools and 501(c)(3) animal welfare nonprofits in Nebraska can receive funding for history, natural science, outdoor education, or animal-focused programs, with preference for equine therapy, through the Richard A. Shaw Fund. Omaha Community Foundation provides up to US $3,500 for programmatic projects in Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie Counties.

Nebraska public policy and civic education nonprofits can access funding through Hatton W Sumners Foundation for programs that teach democratic self-government and engage people in the political process. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may propose civic engagement initiatives, teacher training on founding documents, mock legislative sessions, and contests or seminars that develop current and future civic leaders.

Mission

The Sherwood Foundation® promotes equity through social justice initiatives enhancing the quality of life in Nebraska.

Vision

We believe social justice is the proactive reinforcement of policies, practices, attitudes, and actions that all produce equitable power, access, opportunities, treatment, impacts, and outcomes for all.

Who We Fund

The Sherwood Foundation limits grants to organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3), government entities, schools, or churches that are serving Nebraska. These organizations must be in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service. 

What We Fund

The Sherwood Foundation limits grants to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that predominately benefit those that are serving Nebraska and must address one of our categories:

Urban Community Partnerships

Our work in Nebraska’s urban communities focuses on family stability and child wellbeing with an overarching emphasis on community context. Using a two-generation approach, we are interested in the relationship between direct service provision and the greater systems that impact a community. Applicants are wise to cite specific research that influences a service model or approach to solving a community challenge.

Omaha Public Schools

Guidelines: 

• OPS employees must obtain approval from the District before submitting an application. 
• Applications lacking such documentation will not receive consideration.
• For assistance, please contact the OPS Grant Coordinator at 531.299.9653.

Greater Nebraska Initiatives

Through these grants, The Sherwood Foundation promotes equity and inclusion as pathways for creating the good life for all in Nebraska.  Core areas of work include child welfare, immigrant inclusion, housing, advocacy & civic engagement, leadership, and community infrastructure. Requests from communities outside of the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas are considered during standard grant cycles.

Early Childhood Education

The Sherwood Foundation supports early childhood education on a regional and national basis through The Buffett Early Childhood Fund.

What the Sherwood Foundation Values

 The Sherwood Foundation has strongly held values regarding civil liberties, equality and fairness with a particular focus on women and people oppressed because of their race, sexual orientation, and/or religion or lack-thereof.

• We respect that not all nonprofit organizations share the same values as the Foundation.
• We don’t ask nonprofits to change values for us or for funding.
• We do ask that nonprofits leaders respect our values and save everyone time and energy by not seeking funding if our organizational values aren’t aligned.

Equal rights.

We believe all humans are created equal. We work to eliminate government and social barriers to equality.

Access to civic life.

We are proud to live in a democracy and believe that the rights provided to individuals in the United States should be protected and the best way to protect those rights is to ensure equal access to the voting polls. 

Reproductive justice.

We support a woman’s right to self-determination about reproductive health choices. We expect our grantees serving women and girls to ensure access and education to all health care options, including abortion. 

Opportunity to thrive.

We believe a zip code should not determine the outcome of a life. We see how government institutions and laws have historically and do presently oppress and suppress opportunity, particularly for people of color but also other minority populations and women. We work with our community to undo systemic oppression and build systems that meet the needs of citizens and do not further oppress. We seek economic justice for our neighbors and the opportunity that lies therein.

Access to services.

We expect grantees to ensure that clients have access to services and that service providers work to remove barriers rather than create barriers to care and compassion. A service provider’s religious belief system should not be imposed upon those who seek their services, whether through proselytization, coercion, guilt, or an unspoken quid-pro-quo expectation to participate in faith-based classes or religious services.

Operating Grants

The Sherwood Foundation® believes that providing operating support can make all the difference to nonprofit organizations by providing flexible funding to cover the ongoing costs of day-to-day operations (administrative/overhead). This type of support can free nonprofits to become more strategic about how they address community issues, craft internal solutions to enhance effectiveness, and build organizational infrastructure.