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 Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

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.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

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.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, social, science education, community, environmental, or arts projects in countries where Roche operates can seek philanthropic support, including Nebraska via its U.S. affiliate. With a mission to strengthen communities, Roche provides organizations with resources for sustainable development, disaster response, youth STEM education, and contemporary arts and culture initiatives.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations with charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs can access funding through Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for work carried out in the U.S. Eligible nonprofits must be tax-exempt under federal (and where applicable, California) law. Public policy organizations that fit these categories and serve broad community needs may be eligible.

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.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

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 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.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nebraska public policy and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation to support charitable programs. Grants may benefit initiatives in community services, environmental conservation, broader environmental stewardship, and peacebuilding efforts that advance positive change and respect for people, life, and the planet.

Focused on education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites Nebraska nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities near GP manufacturing communities to seek support. Organizations working on public policy-related initiatives that align with these focus areas and serve communities within 30 miles of a GP facility may be eligible.

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.

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.

Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local communities fund programs in economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief. Eligible U.S.-based organizations in O’Reilly Auto Parts communities can request project, general operating, or capital support, which may benefit groups doing public policy-related work around these issues.

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.

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.