Best Quality of Life Grants in Nebraska

The Wetland Mitigation Banking Program for FY 2026 offers $3 million in grants to support the development of mitigation banks for agricultural producers with wetlands. Proposals are prioritized based on the number of wetlands and conservation compliance requests in states such as Georgia, Illinois, and Minnesota. This competitive program is designed to enhance conservation efforts while providing financial opportunities for eligible entities.

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

The Rick Simmons Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides $1,000 to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. This scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the Trades at post-secondary institutions in Nebraska, including fields like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. Preference is given to those with community involvement and financial need. Applicants must submit a Student Aid Report from FAFSA to complete their application.

The Burlington Capital Foundation focuses on community-driven initiatives with significant impacts in Nebraska and Iowa, particularly in the areas of Military/Veteran support, senior communities, education, and the arts. They encourage applications from local organizations and those with national reach that can benefit these regions. Grant requests should be submitted at least one week before scheduled committee meetings, which occur quarterly.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

Chronic Disease Management Navigation and Education Initiative (NE)

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Chronic Disease Prevention Program invites proposals to expand Chronic Disease Management through Navigation and Education across Nebraska’s communities. This initiative is funded through the Rural Health Transformation Project, 4.4A. It aims to connect people in need with resources to promote healthy living and strengthen coordination among patients and health systems.

Program Scope

Funded projects will expand community-based education, care navigation, and self-management support for individuals living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and other long-term health challenges. Projects should improve health outcomes by helping individuals understand their conditions, navigate complex health systems, and access timely, community responsive resources. Through structured education, one-on-one navigation support, and partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations, participants gain the knowledge and skills needed to manage their conditions, reduce preventable complications, and improve quality of life.

Workplans should include, but are not limited to:

• Chronic disease education delivered through workshops, group sessions, and individualized learning tailored to participant needs
• Care navigation and referral support, helping participants connect to primary care, specialty services, medications, and community resources
• Health system navigation, including assistance with appointments, care plans, insurance literacy, and follow-up care.

Funding Amounts

Awards will be made based on applicant type, project scope, and demonstrated need. Single applications should not exceed $400,000 per proposed budget. Applicants must verify and/or justify that their proposed workplan does not overlap existing efforts. Our goal is to expand program reach, not duplicate efforts.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused Collaborations Program (RII-FEC) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by fostering partnerships among government, higher education, and industry. This program supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers to tackle significant challenges in STEM fields, promoting diversity and broadening participation. By integrating Minority-Serving Institutions and early-career faculty from underrepresented backgrounds, RII-FEC seeks to build sustainable STEM capacity and drive impactful discoveries across regions.

The FY 2027 Office of Violence Prevention Grant aims to reduce street and gang violence, firearm-related homicides, and injuries while promoting youth employment in high-crime areas. This grant, administered by the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, encourages communities to adopt comprehensive strategies that include prevention, intervention, enforcement, and rehabilitation. Funding prioritizes programs that demonstrate significant potential benefits to local communities and align with these crucial objectives.

The Nebraska Rural Veterinarian Grant Program aims to address the critical shortage of production animal veterinarians in rural Nebraska. Offered by the Nebraska Department of Labor, this initiative provides financial grants of up to $150,000 to recent veterinary graduates or new practitioners who commit to practicing in rural areas. Eligible applicants must secure a job offer in a rural county and demonstrate a long-term commitment to serving the community, thereby enhancing local veterinary services and supporting agricultural health.

The NCR-SARE Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative agricultural projects that are environmentally sound and socially responsible. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 are available for projects lasting up to 36 months, promoting collaboration among researchers, educators, and producers. This program emphasizes outreach, farmer involvement, and research on topics such as sustainable pest management, local food systems, and crop diversification, addressing the economic and environmental aspects of agriculture.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

Casey’s Donation Requests support vital community needs in Education, Hunger, and Community Servants. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations within Casey’s communities can apply through the online Donation Request Form. Requests are reviewed continuously, with feedback provided via email within one month. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received donations in the current giving calendar year, which runs from May 1 to April 30.

The Gilchrist Foundation offers capital campaign grants to pre-selected non-profit organizations, particularly those enhancing arts, wildlife conservation, public broadcasting, and disaster relief. While the Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, eligible organizations can request an invitation to apply. Grants typically support significant renovation or expansion projects, aiming to foster long-term viability and special initiatives. Preference is given to projects in the Sioux City area, with a focus on stimulating matching funds.

The Robert B. Daugherty Foundation Grant offers general operating support to tax-exempt organizations, focusing on charitable, scientific, cultural, and educational activities. With an emphasis on projects addressing community needs in Nebraska, especially Omaha, the Foundation seeks organizations demonstrating effective leadership, diverse funding sources, and sound operational practices. Grants are available in various forms, including one-time and multi-year grants, with a preference for proposals that include matching funds.

The Robert B. Daugherty Foundation Grant supports tax-exempt organizations engaging in charitable, scientific, cultural, religious, or educational activities, with a focus on projects benefiting Nebraska, especially Omaha. Core values include passion, integrity, and accountability. The foundation seeks impactful projects with effective leadership and sound operations. Grants can be one-time, multi-year, or program-specific, and preference is given to those with matching funds. The foundation emphasizes ethical practices and community investment.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Gilchrist Foundation offers project grants to pre-selected non-profit organizations that align with its mission in the arts, wildlife conservation, public broadcasting, and disaster relief, primarily focusing on the Sioux City area. Organizations can apply for funding to enhance or establish programs that are self-sustaining, as the foundation does not intend to provide long-term financing. Interested parties must first request an invitation to apply for funding.

The Robert B. Daugherty Foundation Grant aims to support tax-exempt organizations in Nebraska, particularly in the Omaha area, that focus on charitable, educational, cultural, or scientific activities. With a strong commitment to integrity and accountability, the Foundation seeks projects that demonstrate effective leadership and community needs. Grants can be one-time or multi-year commitments, with preference for those leveraging matching funds, ensuring a significant impact on community development.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

Rob-See-Co is an independent seed company with regional expertise, providing customers access to leading genetics and traits through the Rob-See-Co and Innotech® seed brands. Rob-See-Co also sells Masters Choice specialty silage and forage products, as well as Streamline Ag seed-driven crop inputs. Rob-See-Co works alongside its customers, building strong relationships and helping them plant the right seed for their long-term success, while keeping the process friendly, straightforward, and simple. 

Rob-See-Co Library Grant

In recognition of National Library Day, Rob-See-Co, an independent seed company located in Elkhorn, Neb. is proud to announce the continuation of its Rural Library Grant program.

Originally launched in 2023 to commemorate the company’s 10th anniversary and honor Agnes Robinson’s dedication to the rural library in Waterloo, NE, the program continues to hold special meaning. Agnes, great-grandmother of Jim Robinson, CEO of Rob-See-Co, was a passionate advocate for rural libraries. Today, the program extends support to libraries across rural communities within the company’s footprint. 

The focus areas for grant distributions from the Rob-See-Co Rural Library Grant program will assist local libraries with expanding book collections, core educational programs for adults or children, and computer or software upgrades. Examples of this would be new books, expansion of school visits or field trips, digitizing research materials, support for funding traveling exhibits and speakers.

Rob-See-Co will award ten grants to selected rural libraries across CO, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, OK, PA, SD, TX and WI. Funds may be used for core educational, preservation and interpretive purposes, including collection development, facility improvements, traveling exhibits, guest speakers, staff training, programming, and publications. 

Nebraska Library Commission

The Nebraska Library Commission was created in 1901 and is part of the executive branch of state government. Per state statute, the Commission is responsible for the statewide promotion, development and coordination of library services. In fulfilling these functions the Commission works with all types of libraries – public, school, college and university, special and institutional libraries. Some of the Commission’s services are provided directly to the public and to state government personnel.

Youth Grants for Excellence

Program Goals

The program is designed to encourage creative thinking, risk-taking and new approaches to address problems and needs of children and young adults in your community. Grant awards enable youth librarians to begin needed programs and try projects which they have been unable to undertake. The grants also offer an opportunity to expand youth service capabilities in new and different directions. It is also expected that the funding will provide a foundation for ongoing rather than one-time services, which can be continued with community support or through a reallocation of library funds.

What kind of projects will be eligible for the Youth Grants for Excellence?

You may apply for a grant in an area that will benefit children and/or teens and which you see as a need in your community, for example (but not limited to), projects for youth (preschool, elementary school age, or teen) that will:

• Encourage reading
• Early Childhood Reading Programs
• Concentrate on boys and reading
• Celebrate reading and books
• Encourage creativity
• Develop character
• Encourage and celebrate other materials or opportunities for youth at your library
• Encourage library use by children and/or teens for whom English is a learned language
• Assist library personnel in their ability to meet the service needs of children and/or teens in their community.

Each grant project must have at least one program (an event designed for the project, attended by youth, and usually held in the library) for the youth of your community to attend. It can be a special program or simply an Open House to give community members a chance to see or try out the new items that you have purchased.

Matching Funds

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the amount required to implement their ideas successfully.

Grants require at least a local match of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total project amount. At least 10% must be a cash match. The remaining 15% of the local match can be in-kind costs and/or additional cash.

For in-kind costs, if an applicant is going to use staffing resources as part of the local match, the staffing resources must be dedicated to the project. Other in-kind costs such as the printing of brochures for an event could also count toward the 15% local match.

The 10% cash match, or the entire 25% matching funds, can also be contributed by the local library's friends group, foundation, a local donor, or any other source outside the library.

The Gilchrist Foundation offers endowment grants aimed at supporting pre-selected non-profit organizations that align with its mission in the arts, wildlife conservation, public broadcasting, and disaster relief. Although unsolicited applications are not accepted, organizations can request an invitation to apply. The Foundation prefers projects that demonstrate robust board participation and offers matching funds, particularly favoring initiatives in the Sioux City area. Approximately 55% of grants are allocated to endowment and capital campaigns.

The Gilchrist Foundation offers micro-grants up to $5,000 to support nonprofit organizations focused on the arts, wildlife conservation, and disaster relief, particularly in the Sioux City area. This initiative allows for one-time funding aimed at fostering creativity and community engagement. Organizations eligible for these grants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made within 30 days, promoting impactful projects that benefit local residents.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.