Best Quality of Life Grants in Nebraska

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs

A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.

For EdTA Members

Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.

Production Grants

Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs

Music Theatre International: Heart of Rock and Roll "The Power of Love" Grant

Heart of Rock and Roll features a book by Jonathan Abrams and music and lyrics by Huey Lewis and his pop-rock band, Huey Lewis and the News, with new orchestrations of their music by Brian Usifer.

Selected schools will host intergenerational community events or outreach programs of their own design — because just as Huey Lewis’s music has always brought people together, school theatre has the power to do the same.

About Lions Club International FoundationLions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) provides grants that empower the service of our members. Since its inception in 1968, LCIF has awarded more than US$1.3 billion in grant funding.  Mission :Our mission is to empower Lions clubs, volunteers and partners to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian service and grants that impact lives globally, and encourage peace and international understanding. And we fulfill it every day, everywhere we serve.Lions Club International Hunger Grant ProgramHunger Grants focus on strengthening infrastructure and providing essential equipment for Lions’ hunger-relief efforts. These grants empower Lions to support vital initiatives such as school feeding programs, food banks and feeding centers, ensuring that those in need receive the nourishment they require. These grants support infrastructure and equipment acquisition for Lions’ projects focused on alleviating hunger.Grant Examples: 

• Construction or expansion of food banks, feeding centers and food storage facilities.
• Purchase of refrigerators and freezers to store perishable food items.
• Vehicles to transport, collect and deliver food.

The Annual Recurring University Training and Research grant aims to foster the next generation of engineers and scientists by funding research and development at U.S. colleges and universities. This initiative focuses on supporting early-stage research and enhancing opportunities for underrepresented communities, ensuring that students gain essential skills for successful careers in the U.S. workforce and economy. It is a vital step toward inclusive educational advancement and workforce development.

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund's Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants aim to foster innovative collaborations among diverse fields to address climate change's effects on health. With $1M dedicated from Fall 2023 to Summer 2026, grants range from $2,500 to $50,000. This initiative encourages partnerships between biomedical scientists, public health experts, and community organizations, promoting sustainable health systems and effective climate communication. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, emphasizing creative solutions to pressing health challenges.

The Growing Convergence Research (GCR) initiative by the National Science Foundation (NSF) promotes innovative solutions to complex societal and scientific challenges through multidisciplinary collaboration. By integrating diverse expertise, GCR aims to address specific problems and foster new research paradigms. Proposals must outline a five-year plan, divided into two phases, with budgets not exceeding $1.2 million for Phase I and $2.4 million for Phase II. Successful projects are expected to lead to transformative advances in science and technology.

Agnes McCarthy Caregiver Foundation

The Agnes McCarthy Caregiver Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity that provides hope and relief to caregivers who care for a loved one with mental health conditions.

Caregiver Grant

Family caregiving has become a public health issue that receives inadequate recognition in our country. While it can be rewarding to care for our loved ones, it often comes with significant physical, emotional and financial costs to the caregiver. On average, caregivers spend over 25% of their own income to support their loved one and provide 32 hours a week in unpaid care.

AMCF currently offers a $500 financial relief grant to assist family members with unexpected expenses due to their caregiving role. If you are a family caregiver to someone living with a mood or psychiatric condition like depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, schizophrenia, or other mental health/co-occurring conditions, you are not alone, and we welcome you to apply for a caregiver grant today.

Additional Information

• To ensure our limited funds reach families with the greatest need, grants may require documentation confirming a diagnosed serious mental illness (SMI).  

• The $500 grant is limited to one award per household within a 12-month period.

• Applications are generally reviewed by our Board of Directors, with decisions made within 30 days of receipt.

The Alex O. Santillanes Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of NCW, honors the legacy of Alex O. Santillanes, a dedicated youth advocate in the Yakima Valley. This scholarship supports Hispanic high school seniors from the region pursuing higher education in Washington. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate resilience against social and economic inequities, particularly those from single-parent families. The scholarship aims to empower the next generation of leaders.

The ASES Research Grant, provided by the ASES Foundation, offers up to $20,000 for innovative shoulder and elbow research projects. It invites applications from principal investigators who are orthopaedic surgeons working in North America. The funding supports projects lasting between 12 to 24 months and aims to foster advancements in patient care through research. Applications are limited to one per principal investigator per year, promoting focused and impactful research initiatives.

The James W. Junior and Jane T. Brown Scholarship, established by Jane and James Brown in 2006, offers financial support to adult students over 21 in the Tri-Cities. This scholarship aims to ease the financial burdens faced by those returning to education. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide necessary documentation, including transcripts and a Student Aid Report. The program encourages recipients to assist others in their educational journeys, fostering a cycle of support in the community.

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: General Grants

Spencer’s goal to help build a talent pipeline of Risk Management and Insurance professionals is achieved in part by our collaboration with Risk Management and Insurance educators across the United States and Canada. Since 2010, Spencer has awarded over $4.5 million in General Grants to support over 225 student-centered experiential learning initiatives at universities and RMI non-profit orgs.

Spencer's General Grants Program supports student-centered initiatives that (1) provide experiential learning opportunities for Risk Management & Insurance students and (2) attract new talent to risk and insurance careers. 

The Junior Hamilton Memorial Baseball Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports graduating seniors from Wenatchee, Eastmont, or Westside High Schools. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.85 and have participated in a high school baseball program for at least two years. This scholarship honors Junior Hamilton's legacy, empowering student-athletes and mariachi students to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams.

The Blue Bird Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, established by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial support for graduate and current college students pursuing degrees in healthcare-related fields. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.1 and be active volunteers with the Blue J/Blue Bird organization. This scholarship, renewable for up to three years, covers tuition, fees, books, and living expenses, helping students achieve their educational goals while serving the community.

The Kathryn Lodge Mhatre Creative Writing Scholarship honors the memory of Kathryn Lodge Mhatre, a passionate writer and compassionate individual who tragically lost her battle with mental illness. Established by her parents, this scholarship supports students from Chelan or Douglas County pursuing creative writing. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and provide a writing sample, reflecting Kathryn's dedication to learning and her love for storytelling.

American Headache Society

The American Headache Society (AHS) is a professional society of healthcare providers dedicated to the study and treatment of headache and face pain. The Mission of the AHS is to improve the lives of people impacted by migraine and other headache disorders. AHS advocates for those impacted by headache and the headache field, to meet our core objectives. AHS provides educational courses, scientific meetings, a journal, research support, career development opportunities, Special Interest Groups, advocacy training, and a professional community. The AHS strives to meet its objectives while fostering an inclusive sense of belonging and community.

Headache & Migraine Competitive Grant Program

The Headache & Migraine Competitive Grant Program stands at the forefront of advancing headache medicine by funding groundbreaking quality improvement initiatives. This highly competitive grant program, offered through the collaboration between the American Headache Society and Pfizer, supports projects that have the potential to reshape the field by creating widely applicable tools and driving measurable improvements in patient care. 

Migraine & Women's Health

Migraine is a prevalent and debilitating neurological disease that disproportionately affects women, impacting quality of life, productivity, and overall health. Recognizing the need for innovative solutions and enhanced care, Pfizer and the American Headache Society (AHS) are collaborating to offer a new grant opportunity inviting proposals for collaborative quality improvement and research projects focused on migraine and women's health.

The Katie Moore Memorial Nursing Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Preference is given to those specializing in pediatric nursing and with relevant experience. Eligible candidates must have completed two years of college with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or be enrolled in an RN to BSN program. This scholarship honors Katie Moore's legacy and aims to foster compassionate care for children.

The FY 2026 funding opportunity aims to support Indian Tribes and intertribal consortia in implementing approved Nonpoint Source management programs under the Clean Water Act Section 319. This initiative, funded by the EPA, focuses on addressing NPS pollution through best management practices as outlined in Tribal NPS Management Program Plans, ensuring the protection of water resources and promoting sustainability in Tribal lands.

The H. Wayne VanAgtmael Cosmetology Scholarship, established in 2005 by Wayne Van Agtmael's family, honors his legacy in the cosmetology field. This scholarship supports high school graduates from the Tri-Cities pursuing a cosmetology degree, focusing on financial need and academic achievement. Applicants must provide transcripts and additional required documents. The scholarship aims to empower students, particularly those who are the first in their families to succeed beyond high school, in their educational journeys.

The Ramiro Cortes Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, honors the legacy of composer Ramiro Cortés, who was a pioneering Mexican-American musician. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Chelan or Douglas counties who are pursuing full-time music studies. Funded entirely by concert proceeds, it aims to foster new talent in classical music while commemorating Cortés’ significant contributions to the field.

The AACR June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism

Prize Summary

The AACR June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism was established by the AACR in 2015 to raise awareness of the critical role that the media play in educating the public about cancer and cancer research.

Funded by a major bequest to the AACR from cancer research pioneer Dr. June L. Biedler, a scientist, mentor, and former member of the AACR Board of Directors, this prize showcases outstanding examples of cancer journalism and recognizes individual professional journalists who have produced accurate, informative, and compelling stories that enhance the public’s understanding of cancer, cancer research, cancer advocacy, or cancer policy.

The prize provides an unrestricted cash award of $5,000 and a commemorative award.

Categories

Each submission may be considered for only one category, as selected by the candidate on the application form.

Applicants may submit in any of the following categories:

Prize Acceptance

Awardees will be able to accept the prize during the AACR Annual Meeting 2027 in Orlando, April 2-7, 2027.

The Henry D. and Ruth G. Swartz Family Fund Scholarship, established in 1996, supports high school seniors from North Ottawa County pursuing post-secondary education in engineering, computer science, pre-law, or medicine. Awarded competitively by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide necessary documentation, including transcripts and recommendation letters. This scholarship honors the legacy of local residents Hank and Ruth Swartz, encouraging students to achieve their educational goals.

The Chronic Pain Medicine Research Grant, offered by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA) and Pain Medicine, aims to enhance research in pain medicine, guiding clinical practice and improving patient care. With a funding limit of $200,000, the grant prioritizes studies in areas such as Regional Anesthesia, Outcomes Research, and Patient Safety, encouraging innovative proposals from North American physician members of ASRA.

The Kidney Health Equity Community Engagement Award by the National Kidney Foundation aims to enhance health equity in kidney care. This award encourages innovative proposals that address disparities in access to kidney care, education, and treatment. With a funding of $75,000 for one year, it supports healthcare professionals and researchers in implementing community-based solutions to improve outcomes for individuals affected by kidney disease. The initiative seeks to dismantle barriers and foster equitable health practices.

The Everett & Roy Hill Music Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports graduating seniors from Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties who are pursuing further education in music. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of musical education, reflecting the philanthropic spirit of Everett Hill, who aimed to enrich his community. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 to continue receiving support for up to two years.

The Nutrition Obesity Research Centers (NORCs) program, funded by the National Institutes of Health, invites applications for core centers that enhance nutrition and obesity research. It supports research core services, pilot and feasibility programs, and enrichment activities, aiming to improve research efficiency and productivity. This funding opportunity encourages multidisciplinary approaches to tackle obesity and nutrition issues, ultimately contributing to a healthier population.

The Aim High Grant Program, funded by the New York Life Foundation, offers 15 two-year grants of $100,000 each to support out-of-school time programs that assist middle school students in their transition to high school. This initiative addresses chronic absenteeism and promotes educational attainment in low-income communities, enhancing the cognitive, social, and emotional development of youth. By fostering skills necessary for academic success, the program aims to create brighter futures for participants.

The Youth Regional Treatment Center Aftercare Program aims to support American Indian and Alaska Native youth in maintaining safety, sobriety, and success post-discharge from Youth Regional Treatment Centers. This initiative enhances culturally relevant, community-based aftercare by fostering care coordination, building partnerships, and addressing barriers to improve youth outcomes.

The Wilma Jean Fynewever Scholarship, established by Mary Keeton in memory of her mother, supports graduating seniors and non-traditional students from the Tri-Cities, Newaygo, or Muskegon County pursuing nursing careers. This scholarship prioritizes financial need and aims to encourage students to achieve their professional goals in healthcare. The application process is straightforward, allowing candidates to apply for multiple scholarships at once, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of their qualifications and needs.