Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

The NCR-SARE Graduate Student Grant Program funds up to $20,000 for graduate student projects addressing sustainable agriculture in the North Central Region. Established in 2002, it supports Master's and Ph.D. students at accredited institutions. Projects can last up to 36 months, and applicants may receive only one grant during their academic career. The program aims to promote innovative solutions to agricultural challenges and enhance sustainability practices in the region.

RHTP 4.2b Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) Prevention RFA

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) was awarded Federal funds through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of the Nebraska Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Initiative 4.2b Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI) Prevention. Through this initiative, DHHS will assist healthcare partners in their efforts to reduce preventable infections, limit antibiotic resistance, and improve healthcare outcomes in rural Nebraska.

Total Funding

• $383,500.00 

Use of Funds

The funds are made available through cost reimbursement to healthcare facilities performing any of the following activities:

• Cost reimbursement for one of the following Antimicrobial Stewardship Training Programs upon successful completion of the certification: 
  • Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacist (SIDP) Antimicrobial Stewardship certificate program 
  • Making a Difference in infectious Diseases (MAD-ID) Basic Antimicrobial Stewardship Training Program
  • MAD-ID in-person Advanced Antimicrobial Stewardship Program or
  • The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) in-person Antibiotic Stewardship Training Course (Maximum 2 pharmacist per healthcare facility, with each choosing one of the above-mentioned training – reimbursement capped at $600 per pharmacist for training #1, $500 per pharmacist for training #2, $3,400 per pharmacist for training #3 and $3,800 for training #4; includes certification/training program fee for respective training, and travel expenses for in person conference). [This activity is only available to hospitals.]
• Cost reimbursement for infection preventionists (IPs) certification attempts through Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc (Maximum 2 IPs per healthcare facility – reimbursement  capped at $1,300 per IP; includes certification fee and study materials expenses). [This activity is available to all eligible facility types.]
• Cost reimbursement for infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship staff attending the Nebraska Infectious Diseases Conference (Maximum 2 staff per healthcare facility – reimbursement capped at $500 per staff for facility within 50 miles of conference center, $1000 per staff for facility between 50 to 250 miles; and $1,500 per staff for facility over 250 miles from conference center; includes registration fees, hotel stay, mileage, meals and staff time spent at the conference). [This activity is available to all eligible facility types.]
• Cost reimbursement for IT staff time spent on onboarding/maintenance of outpatient antibiotic use dashboard provided by the Collaboration to Harmonize Antimicrobial Registry Measures (CHARM) project (reimbursement will be capped at $7,500 per healthcare organization even if onboarding multiple clinics.). [This activity is only available to hospitals, and outpatient healthcare facilities.]

Expedited Off Cycle Grant

Due to the passage of Legislative Bill 1071 in April of 2026, there is included in the appropriation for Nebraska Tourism Commission dba Visit Nebraska to this program FY2025-26 $175,000 Cash Funds for state aid, which shall only be used for a marketing grant related to international volleyball events at a city of the metropolitan class. There is included in the appropriation to this program for FY2025-26 $150,000 Cash Funds for state aid, which shall only be used for a tourism and visitor promotion grant to an organization that provides tourism and visitor promotion services in the state through exhibits and trails and that is located along the Missouri River and within five miles of a city of the first class.

When developing your grant application, be creative and innovative, tell us what marketing tools your community, event, destination, or region is lacking that will help you attract more visitors. Outline your needs in your application and include how, when, why, and where you plan to implement the tools. 

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5418 - Optimizing PFAS Treatment Systems for Multi-contaminant Removal and Operational Benefits

Project Objectives

The Small Town Grants program, part of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, provides matching grants to municipalities with populations of 10,000 or less. With over $10.1 million allocated since July 2020, the program aims to subsidize costly wastewater treatment and sewer projects. Eligibility requires completion of a Needs Survey and a median household income below the state average, ensuring support for communities facing financial hardship.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

The Child Care Start-Up and Expansion Grant offers financial assistance of up to $10,000 for child care centers and $5,000 for child care homes to enhance service capacity. Eligible applicants include individuals, groups, and existing programs aiming to meet licensing requirements or expand services. This initiative supports new quality child care programs and modifications to existing ones, ensuring providers can maintain operations and child care subsidy enrollment for three years.

 Victim of Crimes Act & State Victim Assistance Grant Programs

This Request for Applications (RFA) for the federal Victim of Crimes Act (VOCA) and state Victim Assistance Grant Programs for Nebraska’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027. Under this program, Nebraska provides grants to local community-based public, non-profit, and other organizations that provide services directly to crime victims.

The VOCA and Victim Assistance Grant Program support a broad array of programs and services that focus on helping victims in the immediate aftermath of crime, and continuing to support them as they rebuild their lives. All services funded through the VOCA and Victim Assistance Grant Program are provided to individual crime victims at no cost to the victim.

Opportunity Funding

• $6,000,000.00

The NE Emergency Mini Grant, offered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, provides funding up to $2,000 for licensed child care centers and homes. This grant aims to support necessary items for licensure based on inspections by relevant authorities. Eligible applicants must maintain good standing and ensure compliance with child care subsidy requirements. The initiative focuses on improving child care quality and accessibility for low-income families, enhancing early childhood development programs.

The Jack Lewis Safety Fund, established by the Walter Scott Family Foundation, honors Dr. Jack K. Lewis and supports Nebraska and southwest Iowa communities. Grants up to $50,000 are available for safety-related projects, including equipment, training, and facility improvements. Applicants must serve communities with 5,000 or fewer residents or be located in specific counties. Priority is given to projects showcasing local fundraising and collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round with specific deadlines for review cycles.

The Sherwood Foundation's Capital Grants program aims to enhance Nebraska's communities through strategic investments in public education, human services, and social justice. By providing funding for land purchases, construction, renovations, and significant equipment, the foundation supports projects that improve child and family welfare. Organizations seeking grants must provide their EIN/TAX ID, ensuring that funds are directed to eligible applicants committed to fostering community development and well-being.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

The NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.

The Sherwood Foundation offers program and capital grants aimed at promoting equity through social justice initiatives in Nebraska. Supporting 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, schools, and churches, the foundation focuses on urban community partnerships, rural community partnerships, and early childhood education. The foundation values civil liberties and equality, encouraging applicants to align with its mission. First-time applicants are advised to contact the foundation for guidance on suitable grants and application processes.

Nebraska Blue Foundation

For more than 85 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) has been a champion for the health and well-being of our members and the communities we serve. Founded in 2024, the Nebraska Blue Foundation now allows us to concentrate our efforts into pockets of our community that need to be uplifted the most.

In 2025, the Nebraska Blue Foundation launched two grant opportunities through its inaugural grant cycles. The foundation awarded 42 organizations with a total of $500,000 in grant funding to further their goals and missions, supporting organizations across Nebraska that:

• Provide quality preventive care
• Serve the aging population 
• Further economic vitality  
• Support the development of third places

Third Places Grant

Building and strengthening the social fabric of communities across the state. For this program, we will fund:

• Parks, libraries, recreational centers and other outdoor public space
• Community gathering spaces
• Programs or projects that breathe new life into underused public spaces

The Nebraska Blue Foundation is particularly interested in supporting innovation and pilot projects. As a new foundation, our approach is to be catalytic with our grants – primarily investing in new ideas or programs that could meet a specific need with a one-time investment.

Nebraska Department of Economic Development

Since 1967, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has been focused on growing and diversifying the state’s economic base, bringing new dollars, new businesses, and new people into the state. DED's mission is to provide quality leadership and services that enable Nebraska’s communities, businesses, and people to succeed in a global economy. We are here, equipped and ready, to assist you and your community in developing and capitalizing on economic development opportunities.

Community Development Block Grant

The federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides funding for community and economic development projects in order to encourage additional federal, state and private resource investment. Communities receiving CDBG funds use the grants to provide safe and sanitary housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities. The Nebraska DED administers the CDBG program for most of the state. Due to population size, some cities in Nebraska are the administrators of the CDBG program in their communities. DED receives federal funds for CDBG from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on an annual basis.

CDBG Downtown Revitalization

CDBG funds can be utilized for downtown revitalization projects. The purpose of the Downtown Revitalization (DTR) Opportunity is to leverage investments that will contribute to the revitalization or redevelopment of downtown infrastructure and develop a greater capacity for growth, addressing health and safety concerns and commercial revitalization within the traditional business centers of our Nebraska communities. This provides a sound basis for fostering local economic development through public and private sector partnerships. This recognizes the importance of the condition and viability of a downtown to increase the community’s tax base and cultivates a tangible center for community activity. These projects directly relate to business retention, expansion, and location decisions, recognizing that downtowns reflect the economic core and persona of our communities.

The Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust – Falk Catalyst Awards support high-risk, high-reward biomedical research with up to $350,000 in funding over one to two years. These awards aim to address critical scientific challenges and enable the translation of innovative research into clinical practices. Projects focus on identifying biological markers, therapeutic targets, and developing interventions to disrupt disease processes, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The Legal Aid and Service Fund Grant, administered by the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, aims to provide essential legal representation to indigent defendants in serious criminal cases. Established in 1995, the Commission supports public defenders and oversees the Legal Aid and Services Fund to assist those unable to afford civil legal services. The agency ensures that counties comply with constitutional mandates while offering additional assistance based on financial need and service years, enhancing access to justice for vulnerable citizens.

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation offers ministry grants to churches and agencies affiliated with the Great Plains United Methodist Conference. Aimed at enhancing ministries, these grants support programs and operating expenses but exclude building repairs or expansions. Funded by the "Gifts From the Heart" Endowment Fund, applications are reviewed by the Foundation's Stewardship Committee and approved by the Board of Directors during their October meeting.

Nebraska Crime Commission

The Crime Commission was established to develop comprehensive plans and coordinate activities related to the improvement of criminal justice administration among state and local agencies. Since its inception, additional statutory responsibilities have been assigned to the Crime Commission, which now serves as an umbrella agency for many criminal and juvenile justice programs.

Crime Victim Reparations

The Nebraska Crime Victim’s Reparations (CVR) program assists eligible victims of crime who suffer bodily harm and have incurred a financial loss as a direct result of a criminal act. The Nebraska Crime Victim's Reparations Act was created in 1979 with the passage of Legislative Bill (LB) 910. The CVR program is funded through the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), state general fund appropriations, and cash funds.

Types of Expenses

• Medical expenses (hospital, doctor, dental, prescriptions, x-rays, etc.)
• Lost wages while under a doctor’s care
• Funeral expenses (Maximum of $10,000)
• Headstone | Grave marker may be considered
• Counseling | Therapy (Maximum of $5,000)
• Crime-scene clean-up (Maximum of $5,000)

The NUMF: New Start/New Faith Community Grant, offered by the Nebraska United Methodist Foundation, aims to strengthen ministries and churches in Nebraska. This grant supports innovative church development projects that address the needs of a diverse society. With generous donors contributing to this initiative, the Foundation facilitates financial assistance for new church starts, fostering growth and community engagement in the region.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.