Best Sustainability Grants in Nebraska

About

The Advancing Communities grant program helps communities across Nebraska and southwest Iowa develop or enhance spaces that are inviting to all citizens, enabling connection through social, recreational, historical and civic engagement. By supporting capital projects that make great community assets — from libraries and youth rec centers to parks, trails, museums and more — we encourage our neighbors to get out and explore.

Advancing Communities Grant

Projects for consideration should align with the following themes:

• Shared spaces such as libraries, parks, trails and community centers — that encourage engagement and make towns more vibrant places to live, work and gather.
• Innovative ideas and forward-thinking approaches that engage multiple generations, introduce new ideas or bring fresh energy into existing community spaces.
• Community-led efforts, including partnerships among public, private and nonprofit sectors, with priority given to initiatives that demonstrate collaboration, local investment and community-driven vision.
• Sustainable, ready-to-launch projects that have secured at least 60% of their total funding and show clear plans for long-term maintenance, sustainability and measurable community benefit.

Grant amounts:

Applicants may request up to $250,000 for one time capital support.

Deadlines:

Applications for this program can be submitted at any time.

The Cooper Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Nebraska, especially in Lincoln and Lancaster County. It prioritizes innovative ideas and sustainable organizations across various sectors, including arts, education, and human services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) entities and public institutions. Funding is available for program support and capacity building, while the foundation does not support individuals, businesses, or operational deficits. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the foundation before applying.

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.

About

Nebraska Arts Council aspires to positively impact the lives of Nebraskans through the power of art. We provide programming, grants, and opportunities to foster creative innovation statewide.

Formed in 1974 by an act passed in the Nebraska Legislature, Nebraska Arts Council is comprised of 15 board members appointed by the Governor of Nebraska. Together, the board and staff partner with the State of Nebraska, National Endowment for the Arts, and Nebraska Cultural Endowment—a unique partnership among the state and private contributors.

Mission:

To promote, cultivate and sustain the arts for the people of Nebraska. In doing so, the Nebraska Arts Council provides grants and services to artists, organizations, and communities that:

• Build creative and proactive leadership in the arts.
• Forge partnerships that create and expand opportunities for the arts.
• Cultivate new resources needed to sustain the arts in Nebraska.
• Establish the arts as basic to education and lifelong learning.
• Use the arts as a catalyst for understanding among cultures.
• Advocate for increased awareness and access to the arts.

Creative Aging Arts Program

This program provides grants to hire an artist to lead workshops at senior centers, assisted living facilities, libraries and nonprofit organizations serving older adults. Applicants select from a list of teaching artists (see below) trained in best practices of engaging older adults.

During a residency, artists will share their expertise through sequential arts lessons, helping participants hone their skills in a variety of disciplines. Programs will also foster intentional social engagement among participants, culminating with a special event to showcase their work with peers and the community.

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.

The Duncan Aviation Family Trust Grant supports organizations that enhance public school education and improve community quality of life, particularly in Lincoln, Nebraska, Battle Creek, Michigan, and Provo, Utah. Established in 2004 by the Duncan family, this grant prioritizes education, human services, and aviation-related initiatives. With over $1 million contributed annually, the trust is now investing in an endowment plan to ensure sustainable support for impactful donations in the future, while also addressing immediate community needs.

The Harold R. Dunlap Grant, administered by the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, supports organizations in Cairo, NE, addressing unmet charitable needs. Grants typically do not exceed $10,000 and are awarded based on project merit and funding availability. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies. Prior consultation with Foundation staff is recommended to ensure alignment with funding priorities and application requirements.

The Kimmel Southeast Nebraska School Bus for the Arts Grants, supported by the Richard P. Kimmel & Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation, aim to enhance arts education in Southeast Nebraska. These grants are available to Nebraska-accredited public and private schools or nonprofit organizations serving pre-K-12 students. Funding amounts vary based on student enrollment, ranging from $400 to $1000 per school year, fostering creativity and enriching the educational experience for local students.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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 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.

About

Nebraska Arts Council aspires to positively impact the lives of Nebraskans through the power of art. We provide programming, grants, and opportunities to foster creative innovation statewide.

Formed in 1974 by an act passed in the Nebraska Legislature, Nebraska Arts Council is comprised of 15 board members appointed by the Governor of Nebraska. Together, the board and staff partner with the State of Nebraska, National Endowment for the Arts, and Nebraska Cultural Endowment—a unique partnership among the state and private contributors.

Mission:

To promote, cultivate and sustain the arts for the people of Nebraska. In doing so, the Nebraska Arts Council provides grants and services to artists, organizations, and communities that:

• Build creative and proactive leadership in the arts.
• Forge partnerships that create and expand opportunities for the arts.
• Cultivate new resources needed to sustain the arts in Nebraska.
• Establish the arts as basic to education and lifelong learning.
• Use the arts as a catalyst for understanding among cultures.
• Advocate for increased awareness and access to the arts.

School Bus for the Arts Grants

This program provides grants for students from kindergarten to 12th grade to underwrite the cost of field trips to attend professional arts events, including concerts, dance or theatre performances, and cultural exhibits at museums or other venues.

Field trips may also include learning opportunities such as theatre workshops led by professional artists. Allowable expenses include transportation, admission fees, and associated workshop fees, if applicable.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The NCR-SARE Partnership Grant Program aims to enhance sustainable agriculture by fostering collaboration between agricultural professionals and groups of farmers. By facilitating innovative research and educational activities, this program supports projects that test new cropping strategies, develop marketing approaches, and enhance food security. Focused on the North Central Region, it encourages partnerships that drive on-farm research, ultimately improving economic viability and environmental stewardship for communities across 12 states.

The Washington County Community Foundation of Nebraska is dedicated to enhancing community life by building endowments and fostering philanthropic leadership. Established in 1998, it enables donors to support local causes, from education to health care. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate community support and aims to provide $1 million annually for charitable initiatives. By promoting awareness of local nonprofits, it strives to create a culture of giving and ensure the sustainability of vital community services.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Woods Charitable Fund Grant supports diverse initiatives in Lincoln, Nebraska, focusing on areas like arts, civic engagement, education, and human services. The Fund invites innovative proposals that foster community growth, enhance cultural experiences, and promote social equity. Special consideration is given to projects addressing the needs of underrepresented populations and integrating new Americans into the community. Organizations must adhere to specific eligibility criteria and submit applications after completing a Letter of Intent.

The Building Local Alignment and Community (BLAC) Fund is a participatory grant process powered by IBBG. The BLAC fund will regrant $1M by 2027 to reproductive health and wellbeing organizations and projects across Nebraska that support and are led by underserved populations, including but not limited to Black women, femmes, and girls.

Blac Fund Childcare Grant

We’re excited to announce a new opportunity through the 2026 BLAC Fund, created specifically to support underrepresented childcare providers across Nebraska. IBBG will invest $250,000 in grants to help sustain and strengthen childcare businesses in economically distressed and underserved communities.

About

Nebraska Arts Council aspires to positively impact the lives of Nebraskans through the power of art. We provide programming, grants, and opportunities to foster creative innovation statewide.

Formed in 1974 by an act passed in the Nebraska Legislature, Nebraska Arts Council is comprised of 15 board members appointed by the Governor of Nebraska. Together, the board and staff partner with the State of Nebraska, National Endowment for the Arts, and Nebraska Cultural Endowment—a unique partnership among the state and private contributors.

Mission:

To promote, cultivate and sustain the arts for the people of Nebraska. In doing so, the Nebraska Arts Council provides grants and services to artists, organizations, and communities that:

• Build creative and proactive leadership in the arts.
• Forge partnerships that create and expand opportunities for the arts.
• Cultivate new resources needed to sustain the arts in Nebraska.
• Establish the arts as basic to education and lifelong learning.
• Use the arts as a catalyst for understanding among cultures.
• Advocate for increased awareness and access to the arts.

Invitation Only Grants

Annual Series & Events Grants (ASE)

Program provides annual program support to organizations that produce and/or present the same event or series of arts events on a recurring basis. Organizations in this category must demonstrate consistent artistic, educational, and cultural value; responsiveness to their community; credible planning and evaluation strategies; and a high level of financial and managerial accountability, including a history of successful NAC grantsmanship.

ASE grants support single arts events or a series of arts events that are open to the general public in the state of Nebraska. A series may have multiple components, disciplines, and/or performances. Examples include exhibitions, performances, poetry readings, commissions, and/or support of new work development, arts festivals, community murals, and ethnic heritage projects.

The NAC: Arts Projects for the General Public Grant provides funding for various arts and arts education projects, both online and in-person, adhering to health guidelines. With a focus on public accessibility, it supports exhibitions, performances, and new artwork development. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and government entities in Nebraska, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match for funds. Projects should enhance arts opportunities for underserved communities and must be completed within the fiscal year.

RFA: RHTP 3.3 Rural Health Care Workforce Incentive and Sustainability Model

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Economic Assistance (DHHS) is issuing this Request for Applications (RFA) for the purposes of entering into a Grant agreement and awarding Federal funds through the Rural Health Transformation Project 3.3 to multiple eligible and qualified agencies. The purpose is to strengthen Nebraska's rural health care workforce by investing in the development and expansion of SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) Third-Party Partners that create sustainable health care career pathways in rural, frontier, tribal, and other high-need communities across the state.

Total Funding available

• $2,000,000
• The amount of funding each Applicant is eligible for is determined based on need and available funding. Each applicant will be eligible for up to $200,000. If applications exceed available funding, DHHS reserves the right to decrease requested funding allocations to maximize the available funding to best serve Nebraska and the requirements of the RHTP Initiative 3.3 purposes. 

This initiative is intended to:

• Build organizational infrastructure necessary to become an approved SNAP E&T Third-Party Partner.
• Develop sustainable health care workforce pipelines.
• Transition providers to the SNAP E&T 50/50 reimbursement model after the grant period.

The Keno Grant, administered by the Fremont Area Community Foundation, supports community betterment projects in Fremont, Nebraska. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that serve Fremont residents and demonstrate a strong community need. The grant requires a 50% match of project costs and aims to fund projects that can show measurable impact and sustainability. Applications are accepted annually, with deadlines on October 1 and potential supplemental funding in April.

The Arts Accessibility Grant for Improvement Projects, provided by the Nebraska Arts Council, aims to enhance access to arts programs and facilities for individuals with disabilities. Nonprofit arts organizations in Nebraska can apply for this non-matching grant to improve their existing services beyond ADA requirements. Priority is given to those lacking access due to geographical or economic barriers. A Letter of Intent is required before applying, ensuring alignment with accessibility goals.

Request for Applications

Modification of Existing Clinical Facilities for Mental Health Crisis

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) is issuing this Request for Applications (RFA) for the purposes of entering into a grant agreement and awarding federal funds through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) 5.3, to provide funding for equipment and enhancements to hospitals and behavioral health providers to expand crisis response, stabilization, and substance use withdrawal services in rural areas. Through this RFA, eligible and qualified rural entities will receive funding for equipment and minor building alterations and renovation projects in an existing building or facility.

Objective

DHHS is seeking interested providers who can support the RHTP Nebraska Behavioral Health initiative through creating a sustainable, community-based emergency behavioral health system that improves outcomes, reduces costs, and strengthens the State’s behavioral health continuum of care. Potential grantees would look to increase crisis stabilization, crisis response and substance use withdrawal management capacity by retrofitting existing areas or purchasing needed equipment in rural hospitals, community health centers, rural emergency hospitals (REHs), and tribal health facilities.

Through minor facility modifications and equipment enhancements, existing clinical spaces will be adapted to serve individuals experiencing behavioral health or substance use crises.

DHHS is making the full amount of $5,500,000 available for grants under this RFA. A total award of funds requested by the applicant is not guaranteed but is subject to the number of applications received, the actual money appropriated to DHHS, and at DHHS’ discretion.

The Grow Your Impact Grant, offered by the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, aims to enhance nonprofit effectiveness in Hall County. Grants of up to $10,000 support projects such as board training, staff education, strategic planning, and technology upgrades. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, with a focus on sustainability and broad community impact. The Foundation encourages collaboration and innovation, ensuring resources are directed towards underrepresented groups and essential services.

About

Greater Grand Island Community Foundation is a growing legacy, not of a single person, but of the entire community. It is, in a very real sense, the community's foundation. Under one organizational roof, it unites donors, large and small who want to make our community a better place for all.

Like the wind powers a pinwheel the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation powers individual legacies to make communities better places to live, work and play. When you give through the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, making your gift is simple.

Our Mission

Empowering people to turn their passion into purpose by creating legacies that strengthen the future of the communities we serve. 

Our History

E.J. Wolbach passed away in 1959, leaving a bequest in his will to establish a community foundation. The Grand Island Foundation was formed on September 12, 1960, with Helen Connell serving as the first president. In 1985, Richard E. Spelts, Jr. began volunteering his time, talents, and resources to serve as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Spelts recognized the need for a full-time director and hired the Foundation's first paid executive director on May 1, 1997. "Community" has been added to the Foundation's name as it continues to serve Grand Island and the greater Hall County area. In 2020 “Greater” was added to the Foundations name to reflect the wide range of communities in Central Nebraska that we touch.

Doniphan Community Foundation Grant

The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation grant program is designed to help address unmet charitable needs and unique program opportunities for essential and emerging issues in the Hall County area.

Grant amounts vary based on the project and availability of funds, but generally do not exceed $10,000.