Best Youth Sports Grants in Nebraska

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 education nonprofits serving underrepresented youth and urban communities can access funding through the Lozier Foundation’s Education Application to support education initiatives. Organizations may request general operating, program, or capital support, with priority for work in the Omaha/Metro area and other locations within Lozier’s corporate footprint that benefit children and families.

The Beatrice Gun Club, INC. Scholarship, funded by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $250 scholarship to a deserving high school graduate who is a member of the Beatrice Trap Team or related to a member. Eligible students must pursue higher education at an accredited institution and demonstrate commitment through extracurricular activities. Economic need is not a factor in the selection process, ensuring support for dedicated individuals aiming to further their education.

The Beatrice Masonic Lodge #26 Lee and Elsie Donovan Scholarship offers $2,500 annually to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School. Established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this scholarship is renewable for up to three years, contingent on continued academic progress. It aims to support students who demonstrate financial need, allowing them to pursue higher education at any accredited institution. Recipients must submit a FAFSA Student Aid Report as part of the application process.

The Lozier Foundation

Formed in 1986, The Lozier Foundation is a family foundation funded by Allan and Dianne Lozier. The foundation’s focus is education, social services and issues involving women and children with an emphasis on the inner city and underrepresented populations.

Our Mission: The Lozier Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for the underrepresented communities in the Omaha/Metro area.

Grants

Grantseekers wishing to apply to the Lozier Foundation should begin by reviewing the Mission, Values, Funding Priorities and Funding Eligibility Statements.

The Lozier Foundation grant applications include: Capital Application; Education Application; General Application; and Program Application.

Organizations may receive general operating, program, and capital grants. While The Lozier Foundation prefers to provide ongoing general operating support, organizations can receive a program and/or capital grant in the same calendar year.

Lozier Foundation Capital Application

Funding Priorities

• Education
• Women & Girls
• North Omaha Initiatives
• Human Services

The Capital Application follows the foundation guidelines provided here.

The Beatrice Noon Kiwanis Club Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides three $1000 scholarships annually to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet ACT score requirements. Selection criteria include financial need, academic goals, achievements, and participation in high school activities, including Key Club. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing higher education at Nebraska colleges.

The Hirschfeld Family Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations in Nebraska, focusing on projects that aid disadvantaged communities. Established in 1993, the foundation prefers time-limited requests over ongoing budgetary support. Priority is given to local organizations in Central and Western Nebraska that demonstrate community involvement and efficient operations. Grants are available for projects that align with the foundation's mission to promote well-being and make a meaningful difference.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

Nebraska medical students interested in clinical, basic science, epidemiology, or health services research can access funding through Alpha Omega Alpha’s Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship. First- and second-year students at schools with active AΩA chapters receive US $7,000 for 2–12 month health and medicine projects, plus limited travel reimbursement to present results.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students in the Dietetic Technician Program, with over 250 scholarships available. Ranging from $500 to $25,000, these scholarships help support aspiring dietetic professionals. Applicants need to complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on eligibility. Membership in the Academy is encouraged but not mandatory for applying.

The Regional Touring Grant Program, funded by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, supports organizations in the M-AAA region to showcase touring artists from outside their state. Grants up to $5,000 are available, with organizations eligible for matching funds and the capacity to submit multiple applications. Projects are designed to enhance arts programming and engage underserved audiences through public-facing events, including performances and outreach activities. This initiative aims to foster cultural exchange and deepen community connections through the arts.

The Artistic Innovations Grant Program, supported by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, provides up to $15,000 to artists and arts organizations in the M-AAA six-state region. This initiative fosters creativity by funding the development and premiere of original works, encouraging innovative projects that engage local audiences. Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit organizations, promoting a vibrant arts community through financial support for artistic exploration.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for dietetic interns, allowing a single application to apply for multiple awards. Scholarships range from $500 to $25,000, with eligibility for interns enrolled through June 30, 2024, including those with off-cycle matches. Applicants should consider their career goals in areas like clinical dietetics, culinary arts, and nutrition education. Academy membership is encouraged but not required. Fundraising determines the number of scholarships available each year.

The Claire M. Hubbard Young Leaders in Conservation Fellowship Program, hosted by The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska, offers a year-long opportunity for recent college graduates in conservation fields. This program bridges the gap between academia and professional careers, focusing on hands-on conservation experiences. Fellows will work at the Platte River Prairies Preserve, contributing to vital land and resource management efforts while promoting diversity and inclusion in conservation practices.

The North Central Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes one graduate student from each of the Entomological Society of America's six branches. This award promotes graduate-level entomology and encourages attendance at the ESA Annual Meeting. Benefits include an all-expense-paid trip to the national meeting, a $500 cash prize, and a certificate presented during the meeting. Eligibility includes current enrollment in a graduate entomology program or recent graduation.

The Benjamin A. Black Charitable Trust for Children provides essential support to economically deprived children in central Nebraska. Established in 1990, it honors Benjamin A. Black's legacy by funding programs that offer necessities and joy, such as Christmas gifts. Grants are targeted towards public charities that directly benefit children, with a focus on areas outside Omaha and Lincoln. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of March 31 for annual review.

The Community Impact Grant Program, administered by the Nebraska Tourism Commission, offers marketing assistance to communities hosting major events that attract out-of-state visitors. Eligible applicants must demonstrate potential visitor attraction, outline marketing strategies, and provide evidence of expected national or international press coverage. This program encourages innovative marketing efforts to promote Nebraska as a destination, aiming to enhance tourism impact and visibility on a larger scale.

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

Increasing Access to Preventive Healthcare Grant

Proactive measures to prevent illness, detect health issues early and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

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.

The Immanuel Vision Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with their mission of meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of seniors, enhancing community health, and supporting the ministry of the Church. Since 2015, the Foundation has prioritized organizations that demonstrate strong leadership and financial stability, while addressing strategic health concerns in Nebraska and select Iowa counties. Special consideration is given to initiatives focused on seniors and community health, ensuring a culture of wellness and dignity.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

Through partnerships and collaboration, Lincoln Community Foundation facilitates positive change for the common good.

Since 1955, we have been privileged to be part of many wonderful legacies by connecting donor generosity to local needs. LCF serves as a faithful steward for many types of philanthropic gifts and helps donors create lasting legacies of giving. With gifts of all sizes from thousands of donors over the years, the assets of LCF have grown to more than $270 million.

Scholarships

Generous donors to Lincoln Community Foundation have established 90 scholarship funds that benefit students in Lancaster County and across the state of Nebraska. For 2025, there were 299 scholarship recipients who received awards that totaled over $606,000. 

Glenn and Dorothy Schnieber Scholarship

The Glenn and Dorothy Schnieber Scholarship was established in 2021 by their family. Glenn and Dorothy graduated from Lincoln High School in 1946. Neither of them was able to afford college. They bought a small business from Glenn’s dad and over the next 30 years they grew it into a successful wholesale food distributor, Schnieber Fine Foods. Education was always important to them. In their memory, the donors hope this scholarship will help recipients in Nebraska achieve their educational goals.

Recipients of this scholarship may renew the scholarship for the following year if they maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or above, for a total of two years.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

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 Bachenberg, Leona and Henry Educational Trust offers a $5,000 scholarship for graduating seniors from specific high schools in Gage and Pawnee Counties. Applicants must pursue higher education in nursing or health-related fields, demonstrating academic ability and community involvement. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, contingent upon maintaining a 3.0 GPA and proof of enrollment in the qualifying course of study. Applications must be handwritten and submitted through Student Services.

The Bates, Perley F. and Bessie V. Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $400 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. This scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate good citizenship and would struggle to attend higher education without financial assistance. Applicants must provide a FAFSA Student Aid Report, and the scholarship is available for use over five years if not immediately needed.

The Baumfalk, Mayme and Steve Severa and Irene M. and Robert D. Scholarship, provided by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, supports Beatrice graduates from St. Joseph Catholic School or Paddock Lane Elementary attending any University of Nebraska campus. Established in 1987, the Foundation offers over $55,000 in scholarships annually, aiding students in pursuing higher education. Recipients can access funds for tuition, room, board, or books within five years of receiving the scholarship, ensuring ongoing educational support.