Best Nebraska Grants for Nonprofits

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 NE Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) supports agricultural producers in enhancing their conservation efforts. Available year-round, CSP promotes sustainable practices across 70 million acres in the U.S. By enrolling, participants can improve cattle gains, increase crop yields, and enhance wildlife habitats while receiving technical and financial assistance. This initiative also caters to diverse funding pools, making it accessible for all producers, including beginning farmers and socially disadvantaged individuals, ensuring a holistic approach to resource conservation.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) in Nebraska is a federal initiative aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation by providing financial support to state and local governments. Grants, ranging from $75,000 to $600,000, fund diverse projects including parks, trails, and recreational facilities. The program ensures equitable access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and sports, while preserving green spaces for future generations. Eligible entities include cities, counties, and public districts, contributing to community wellbeing.

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 Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

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 US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation scholarship funds are created by donors that recognize the importance of helping students achieve their educational goals, now and in the future. The funds’ creators select the criteria based on their interests and community needs.

Many scholarships are memorials, and lasting legacies of individuals and primarily serve... 

• Graduating high school seniors,
• Current college students 
• Returning college students 
• Post-graduates 
• Teachers

Shackley Scholarship

The Shackley Scholarship is awarded twice a year. This scholarship is for students who have resided in the School District. 81-R in Custer/Dawson Counth for at least five years.

The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, funded by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, invites proposals for innovative water reuse solutions. This program enhances water supply reliability and supports sustainable practices for urban and agricultural communities. By leveraging Federal and non-Federal resources, the initiative aims to address water scarcity and improve hydropower reliability, aligning with national priorities for energy and resource management.

The CHS Foundation supports initiatives that benefit the agriculture industry, focusing on 501c3 organizations within specific states. Their funding is aimed at empowering cooperative growth and sustainable practices. Local projects may also be eligible through the CHS Seeds for Stewardship program. However, funding is not available for individuals, sports teams, or religious groups, ensuring that the support remains directed towards community and cooperative development.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers for implementing conservation practices that enhance environmental quality and address natural resource concerns. This program, managed by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service in Nebraska, helps improve water and air quality, soil health, and wildlife habitats. With year-round applications, EQIP encourages sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both producers and the environment, making it a vital resource for enhancing agricultural operations.

The Native Voices Endowment Grants, managed by the Endangered Language Fund, support the preservation of endangered languages associated with Native American tribes that interacted with the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1803-1806. Grants are available for language documentation, revitalization, and educational projects, fostering cultural heritage through various initiatives. Eligible applicants include tribal members and language programs, ensuring the continuation of linguistic traditions and community involvement in revitalizing native languages.

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.

The Nebraska Crime Commission is offering up to $5,498,000 for the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program. This funding will support initiatives for youth aged 12 to 18, allocated based on various factors including county demographics and poverty rates. Applicants must demonstrate effective grant management and compliance with funding requirements. The final awards may vary depending on legislative appropriations, and interested parties should refer to Appendix A for allocation specifics.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Task Force NOFO in Nebraska aims to enhance crime prevention and control efforts through targeted funding for task forces. It supports initiatives such as crisis intervention programs for those with behavioral health issues, the establishment of new drug task forces, and mental health training for law enforcement. Priority will be given to applications addressing these areas, ensuring effective collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program invites eligible entities to secure funding for initiatives that enhance water resource management across various sectors, including conservation, infrastructure improvement, and watershed restoration. Priority is given to projects that collaboratively address community needs and yield significant environmental benefits. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities aimed at optimizing resource use and improving grant oversight, as outlined in recent executive orders.

The CHS Foundation offers funding for innovative projects in precision agriculture and data analytics. This annual grant program supports colleges and universities focusing on enhancing agronomy and ag mechanics curriculum. Applications are accepted from April 15 to May 31, with priority given to initiatives that foster hands-on learning and technology development. Eligible projects should emphasize data analysis and improve students' understanding of agricultural technology, while adhering to funding guidelines.

The WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects initiative by the Bureau of Reclamation aims to enhance water supply reliability through cooperative funding and support for desalination facilities. This program aligns with federal priorities to improve energy and resource management, encouraging proposals that diversify local water sources. By focusing on innovative solutions to water scarcity, the initiative promotes sustainable water management practices, especially for growing communities facing water shortages.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is inviting proposals for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops in Nebraska. With approximately $820,000 available, projects can include fruits, vegetables, and horticulture without a maximum grant limit or cost-sharing requirements. Funds will be available starting September 30, 2026, and must be used by September 29, 2029. For more information, visit the USDA website.

Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation

For more than 80 years, the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation has worked to ensure that Nebraska’s history isn’t just preserved—it’s actively shared, explored, and reimagined. Through private donations, the Foundation supports projects across the state that restore historic places, expand access to educational resources, and bring new life to local stories. Signature programs and experiences, like WanderNebraska and Walk to the Rock, invite people to connect with the state’s past in fresh, meaningful ways—whether by visiting a small-town museum, discovering a hidden landmark, or exploring a piece of forgotten heritage.

Grant Focus

The focus for the fall cycle is Education and Access and the main areas for grant distribution will be:

• School visits, field trips and transportation
• Youth and family engagement
• Festival or milestone event support
• Professional development and conference registrations

RoamNebraska (formerly the NSHSF Statewide Grants Program) was developed in July 2020, with the guidance of Michael J. Smith, former CEO of the Nebraska State Historical Society, to address a critical funding need for local historical and educational organizations across Nebraska.

Through this program, grants support museums, historical societies, libraries, and community partners in delivering core education, preservation, and interpretive programs that bring community history to life.

The Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation is committed to advancing efforts that build respect, dignity, fairness, equality, and self-esteem. We value diverse life experiences and are devoted to fostering inclusive and equitable environments where all Nebraskans can see their stories reflected and honored.

The XENO PRIZE for Performance Arts, awarded by Franklin Furnace, supports early-career LGBTQ+-identifying performance artists creating new work in 26 states with restrictive gender-affirming laws. This annual prize, established in 2023, offers $5000 to a selected recipient from proposals submitted for the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2025, encouraging innovative voices in the contemporary performance art landscape.

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 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.

Nebraska Arts Council

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.

Creative District Development Grant

The purpose of the Creative District Development Grant is to provide funds to the Creative Districts of Nebraska. This program is designed for projects that focus on significant cultural tourism projects.

Applicants can use the grant funds on the following:

• Construction: Building, renovation, and/or expansion of existing buildings.
• Marketing: Promotion of the district; this may include the district’s website, branding, and marketing. Can also include improved signage and wayfinding for the district.
• Operational Support: Organizational support for the management and operations of the district (only for designated District Administrator organizations in certified Creative Districts)
• Physical Enhancements: Enhancements to the Creative District to make it more accessible, attractive, cohesive-looking, and safe for visitors.
• Planning: In-depth strategic planning and/or planning related to the development or rehabilitation of eligible projects such as engineering or technical studies.
• Programming: High-quality arts programming that will attract a significant number of visitors to the Creative District.

Priority will be given to organizations in districts that have not received funds in the past in this grant category.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

The 5310 Enhanced Mobility Transportation Grant provides federal funding to help meet the transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities when existing transportation services are unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate. Funds can be used for vehicles to improve mobility and access to community services.