Best Nebraska Grants for Nonprofits

Nebraska Department of Transportation 

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is responsible for the planning, development, design, construction, maintenance and administration of the state highway system. The goals of the Department are to preserve the billions of dollars Nebraskans have invested in their state highway system, making the highways safe and efficient, and accomplishing this in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Highway Safety Grants

The Highway Safety Office is responsible for the planning, administration, and evaluation of the state’s federal highway safety funding that is authorized by Congress. Federal funding is provided to assist states and their counties and communities to initiate projects, which direct activity towards resolving identified and prioritized traffic safety problems. Only governmental agencies, their subdivisions and 501c3 non-profit organizations are eligible for funding assistance. 

Funding is provided to assist with the implementation of projects, which will address specifically identified traffic-related safety problems. Specific emphasis areas include:

• Impaired Driving
• Distracted Driving
• Occupant Protection
• Youth Driving and Education
• Speeding

The Donald W. and Glennis A. Kaufman Research Award supports ecological research in the Great Plains and Canada Prairie Provinces, focusing on native mammals, especially rodents and shrews. Offered by the American Society of Mammalogists, this annual $2,500 award is available to graduate students (master's or Ph.D.) from any nationality. Applications are open to those enrolled in relevant programs, promoting vital research in these unique ecosystems.

The Malmsten Fund, established by Lincoln residents Carl and Salina Malmsten, provides annual gifts to retired Presbyterian pastors and their spouses in Nebraska. This fund honors the Malmsten's legacy of supporting those who served in the church, continuing their commitment even after the trust ended in 1980. Income from investments and proceeds from the sale of Clark Jeary Retirement Community further bolster this initiative, ensuring financial assistance for those in need.

The Kessler Emergency Assistance Fund, established by the Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation in 2018, honors Dr. Silas G. Kessler's legacy of ministry. This fund provides financial support to PCUSA pastors serving or retired from Nebraska congregations within specified presbyteries. Grants aim to assist those in need, reinforcing the commitment to pastoral care and community service in Central Nebraska, Homestead, and Missouri River Valley areas.

The Presbyterian Church (USA) Grants provide financial support to Nebraska-based PCUSA congregations and organizations. Applicants can seek funding for outreach projects that enhance community ministry. With two annual grant cycles, the application process begins with a Letter of Intent, followed by a full application for approved projects. Eligible applicants must have tax-exempt status and complete a final grant report. Grants are not provided for for-profit entities, individuals, or general operating expenses.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) offers Grant-In-Aid (GIA) funding to support conservation and management programs for wild sheep populations across North America and Central Asia. Established in 1977, WSF prioritizes collaborative proposals that involve partners and matching funds. The organization has raised over $130 million for wild sheep conservation, emphasizing scientific management and public education about sustainable hunting practices. GIA funding decisions align with WSF's mission and identified priority goals.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program Enhancement

Pursuant to NRS §43-2404.02, the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program (CBA) shall be apportioned as aid in accordance with a formula based on the total number of residents per county and federally recognized or state-recognized Indian tribe who are twelve years of age through eighteen years of age and other relevant factors as determined by the Commission. Funds not awarded through the CBA Request for Application (CB RFA) will be distributed as the Enhancement (EB) grant.

Enhancement funding is distributed on a competitive basis to eligible counties and tribes with a demonstrated need in the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid funding areas. This announcement is an extension of the FY2026 CBA RFA released October 29, 2024. Please refer to the CBA RFA, found here, for detailed funding purpose, funding limitations, funding requirements, and application instructions. All CBA requirements and restrictions apply.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate additional need in the funding areas.

Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program Purpose

The Juvenile Services Act (NRS 43-2401 to 43-2412) was created due to a Legislative finding that the incarceration of juveniles in adult jails, lockups, and correctional facilities is contrary to the best interests and well-being of juveniles and frequently inconsistent with state and federal law requiring intervention by the least restrictive method. The Legislature further found the lack of available alternatives within local communities is a significant factor in the incarceration of juveniles in such adult jails, lockups, and correctional facilities. To address such lack of available alternatives to the incarceration of juveniles, the Legislature declared it to be the policy of the State of Nebraska to aid in the establishment of programs or services for juveniles under the jurisdiction of the juvenile or criminal justice system and to finance such programs or services through the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program, the Juvenile Services Commission Grant Program, and funds acquired by participation in the federal act (Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974) (NRS 43-2403).

The Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program shall be used in alignment with the Juvenile Services Act purpose' and to promote the development and implementation of community-based programs designed to prevent unlawful behavior and to effectively minimize the depth and duration of the juvenile's involvement in the juvenile justice system. Programs and services shall be designed to serve and target youth who are eleven through eighteen years of age. Programs focused on reducing excessive absenteeism may serve and target students in grades kindergarten - twelfth grade (ages five through eighteen). Aid recipients shall prioritize programs and services that will divert juveniles from the juvenile justice system, reduce the population of juveniles in juvenile detention and secure confinement, and assist in transitioning juveniles from out-of-home placements.

For purposes of the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program, the population of youth being served must be youth in the juvenile justice system or be at risk of entering the juvenile justice system. Youth at risk shall include youth who are identified as being at risk of violating the law, those whose behavior is such that they endanger themselves or others, youth with low protective factors,?youth with risk factors for delinquency, youth with criminogenic needs factors, and at-risk youth as defined by the federal act.

Programs and services targeting non-criminogenic risk factors alone (such as mental health, anxiety, low self-esteem, creative abilities, and medical needs) for a general population of youth that are not for the specific purpose of including in the programming of the at-risk population do not align with the purpose of this grant program. Low self-esteem is a prime example of a non-criminogenic factor. Although a youth's low self-esteem may suggest a need for counseling, it is not a risk factor for delinquency, and changing a youth's self-esteem level will not change the likelihood of reoffending®.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Colposcopy Training and Equipment Grant supports public health clinics by funding clinical training for staff and the purchase of colposcopy equipment. This grant ensures that clinics can provide seamless follow-up procedures after abnormal Pap tests. Eligible applicants can request up to $4,000 for training and $15,000 for equipment costs. Funding is available on a reimbursement basis, requiring prior approval of applications and budgets before incurring expenses.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

The Quality Improvement Grant, offered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, provides up to $500 to licensed Child Care Homes and Centers to enhance their programs. Eligible applicants must maintain good standing and have a current Child Care Subsidy enrollment. Funds are intended for items that improve program quality, ensuring equitable care for all children, including those with disabilities. Providers must sustain business and subsidy enrollment for three years after receiving funding.

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 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.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The Nebraska DEE Emergency Assistance Grants provide crucial financial support for wastewater treatment facilities that have been impacted by natural disasters or unforeseen events. These grants can be paired with loans from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund, ensuring that facilities can recover and maintain compliance with environmental standards. However, these funds are not intended for routine maintenance, focusing instead on urgent recovery needs.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The NCR-SARE Youth Educator Grant Program supports educators in the North Central Region to innovate ways of teaching sustainable agriculture. With funding up to $6,000, this program encourages educators to engage youth and promote sustainable practices. By sharing their experiences, grantees can create a ripple effect among peers, enhancing the reach and impact of sustainable agriculture education. This initiative aims to foster creativity and collaboration in teaching sustainable practices to the next generation.

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 NCR-SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports agricultural educators through competitive grants aimed at enhancing training in sustainable agriculture. This initiative promotes cross-agency collaboration, utilizing farmers as educators to address pressing issues within the farming community. Projects funded are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes, fostering knowledge and behavioral changes that lead to sustainable practices in agriculture and food systems. The program encourages diverse participation, ensuring a comprehensive approach to professional development.

The NCR-SARE Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative agricultural projects that are environmentally sound and socially responsible. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 are available for projects lasting up to 36 months, promoting collaboration among researchers, educators, and producers. This program emphasizes outreach, farmer involvement, and research on topics such as sustainable pest management, local food systems, and crop diversification, addressing the economic and environmental aspects of agriculture.

The NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program provides critical funding for farmers and ranchers seeking sustainable agricultural solutions. Launched in 1992, this competitive program supports innovative on-farm research and education projects, allowing individuals to apply for grants up to $15,000 or collaborate for up to $30,000. By empowering farmers with resources, NCR-SARE encourages practices that enhance livelihoods while promoting environmental stewardship.

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.