Best Grants for Christian Nonprofits in Nebraska

Nebraska churches and affiliated agencies of the Great Plains United Methodist Conference can apply for Nebraska United Methodist Foundation’s Ministry Grants to enhance and expand Christian ministries and programs. Funding covers program activities, operating expenses, and supplies for faith-based work supported by the Foundation’s “Gifts From the Heart” Endowment Fund.

Christian ministries and churches in Nebraska seeking support for new congregations or faith communities can apply for this New Start/New Faith Community Grant. With a mission to strengthen Nebraska ministries, Nebraska United Methodist Foundation provides funding to help launch innovative new church developments that respond to a diverse and rapidly changing society.

Nebraska and eligible Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving seniors, community health, or ELCA congregational ministry can access funding through the Immanuel Community Vision Foundation. Grants up to US $75,000 support programs meeting seniors’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, advancing community health, and faith-based service that reflects Christian principles within the specified service area.

Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Nebraska launching new programs around poverty, violence, or inequality can receive US $15,000 over two years for both program costs and leadership development. With a mission to nurture emerging Christian leaders, We Raise Foundation provides U.S.-based organizations serving under-resourced communities with support for innovative, newly developed initiatives.

Local United Methodist churches with ministry needs in stewardship, technology, or leadership development can use this grant to strengthen congregational life, including AV upgrades and leader training. Grants from Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church help churches, including those in Nebraska connected to its conference, access up to US $500 per project, with up to two applications per year.

Nebraska Christian 501(c)(3) organizations serving first responders, military, police, firefighters, disaster relief, prisons, healthcare facilities, children, or at-risk populations can access funding through 1687 Foundation for Christian book resources. This U.S.-wide book ministry supplies Christian literature to strengthen programs in homeless shelters, food banks, soup kitchens, and other established service ministries.

Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Nebraska seeking support for religious, charitable, or educational programs may be eligible for funding that advances Christian beliefs and spreads the gospel. The Bolick Foundation supports Christianity in Nebraska by funding program-related activities and limited capital improvements for U.S.-registered organizations with a valid EIN.

Christian nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations working on international development, community development, education access, or Latter-day Saint initiatives in Nebraska and beyond can seek Strategic Impact Grants to support measurable, well-governed programs. Bertin Family Foundation prioritizes transparent, ethically led organizations, with applications submitted via its Foundant portal annually in Q3 for Q4 disbursement.

501(c)(3) charitable, benevolent, and religious organizations serving Christians in need, including in Nebraska, can apply for the Robert J. Keown Trust’s US $10,000 - US $20,000 grants to aid needy Christians. Programs supporting elderly Christian women or infirm Christians without visible means of support may be especially competitive.

Nebraska Christian high school seniors seeking undergraduate scholarship support can apply for the Aden, Jane and Roger Scholarship, which awards US $500 toward tuition, room and board, or books. Beatrice Educational Foundation offers this to Beatrice High School graduates active in a Christian church with at least a 3.0 GPA and financial need.

Christian university or college faculty researching Scripture engagement among next-generation adults in Nebraska can apply for US $5,000 - US $15,000 to test interventions that increase Bible engagement and spiritual vitality. Focused on Christian scholarship, American Bible Society seeks scalable, evaluative projects that serve 18–35-year-olds and can be replicated in diverse Christian contexts.

Nebraska Christian students pursuing 2- or 4-year post-secondary education can access funding through the Ted & Marian Stout Scholarship, which supports those with good scholastic standing and clear educational and life goals. Awarded through Decatur County Community Foundation, eligible recipients must be members of First Baptist Church of Greensburg and exhibit Christian values.

Christian nonprofits doing humanitarian or gospel-centered work in Nebraska and beyond can seek grants supporting efforts to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and demonstrate His love through humanitarian aid. Bellevue Heights Church Foundation funds projects in the U.S. and internationally, and also offers tuition assistance for Master of Divinity students at participating seminaries.

Christian 501(c)(3) media and journalism organizations in North America can seek US $5,000 - US $15,000 to advance Adventist-focused reporting and storytelling projects, including from Nebraska. Versacare provides funding for investigative work, major stories, training, technology, travel, and related initiatives that strengthen ethical, innovative Adventist communication and require post-grant reporting and accountability.

Christian students pursuing college or technical education can access scholarship support through Stark Community Foundation’s Church of Christ (Christian Disciples) Memorial Scholarship Fund. Nebraska Christian nonprofits may share this with eligible individuals who are active church participants and have or had permanent residence in Carroll County, Ohio, with awards of more than US $500.

Aurora-area high school graduates pursuing college studies in Christian ministry, law, teaching, or agriculture, including those connected to Christian nonprofits, can receive scholarship support through the Richard J. & Irma E. Larson Scholarship Endowment Fund. The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley provides U.S. students with awards around US $1,000 to help cover higher education costs.

Nebraska Christian students pursuing post-secondary education can access funding through The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond for tuition at accredited U.S. colleges, universities, community colleges, or trade schools. Awards up to US $4,500 support graduates of Central Virginia high schools who demonstrate Christian values, financial need, community commitment, and solid academic achievement, with potential renewal for up to four years.

Adults or graduating seniors pursuing adult, trade, or associate-level education in fields like HVAC, plumbing, or electrical can receive US $2,000 in scholarship support, with a Christian school background emphasized. The Community Foundation of Shelby County provides these awards, which may benefit Christian-focused education efforts connected to Nebraska communities.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Schmiesing Homeschool Scholarship

Selection based, in order of priority:

• Demonstrated church participation, employment history, recommendations, academic ability, and financial need.

Awards

• One $1,000 scholarship

William C. and Anna Rose Chamberlain Memorial

The fund was established in 1926 "for the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," to be used to educate those interested in the ministry; or as a missionary; or ordained professional minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); or for some definite religious work in connection with the church. Priority is given to members or former members of Gender Road Christian Church (formerly known as Southeast Christian Church).

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Kenneth P. Rutter (Rotary) Scholarship Fund

The Kenneth P. Rutter Scholarship Fund was established at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County to award a scholarship to a traditional or non-traditional applicant residing in Westmoreland County, who has achieved a high school diploma or equivalent including a GED or Home School certificate. Preference will be given to students who seek to enter the Christian Ministry, and/or who have exhibited a strong interest in Community Service and Humanitarian Service.

• Average Award: $2,500
• Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Exploring Christian Practices Initiative by Lilly Endowment aims to enhance access to settings that enable diverse individuals to engage in Christian practices. This initiative seeks to address spiritual interests, foster community connections, and support the growth of faith. By multiplying opportunities for exploration, it encourages meaningful participation in religious life and nurtures a deeper understanding of Christian traditions.

RoseLoe-Dix Endowed Scholarship Fund

Attending four-year university, two-year college or trade school in the upcoming semester, majoring in Business, Sciences, Computers, Christian Religion, Literature, Pre-med, Medical Field, or Engineering.

Awards

• (2) $12,000.00

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Mike and Lillian & Charles and Anne Boonstra Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Lillian Boonstra, who established the Mike and Lillian & Charles and Anne Boonstra Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Lillian was born and raised in Muskegon. She married Mike Boonstra, who, along with his brother Charles, owned the Boonstra Brothers Coal Co. on Western Ave for many years. Mike was one of the originators of radio station WMUS, a well-known country music radio station. Mike died a tragic death in 1981. He and Lillian were childless but always had candy for the neighborhood children. They were affectionately known as the candy lady and man. Not only was the Community Foundation a beneficiary of Lillian’s generosity, but also her church and others. The Boonstra Fund will be used to assist students attending any college, university or technical degree program, in addition to those pursuing careers in Christian vocation and service.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

In God We Trust, Mitchelle T. Savage Memorial Scholarship Fund

The In God We Trust, Mitchelle T. Savage Memorial Scholarship was established to provide educational opportunities beyond high school for Battle Creek area graduates or graduating seniors. Eligible recipients will be graduating seniors from Battle Creek area public and private schools who will be attending a college that is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Lionel and Muzzie Wood Family Scholarship Fund

The Muzzie Wood Scholarship was established in loving memory of Muzzie by her family after she passed away on March 16, 2001. In 2010, the name of the fund changed to the Lionel and Muzzie Wood Family Scholarship Fund and its support of Battle Creek area students expanded. Muzzie enjoyed spending time with her husband, Woody, their three daughters, stepson, and eight grandchildren. She loved the outdoors, flower and vegetable gardening, sewing, remodeling, fishing, and turkey and duck hunting. Her husband laughingly recalls a time she wore her sneakers in the river, knee-deep, and caught a salmon bare handed! Muzzie always had a smile on her face and gave more than she received. Woody, enjoys an active and blessed life rarely missing an opportunity for fun and fellowship at the Y Center of Battle Creek and spending time with family and friends, This scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors within Calhoun County who are members of a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. If there are no eligible members, members of a Christian-based church may also be considered.

About the Bertin Family Foundation

Founders: Kim and Jennifer BertinAfter a successful career innovating orthopedic surgical techniques, devices, and implants, Kim and his wife Jennifer feel a deep sense of stewardship to dedicate their resources to helping others. They engage all three generations of the Bertin family in hands-on service and grantmaking decisions, fostering a shared commitment to giving back. Through the foundation’s work, the Bertin family seeks to strengthen communities, support meaningful causes, and inspire future generations to lead with compassion and purpose. 

NOW Grants

A limited number of grants are available for one time projects or programs that emerge outside of the standard review period. These grants are for $5000 or less.