Best Grants for Churches in Nebraska

With a mission to strengthen communities, US Bancorp Foundation provides Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture. Faith-based organizations with separate nonprofit arms may be eligible, especially those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and serving designated U.S. Bank communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Nebraska supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary program support from Costco Foundation. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, Costco Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with grants for evidence-based programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes, community collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

Nebraska Christian organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or related social programs can seek invitation-only support that helps launch or redirect impactful initiatives. Focused on new approaches to social problems, the Creag Foundation invites letters of inquiry from smaller or evolving organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

The DanPaul Foundation provides Nebraska youth-focused 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for programs that support children’s health, education, development, and welfare. Churches and faith-based nonprofits may be eligible if they hold 501(c)(3) status and run initiatives such as child advocacy, homelessness services, poverty relief, environmental education, or refugee enrichment, with awards up to US $15,000.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help Nebraska faith-based and community organizations serving predominantly economically underserved people, as long as projects meet Cisco’s social investment criteria and policy requirements.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Nebraska can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, and K–12 and higher education programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts projects can seek philanthropic support that promotes sustainable development and community benefit, including work in Nebraska. With a mission to strengthen communities worldwide, La Roche provides funding for high-quality projects that engage its expertise, involve local partners early, and offer opportunities for employee participation.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and churches with projects in eligible areas can seek more than US $10,000 to support basic needs, healthcare, education, arts, and services for veterans and first responders. The Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation prioritizes rural communities and areas served by Pinnacle Bank, Bank of Colorado, and related companies.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations running charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for work carried out in the U.S. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under federal law and, when applicable, California law, so faith-based nonprofits and churches with 501(c)(3) status may be eligible.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations with Christian or broader religious and spiritual programs can seek support for services like poverty relief, education, medical assistance, disaster relief, and family or youth services. Focused on humanitarian and faith-rooted work, Robinson Foundation invites Southern-region nonprofits active for over three years to request single-year program funding (not capital projects).

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. Churches and faith-based nonprofits that hold 501(c)(3) status may be eligible if their programs advance these charitable priorities.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. Grants from TJX Foundation help organizations, including church-affiliated nonprofits with a public nondiscrimination policy, support vulnerable children and families in their communities.

U.S. IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations, including those in Nebraska, can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community programs such as education, arts, environmental, health, and social services. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds museums, schools, hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, wildlife protection, and other community-based initiatives.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

With a mission to strengthen Christian ministry, Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation provides Nebraska Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations and related organizations with funding for new or existing outreach projects. Eligible PCUSA entities with current tax-exempt status can request one-year program or project support that expands their mission and community impact, with two application cycles managed through an online grant portal.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can receive support for hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and cultural enrichment programs through Ameriprise Financial. Nebraska churches with eligible community service programs that meet Ameriprise’s focus areas, reporting standards, and volunteer engagement priorities may be competitive applicants.

With a mission to improve quality of life, Washington County Community Foundation of Nebraska provides Nebraska churches, synagogues, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and government entities with project-based funding that benefits Washington County communities. Faith-based organizations offering social services, youth activities, arts, parks, health, or historic preservation projects may be competitive, especially when local support and long-term community benefit are demonstrated.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations seeking funding for education, social services, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental programs can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 are awarded annually for one year of project support, and faith-based nonprofits with eligible community programs may be considered.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving seniors, community health, or ELCA church ministries can access funding through Immanuel Community Vision Foundation, with awards around US $75,000. Eligible projects must benefit Nebraska or select Iowa counties and demonstrate strong leadership, clear plans, and additional reliable funding sources for faith-rooted, health, or aging-related services.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Nebraska working on youth development, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Church-based and faith-rooted organizations serving local communities may be competitive if they meet these focus areas and eligibility requirements.

Nonprofit organizations in Nebraska with strong, replicable community partnerships may be eligible for national recognition and support through the Community Partnership Award, honoring collaborative efforts that address significant social issues. Mutual of America Foundation highlights exemplary public, private, and social sector partnerships that measurably improve lives and can serve as models for others.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Mission

The Sherwood Foundation® promotes equity through social justice initiatives enhancing the quality of life in Nebraska.

Vision

We believe social justice is the proactive reinforcement of policies, practices, attitudes, and actions that all produce equitable power, access, opportunities, treatment, impacts, and outcomes for all.

Who We Fund

The Sherwood Foundation limits grants to organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3), government entities, schools, or churches that are serving Nebraska. These organizations must be in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service. 

What We Fund

The Sherwood Foundation limits grants to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that predominately benefit those that are serving Nebraska and must address one of our categories:

Urban Community Partnerships

Our work in Nebraska’s urban communities focuses on family stability and child wellbeing with an overarching emphasis on community context. Using a two-generation approach, we are interested in the relationship between direct service provision and the greater systems that impact a community. Applicants are wise to cite specific research that influences a service model or approach to solving a community challenge.

Omaha Public Schools

Guidelines: 

• OPS employees must obtain approval from the District before submitting an application. 
• Applications lacking such documentation will not receive consideration.
• For assistance, please contact the OPS Grant Coordinator at 531.299.9653.

Greater Nebraska Initiatives

Through these grants, The Sherwood Foundation promotes equity and inclusion as pathways for creating the good life for all in Nebraska.  Core areas of work include child welfare, immigrant inclusion, housing, advocacy & civic engagement, leadership, and community infrastructure. Requests from communities outside of the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas are considered during standard grant cycles.

Early Childhood Education

The Sherwood Foundation supports early childhood education on a regional and national basis through The Buffett Early Childhood Fund.

What the Sherwood Foundation Values

 The Sherwood Foundation has strongly held values regarding civil liberties, equality and fairness with a particular focus on women and people oppressed because of their race, sexual orientation, and/or religion or lack-thereof.

• We respect that not all nonprofit organizations share the same values as the Foundation.
• We don’t ask nonprofits to change values for us or for funding.
• We do ask that nonprofits leaders respect our values and save everyone time and energy by not seeking funding if our organizational values aren’t aligned.

Equal rights.

We believe all humans are created equal. We work to eliminate government and social barriers to equality.

Access to civic life.

We are proud to live in a democracy and believe that the rights provided to individuals in the United States should be protected and the best way to protect those rights is to ensure equal access to the voting polls. 

Reproductive justice.

We support a woman’s right to self-determination about reproductive health choices. We expect our grantees serving women and girls to ensure access and education to all health care options, including abortion. 

Opportunity to thrive.

We believe a zip code should not determine the outcome of a life. We see how government institutions and laws have historically and do presently oppress and suppress opportunity, particularly for people of color but also other minority populations and women. We work with our community to undo systemic oppression and build systems that meet the needs of citizens and do not further oppress. We seek economic justice for our neighbors and the opportunity that lies therein.

Access to services.

We expect grantees to ensure that clients have access to services and that service providers work to remove barriers rather than create barriers to care and compassion. A service provider’s religious belief system should not be imposed upon those who seek their services, whether through proselytization, coercion, guilt, or an unspoken quid-pro-quo expectation to participate in faith-based classes or religious services.

Operating Grants

The Sherwood Foundation® believes that providing operating support can make all the difference to nonprofit organizations by providing flexible funding to cover the ongoing costs of day-to-day operations (administrative/overhead). This type of support can free nonprofits to become more strategic about how they address community issues, craft internal solutions to enhance effectiveness, and build organizational infrastructure.