Best Grants for Religious Nonprofits in Nebraska

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Nebraska supporting children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for monetary program support. With a mission to strengthen communities, Costco Foundation provides nonprofits with grants in areas like child welfare, youth services, children’s mental health, and services for children with disabilities, in communities where it does business.

Nebraska religious and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or related programs can seek support for new approaches to social problems. Focused on innovation in human and social services, Creag Foundation invites organizations with at least one year of 501(c)(3) status to submit a letter of inquiry for potential funding.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving youth through education, health, development, or welfare programs can receive up to US $15,000 for direct services and enrichment projects, including in Nebraska. The Dan Paul Foundation provides funding for child advocacy, homelessness and poverty relief, refugee enrichment, early childhood development, environmental responsibility, and related youth-focused initiatives worldwide.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help Nebraska religious and faith-based nonprofits serving mostly economically underserved communities if their direct-service programs meet these tech-enabled social impact priorities.

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, STEM education, and related community programs; religious activities are not supported.

Nebraska cultural nonprofits with U.S.-based 501(c)(3) status and audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and science programming, capital projects, or limited general support. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes arts education, artist development, and STEAM-focused science programs, including museums, performing arts organizations, and arts schools; faith-based organizations may be eligible if services are inclusive.

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.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) and equivalent charitable organizations working in health, education, or community services can apply for funding to support food pantries, healthcare access, STEM programs, and healthy lifestyle initiatives. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides grants to U.S.-based nonprofits, and religious nonprofits with qualifying community or health programs may be eligible.

Accredited charities planning humanitarian, social, educational, environmental, or arts projects can seek philanthropic support that promotes sustainable development and engages Roche expertise and employees, including affiliates serving Nebraska. With a mission to strengthen communities, La Roche provides nonprofits with donations for high-quality, innovative projects managed locally within the same country as the Roche affiliate.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and churches with community-focused projects 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 and Bank of Colorado, which may include religiously affiliated organizations whose projects match these focus areas.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations running charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust. Eligible nonprofits must use awarded funds within the U.S. and be tax-exempt under federal law and, when applicable, California law; religious organizations meeting these criteria may be considered.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or inclusion programs can apply for regional sponsorships that advance economic mobility and social progress. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help organizations, including religious nonprofits, strengthen low- and moderate-income communities through housing, jobs, hunger relief, and cultural or sports initiatives.

Religious and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Nebraska working in preservation, education, or wellness can seek more than US $50,000 to tell powerful stories about their impact. With a mission to support community-focused initiatives, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides Storytelling Grants to help eligible organizations share their work across its three charitable pillars.

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.

Religious and spiritually focused 501(c)(3) organizations working in areas like poverty relief, education, or humanitarian aid can apply for Robinson Foundation support; eligible applicants must serve communities in the Southern U.S. Grants from Robinson Foundation may benefit Nebraska faith-based nonprofits whose programs reach or partner with Southern-region communities.

Nebraska religious and spiritual nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can seek support for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding projects. Nebraska organizations may be eligible for funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation to advance programs that respect people, the environment, and all forms of life.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation. U.S.-based religious or faith-related organizations may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $25,000 in one-year grants if they meet the foundation’s guidelines and financial history requirements.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving local quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health, or disaster relief programs can apply for project, operating, or capital support. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S.-based community organizations, including those with religious roots that are not faith-purposed, serving underserved and underrepresented individuals where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) public charities, including separately incorporated religious nonprofits serving the general public, can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects in Union Pacific–served communities. Grants from Union Pacific Foundation help organizations deliver direct services, build capacity, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in local programs.

Public 501(c)(3) organizations in the Omaha metro area providing educational services to underserved children up to age 12 can apply for Omaha Community Foundation’s Creche Childhood Education Fund Grant; awards approximately US $24,999 for educational programming and projects, not operating expenses. Religious nonprofits meeting these criteria in Nebraska may be eligible.

Public schools and 501(c)(3) animal welfare nonprofits in the Omaha metro area can receive up to US $3,500 for history, natural sciences, outdoor education, or animal-focused programming and projects. Omaha Community Foundation’s Richard A. Shaw Fund especially welcomes proposals from public schools serving ages 5–18 and programs involving equine therapy in Douglas, Sarpy, or Pottawattamie Counties.

Nebraska nonprofits helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can access funding through Gupta Family Foundation, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) or qualifying foreign organizations working in areas like poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, or human and social services may be considered; faith-affiliated groups must be fully non-sectarian.