Best Health Care Grants in Nebraska

Nebraska Department of Economic Development

Since 1967, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has been focused on growing and diversifying the state’s economic base, bringing new dollars, new businesses, and new people into the state.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates HOME funds to Participating Jurisdictions (PJs). The State of Nebraska receives funds as a PJ and the Department of Economic Development (DED) administers the program for the State.

HOME CHDO Program

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) is intended to:

• Provide funds to eligible recipients for acquisition, construction, and production of affordable housing to increase the supply of decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low-to-moderate-income Nebraskans.

• Promote and advance the goals of the Nebraska Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development; and

• Provide a mechanism to leverage private investment in the development of affordable housing.

Eligible Activities Include: Construction costs for newly constructed homes for potential home buyers at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) (Development subsidy, gap subsidy, buyer assistance, and closing costs)

About the Agency

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) brings together our state's efforts in water management, energy policies, and environmental protection.

Waste and Litter Grant

The purpose of the Litter Reduction & Recycling Grant and the Waste Reduction & Recycling Incentive Grant programs is to fund activities that reduce litter and waste and promote recycling in Nebraska. This document is intended to aid grant applicants in the preparation of an application and the quarterly report by outlining what expenses the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) deemed eligible for reimbursement through these grant programs, and by identifying documentation that must be submitted as part of the application and quarterly report. This guidance document applies to grant applications received for the current grant period.

Major updates for 2027 Grant Year:

• No in-kind match
• Personnel benefits will not be reimbursed but can be used for cash match
• Maximum of $500,000 per entity
• Equipment will require a 50% match
• Bid threshold is now $10,000 for supplies and contractual and $25,000 for equipment
• Refer to the updated Waste and Litter Priority Points:
  • 1%-24% = 1 pt
  • 25%-49% = 5 pts
  • 50%-74% = 10 pts
  • 75%-100% = 15 pts

The Supreme Basketball Player Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to young athletes in Nebraska and surrounding states. This initiative by Supreme Basketball ensures that no child is turned away from basketball programs due to financial constraints. With a focus on player development, the scholarship supports youth from Pre-K to 12th grade, allowing them to participate in camps, clinics, and select club teams, fostering their skills and passion for the game.

The Regional Touring Grant Program, funded by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, supports organizations in the M-AAA region to showcase touring artists from outside their state. Grants up to $5,000 are available, with organizations eligible for matching funds and the capacity to submit multiple applications. Projects are designed to enhance arts programming and engage underserved audiences through public-facing events, including performances and outreach activities. This initiative aims to foster cultural exchange and deepen community connections through the arts.

The FY 2027 Office of Violence Prevention Grant aims to reduce street and gang violence, firearm-related homicides, and injuries while promoting youth employment in high-crime areas. This grant, administered by the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, encourages communities to adopt comprehensive strategies that include prevention, intervention, enforcement, and rehabilitation. Funding prioritizes programs that demonstrate significant potential benefits to local communities and align with these crucial objectives.

The Artistic Innovations Grant Program, supported by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, provides up to $15,000 to artists and arts organizations in the M-AAA six-state region. This initiative fosters creativity by funding the development and premiere of original works, encouraging innovative projects that engage local audiences. Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit organizations, promoting a vibrant arts community through financial support for artistic exploration.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

The Hirschfeld Family Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations in Nebraska, focusing on projects that aid disadvantaged communities. Established in 1993, the foundation prefers time-limited requests over ongoing budgetary support. Priority is given to local organizations in Central and Western Nebraska that demonstrate community involvement and efficient operations. Grants are available for projects that align with the foundation's mission to promote well-being and make a meaningful difference.

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.

The Community Impact Grant Program, administered by the Nebraska Tourism Commission, offers marketing assistance to communities hosting major events that attract out-of-state visitors. Eligible applicants must demonstrate potential visitor attraction, outline marketing strategies, and provide evidence of expected national or international press coverage. This program encourages innovative marketing efforts to promote Nebraska as a destination, aiming to enhance tourism impact and visibility on a larger scale.

The Nebraska Tourism Marketing Grant, administered by the Nebraska Tourism Commission, aims to boost tourism through innovative marketing initiatives. It supports both for-profit and nonprofit organizations in promoting attractions and hosting events that attract nonlocal visitors. Eligible projects include professional photography, group tour marketing, and participation in tourism seminars. Grants require a 25% match and prioritize projects that support diversity and inclusivity, ensuring a broad appeal to potential visitors.

The Daub Family Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers financial support to a student of German descent on their father's side, residing near Plymouth, Nebraska, who plans to attend UN-L. Established in 1987, the foundation awards over $55,000 annually to Beatrice High School graduates, aiming to enhance educational opportunities within the district. Interested applicants must apply for university admission by January 15, indicating their scholarship interest.

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

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 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for graduate and doctoral students pursuing degrees in nutrition and dietetics. With scholarship amounts ranging from $500 to $25,000, applicants can utilize a single application to be considered for multiple opportunities. Eligibility includes enrollment in accredited programs and other criteria such as experience in education or dietetics. Membership in the Academy is encouraged, although not required, for most scholarships.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Building Local Alignment and Community (BLAC) Fund is a participatory grant process powered by IBBG. The BLAC fund will regrant $1M by 2027 to reproductive health and wellbeing organizations and projects across Nebraska that support and are led by underserved populations, including but not limited to Black women, femmes, and girls.

Blac Fund Childcare Grant

We’re excited to announce a new opportunity through the 2026 BLAC Fund, created specifically to support underrepresented childcare providers across Nebraska. IBBG will invest $250,000 in grants to help sustain and strengthen childcare businesses in economically distressed and underserved communities.

The Building Local Alignment and Community (BLAC) Fund is a participatory grant process powered by IBBG. The BLAC fund will regrant $1M by 2027 to reproductive health and wellbeing organizations and projects across Nebraska that support and are led by underserved populations, including but not limited to Black women, femmes, and girls.

Blac Fund General Grant

The BLAC Fund aims to support community-based organizations and projects in Nebraska that are led by, and benefit, underserved populations, including but not limited to Black women, femmes, and girls. According to the Pocket Change report released by the Ms. Foundation in 2020, philanthropic giving to women and girls of color in the U.S. averaged just $5.48 per person, amounting to only 0.5% of the total $66.9 billion given by foundations. 

Chronic Disease Management Navigation and Education Initiative (NE)

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Chronic Disease Prevention Program invites proposals to expand Chronic Disease Management through Navigation and Education across Nebraska’s communities. This initiative is funded through the Rural Health Transformation Project, 4.4A. It aims to connect people in need with resources to promote healthy living and strengthen coordination among patients and health systems.

Program Scope

Funded projects will expand community-based education, care navigation, and self-management support for individuals living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and other long-term health challenges. Projects should improve health outcomes by helping individuals understand their conditions, navigate complex health systems, and access timely, community responsive resources. Through structured education, one-on-one navigation support, and partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations, participants gain the knowledge and skills needed to manage their conditions, reduce preventable complications, and improve quality of life.

Workplans should include, but are not limited to:

• Chronic disease education delivered through workshops, group sessions, and individualized learning tailored to participant needs
• Care navigation and referral support, helping participants connect to primary care, specialty services, medications, and community resources
• Health system navigation, including assistance with appointments, care plans, insurance literacy, and follow-up care.

Funding Amounts

Awards will be made based on applicant type, project scope, and demonstrated need. Single applications should not exceed $400,000 per proposed budget. Applicants must verify and/or justify that their proposed workplan does not overlap existing efforts. Our goal is to expand program reach, not duplicate efforts.

The Working Here Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming, providing funding options tailored to rural community needs. With a focus on agricultural education, hunger relief, and disaster assistance, the program has awarded over $13.5 million since 2013. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, with eligibility for organizations demonstrating alignment with FCSAmerica's mission. Priority is given to IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fostering sustainable solutions for local challenges.

Nebraska Blue Foundation

For more than 85 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) has been a champion for the health and well-being of our members and the communities we serve. Founded in 2024, the Nebraska Blue Foundation now allows us to concentrate our efforts into pockets of our community that need to be uplifted the most.

In 2025, the Nebraska Blue Foundation launched two grant opportunities through its inaugural grant cycles. The foundation awarded 42 organizations with a total of $500,000 in grant funding to further their goals and missions, supporting organizations across Nebraska that:

• Provide quality preventive care
• Serve the aging population 
• Further economic vitality  
• Support the development of third places

Increasing Access to Preventive Healthcare Grant

Proactive measures to prevent illness, detect health issues early and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

The Nebraska Blue Foundation is particularly interested in supporting innovation and pilot projects. As a new foundation, our approach is to be catalytic with our grants – primarily investing in new ideas or programs that could meet a specific need with a one-time investment.

Nebraska Blue Foundation

For more than 85 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) has been a champion for the health and well-being of our members and the communities we serve. Founded in 2024, the Nebraska Blue Foundation now allows us to concentrate our efforts into pockets of our community that need to be uplifted the most.

The foundation has four priority areas:

• Serving Seniors – Addressing the needs of Nebraska’s aging population
• Increasing Access to Preventive Healthcare – Proactive measures to prevent illness, detect health issues early and reduce the risk of chronic disease
• Economic Vitality – Investing in job creation and civic programs to promote a vibrant economy
• Third Places – Building and strengthening the social fabric of communities across the state

The Nebraska Blue Foundation is particularly interested in supporting innovation and pilot projects. As a new foundation, our approach is to be catalytic with our grants – primarily investing in new ideas or programs that could meet a specific need with a one-time investment.

Serving Seniors

The spring cycle focuses on Serving Seniors and Preventive Healthcare. 

This funding addresses the needs of Nebraska’s aging population.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

The Benjamin A. Black Charitable Trust for Children provides essential support to economically deprived children in central Nebraska. Established in 1990, it honors Benjamin A. Black's legacy by funding programs that offer necessities and joy, such as Christmas gifts. Grants are targeted towards public charities that directly benefit children, with a focus on areas outside Omaha and Lincoln. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of March 31 for annual review.