Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and similar nonprofits working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs, including those serving Nebraska, can seek McGraw Foundation support for general operations, projects, or occasional capital needs. Typical awards range from US $2,000 - US $10,000, with larger grants possible for especially promising, high-impact initiatives.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health in Nebraska can apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, which provides US $3,000 for impactful water-industry research. Focused on advancing sanitation and clean drinking water, American Water Works Association supports academic work with timely, actionable outcomes.

Nebraska nonprofit organizations hosting community events or seeking general operating support can apply for community sponsorships that align with FNBO’s focus areas, including affordable housing, small business development, education, health, arts, and community cohesion. Focused on community impact, First National Bank of Omaha invites nonprofits in its Nebraska service areas to request unrestricted sponsorship funding.

Nebraska nonprofit organizations planning capital campaigns or major facility projects can apply for First National Bank of Omaha’s capital or major donations funding, supporting work in areas like affordable housing, education, community health, and arts and culture. Eligible projects must be tied to a specific capital raise in communities where the bank operates.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, and Tribes in Nebraska can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve operations and environmental quality. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service supports projects enhancing soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), with applications accepted year-round.

Nonprofit organizations in Nebraska working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for the Community Possible Grant Program. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help 501(c)(3) partners address work, home, and play, with priority for organizations led by a person of color in designated U.S. Bank communities.

Agricultural producers and private forest landowners in Nebraska can apply for the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Conservation Stewardship Program to improve conservation on working lands. This national USDA program offers technical and financial assistance for cropland, grassland, rangeland, pasture, and nonindustrial private forest projects, which may benefit Nebraska nonprofits that operate eligible farms, ranches, or forest holdings.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Giving Program. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building projects that primarily benefit communities served by Union Pacific within the state.

Nonprofit organizations and local government units serving Wakefield, Nebraska can seek funding for community projects in arts and culture, civic improvement, education, environment, health, and human services. Siouxland Community Foundation’s Wakefield Community Foundation Grant offers up to US $1,000 with a required 50% match for initiatives that enhance quality of life and address local needs.

Nonprofit organizations serving women, children, and families with programs like homelessness services, education, job readiness, food security, or humanitarian aid in Nebraska can apply for funding up to US $750,000. The Father's Table Foundation supports projects that build self-sufficiency, expand proven services, and, in some cases, address immediate needs alongside a path to sustainability.

Nebraska nonprofit organizations planning AmeriCorps service programs can receive up to US $75,000 for program development and operational capacity building. ServeNebraska’s AmeriCorps Planning Grant supports evidence-based designs that use national service to address community challenges, offering training and technical assistance to prepare applicants for future operational AmeriCorps grants.

Nebraska nonprofits and eligible educational or religious organizations offering non-denominational social services can access funding and in-kind support for community-focused programs through The Caesars Foundation. Local groups working on education, workforce development, housing, food security, climate and environmental sustainability, mental health, or anti-human trafficking in Platte County may be eligible to apply.

Focused on community service and volunteer-based solutions, this program invites Nebraska nonprofits, faith-based groups, Tribal organizations, and community partnerships to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based interventions. Funding from AmeriCorps can support work in education, economic opportunity, public health, climate and environment, poverty alleviation, and services for veterans and marginalized communities.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Nebraska conducting biomedical and health-related research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support small-scale projects and student research experiences. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers up to US $375,000 to strengthen research environments at baccalaureate science degree–granting institutions with limited prior NIH funding.

Recent graduates in conservation-related fields in Nebraska can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Claire M. Hubbard Young Leaders in Conservation Fellowship, with awards up to US $27,300 for a one-year, hands-on experience. This fellowship supports early-career conservationists gaining practical skills in ecological land management and natural resource stewardship.

Early-career medical and health research scientists at low- or middle-income country academic or research institutions can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research and career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Nebraska-connected nonprofits collaborating with LMIC investigators advance global health studies across areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and more.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities in Nebraska’s Greater Omaha metro area that benefit Iowa residents can apply for Iowa West Foundation’s program, operating, capital, or launch grants. Funding supports community projects advancing belonging, financial stability, opportunity, and well-being, with a primary focus on organizations connected to Pottawattamie County and southwest Iowa.

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At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

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We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 to support mentored health research and career development. Nebraska-based nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators or hosting U.S. mentors may benefit from this National Institutes of Health opportunity.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering educational opportunities, youth programs, arts education, community initiatives, or related services can apply for grants from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000 may support new or enhanced programs, short-term bridge funding, matching grants, or final dollars for capital campaigns across its U.S. focus areas.

Nebraska nonprofits, institutions, and similar organizations hosting health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek sponsorship funding that provides tangible benefits like exhibits or marketing opportunities. Biogen Foundation considers a wide range of neurological and related disease areas, reviewing requests based on alignment with its interests, event details, and the geographic location of the activity.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

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 Data Center Community Grants Program (US-CBF) supports nonprofit organizations that enhance their local communities surrounding Google data centers. Funding is available for projects focused on education, economic opportunity, bridging the digital divide, sustainability, health, and arts. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, prioritizing measurable community benefits and innovative approaches. Eligible projects must demonstrate long-term impact, while operational expenses are generally ineligible. This initiative aims to empower underserved groups and foster collaboration within local ecosystems.

The FNBO Impact Grant Program aims to empower nonprofit organizations that eliminate barriers to economic and social opportunities. Focusing on Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, and Financial Literacy, this initiative supports projects that enhance community well-being and promote personal economic self-sufficiency. While the 2025 grant cycle is closed, interested applicants should check back in early 2026 for updates on future funding opportunities.

The Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grants Fund supports innovative waste management projects in Nebraska. By funding recycling systems, market development for recyclable materials, and composting initiatives, it aims to enhance sustainability and reduce waste. This program also oversees the Scrap Tire Management Grant, promoting environmentally sound practices. With a focus on integrated solutions, these grants empower communities to implement effective waste reduction strategies and foster a circular economy.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.