Best Workforce Grants in Nebraska

With a mission to strengthen communities, US Bank Foundation provides Nebraska workforce organizations with funding for economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple “work, home, and play” pillars in designated U.S. Bank communities, may be eligible.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth development, education, and welfare in Nebraska and beyond can access funding through the Dan Paul Foundation for programs serving children and young people. Grants up to US $15,000 may support early childhood development, scholarships, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, and related workforce preparation initiatives for youth.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Nebraska working on scalable workforce preparation, job readiness, or related social and environmental challenges can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation’s support, with awards up to US $300,000. Funding combines unrestricted capital with intensive capacity-building and community to help ventures expand solutions for underserved communities.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Nebraska can seek funding for workforce preparation and job readiness, as well as broader safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support job training, financial literacy, affordable housing, and related community revitalization efforts across the U.S.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nebraska Workforce Retention & Attraction Grant

Applications are now being accepted for the Nebraska Workforce Retention & Attraction Grant through the Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL). This new grant program, established under LB 1165, Section 28 of the Grow the Good Life Act, is designed to help protect large numbers of Nebraska-based jobs when a key employer undergoes a change of ownership or control involving an out-of-state entity.

“Protecting Nebraska jobs is essential to maintaining strong communities and a strong economy,” said Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber. “This grant program helps ensure that major employers can continue supporting Nebraska workers during periods of transition.”

Funding

A total of $300,000 in funding is available. Grants will be awarded to eligible organizations within ten years of the employer’s change in ownership or control.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nebraska workforce preparation and job readiness organizations can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation to support health, education, and humanitarian services for marginalized communities. This global funder backs programs such as healthcare access, literacy, and social services, so Nebraska workforce initiatives that integrate these supports may be competitive.

Workforce development organizations in Nebraska can apply for Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services SNAP Employment and Training subrecipient funding to provide job readiness and employment services for SNAP recipients. Funding supports outreach, assessments, employment plans, training, supportive services, and data tracking in coordination with the state’s SNAP Next Step E&T program.

Nonprofit organizations in Nebraska offering workforce preparation, job readiness, or related community programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to strengthen their services. Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation also supports youth, seniors, people with disabilities, cultural institutions, education, health facilities, and environmental or wildlife initiatives across the U.S.

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.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering workforce preparation, job readiness, financial literacy, or related basic-needs services can apply for Ameriprise Financial community grants supporting adults’ economic stability and self-sufficiency. Organizations in Nebraska may be eligible, with priority for sites near Ameriprise employee centers and for programs engaging Ameriprise volunteers in ongoing service.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, social services, health care, civic or cultural programs, or environmental initiatives can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation to support one-year projects, including workforce preparation and job readiness efforts. Typical awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000, with most grants going to U.S.-based organizations.

Workforce preparation and job readiness nonprofits in Nebraska can seek funding to tell impactful stories about their programs and outcomes. With a mission to support preservation, education, and wellness, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides more than US $50,000 to 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations for storytelling projects that highlight real-world community impact.

Focused on workforce preparation and job readiness, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services invites Nebraska organizations to build SNAP Employment & Training third-party partnerships and sustainable health care career pathways. Eligible agencies can request up to US $200,000 to strengthen rural, frontier, tribal, and other high-need community health care workforces and transition to the SNAP E&T 50/50 reimbursement model.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Nebraska working with underserved youth and families can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for community programs. Funding supports youth education and leadership, housing and family services, food security, and environmental projects that may complement local workforce preparation efforts.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Fall 2026 Early Childhood Education Funding Cycle

Overall Early Childhood Education Program Blueprint

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program supports efforts to improve access to high-quality early care and education for young children (birth to five), especially those from low-income families. We do this by investing in strategies that strengthen, support, and retain a high-quality, thriving early educator workforce.

The Foundation has a history of supporting professional development (PD) and learning systems through its Provider strategy (). We believe strong professional development systems are essential for building a skilled early childhood workforce and creating positive learning environments for young children.

The Fall 2026 funding cycle is available for organizations that align with this Provider strategy.

Funding Opportunity

This funding opportunity will provide up to $750,000 to support early childhood education providers in strengthening existing professional development (PD) systems. Funding is intended to improve a specific area of an established PD system—not to build a brand-new system from scratch or put the foundational elements in place.

What kind of improvements can funding support?

Organizations should focus their projects on strengthening their professional development systems. The Stranahan Foundation defines a strong professional development system as one that includes:

• Connect learning opportunities that build on one another over time.
• Use adult learning best practices.
• Align staff learning to educator competencies, credentials, career growth, or compensation.
• Provide learning experiences that are individualized, scaffolded, and responsive to educators’ needs, experience, and goals.
• Have dedicated leadership and organizational capacity to support ongoing implementation.

• Gather regular feedback from staff and families.
• Use standardized assessment and evaluation tools to understand what is working and where improvements are needed.
• Make ongoing improvements based on what is learned.
• Support reflective practice, peer learning, and collaborative inquiry among educators.

• Offer both individual and group learning opportunities, such as training, professional learning communities, coaching, and mentoring.
• Provide learning opportunities on an ongoing basis rather than in a one-and-done situation.
• Connect internal and external learning opportunities to make the best use of available resources.
• Support classroom implementation through observation, modeling, feedback, and continuous improvement cycles.

• Provide learning experiences that are practical, relevant, and easy to apply in daily work.
• Include fundamental topics such as family engagement, effective instruction, developmentally appropriate practice, and classroom management.
• Align with established standards, research, and effective practices in the early childhood field.
• Equip educators to support all learners, including multilingual learners, children with disabilities, and children impacted by trauma or adverse experiences.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can seek recognition and support for collaborative programs through the Mutual Of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award. Nebraska nonprofits working on workforce preparation, job readiness, or other social issues may be eligible if they demonstrate impactful, model partnerships with public, private, or social sector leaders.

Nebraska workforce preparation and job readiness nonprofits helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can access funding through Gupta Family Foundation, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, and certain foreign entities, working in areas like poverty alleviation, disability services, or humanitarian aid may be eligible.

Nebraska workforce and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek support for programs that advance community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding. The Dudley T Dougherty Foundation offers funding that may benefit organizations integrating job readiness or workforce preparation into broader community or environmental initiatives.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities working near Georgia-Pacific manufacturing communities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, or environmental initiatives. Focused on strengthening communities, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites Nebraska workforce preparation and job readiness programs within 30 miles of a GP facility to apply if they meet its investment priorities.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for workforce readiness training and related services for at-risk youth. Grants from TJX Foundation help organizations providing job readiness, basic needs, academic enrichment, and safety from domestic violence for vulnerable children, teens, and young adults.