Best Omaha Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

The Pitney Bowes Foundation Grant, established in 2005, focuses on enhancing education within communities where Pitney Bowes operates. Annually, the foundation allocates around $1.8 million to support literacy, STEM, and job training initiatives, emphasizing early childhood education and mentoring programs. Grants are designed to foster measurable outcomes that address educational disparities, particularly for underserved populations, ensuring a brighter future for the workforce.

The Midlands Community Foundation Grant Program has been supporting not-for-profit organizations for over 30 years, focusing on enhancing life quality in Sarpy and Cass counties. Grants are available for projects in health, arts, education, and community services. Eligibility requires organizations to operate in the specified counties and be federally tax-exempt. However, requests for general operating expenses, direct aid to individuals, and religious or political projects are typically not supported.

Tyson Foods Community Giving Grants support initiatives that enhance the quality of life for communities and their members. With a focus on scaling existing effective programs, these grants are aimed at organizations that operate in underserved areas. Eligible nonprofits must have a 501(c)(3) status and local Tyson plant support. Applications are accepted annually, with priority given to projects addressing systemic community issues. Notable past support includes a $25,000 grant to the Arkansas Foodbank Mobile Pantry Initiative.

The Beloved Community Grant, established by the Weitz Family Foundation, supports nonprofits in Omaha dedicated to fostering a just and equitable community. With over $50 million awarded since 2000, the foundation empowers organizations addressing poverty and systemic injustices. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for innovative proposals that enhance community well-being. First-time applicants and agencies with a local impact are encouraged to apply, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to social change in Omaha.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

About Us

Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) is here to serve and add value to donors’ philanthropic needs by providing them an opportunity to “invest in the power of community.” It is our goal to identify current and emerging issues, channel resources to address community needs, and help prepare for the future.

MCF Mission

The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to be a catalyst for lasting impact in Sarpy and Cass counties and to give opportunities to organizations and individuals to pursue their charitable goals.

Scholarships Through MCF

Midlands Community Foundation is committed to the futures of communities in Sarpy and Cass Counties, and across the country. Supporting higher education of students is a direct investment in the futures of these communities.

Sarpy County Sheriff's Foundation Scholarship Application

The purpose of the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Foundation Criminal Justice Scholarship Program is to provide financial aid to college students pursuing a degree in criminal justice related fields.

Three (3) scholarships will be awarded each year. Two scholarships to residents of Sarpy County, and one scholarship to the dependent of a Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office employee. Each scholarship will be worth $1,000.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

The Weitz Fellows program, initiated in 2011 by the Weitz Family Foundation, connects recent Carleton College graduates with nonprofit organizations in Omaha and Lincoln. With a focus on enhancing career discernment and nonprofit appreciation, the program has evolved to include an open application process for interested organizations. Each fellow engages in a full-time role, supported by a $56,500 grant for salary and benefits, ensuring a valuable experience in the nonprofit sector.

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

Midlands Community Foundation

MCF is a community foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Sarpy and Cass counties, as well as surrounding areas. Through partnerships with local organizations, donors, and volunteers, we address critical needs and invest in initiatives that create lasting, positive change. Our efforts are focused on ensuring that the resources we provide have a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.

Discretionary Community Gifts

Midlands Community Foundation facilitates discretionary giving, which is an alternative to the grant application process for gifts under $1,000. Nonprofit organizations that need immediate financial assistance can request these gifts using the required form along with any supporting information that would help describe the program or project. All requests are reviewed with careful consideration by the Board Treasurer and the Executive Director on a monthly basis.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

The Lower Platte North Natural Resources District Grant supports high school students engaged in community-based natural resources projects. With funding up to $1,500, this grant encourages students to plan and implement projects that benefit local ecosystems. Eligible applicants must reside within the district and demonstrate active involvement in initiatives such as FFA supervised agricultural experiences, 4-H projects, or other community engagement efforts. This grant fosters environmental stewardship among youth, promoting sustainable practices in their communities.

The Gilbert M and Martha H Hitchcock FoundationThe Gilbert M and Martha H Hitchcock Foundation is one of the oldest private, continuously run family foundations in Omaha, Nebraska, with more than 80 years serving the greater metro Omaha and Council Bluffs area with philanthropic support. From the start, the foundation matched the Hitchcocks' passions: supporting local journalism and the hard-working youth who delivered it, supporting religious institutions, promoting Omaha's growth, and providing care to the sick and elderly. In time, its focus has expanded to include private and higher education, the arts, conservation and animal welfare, preserving history, and social service organizations serving the greater Omaha and Council Bluffs area.

BAE Systems offers community investment grants aimed at enhancing the well-being of military families and supporting future workforce development in STEM fields. As a U.S. subsidiary of a global defense and aerospace leader, they require applicants to be recognized 501(c) organizations. The initiative underscores a commitment to charitable partnerships that uplift local communities and contribute positively to society.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

Borsheims

Few other stores have a history like Borsheims. From our humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska to becoming a Berkshire Hathaway company with worldwide clientele, our past helps propel us into the future. For more than 150 years, we've been honored to help our customers celebrate their special moments, and we look forward to celebrating many more.

Borsheims Gives

As an Omaha institution for more than 155 years, Borsheims is proud to give back to the community that has given us so much. Corporate citizenship and social responsibility are values that are intrinsic to our business. Borsheims is honored to support local non-profits every year with our Big Impact Grant donations, team member volunteerism, social responsibility, and through our Borsheims Gives program.

Borsheims Gives Big Impact Grant Program

Our Big Impact Grant program allows us to create new partnerships and expand our community giving to benefit a multitude of organizations across the Omaha area. Our focus areas for giving:

• Women's Initiatives
  • As a female-led company, Borsheims is committed to empowering women and creating opportunities for them to thrive. Through partnerships with non-profit organizations that support safety, education, career development, and personal growth, we champion programs and initiatives that help strengthen and uplift women to build brighter futures for themselves and for our community.
• Children's Support
  • Supporting children has long been at the heart of Borsheims’ philanthropic efforts. By providing essential resources and mentorship to local organizations dedicated to children’s well-being, we are committed to helping young people reach their full potential. By investing in the next generation, we help create stronger communities for years to come.
• Community Interests
  • We support the organizations, initiatives, and community leaders who help make our city vibrant, welcoming, and strong. Whether partnering with long-standing institutions or emerging non-profits, we are dedicated to investing in the people and causes that shape Omaha’s future.

May Family Foundation

Eleanor Jean May established the May Family Foundation in 2000, as a gesture of gratitude to the communities that shaped her life. The May Family Foundation is dedicated to identifying programs that strongly resonate with our mission and values as we work together to empower and uplift lives within our communities.

Our foundation provides resources and opportunities that empower young individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Our goal is to create a brighter future for under-resourced youth in our local communities.

May Family Foundation Education Grant

Our foundation strives to be engaged in our local communities beyond grant funding. We support select programs that align with our goals and form a connection through potential volunteering opportunities, site visits, and recognition of successes.

We welcome grant applications for financial support in education:

• Programs and services that offer a range of activities and academic support, such as
  • homework help,
  • tutoring, and
  • extracurricular activities.
• Scholarships and financial support that help students meet their required expenses while in school.

May Family Foundation

Eleanor Jean May established the May Family Foundation in 2000, as a gesture of gratitude to the communities that shaped her life. The May Family Foundation is dedicated to identifying programs that strongly resonate with our mission and values as we work together to empower and uplift lives within our communities.

Our foundation provides resources and opportunities that empower young individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Our goal is to create a brighter future for under-resourced youth in our local communities.

May Family Foundation Social Services Grant

Our foundation strives to be engaged in our local communities beyond grant funding. We support select programs that align with our goals and form a connection through potential volunteering opportunities, site visits, and recognition of successes.

We welcome grant applications for financial support in social services:

• Programs that protect vulnerable children and support families in need of assistance.
• We also support projects that improve community safety and guide youth to become productive and engaged adults.

The Leland J. and Dorothy H. Olson Charitable Foundation aims to transform lives in Omaha, NE, and Stanwood, WA, through impactful grants. Focused on education, family support, health initiatives, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to address local needs by funding projects that foster community well-being. With an annual funding cycle, they are committed to awarding grants in various amounts to support essential programs that enhance the quality of life for residents in these areas.

The GreenState Foundation, part of GreenState Credit Union, is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through financial education, affordable housing, and children's health. They actively support local nonprofits and schools, prioritizing projects that empower underserved communities. With a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community impact, they ensure funding is available within specific regions including Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska, fostering a brighter future for all.

Omaha Community Foundation

The Foundation was created in 1982, first functioning primarily as a charitable bank for Omaha and Southwest Iowa philanthropists. Since then, our community knowledge has grown, programming has expanded, partnerships have been forged, and the Omaha Community Foundation has become a regional thought leader in philanthropy and community investment.

Our Mission: We maximize the power of philanthropy to strengthen our community.

Donna Kennedy Schatz Foundation Grant

An Early Childhood Development Initiative

Powered by Blue Sage Impact in partnership with OCF, the Donna Kennedy Schatz Foundation was established in Omaha in honor of Mrs. Schatz, a dedicated Omaha resident for more than 75 years.

Programmatic Emphasis

This Foundation is centered on early childhood, defined here as prenatal through 8 years old, in order to support a strong start to life. The Foundation will fund organizations and initiatives that support education, wrap-around services, or ecosystem-level infrastructure. Specifically, the themes of the foundation include:

• Supporting caregiver relationships with children through training, wraparound supports, and engaging experiences. We define caregivers as trusted adults in a child’s life, including parents, extended family and educators.
• Championing high quality early education opportunities that build a strong foundation of literacy and are grounded in the future of learning.
• Elevating intergenerational connections through places and programs that combat the isolation epidemic. We envision these programs to strengthen bonds between older adults and young children.

Target Populations: Marginalized communities of Omaha, Nebraska

Funding Structure: Exploration Grants

Given the dramatically changing funding landscape and trickle-down effects on programs, we are structuring the exploration grants as flexibly as possible: providing resources for “thinking time.” Organizations or partnerships can use this funding to support an exploration or planning process to consider what the future looks like for their program(s).

We will provide 10–15 philanthropic grants ranging from $15,000–$25,000. There is flexibility in the use of funds (e.g., planning retreat; consultant assistance with data/strategy development; general operations for staff time; etc.), whatever would be most helpful to leadership to explore and think through.

Grant period: 6 months to 1 year

Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The Omaha Neighborhood Grants program empowers local residents to lead impactful projects in their neighborhoods. By fostering collaboration and providing training, it enhances community engagement and strengthens connections with the City of Omaha. The program supports neighborhood associations within city limits, encouraging shared priorities and leadership development. With no matching funds required, it aims to improve safety, beautification, and organization while ensuring that neighborhood voices are heard in municipal processes.