Best Pawnee County Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

The Southwest Airlines® Community Scholarship, administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, offers ten annual scholarships of up to $20,000 for students pursuing higher education in the airline industry. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a career interest in this field, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and be 24 or younger. This renewable scholarship supports students attending accredited institutions and is specifically for those seeking their first post-secondary degree. Dependents of Southwest Airlines employees are not eligible.

The Sam J. Lucas Jr. Scholarship, administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, offers multiple awards of $5,000 for employees and dependents of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. This one-time award is intended for students pursuing higher education in accredited institutions and requires a minimum GPA of 2.5. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours and submit enrollment information to facilitate the scholarship's direct payment to their college.

Angel Post Deployment Test Program

Through a collaborative partnership with UNCF, XYZ Corporation has established a scholarship program to help STEM students get on the fast track to a rewarding career. In addition to direct financial support, Intel-sponsored scholarships offer the benefits of exposure to potential job opportunities, networking with fellow scholars, insight to other Intel scholarships, research, training opportunities, and access to Intel mentors offering support on technical, non-technical, cultural, and dissertation-related needs.

Let’s accelerate meaningful change!

Our mission is clear: to accelerate meaningful change through effective communication. We work through four core activities: capacity building, storytelling, services and grant support for NGOs. 

We believe in storytelling that inspires action, builds trust and promotes constructive narratives. 

CF strengthens organisations by building the skills and confidence needed to communicate effectively. 

Why a Communication Foundation?

Many NGOs and UN organisations operate with limited budgets and few staff trained in professional communication. Added to this, shifting politics and growing conservatism create new challenges for their work. To remain resilient and amplify their impact, organisations must strengthen their identity and invest in communication. 

When approached strategically, communication can shift from being a perceived obligation to a powerful opportunity. With the right focus, even limited budgets and capacity can be maximised to create and deliver clear, effective strategies unlocking advocacy, fundraising, and public trust, and ultimately driving meaningful, lasting change where it is most needed.

Storytelling Review – Master your mission’s story

Your story defines how people understand your organisation, its values and its impact. A Storytelling Review helps clarify and strengthen your narrative so it consistently reflects who you are, what you stand for and why your work matters.

CF’s Storytelling Review is a structured review of how your organisation communicates its story across channels and formats. We assess narrative structure, key messages, tone of voice, audience focus and coherence to understand whether your storytelling supports your mission and strategic positioning.

How it helps you

Dry data often fails to inspire action. This review helps you to find the "heart" of your work and communicate it in a way that sticks.

• Identification of missed opportunities for emotional engagement in your current content;
• Recommendations for moving from "organisational" talk to "human" stories;
• Advice on ethical storytelling that empowers beneficiaries rather than just portraying need;
• Guidance on structuring narratives for different platforms (web, social, reports).

What We Do

• A clear assessment of narrative strengths and gaps;
• Identification of inconsistencies and overlaps;
• Guidance on narrative frameworks and messaging;
• Provide actionable recommendations to master your story.

Why it matters

NGOs operate in complex and competitive environments, where clarity and credibility are essential. Strong storytelling:

• Builds trust and emotional connection with stakeholders;
• Clarifies your organisation’s identity and purpose;
• Strengthens recognition across programmes and campaigns;
• Supports consistent communication across teams and platforms.

Over time, stories can get fragmented or can lose their meaning. 

Different projects may tell different versions of your mission, diluting impact. 

A Storytelling Review restores focus and alignment within your communication.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington Goes Purple Scholarship

This scholarship is open to students that reside in Washington County, MD, are continuing their education, and have been affected by substance use.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Scholarship

Founded by alumni of Washington County Hospital’s School of Nursing, this fund serves to provide scholarships to deserving students who are continuing their education in Nursing.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County Arts Council, Inc. Foundation Scholarship Fund

The Washington County Arts Council, Inc. welcomes all applicants interested in pursuing a 2- or 4-year degree, or a certificate program, from an accredited educational institution with an emphasis on the arts. All students, including those individuals who have pursued a non-traditional education path, will be considered for this scholarship.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County 4-H Livestock/Market Sale Scholarship

Established to support post-secondary scholarships to participants in Washington County 4-H Livestock and Market Sale programs.

The DoW Rare Cancers Idea Development Award promotes innovative research ideas for rare cancers, encouraging applicants to provide preliminary data and exploratory aims. This funding opportunity, offered by the US DOD: U.S. Army Medical Command, seeks projects with the potential for high-impact findings that can significantly benefit the patient community. It aims to foster new avenues of investigation and support discovery-driven research in the field of rare cancers.

The 2026 Rare Cancers Research Program Resource and Community Development Award aims to enhance rare cancer research through improved resources and datasets. It addresses critical gaps in research resources, communication strategies, and data sharing infrastructures. Key features include engaging patient advocates throughout the research process and ensuring sustainability of community platforms. This funding opportunity emphasizes community building and the dissemination of findings to benefit scientific and patient communities alike.

The FY26 Joint Warfighter Medical Research Program's Military Medical Research and Development Award aims to fund the continuation of previous Department of War-funded research addressing high-priority medical needs for Service Members and Military Health System beneficiaries. It supports various projects, including late-stage preclinical studies and clinical research. Eligibility requires prior DOD funding, and a Clinical Research Option is available for studies involving human subjects or biological samples.

The FY26 Bone Marrow Failure Research Program's Resource Development Award aims to create a multiomic atlas from human bone marrow failure samples. This resource will be open-access, providing essential data for researchers and clinicians to enhance their understanding of bone marrow failure diseases. A comprehensive Data Resource Sharing Plan is required to ensure timely availability of the developed resource, fostering collaboration within the scientific community.

The FY26 Parkinson’s Research Program Investigator-Initiated Research Award supports innovative, multidisciplinary research projects aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The award encourages collaboration among multiple principal investigators, requiring preliminary data and allowing clinical trials to enhance research outcomes. This initiative is vital for fostering impactful discoveries within the four specified focus areas of the program, ultimately improving patient care and management.

The FY 2027 DoN HBCU/MI Program aims to enhance the research capabilities of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions. This initiative promotes innovative solutions to naval science challenges while engaging students and faculty in STEM fields. Key objectives include strengthening research infrastructure and fostering collaborative efforts across institutions. White papers are due by September 18, 2026, and should clearly outline the proposed advancements in naval-relevant science and technology.

The FY26 Parkinson’s Research Program (PRP) Early Investigator Research Award supports early-career researchers in Parkinson’s disease (PD) research. It offers two funding levels: Level 1 for fellows requiring a Mentor and Level 2 for independent investigators. The PI must show potential in PD research, with Level 1 emphasizing mentorship and Level 2 needing preliminary data. Research must align with one of the four FY26 PRP Focus Areas, excluding clinical trials.

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), established by Congress in 1988, aims to fund organizations to combat discriminatory housing practices. The Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) educates stakeholders about their rights under fair housing laws. Key components include the National Media Campaign, which promotes fair housing awareness nationally, and local programs that support community-based outreach. HUD oversees the process, ensuring compliance and monitoring of funded initiatives to enhance fair housing practices.

An award from the George and Viola Hoffman Fund may be made annually for student research toward a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation on a geographical subject in Eastern Europe. Eastern Europe includes the countries of East Central and Southeast Europe from Poland south to Romania, Bulgaria, and the successor states of the former Yugoslavia. Topics may be historical or contemporary, systematic or regional, limited to a small area or comparative.

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.

The Child Protection Compact Annual Program Statement invites proposals aimed at combating child trafficking through collaborative efforts between the United States and other countries. This initiative focuses on enhancing the capacity to prosecute traffickers, providing care for victims, and implementing preventive measures. Organizations interested in applying must align with the objectives of the CPC to ensure comprehensive support and effective intervention against all forms of child trafficking.

The TIP Office of the US Department of State invites applications for projects aimed at combating human trafficking, adhering to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. This initiative prioritizes prosecuting traffickers, protecting victims, and preventing trafficking through strategies outlined in the National Security Strategy, executive orders, and the annual Trafficking in Persons Report, while aligning with America First Foreign Policy priorities.

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

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)

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 Operating Program

HDO Operating expenses means reasonable and necessary costs for:

• The operation of community housing development organization. Such costs include salaries, wages, and other employee compensation and benefits; employee education, training, and travel; rent; utilities; communication costs; taxes; insurance; equipment; materials; and supplies. The requirements and limitations on the receipt of these funds by CHDOs are set forth in § 92.300(e) and (f). §92.208(a)

Within the CHDO Operating funding category, the Department may award funding for eligible operating expenses (not project related):

• Assist the organization in maintaining the current level of production and/or development of affordable housing.
• Assist the organization in increasing their capacity; including hiring new staff; and
• Assist the organization in expanding their services or coverage area.

Nebraska Public Transit

Promotes and supports safe, affordable and efficient public transit.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation's (NDOT) Nebraska Public Transit is more than transportation—it’s a lifeline. It connects residents to healthcare, education, jobs and more while fostering independence, mobility and stronger community connections.

Section 5311, Rural Public Transportation

Federal and State funding is available to support public transportation projects in rural Nebraska. This support includes reimbursement for operating expenses subsidies to purchase transit vehicles and awards to construct or renovate transit-related facilities. Eligible subrecipients of funds to administer a public transportation project include private nonprofit organizations, state or local governmental authorities, operators of public transportation services or intercity bus operators.

The Section 53|| program awards grants for operating assistance on a two-year grant cycle. Applications are due in March prior to the grant cycle ending on September 30 of that fiscal year. However, NDOT may allow new applicants to apply for funding at any time on a case-by-case basis. Existing 53|| program participants can apply for vehicles throughout the fiscal year. Startup rural transit agencies should apply for operating assistance and vehicles) at the same time.

The Integrated Viral Hepatitis Surveillance, Testing, Treatment, and Prevention Programs for Health Departments (IVH-STTP) aims to strengthen viral hepatitis surveillance and prevention efforts across the United States. By enhancing outbreak response capabilities and promoting testing and treatment in high-impact settings, this initiative seeks to improve public health outcomes. Key components include partnerships, strategic planning, and perinatal hepatitis C programs, ultimately striving for better access to prevention and treatment services, aligning with CDC priorities.