Best Saunders County Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

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.

The Gilchrist Foundation offers micro-grants up to $5,000 to support nonprofit organizations focused on the arts, wildlife conservation, and disaster relief, particularly in the Sioux City area. This initiative allows for one-time funding aimed at fostering creativity and community engagement. Organizations eligible for these grants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made within 30 days, promoting impactful projects that benefit local residents.

The Gilchrist Foundation offers endowment grants aimed at supporting pre-selected non-profit organizations that align with its mission in the arts, wildlife conservation, public broadcasting, and disaster relief. Although unsolicited applications are not accepted, organizations can request an invitation to apply. The Foundation prefers projects that demonstrate robust board participation and offers matching funds, particularly favoring initiatives in the Sioux City area. Approximately 55% of grants are allocated to endowment and capital campaigns.

The Gilchrist Foundation offers project grants to pre-selected non-profit organizations that align with its mission in the arts, wildlife conservation, public broadcasting, and disaster relief, primarily focusing on the Sioux City area. Organizations can apply for funding to enhance or establish programs that are self-sustaining, as the foundation does not intend to provide long-term financing. Interested parties must first request an invitation to apply for funding.

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.

The Weitz Family Foundation offers WFF Capacity Building Grants aimed at empowering organizations in Omaha, Nebraska. With over $50 million awarded to various sectors, the foundation supports innovative projects that address systemic injustices and poverty. Eligible applicants include agencies with a five-year funding history and a commitment to racial equity. These grants, starting at $21,000, require a strong relationship with the foundation and focus on building infrastructure for sustainable change.

The Gilchrist Foundation offers capital campaign grants to pre-selected non-profit organizations, particularly those enhancing arts, wildlife conservation, public broadcasting, and disaster relief. While the Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, eligible organizations can request an invitation to apply. Grants typically support significant renovation or expansion projects, aiming to foster long-term viability and special initiatives. Preference is given to projects in the Sioux City area, with a focus on stimulating matching funds.

Nebraska Dept. of Economic Development

About Us

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.

Our Mission

Provide quality leadership and services that enable Nebraska’s communities, businesses, and people to succeed in a global economy. We are here, equipped and ready, to assist you and your community in developing and capitalizing on economic development opportunities.

HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP)

Congress appropriated $5 billion in American Rescue Plan funds to be administered through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) to address the need for homelessness assistance and supportive services. The State of Nebraska was allocated $14 million for the Balance of State. The HOME-American Rescue Plan or “HOME-ARP” was created to perform four activities that must primarily benefit qualifying populations. The funding is available through September 2030.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The Osage Chapter Service Scholarships, funded by the Association for Women Geoscientists, support undergraduate and graduate students in geosciences. These scholarships of $500 aim to promote the participation of underrepresented groups in the field. Eligible applicants must be AWG members and enrolled in a university within the Osage region. The program encourages outreach and community service while honoring the contributions of Sean S. Thomson to the Osage Chapter.

Jewish Federation of Omaha

Our Mission is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world

The Jewish Federation of Omaha is a full-service organization serving the Jewish and Omaha communities. We provide services and programs for all ages from early childhood education to a long-term, skilled care nursing home. We also have the finest fitness center in Omaha that features indoor and outdoor aquatic centers, youth programming, a newly-renovated theater and learning commons, a public art gallery, a weekly newspaper, meals on wheels, counseling services, and community advocacy.

Our core values of Judaism, collective responsibility, community, education, health and well-being, integrity, leadership, and stewardship inspire us to, as a community, develop innovative responses to critical issues.

Scholarships

The Jewish Federation of Omaha administers a wide variety of scholarship and grant funds that provide financial assistance for preschool, Jewish residential camps, JCC day camp, Israel trips, youth group activities, Friedel Jewish Academy, undergraduate, graduate, vocational, technical, yeshiva and professional studies. Scholarships are awarded on a financial-need basis. 

Youth Group Program Scholarship

The current program requirements include the following:

• Scholarships are available only to Jewish residents of the Omaha metropolitan area.
• Applications must be submitted a minimum of two weeks before the event.

Award notifications will be sent to parents and the youth group director via email.

The Verne P. Jackson and Rose Marie Jackson Charitable Trust Grant provides crucial financial assistance to organizations supporting physically handicapped individuals within a 100-mile radius of Omaha, Nebraska. Established by Verne P. Jackson, the trust aims to empower those facing physical challenges, drawing from personal experiences with disability. Administered by Wells Fargo Bank, it typically awards one to two grants annually, focusing on assisting organizations that promote productive and rewarding lives for the handicapped.

About

The Walter Scott Family Foundation was built on the belief that giving back should be a part of how you live, not something you do once. For Walter Scott, Jr. and his family, philanthropy began as quiet acts of generosity. Over time, those values shaped a more intentional approach to giving, culminating in the creation of a foundation dedicated to thoughtful, lasting impact. This is the story of how that vision took shape.

Omaha Award

The Walter Scott Family Foundation recognizes that for people and places to truly be healthy, the basic needs of individuals must first be met. We value the work of health and human service agencies that care for our community’s most vulnerable members and strive to assist in times of high demand and financial uncertainty.

The Omaha Award is a competitive grant program that provides support to nonprofit organizations working directly in the areas of food, personal care items, shelter and health for residents of the Omaha metro area. Eligible organizations can request a maximum grant of $75,000 annually.

Funding priorities

Funding is available for operations, programs and capacity building within organizations that serve those in need.

• General operating support for organizations whose programs are focused on meeting basic needs.
• Services available to anyone in need, particularly where “safety net” resources are limited and agency services are essential.
• Program support for expenses incurred while providing essential services.

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 Small Dams Program by the Lower Platte North NRD offers cost-share funding for landowners to construct small dams for flood control and drainage improvement. Eligible participants can receive up to 65% funding, or 75% in priority watersheds, with a maximum of $15,000 per project. Additional funding may be available based on specific site conditions. This initiative aims to enhance watershed management and support local landowners in sustainable land use practices.

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 SpartanNash Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on Hunger, Heroes, and Hope. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located within a 30-mile radius of SpartanNash facilities. The Foundation ensures that every dollar raised directly benefits partner organizations, with a commitment to community impact. Grants are not available for ineligible entities, including those outside the radius or not aligned with the Foundation's mission. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has positively influenced local communities.

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 Black Hills Charitable Giving Program supports community growth by providing sponsorships and donations to eligible organizations. Focused on thriving communities, conservation, and nurturing future leaders, it invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and schools. Funding priorities include critical needs like food security and education, while requests benefiting individuals or political causes are generally not funded. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made within 120 days.

The Lester A. Walker Foundation Grants, managed by the Fremont Area Community Foundation, provide annual funding to charitable organizations. These grants support civic, cultural, educational, health, and welfare initiatives in the Fremont area, honoring the legacy of Lester A. Walker. He was a prominent figure in journalism and dedicated to enhancing his community even after moving away. This funding aims to continue benefiting the local area, aligning with Walker's vision and commitment.

The Community Development Block Grant - Tourism Development (NE) aims to enhance economic development through funding for effective tourist attraction projects. This initiative supports communities that prioritize long-term growth while benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals. With a funding range between $250,000 and $450,000, it focuses on projects that contribute to regional and local economies, ensuring sustainable development and combating slums and blight.

The FACF Mini-Grants Program provides one-time discretionary grants of up to $1,500 for nonprofits to support projects in arts, education, civic improvement, health, and social services. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made within 30 days. Eligible organizations must be based in the grant-making area and may request funding for capacity building, including strategic planning and staff support. Note that grants are not available to individuals.

The Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation's Omaha Award provides competitive grants to nonprofit organizations in the Omaha area focusing on food, personal care, shelter, and health. With a maximum grant request of $75,000 for general operations and $50,000 for capital projects, the foundation supports initiatives that address basic needs and promote community well-being. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area to apply.

QuikTrip is dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and early childhood education through strategic community investments. By donating 5% of annual net profits to qualified non-profits, QuikTrip aims to empower individuals and break the cycle of poverty. The company partners with organizations providing educational opportunities, ensuring that all youth, regardless of their backgrounds, can thrive as independent citizens. This initiative highlights QuikTrip's commitment to making a measurable impact in the communities where its employees live and work.

The Community Development Block Grant - Economic Development (NE) aims to enhance Nebraska's economic base by supporting for-profit businesses that create quality jobs for low- and moderate-income individuals. With maximum project costs of $1,000,000 and a minimum of $125,000, these funds are crucial for local development. The initiative ensures compliance with federal regulations and promotes timely use of resources, thereby fostering economic prosperity across communities.

 About NPCF

The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation (NPCF) began in December 2000 when nine concerned citizens from Virginia’s Piedmont region were searching for solutions to the charitable needs in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. With modest beginnings, our funds have grown to over $39 million in support of local charities, scholarships and community need in our northern Piedmont region.

NPCF manages a wide variety of funds established by local individuals, families, businesses, or charitable institutions. Through our investment strategies, the returns from these funds are put back into the community through grant cycles, and scholarships, along with the personal causes the fund holder holds dear. 

On the nonprofit side, the staff at NPCF is committed to building deep bonds with our region’s nonprofits, educating and supporting them in their health as businesses and their resilience in their missions of supporting our most vulnerable. 

We believe that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. By working on both sides of the equation — growing our citizens’ resources while maximizing local nonprofits’ use of those resources — NPCF is ensuring that each link in the chain is healthy, strong, and contributing to the wellness of the Northern Piedmont community. 

Scholarships

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation manages the scholarship application process for dozens of scholarships for students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties (as well as a handful serving students from surrounding counties too). 

St. Luke’s Foundation Scholarship Fund (Universal Application)

The St. Luke’s Foundation Scholarship is open to seniors who are residents of Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, or Rappahannock counties, and are alumni of any private school in Culpeper County, although priority is given to St. Luke’s alumni. The qualifying candidate should possess a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate good academic standing, have community service experience and possess an academic record that displays leadership and initiative. Up to three scholarships are available for $1,000 – $2,000 depending on GPA. This award is renewable for all four years provided the student maintains a GPA of 3.0 and submits transcripts annually to NPCF

The Lane E. Warren Scholarship Fund, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, offers a $1,000 award to a Madison County resident who is a high school graduate or graduating this year. This scholarship honors Lane E. Warren, a promising student whose life was tragically cut short. The selection criteria emphasize financial need and community service, supporting students pursuing college or certificate programs in their educational endeavors.