Best Washington County Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

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.

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 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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) programs serving economically vulnerable residents in Washington County, Nebraska can seek US $25,000 - US $75,000 for crisis response, health, youth and family engagement, or economic mobility services. United Way of the Midlands funds program-level work across areas like food access, shelter, behavioral health, education, employment, and financial literacy.

The Iowa West Foundation Grant supports various community projects aimed at improving lives and strengthening communities in southwest Iowa. With an emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and inclusion, the foundation provides funding to 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities. Their open grants program aligns with community priorities identified through public input, ensuring that funding contributes to a vibrant and thriving environment for families and businesses alike.

Emergency response organizations in Washington County, Nebraska can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 to purchase safety equipment, provide professional training, or deliver safety education programs. With a mission to strengthen community safety, Enbridge supports fire departments, EMS, 9-1-1 centers, ambulance services, and law enforcement located near its operations.

Nonprofit organizations in Washington County, Nebraska can request up to US $1,500 for one-time projects or capacity-building needs such as planning, technology, equipment, or staff development. Focus areas include arts and culture, education, civic improvement, health and recreation, and social services through the Fremont Area Community Foundation Mini-Grants Program.

Charitable organizations serving civic, cultural, educational, health, and welfare needs in Washington County, Nebraska can access funding through the Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Lester A. Walker grants. These annual awards support nonprofits in Washington County and nearby counties working to benefit the broader Fremont area community.

Nonprofit organizations planning renovation or expansion projects in Washington County, Nebraska can access funding through the Gilchrist Foundation, with awards up to US $200,000. Capital campaign grants support arts, wildlife and conservation, public broadcasting, and disaster relief, with a preference for pre-selected charities in the broader Sioux City area that request and receive an invitation to apply.

Focused on economic development, Nebraska Department of Economic Development invites Washington County, Nebraska local governments to apply for US $125,000 - US $1,015,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds. Funding supports projects that assist for-profit businesses expanding the state’s economic base and creating quality jobs primarily for low- and moderate-income residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, local governments, and tribal governments supporting community, cultural, educational, or human services programs in Washington County, Nebraska can apply for US $1,000 - US $10,000. BNSF Foundation provides Washington County nonprofits with support for projects such as STEM education, youth services, environmental conservation, and homelessness or hunger initiatives near its rail lines.

Focused on arts, wildlife conservation, public broadcasting, and disaster relief, Gilchrist Foundation invites pre-selected nonprofits to request project funding that expands or launches programs. Eligible organizations in Washington County, Nebraska and surrounding counties may apply by first securing an invitation; awards are typically more than US $5,000 and are intended to be temporary support.

Nonprofit organizations with strong endowments or special projects in the arts, wildlife and conservation, public broadcasting, or disaster relief can seek funding to build long-term stability. Gilchrist Foundation provides Washington County, Nebraska nonprofits with support for endowment and capital campaigns, favoring pre-selected charities and match challenges within its multi-county service area.

501(c)(3) nonprofits promoting the arts, wildlife, or conservation in Washington County, Nebraska can apply for the Gilchrist Foundation’s micro-grants, with awards up to US $5,000 for one-time projects. Eligible organizations use funds to bring theater, music, art, parks, green spaces, and conservation efforts into the lives of Siouxland residents.

Washington County, Nebraska nonprofits addressing basic human needs like food, shelter, essential items, and health care access can access funding through the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation’s Omaha Award. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities may request up to US $75,000 for general operating or program support, with past grantees eligible for additional capital or capacity-building funds.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on financial literacy or employment readiness in Washington County, Nebraska can receive general operating support to help residents overcome barriers to financial stability. Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, via the Veridian Credit Union Fund, offers grants up to US $5,000 for organizations serving Iowa and select Nebraska counties, including Washington County.

Washington County, Nebraska nonprofits focused on community services, poverty alleviation, and equity can access funding through the Weitz Family Foundation Capacity Building Grants, with awards starting at more than US $21,000. Eligible agencies must work in the Omaha metro area and be established Weitz grantees seeking infrastructure and organizational growth support.

Nonprofits and local entities addressing homelessness and supportive housing in Washington County, Nebraska can seek HOME-ARP funding for housing assistance, shelters, and related services. With a mission to grow Nebraska’s communities, Nebraska Department of Economic Development provides eligible applicants with US $1,000 - US $75,000 to benefit qualifying populations experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and faith-based organizations providing community social services in Washington County, Nebraska can seek project funding for arts, education, health, youth, recreation, parks, and historic preservation. Washington County Community Foundation favors community-backed projects that offer lasting local benefits and can help close funding gaps for larger campaigns.

Washington County, Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing food access, homelessness, or military and veterans services can access funding through the SpartanNash Foundation if they are within 30 miles of a SpartanNash office, distribution center, or store. Grants support local “Hunger, Heroes and Hope” initiatives in communities served by SpartanNash locations.

Nonprofit organizations aiding physically handicapped individuals in Washington County, Nebraska can seek funding to provide financial or other assistance. Grants from the Verne P. Jackson and Rose Marie Jackson Charitable Trust typically range from US $4,000 - US $7,000 and prioritize programs within 100 miles of Omaha that enhance independence and quality of life.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools supporting community needs, conservation, or youth development in Washington County, Nebraska can seek charitable sponsorships or donations through the Black Hills Corporation Foundation. With a mission to build strong, vibrant communities, this program supports events and initiatives addressing critical needs, environmental stewardship, and future leaders within Black Hills Energy’s service territory.

Nonprofit development organizations in Washington County, Nebraska can apply for competitive matching grants to develop rural workforce housing, with awards from US $250,000 - US $5,000,000. Focused on expanding affordable, workforce-oriented housing in rural communities, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development supports projects that increase supply and lower costs for working families and new residents.

Washington County, Nebraska local governments and partners developing tourism projects can access funding through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development for community tourist attraction facilities. Awards of US $250,000 - US $450,000 support tourism-focused economic development that benefits low- and moderate-income residents or addresses slum and blight conditions in eligible Nebraska communities.

The HEAL Initiative Whole Joint Health Program aims to advance research on the biological mechanisms of joint pain by exploring the interactions of various tissues within the joint. This innovative program will support clinical studies that focus on non-pharmacological interventions to enhance healing and improve quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic joint pain. By fostering a comprehensive understanding of joint health, the initiative aligns with the NIH's broader goals to reduce chronic pain and opioid dependency.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is inviting applications for its Coordinating Center within the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). Established in 1965, the NNLM enhances public access to health information through collaboration with libraries and community organizations. The NCC will oversee network administration and evaluation, fostering partnerships and supporting local clinical research. This initiative aims to expand NIH engagement and improve public understanding of health resources and information available through the NNLM.

The ORACLE 3C initiative focuses on advancing research into chronic conditions, coinfections, and comorbidities related to HIV. It aims to support early-career investigators through innovative approaches that diverge from existing methodologies. Emphasizing pediatric and maternal health, this funding opportunity encourages interdisciplinary research to better understand HIV-specific pathways and develop effective preventive and therapeutic strategies, addressing a significant public health concern.