Best Wayne County Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

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 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.

The Sparklight/Cable One Charitable Giving Fund supports local nonprofits and organizations focused on education, food insecurity, and community development. They prioritize impactful partnerships that strengthen communities. The fund welcomes various funding requests, including special projects and capital campaigns, while adhering to specific eligibility requirements such as tax-exempt status. However, they do not fund basic operating expenses, loans, or religious organizations for general support, ensuring that their contributions foster meaningful community growth.

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.

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 United Airlines Trust Fund Grant, established by United Airlines in recognition of Siouxland's response to the Flight 232 incident, supports community projects and scholarships. Two-thirds of the fund's annual income is dedicated to scholarships, while the remaining third is available for grants that enhance social services, public education, and crisis response capabilities within the Siouxland area. Grant amounts typically do not exceed $2,500, with funding decisions based on project merit and community impact.

The Susan T. Buffett Scholarship provides financial assistance to first-time freshmen from Nebraska who demonstrate financial need and plan to attend a public college in the state. Awarded based on competitive criteria, this scholarship renews each semester for up to five years at a four-year college or three years at a two-year institution. It supports students who have graduated from Nebraska high schools or earned a GED, ensuring access to higher education for those in need.

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 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.

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 Wakefield Community Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for Wakefield residents by funding charitable projects in areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. Nonprofit organizations and local governments are eligible, provided they serve Wakefield and are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt. Priority is given to initiatives with long-term impact and those addressing emerging community needs, while avoiding funding for religious, political, or individual purposes.

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.

North Central Zone Covering Jefferson and Lewis Counties "Retired Educators Helping Future Educators" In Partnership with The Northern New York Community Foundation

Scholarship Awards for 2026

Three $1,000.00 scholarships will be awarded by the North Central Zone of the Retired Educators of New York (RENY) and the Northern New York Community Foundation (NNYCF) for students residing in Jefferson and/or Lewis Counties - These are a onetime award to help students get started with their college education

Any high school senior pursuing a career in the teaching profession is eligible

• You must be a 2025-2026 high school senior
• You must be accepted into a college program starting in the Fall of 2026

Scholarship Overview

Since 1980, the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded more than $28 million in scholarships to students from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

Evergreen STEM Scholarship

The Evergreen STEM Scholarship is a $3,000 award for the first year of undergraduate study. Scholarship award decisions will be made in the summer 2026. Scholarship award checks are not presented until summer 2027 as students head to college.

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Enlisted Member Scholarship - First-Time Applicant

Description

Scholarship for Children of Enlisted Coast Guard Members and Retirees.

This application is intended for first-time applicants only.

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families.

If you are the child of an active duty, retired, or active reserve Coast Guard member you are eligible to apply..

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Enlisted Member Scholarship - Returning Scholar Application

Description

Scholarship for Children of Enlisted Coast Guard Members and Retirees

This application is intended for returning/renewal applicants only.

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families.

If you are the child of an active duty, retired, or active reserve Coast Guard member you are eligible to apply. 

When we began the scholarship program in 1990, we focused on one goal — providing Coast Guard families the opportunity to send their children to college. Since that time, the cost of higher education has sky-rocketed, making our original aspiration even more relevant for today’s Coast Guard families.

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Scholarship

This renewable scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors in Montgomery County who are planning to attend an accredited college or university. Although there is no minimum ACT or SAT score, students must indicate by their academic performance the ability or motivation to graduate from college. Preference is given to students demonstrating financial need. Consideration is also given to students’ leadership, character, ability and participation in extracurricular activities. Scholarships will be awarded annually and are renewable for up to three years depending upon the student’s academic performance.

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

Kyle Leonard Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Kyle Leonard, the fund will award a $1,500 scholarship to one graduate of any high school located within Houston County. The award will be based on academic achievement, as a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, as well as school and community involvement.

About 

The U.S.-Arab Frontiers 2026 symposium will be held in partnership with Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, and hosted in Kuwait City, Kuwait, October 25-27, 2026. The meeting will convene U.S. and Arab scientists, engineers, and medical professionals to discuss major scientific advances on a wide array of topics relevant to the MENA region and globally.

Description

Based on the success of NAS's Kavli Frontiers of Science Program and NAE's Frontiers of Engineering, the U.S.-Arab Frontiers of Science, Engineering, and Medicine program will initiate a series of symposia to bring together young scientists, engineers, and medical professionals from the United States and 22 Arab countries to discuss exciting advances and opportunities in their fields. The program will:

• Enhance the scientific exchange and dialogue among young researchers in Arab countries and the United States, including the Arab science diaspora, through the initial meeting and the consequent development of a strong and active alumni network (supported through an online portal);
• Encourage and strengthen scientific collaboration within and beyond the region (further encouraged through small seed grants); and
• Empower young scientists.

Drawing from the scientific, engineering, and medical resources in the Arab region, each symposium will be designed to discuss cutting-edge research but also research in areas of critical importance to the region (such as water resource management, renewable energies, food security, and sustainability), that will help build capacities in participating Arab countries.

Every Frontiers symposium will be hosted by organizations in Arab countries and the U.S. to ensure that it truly is a multilateral program. Science and engineering academies in the Arab world as well as other scientific organizations will be asked to identify possible attendees. The symposia will be independent of each other.

An ad-hoc oversight committee, consisting of well-recognized U.S. and Arab scientists and including the NAS, NAE, or NAM International Secretary depending on the topic, will provide overall guidance to the program staff; provide input on future session themes of critical relevance to the Arab region and the United States; and review all applicants and nominees for the symposia prior to selection by the organizing committee.

Each symposium will be evaluated by the organizers and participants. In addition, long-term impacts of the program (increased research cooperation resulting from the networking opportunities provided at the symposia) will be evaluated at the completion of five symposia.

U.S.-Arab Frontiers of Science, Engineering, and Medicine

Based on the success of NAS's Kavli Frontiers of Science Program and NAE's Frontiers of Engineering, the U.S-Arab Frontiers of Science, Engineering, and Medicine program will initiate a series of symposia to bring together young scientists (under the age of 45) from the United States and 22 Arab countries to discuss exciting advances and opportunities in their fields.

Award details

This symposium will explore plenary topics of:

• Bioinformatics
• Computational Methodologies for Scientific Discovery
• Metabolism–Immunity Interactions
• Water Security
• Space Technologies

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

National Village Ladies Club Scholarship

The National Village Ladies Club Scholarship benefits female graduating high school seniors of Opelika high schools who have demonstrated leadership and community service. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.2 GPA and plan to attend two-year or four-year college, university, or trade school.

The Paul Easterling Dixie Youth Scholarship, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation in 1987, supports graduating seniors from any Autauga County school who have participated in Dixie Youth Baseball. This scholarship honors Paul Easterling's legacy by recognizing students exemplifying sportsmanship both on and off the field. The Central Alabama Community Foundation, dedicated to enhancing local nonprofit efforts, awards annual grants for various community needs, making a positive impact in the region.

About

With deep roots in California’s Central Valley, The Save Mart Companies and its family of stores prides itself in being a part of neighborhoods and putting people first. Our dedication to customers is reflected in the connections we’ve made in the communities we’ve served for more than 70 years.

The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation

In 2000, we established The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation, our philanthropic, non-profit organization, supporting programs and organizations that provide vital resources for children and families in the communities we serve. The CARES Foundation focuses on building stronger communities through fresh foods, accessibility, and programs that support youth and helping them to thrive. Annually, The CARES Foundation contributes approximately $500,000 in small grants to support community-based, non-profit organizations.

The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation Grant

The CARES Foundation’s focus is building stronger communities through fresh foods, access to food, and programs that support youth and helping them thrive.

The CARES Foundation will review, on a quarterly basis, among other things, the breadth of the audience served; the likely impact in the community; the importance of the need to be addressed in the community; and the community reputation, service history, and financial stability of the group or program seeking funds. No one of these or other factors will necessarily be weighted more heavily than another. Instead, each group or program will be measured against all groups and 2 programs seeking funding at the time. For example, a program serving a small segment of the community but that addresses an especially important community need, and thus has the potential for a strong and meaningful impact, would be favored over a group serving a wider clientele but that fills a less important community need. Requests for Grants should be a minimum of $500.00 up to $10,000.00. Programs and organizations requesting smaller grants should contact the Store Manager of the nearest Save Mart Companies’ store location for request consideration.

Recipients that receive grants for more than one year must demonstrate meaningful outcomes for the previous investment made by The CARES Foundation.

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

Ronnie Mendheim Memorial Scholarship

Established in 2005 to honor Ronnie Mendheim’s legacy of helping youth, this scholarship benefits graduating seniors of any high school located in Dothan, Alabama. Selection criteria include academic achievement and school/community activities that demonstrate leadership abilities. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and minimum ACT score of 21.

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

Shirley Ann Mesher Scholarship

The Shirley Ann Mesher Scholarship shall provide scholarships to students attending, or planning to attend, or are already enrolled in an accredited junior college, a four-year college or university, or a graduate or professional degree program. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, be of African American or Native American descent. Preference for applicants with a history of participating in community service and who provide at least one letter of recommendation.

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

The Hawkins Educational Foundation Scholarship

The Hawkins Educational Foundation Scholarship assists students who plan to continue their education in college or vocational school programs. Applicants must be a high school senior residing in Baldwin County for at least one (1) year prior to the application deadline date. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and plan to enroll in full-time study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year. Awards are renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, and are based on satisfactory academic performance and fulltime enrollment. Awards are for undergraduate study only.

The Learning Tree Scholarship, established by The Learning Tree, Inc. through the Central Alabama Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from select counties with a minimum ACT score of 20. This renewable scholarship offers up to $2,000 annually for students pursuing degrees in education, healthcare, and related fields. The foundation, active since 1987, aims to enhance local nonprofit initiatives and educational opportunities in the River Region, serving counties including Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery.

About

The American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) was established in 1919 for the purpose of promoting interest in the study of mammals.

ASM Mission Statement

The mission of the American Society of Mammalogists is to advance the scientific understanding of mammals globally, to diversify the profession of mammalogy, and to promote science as the basis for the conservation and management of mammals. The Society achieves these goals through publications, grants and fellowships, annual meetings, and other education and outreach activities.

Stephen Jenkins Scholarship in Mammalogy

One of Steve Jenkins’ most meaningful legacies is found in the hundreds of students he taught and mentored over his 37 years in the Biology Department at the University of Nevada, Reno. He taught a wide range of classes including introductory biology, ecology, mammalogy and research design, and served as graduate advisor to more than 30 students. His research focused on beavers, wolves, wild horses, and ground squirrels. Steve worked to pass on his own belief that critical thinking is not just a fundamental tenet of sound science, but a force for good. He wrote the book How Science Works, an effort to demystify the scientific process for nonspecialists. In his retirement he wrote a second book, Tools for Critical Thinking in Biology. Steve has been a member of American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) since 1974.

Scope and Rationale of the Award

The new Stephen Jenkins Scholarship Award would be available to a graduate student in a North American university whose research is focused on one or more mammalian species. This would include field research (and lab research that supports and augments field research) in such fields as animal behavior, ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. ASM supports research on all aspects of mammalian biology, and the award will provide support for early career mammalogists. 

Use of Funds:

The award may be used only for research expenses, in the field or in the laboratory, research related travel, laboratory supplies, equipment, and attendance at professional meetings.  The current award is for $5000.