Best Wayne County Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

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 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.

DED Functions:

• Support communities with development efforts
• Assist with starting, retaining, and expanding businesses.
• Promote the state for business locations and expansions.

Rural Workforce Housing Fund

Signed into law in 2017 by Governor Pete Ricketts as part of the Rural Workforce Housing Investment Act (LB518), the Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF) provides competitive matching grants to non-profit development organizations who administer workforce housing investment funds. The funds are invested in eligible projects to increase the supply and reduce the costs of workforce housing in Nebraska’s rural communities.

Workforce housing is housing that meets the needs of working families and is attractive to new residents locating in a rural community.

Eligible Areas

Communities in a county with a population of less than 100,000, as determined by the most recent federal decennial census, are eligible. Presently, this excludes communities in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy Counties.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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 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.

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Mary C. Dillon Scholarship

Academic Focus:

• Nursing

Award:

• $750

Established by the Dillon Family, this scholarship is awarded to a student whose primary residence is in Torrington and who pursues, or intends to pursue, a degree in nursing at an accredited university or college. Preference is given to applicants with a record of volunteering with the Red Cross or other health-related organizations. This scholarship is not financially need-based. (No FAFSA required)

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

Healthcare Access Initiative

The Healthcare Access Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to expand access to essential healthcare services for uninsured and medically underserved individuals. Free and charitable clinics and pharmacies play a critical role in ensuring that patients who fall outside traditional healthcare systems can receive timely, high-quality care. However, many clinics face barriers related to staffing, care coordination, technology, and patient outreach that limit their ability to meet growing community needs. Through this initiative, NAFC will provide $20,000 grants to member clinics and pharmacies to strengthen programs that increase access to primary care, specialty services, and preventive care. Funding will support innovative and practical approaches that reduce barriers to care, improve patient engagement, and expand the capacity of clinics to serve vulnerable populations.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Initiative

The Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to improve medication access, adherence, and patient understanding among uninsured and medically underserved populations. Individuals without health insurance often face significant barriers to obtaining prescription medications and receiving the counseling necessary to manage chronic conditions effectively. Through this initiative, NAFC will provide $30,000 grants to member free and charitable clinics and pharmacies to establish or expand Medication Therapy Management programs aligned with recommendations from the American Pharmacists Association. Funding will support activities such as staff certification in MTM, development of standardized protocols, and patient education to help individuals better understand their medications, manage side effects, and support overall treatment plans. By strengthening pharmacist-led care and improving communication between providers and patients, this initiative seeks to enhance medication adherence, improve chronic disease management, and advance better health outcomes for vulnerable patient populations.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

Food as Medicine Initiative

The Food as Medicine Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to address food insecurity as a critical driver of health outcomes for uninsured and medically underserved patients. Research continues to demonstrate the strong connection between food insecurity and poor health, including increased risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and certain cancers. Through this initiative, NAFC will provide $20,000 grants to member free and charitable clinics to implement or expand food insecurity screening and patient-centered interventions that improve access to healthy food and nutrition education as measured by the US Household Food Security Module or Hunger Vital Signs and patient education focused on food as medicine for eligible patients in order to increase the percentage of patients with improved food security scores within one year of project implementation.

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

SVNA Educational Enrichment Program Scholarship 

Academic Focus:

• Health care professionals pursuing continued education in a health care field, except pre-med

Award Average:

• $10, 000 renewable up to 4 years

Consistent with the SVNA’s mission to provide the best home health, hospice and preventative care, this scholarship supports health care professionals pursuing continued education in a health care field who reside in Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon or Warren. 

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Patrick Dillon Scholarship

Academic Focus:

• Unspecified 

Award:

• $750

Established by the Dillon Family, this scholarship is awarded to a student whose primary residence is in Torrington, is either a first-generation immigrant to the United States or is the child of a first-generation immigrant, and who attends, or will attend, an accredited university or college. This scholarship is not financially need-based. (No FAFSA required)

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Jane Bartlett Heisinger Scholarship

Academic Focus:

• Nursing

Award:

• $750

Established by the Dillon Family, this scholarship is awarded to a student whose primary residence is in Torrington and who pursues, or intends to pursue, a degree in nursing at an accredited university or college. Preference is given to applicants with a record of volunteering with the Red Cross or other health-related organization. (No FAFSA required)

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Italian-American Republican Club Scholarship

Academic Focus:

• Political science, government, history or pre-law

Award Average:

• $350

For Torrington residents of Italian descent who are entering their junior or senior year at a college or university and are majoring in political science, government, history or pre-law

The Edwin & Lanier File Ratcliff Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports students from southern West Virginia pursuing higher education. Established to alleviate college expenses, the scholarship targets deserving individuals committed to their academic goals. The Beckley Area Foundation, founded in 1985, connects donors and community partners to enhance local initiatives, focusing on education, health, and community development. This scholarship embodies the foundation's mission to inspire charitable giving and strengthen regional communities.

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Eugene F. Zordan and Erminia Zordan Scholarship Fund

Academic Focus:

Unspecified

Average Award:

• $4,300

Established by Marie Zordan, this scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students who lives in NCCF’s *20-town service area.

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Douglas and Janet Roberts Scholarship

Academic Focus:

• Unspecified

Award Average:

• $4,000-$8,000

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Donald E. Heisinger Scholarship

Academic Focus:

• Accounting, Finance, or Business

Award:

• $750

Established by the Dillon Family, this scholarship is awarded to a student whose primary residence is in Torrington and who pursues, or intends to pursue, a degree in accounting, finance, or business at an accredited university or college. This scholarship is not financially need-based. (No FAFSA required)

UNCF STEM Scholars Program

The UNCF STEM Scholars Program is an initiative designed to identify and provide scholarship and academic support for students who aspire to earn STEM degrees and to pursue careers in STEM fields, awarding 75 scholarships. The program enables highly capable young people to pursue undergraduate STEM majors and prepares them for successful careers in a variety of STEM professions.

Individual Award

• Maximum total up to $25,000, please see Program Benefits below.

The Coco Gauff Tennis Scholarship

The Coco Gauff Tennis Scholarship will provide a need-based scholarship of up to $8,500 to eligible HBCU student-athletes competing on their intercollegiate tennis teams. Awards will be issued in the 2026-2027 academic year.