Best Omaha Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Omaha, Nebraska supporting children’s services, education, or hunger relief can request monetary or in-kind dining certificate support. Brinker International provides Omaha nonprofits with flexible assistance for events, child welfare, early childhood development, and food access initiatives, with applications due at least six weeks before the event and limited to one donation per year.

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 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.

Focused on community health, Nebraska Medical Center invites Omaha, Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits to request funding for programs serving underserved or vulnerable populations and patients. Priority goes to initiatives in cancer, mental health, nutrition, physical activity, prenatal health, and infant mortality within eligible nearby counties, with proposals due at least 60 days before activities.

With a mission to support hunger relief, military and veterans services, and hope-focused programs, this grant provides Omaha, Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for local community initiatives. Eligible organizations must align with Hunger, Heroes and Hope and be within 30 miles of a SpartanNash office, distribution center, or retail store in the Omaha area.

With a mission to support refugee services, Omaha Community Foundation provides Omaha, Nebraska nonprofits with funding for initiatives serving refugee communities in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations or groups using a fiscal sponsor can request up to US $25,000 for programs such as basic needs, education, health, family stabilization, arts, and capacity building.

Omaha, Nebraska nonprofits addressing basic human needs like food, shelter, health care access, and essential items can access funding through the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation; awards up to US $75,000 support general operations or specific programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations or qualifying government entities serving the Omaha–Council Bluffs metropolitan area.

Nonprofits and community groups in Omaha, Nebraska seeking sponsorships or donations for community, health, or wellness-focused events can apply for support; awards may include sponsorships or in-kind resources. With a mission to help those in need, ATI Physical Therapy provides Douglas and Sarpy County organizations with philanthropic support that elevates local health and wellness.

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.

Focused on community well-being, Omaha Community Foundation invites Omaha, Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $5 million to seek support for essential services, capacity building, and systems improvement. Grants up to US $25,000 may fund economic opportunity, affordable housing, maternal health, and mental and behavioral health programs in Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie counties.

Public schools and 501(c)(3) animal welfare nonprofits in the Omaha, Nebraska metro can access funding through Omaha Community Foundation’s Richard A. Shaw Fund; awards up to US $3,500 for programs and projects. Eligible efforts include history, natural science, and outdoor education for ages 5–18, plus animal-benefiting programs with preference for equine therapy.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the Omaha metro area providing childhood educational services to underserved children up to age 12 can seek project funding for educational programming through the Creche Childhood Education Fund Grant. Omaha Community Foundation awards approximately US $24,999 total across up to three grants, excluding operating expenses.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on financial literacy or employment readiness in Omaha, Nebraska and other areas of Iowa and Nebraska can receive up to US $5,000 in general operating support. The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, via the Veridian Credit Union Fund, prioritizes data-driven, collaborative, and financially healthy organizations improving financial stability.

Public 501(c)(3) organizations or groups using a fiscal sponsor that serve Omaha Public Schools students and families can seek funding for school-age health access and mental health programs in Omaha, Nebraska. Focused on children’s health and mental well-being, Omaha Community Foundation offers more than US $50,000 for innovative, collaborative, systems-level initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving at-risk youth and early childhood education in Omaha, Nebraska can seek support for programs, events, and services that help youth become successful, independent citizens. Grants from QuikTrip help Omaha-area nonprofits with cash grants, in-kind product donations, fundraiser or event sponsorships, and employee volunteer support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or groups with a fiscal sponsor serving African Americans in Omaha can seek up to US $30,000 for community-focused programs. Focused on Black American services and culture, the Omaha Community Foundation supports arts and culture, basic needs, community development, health, and capacity building in Douglas and Sarpy Counties.

Nonprofit agencies working in the Omaha metro area can seek capacity-building grants of more than US $21,000 to strengthen organizational infrastructure and expand impact. With a mission to break the cycle of poverty, Weitz Family Foundation provides Omaha, Nebraska organizations focused on equity, racial justice, and anti-poverty work with larger, relationship-based funding for innovation and social change.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and groups using a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent can seek US $10,000 - US $15,000 to serve Latino communities in Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie Counties. Grants from Omaha Community Foundation support arts and culture, economic development, youth and families, health, civic engagement, and capacity building for small organizations under $500,000 in annual budget.

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.

Nonprofit organizations aiding physically handicapped individuals in and around Omaha, Nebraska can seek $4,000 - $7,000 for financial or other direct assistance programs. Grants from Verne P. Jackson and Rose Marie Jackson Charitable Trust primarily support groups within 100 miles of Omaha, with one to two awards made annually and limited support for salary costs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs serving economically vulnerable residents in Omaha, Nebraska can seek program support for crisis response, health and well-being, youth and family engagement, or economic mobility. Grants from United Way of the Midlands help Omaha nonprofits with US $25,000 - US $75,000 for eligible health and human services programs in the metro area.

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 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.

501(c)(3) public charities and government entities in southwest Iowa and the Greater Omaha area can apply for Iowa West Foundation’s program, operating, capital, or launch grants to improve community belonging, opportunity, stability, and well-being. Omaha-area nonprofits serving Iowa residents may be eligible, including those offering education, housing, workforce, family services, or related community development programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or groups with a fiscal sponsor in Douglas, Sarpy, or Pottawattamie Counties can apply for Omaha Community Foundation’s LGBTQIA+ Equality Fund, awarding US $15,000 - US $20,000 for programs serving LGBTQIA+ people. Funding can support workforce development, health care access, justice involvement, public leadership, safe shelter, or closely aligned operating needs in the Omaha area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or community development in Omaha, Nebraska can seek funding through the Ferguson Cares Grant. Grants from Ferguson help Douglas and Sarpy County nonprofits within the company’s geographic footprint build affordable housing, expand workforce training, and improve local quality of life.