We provide grants to nonprofit organizations located and working in Nebraska, primarily in our geographic priority area of Lincoln and Lancaster County. We fund programs and operations in the areas of the Arts, Civic and Community Engagement, Education, Environment, Human Services, and Humanities. Organizations must provide strong programming and evidence of sound governance and fiscal management.
Rapid Response Grants Recap
Learn about the Rapid Response grants awarded in response to the COVID-19 health crisis. Click here for the Recap.
Boys and Girls Club of Lincoln: $20,000
General operating support to provide safe spaces, caring mentors, and high-impact programs for hundreds of youth at Park Middle School, Lincoln North Star and Lincoln High Schools.
Bridges to Hope: $5,000
General operating support.
Carnegie Arts Center (Alliance, NE): $10,000
General operating support for this arts organization that serves western Nebraska through art classes, cultural events and exhibitions, including the annual Carhenge Mural Festival.
El Centro de las Americas: $30,000
General operating support and strategic planning for this organization that serves hundreds of individuals and families in Lincoln, Lancaster, and surrounding Nebraska communities through bilingual education, social services, health programs and cultural celebrations.
Fitting Futures: $20,000
Support for the expansion of free clothing distribution services for elementary and middle school students in Lincoln Public Schools.
Fresh Start: $5,000
General operating support.
Indian Center: $20,000
Support for the Elders Program Coordinator staff position.
Lincoln Literacy: $15,000
General operating support. Lincoln Literacy provides language instruction, workforce development programs and career navigation for over 3,000 people annually.
Live Yes Studios: $20,000
General operating support. Live Yes Studios supports disabled artists through a professional fine and performing arts studio, providing instruction, exhibitions and community connections.
Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach: $20,000
Support for the Hope Lives Here campaign to support Matt Talbot’s Hunger Relief program. Matt Talbot provides comprehensive hunger relief, outreach, and housing for vulnerable people in Lincoln. Their meal and pantry services offer a free nutritious lunch and dinner 365 days a year, providing over 263,000 meals annually.
Nebraska Children & Families Foundation: $10,000
To support Camp Catch-Up, which reconnects siblings separated into the foster care system through summer camps and gatherings throughout the year.
Nebraska Cultural Endowment (Omaha, NE): $15,000
General operating support. Nebraska Cultural Endowment is a unique public/private partnership that provides funding for arts and humanities programs throughout the state by supporting the Nebraska Arts Council and Humanities Nebraska.
Nebraska Land Trust: $15,000
General operating support for land conservation efforts of Nebraska’s most important agricultural, historical, and natural resources.
Nebraskans for the Arts (Omaha, NE): $10,000
General operating support for this organization that provides statewide advocacy for the arts in Nebraska.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University Honors Program: $9,650
To support Cooper Conversations for students and the public in coordination with the E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues.
Willard Community Center: $20,000
Support for the expansion of infant and toddler care programs.
The 37th season of the E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will feature Dr. Vivek Murthy on October 14. The 2025-26 season, “Belonging: Finding Connection in a Lonely World,” will explore the rising public health challenges of loneliness and isolation, highlighting the vital role of social connection in enhancing the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The season is co-sponsored by the Lincoln Community Foundation and the UNL College of Business.
