Cooper Approves Second Quarter Grants
Friday, May 19, 2017
COOPER FOUNDATION APPROVES SECOND QUARTER GRANTS AT MAY MEETING
Lincoln, Neb. — The Cooper Foundation awarded a grant of $10,000 to Legal Aid of Nebraska in support of their work in Lincoln. Legal Aid attorneys meet with families in a variety of settings in Lincoln neighborhoods. Working with community partners, they will address specific issues that impact self-sufficiency, independence and well-being. Legal Aid works in all 93 counties in Nebraska, providing quality legal civic aid dedicated to helping people preserve and maintain life essentials—income, health, safety, and shelter.
Overall, Cooper Foundation’s Board of Trustees approved grants at the second quarter grant cycle totaling $138,300 to 15 nonprofit organizations. The foundation awarded grants to a diverse group of arts, community improvement, education, and human services organizations. Grant recipients are located in Lincoln unless otherwise noted.
Approved for Funding by the Cooper Foundation, May 2017
Arts
Hear Nebraska – $10,000
General operating support for this organization that promotes Nebraska music and art through music journalism, education, and events.
Lincoln Parks and Recreation Foundation – $5,500
In support for a free summer concert series at Union Plaza on Friday evenings, from June through October 2017.
Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) – $4,050
To support a video documentary about David Stewart, “The Accidental Artist,” highlighting his home and studio space in Hastings, Nebraska.
Nebraska Shakespeare – $5,000
General operating support for the 12th season of the statewide Shakespeare on Tour program.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska Repertory Theatre – $7,500
Support for the Nebraska Rep in its relaunch as a year-round professional theatre.
Community Improvement
Lincoln Bike Kitchen – $6,250
General operating funding to support rent, utilities, and the purchase of bike-specific tools for this organization that provides free bicycles, helmets, and bike repairs.
Education
Camp Summergold – $5,000
To provide tuition assistance and transportation for girls from Lincoln to attend the residential summer camp, located in Aurora, Ne, focused on the arts, STEM education and personal growth.
Nebraskans for Civic Reform – $10,000
In support of the New American Civic Action Program to educate and engage immigrant and refugee populations in the civic process.
Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning (Hastings, Nebraska) – $10,000
General operating support for the Experiential Education Program to create cultural connections to people, food, and the land.
Human Services
ACLU of Nebraska – $15,000
Operating support for the protection and defense of civil rights and civil liberties for all Nebraskans.
CEDARS Youth Services – $15,000
In support of the Bridges Transitional Living Program for at-risk youth, ages 16-24, who are homeless or who have aged out of the foster care system.
Friendship Home – $15,000
General operating support for the expansion of emergency shelter and supportive services for 2017.
Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters – $10,000
General operating support.
Legal Aid of Nebraska – $10,000
General operating support for Lincoln activities.
St. Monica’s – $10,000
For general operating support.
The Cooper Foundation, established by Joseph H. Cooper in 1934, has granted nearly $23 million to benefit the people of Nebraska. The Foundation makes quarterly grants supporting arts, community improvement, education, environment, humanities and human services primarily in Lincoln and Lancaster County. For more information about grant guidelines and deadlines, call 402-476-7571, or visit the foundation’s web site, www.cooperfoundation.org