Before visiting other parts of our website, you may find the answer to your question here.
Eligibility
Is my organization eligible to apply?
Your organization must have a valid 501(c)3 status or be a unit of government. We do not provide funding to individuals, for-profit businesses, other private foundations, individual K-12 schools, or churches.
We primarily support efforts in the Omaha metro area, across Nebraska, and in that portion of Western Iowa within 100 miles of Omaha.
What type of organizations does the foundation support and not support?
We invest in proven and promising programs, systemic solutions, general operations, capital projects, planning and capacity building, and policy development. We do not fund debt retirement, operational deficits, endowments, general fund drives/annual appeals, event sponsorships, or routine public works projects.
Process and Deadlines
Are there deadlines for applying for a grant?
Yes. The foundation accepts grant applications on a quarterly basis with the following deadlines:
January 15th
April 15th
July 15th
October 15th
How does my organization apply for a grant?
All applicants are required to speak with a program officer to discuss their project. Once eligibility has been established, a program officer will provide you with a URL link to access our online application.
What information is required to complete an application?
Click here to view and print Checklists of what is required for each type of application.
Is there a minimum or maximum request amount?
No, but 501(c)3 organizations may apply for no more than 50% of the total project cost. Units of government and tax-supported entities (along with their affiliated foundations) may apply for no more than 25% of the total project cost.
Does the foundation award renewal grants or multi-year grants?
Yes, but the decision to renew a grant or issue a multi-year grant is based on a variety of factors including the organization’s track record, the level of alignment of the work with foundation goals, and demonstrated impact.
When is the best timing during a project to apply for foundation funding?
Organizations can only apply once annually for the same project/program, so you should apply when you can make the strongest case. The foundation is rarely the first funder of a project, so it is to your advantage to raise a portion of the funds needed before submitting a request. The foundation is also rarely the last funder of a project, so you should apply at a time when a matching grant can help unlock additional funding.
For capital projects, applicants must apply prior to the beginning of construction.
Can I meet with foundation staff or board members to discuss my project?
The foundation prefers that communication on grants go through staff, who are always available to meet with applicants to discuss a project or program. Please note that once our quarterly deadline has passed, we do not allow applicants to make presentations to the foundation about submitted grant requests.
How does the foundation make funding decisions?
All grants are approved by the foundation’s Board of Trustees. When making funding decisions, the Board takes into account the potential for meaningful impact, the significance of the issue being addressed, alignment with our impact area goals and strategies, the nature of the project or program, and the feasibility and sustainability of the effort. The Board also considers the strength of the applicant’s governance, leadership, track record, capacity, and financial health.
How does the foundation determine grant amounts?
Grant amounts depend on many factors including the potential for impact, the budget, the level of secured and needed funding, the size of the request, past grants to similar projects, and the nature of the project/program.
How will the foundation communicate with me regarding my application?
If any information is missing from your application or if we have additional questions regarding your application, a program officer will call or e-mail the person specified on your application.
When will I receive a decision notification from the foundation regarding my application?
Applications are reviewed by our Trustees at our quarterly board meetings. Notifications are sent out to applicants in writing no later than the dates identified below.
| Application Deadline | Funding Notification |
| January 15 | March 31 |
| April 15 | June 30 |
| July 15 | September 30 |
| October 15 | December 31 |
What are the possible outcomes of my application?
Our Trustees can approve, decline, or defer a grant request. An application is deferred when additional information is required from the applicant in order to make a decision.
What should I do if my question wasn’t listed or answered above?
We encourage you to contact foundation staff at 402-344-7890.