Before You Begin
- Add grants@omahafoundation.org and notifications@email.submittable.com to your safe senders list to ensure you receive all system communications.
- Click here to log in to your applicant dashboard and access any of your previous submissions or saved drafts. We encourage you to bookmark this link to ensure you are able to easily access your materials at any time.
Application Release of Information
The Omaha Community Foundation may use the content of this application and any awards received in educational and promotional efforts. These materials might include: communications with other donors or foundations, printed or electronic publications, websites, social media, or other electronic communications.
General Application Guidelines
- Applicants are encouraged to read through the entire application and ask questions to get feedback before submitting a proposal.
- Be mindful of word limits for open-ended questions. To ensure your answers do not exceed these limits:
1) Type and save all application responses in a text document before starting.
2) To check your word count, go to "Review" or "Tools"
3) Select "Word Count" and make edits as needed
4) Copy and paste answers into the online application form.
5) Review your application to ensure all copied and pasted responses are complete.
- Do not use ALL CAPS in your responses.
- Organization Budget refers to your organization's operating budget and actuals for the most recently completed fiscal year (MAX 2 pages). PDF or Excel format preferred.
- Project Budget must show all pending and confirmed sources of revenue and expenses for your proposed project (MAX 2 pages). PDF or Excel format preferred.
- If you need assistance, please let us know! We have templates and other resources that may be useful.
Questions?
Need assistance with the portal? Don't hesitate to use the Submittable Help Center and reach out to Customer Support.
Refer to each grant program's guidelines to find the primary contact information for that specific program.
The African American Unity Fund supports initiatives and organizations that benefit this community in Omaha. Grounded in resident-led decision making, the program is guided by a committee of African American representatives who understand what investments will be most impactful in addressing the needs of their community.
Application Details
Up to $225,000 in grant funding will be awarded each year. Funding requests may not exceed $30,000. The average grant award is $10,000 to $15,000.
The application period is open annually January 1 – March 1 (11:59 PM).
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be a public, tax-exempt organization as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, OR working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent who can receive funds on your behalf.
- The applicant organization’s annual operating budget may not exceed $500,000. No exceptions will be made.
- Innovative programs, initiatives, services, or other ideas within the above-stated focus areas that serve African Americans in Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie Counties.
- Previous grant recipients may apply again if their final report was submitted to the Omaha Community Foundation.
- Applicants’ policies and practices must be in alignment with the following non-discrimination clause: The applicant organization does not lawfully or unlawfully discriminate in its hiring practices or service provision to clients and/or customers based on race, ethnicity, religious preference, age, [mental, emotional, or physical] disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, or gender.
- Additionally, organizations must submit their anti-discrimination policy at time of application.
Funding Priorities
- Arts and Culture (visual arts, arts education, cultural programs)
- Basic Human Needs (food, shelter, clothing)
- Community Development (leadership training, neighborhood groups, youth programs)
- Health and Wellness (medical, dental, mental or behavioral health, nutrition, physical activities)
- Capacity Building (fundraising, technology or operating expenses)
The Futuro Latino Fund supports initiatives and organizations that benefit Latino communities in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. Grounded in resident-led decision making, the program is guided by a committee of Latino representatives who understand which investments will be most impactful in addressing the needs of their community.
Application Details
Up to $175,000 in grant funding will be awarded each year. The average grant award is $10,000 to $15,000.
The application period is open annually January 1 – March 1 (11:59 PM).
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be a public, tax-exempt organization as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, OR working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent who can receive funds on your behalf.
- The applicant organization’s annual operating budget may not exceed $500,000. No exceptions will be made.
- Innovative programs, initiatives, services or other ideas within the above-stated focus areas that serve Latinos in Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie Counties.
- Applicants from previous years may apply again this year if their final report was submitted to the Omaha Community Foundation.
- Applicants’ policies and practices must be in alignment with the following non-discrimination clause: The applicant organization does not lawfully or unlawfully discriminate in its hiring practices or service provision to clients and/or customers based on race, ethnicity, religious preference, age, [mental, emotional, or physical] disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, or gender.
- Additionally, organizations must submit their anti-discrimination policy at time of application.
Program Goals
- To contribute to the cultural enrichment, socioeconomic well-being, civic participation, and long-term sustainability of local Latino families, neighborhoods, and organizations.
- To promote organizational models that are self-sustaining and can effectively address the interests and concerns of the diverse Latino population.
- To support capacity-building and self-empowerment strategies among local Latino leaders and organizations.
Funding Priorities
- Arts and culture
- Community and economic development
- Youth, families, and women
- Health and wellness
- Civic engagement
- Organizational capacity building
Applications that demonstrate collaboration among multiple organizations are encouraged. Latino/Latina/Latinx representation (among clients served, management, staff, and board members) is considered during the decision-making process.
Si necesita ayuda para traducir las preguntas de la solicitud o sus respuestas, comuníquese con Omaha Community Foundation at grants@omahafoundation.org.
If an applicant needs help translating the application questions or their responses, please contact Omaha Community Foundation at grants@omahafoundation.org.
The Omaha Neighborhood Grants program supports community leaders doing impactful work in their own neighborhoods; it’s about supporting residents who are making a difference right where they live and empowering neighbors to work together.
By connecting and empowering resident-led organizations and providing technical assistance and training, the Omaha Neighborhood Grants program takes a grassroots approach to addressing local priorities. Through practicing and growing active citizenship, we are building communities that reflect the vibrancy of Omaha.
Eligibility Requirements
Neighborhood associations/groups must be 1) located within city limits of Omaha, NE; AND 2) listed in the City of Omaha’s Neighborhood Directory.
Applicants are not required to have a 501(c)(3) designation with the IRS.
Application Details
Up to $80,000 in grant funding will be awarded each year. The average grant award is $2,500 with request amounts not exceeding $5,000.
The application period is open annually January 1 – March 1 (11:59 PM).
Awards are announced via email in May. Projects must be completed in the year awarded.
Program Goals
Successful proposals will clearly address the primary goal of this program—to develop leadership skills of neighborhood residents which may include consensus-building, communications, project planning, fundraising, teamwork, and more.
Additionally, applicants are encouraged to incorporate additional program goals as applicable:
- To promote conversation and collaboration between neighbors as a means of developing shared priorities and increasing neighborhood growth and engagement.
- To provide enhanced safety, beautification, organization, and/or social benefits to neighborhoods.
- To strengthen relationships with the City of Omaha and/or related municipal agencies by ensuring that neighborhood associations are working in tandem with city agencies and in accordance with standard permit and approval processes.
Project Support
ONE Omaha is available to support residents that would like assistance in developing a project or building neighborhood capacity.Please contact ONE Omaha, at 402-554-3580 or info@oneomaha.org to learn more.
The LGBTQIA2S+ Equality Fund has been established to cultivate a community that supports, includes, and respects lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and non-binary individuals and families.
The vision is an intersectional LGBTQIA2S+ community whose voices and needs are amplified to create deeper understanding and acceptance within the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area.
Application Details
Up to $200,000 in grant funding will be awarded each year. The average grant award is $15,000 to $20,000.
The application period is open annually January 1 – March 1 (11:59 PM).
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be a public, tax-exempt organization as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, OR working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent who can receive funds on your behalf.
- There is no organizational operating budget limit. Organizations of all sizes that fit the other criteria are eligible to apply.
- Innovative programs, initiatives, services, or other ideas within the above-stated focus areas that serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and non-binary individuals and families in Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie Counties.
- Applicants’ policies and practices must be in alignment with the following non-discrimination clause: The applicant organization does not lawfully or unlawfully discriminate in its hiring practices or service provision to clients and/or customers based on race, ethnicity, religious preference, age, [mental, emotional, or physical] disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, or gender.
- Additionally, organizations must submit their anti-discrimination policy at time of application.
- There is no organizational operating budget limit. Organizations of all sizes that fit the other funding criteria are eligible to apply.
- Nonprofits receiving funding from Omaha Community Foundation’s other grant programs, or from the Fund’s other philanthropic partners are eligible to apply. Applicants from previous years may apply again this year if their final report was submitted to the Omaha Community Foundation.
Program Goals
- Provide LGBTQIA2S+ community members, especially youth and elders, a strong network of support.
- Achieve collective impact by organizing within the LGBTQIA2S+ community and investing in leadership development opportunities.
- Increase visibility and acknowledgement of intersectionality within the queer community, empowering diverse voices and experiences to be heard.
- Foster inclusivity, openness, and acceptance with and within the greater community around LGBTQIA2S+ issues.
- Deliver equitable access to critical services (housing, medical care, mental health, wellness, and education) AND address issues of inequity within our current social, economic, political, and justice systems.
Funding Priorities
- Workforce training, education, and development. LGBTQIA2S+ representation (staff, leadership, board), LGBTQIA2S+ facilitators leading trainings around LGBTQIA2S+ topics.
- Informed, supportive, and accessible health care. Physical and behavioral health.
- Justice system involvement/intervention.
- Public leadership. Advocacy and allyship.
- Safe shelter and homelessness prevention.
The Refugee Community Grant Fund supports initiatives and organizations that benefit this community in Omaha. The Omaha Community Foundation is in partnership with an advisory board to aid in funding decisions. However, this committee will transition to being led by individuals who identify as current or former refugees in the coming months. In addition, the committee representatives will have a deep understanding of what investments will be most impactful in addressing the needs of their community.
Application Details
Up to $165,000 in grant funding will be awarded during the annual grant cycle. Funding requests may not exceed $25,000. The average grant award is between $5,000 to $15,000.
The application period is open annually from January 1 – March 1 (11:59 PM).
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be public, tax-exempt organizations as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, OR working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent who can receive funds on your behalf.
- We fund innovative programs, initiatives, services, or other ideas within the above-stated focus areas that serve refugee communities in Douglas and Sarpy Counties.
- Previous grant recipients may apply again if their final report was submitted to the Omaha Community Foundation.
- Applicants’ policies and practices must be in alignment with the following non-discrimination clause: Applicant organizations may not lawfully or unlawfully discriminate in its hiring practices or service provision to clients and/or customers based on race, ethnicity, religious preference, age, [mental, emotional, or physical] disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, or gender.
- Additionally, organizations must submit their anti-discrimination policy at time of application.
Funding Priorities
- Family stabilization and youth support services/programs
- Education and culture
- Physical and mental health
- Belonging and inclusion