Omaha Neighborhood Grants

The Omaha Neighborhood Grants program is a community-focused initiative that supports resident-led efforts to enhance neighborhoods across Omaha, Nebraska. This program is managed by the Omaha Community Foundation and aims to empower individuals and groups who are making tangible impacts within their own communities. The funder recognizes that local leaders are best positioned to understand the unique needs and strengths of their neighborhoods, and the program is structured to amplify this grassroots knowledge through funding, training, and technical support. A diverse grant review committee composed of Omaha residents ensures that decision-making reflects the values and priorities of the community. This grant program places a strong emphasis on leadership development among neighborhood residents. It encourages applicants to design projects that build key skills such as communication, teamwork, project planning, consensus-building, and fundraising. Beyond skill development, the program seeks to foster increased civic engagement, deeper collaboration between neighbors, and improved relationships between neighborhood groups and municipal entities such as the City of Omaha. Successful proposals often demonstrate thoughtful strategies to enhance safety, beautification, social cohesion, and organization within neighborhoods. Applications are accepted annually during a fixed window from January 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM. Submissions are made through an online grant portal. Awards are announced via email in May, and all funded projects must be implemented within the same calendar year. The program awards up to $80,000 annually, with individual grants averaging around $2,500. Typical funded activities in recent years have included community events, beautification projects, youth engagement programs, and environmental initiatives such as community gardens. Eligibility for the Omaha Neighborhood Grants program is limited to neighborhood associations or groups that are located within Omaha city limits and are listed in the City of Omaha’s official Neighborhood Directory. Importantly, applicants do not need to be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, making the program accessible to informal and resident-led groups. The selection committee reserves the right to waive eligibility requirements to meet urgent community needs, allowing some flexibility in unique circumstances. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers. The application process is straightforward but competitive, requiring a clear articulation of the project's goals, alignment with program priorities, and plans for execution and sustainability. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed, proposals that strongly align with the program's goals of leadership development and community engagement are likely to be prioritized. No match funding is required, making it accessible to groups with limited resources. Recent recipients illustrate the diversity of initiatives supported. Projects have included the Benson Little League Community Picnic, BFF Omaha’s Youth Artist Market, and Canopy South’s Community Gardens. These examples reflect the program’s commitment to funding initiatives that strengthen neighborhood ties and foster a vibrant, inclusive Omaha. The program operates on an annual cycle, and applicants are encouraged to monitor the Omaha Community Foundation website for updates and future opportunities.