Woods Charitable Fund Grant

Woods Charitable Fund (WCF) is a private grantmaking foundation based in Lincoln, Nebraska. It operates with the mission of strengthening community life by improving opportunities and life outcomes for all people in Lincoln. The fund supports nonprofit organizations that are committed to developing innovative, effective, and just approaches to meet community needs. WCF’s grantmaking is grounded in a core belief in the dignity and potential of every individual, respect for cultural differences, and a commitment to empowering individuals to shape their own paths to change. WCF awards grants twice a year through a process that begins with an invitation to apply. Interested applicants must first engage with staff before submitting a formal proposal. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities and, in select circumstances, private operating foundations or organizations using fiscal agents. College, university, and government proposals are accepted only when they involve applied projects that directly benefit the Lincoln community. Organizations that have not previously received a grant from WCF are advised to limit their initial request to $10,000. Additionally, the fund maintains a policy to not consider proposals from applicants whose requests were declined in the preceding 12 months or who are currently in multiyear grant agreements, except in cases of collaboration or Breakthrough Initiative Grants. WCF’s funding scope encompasses a wide range of focus areas, including arts and culture, civic engagement, education, and human services. It supports both direct services and policy-related initiatives aimed at long-term, systemic impact. Of special interest are proposals that build coalitions across sectors such as academia, business, government, and the faith-based community. The fund values partnerships that integrate diverse perspectives to drive community-centered solutions and social change. Programs that involve advocacy, public education, and policy exploration are encouraged, especially those addressing systemic inequalities and improving opportunities for underrepresented populations. The foundation emphasizes impact, innovation, and strategic planning in its evaluation of proposals. Applications are assessed based on how well they align with WCF’s mission and whether they demonstrate a clear strategy, potential for significant community impact, and capacity for evaluation. WCF distinguishes between short-term charity and long-term change, seeking projects that pursue enduring solutions to community challenges. It encourages proposals that promote diversity in governance and community representation, collaborative partnerships, and grassroots engagement. WCF also considers initiatives focused on Lincoln’s immigrant and refugee populations. Special attention is given to programs expanding English language education, fostering inclusion in organizational operations, enhancing public understanding, and supporting planning or research around immigrant issues. Additionally, the Breakthrough Initiative Grant provides an annual opportunity for high-potential, pioneering programs or collaborations. Grants are restricted from supporting capital campaigns, religious or faith-based programming, individual needs, recreational sports, event sponsorships, and several other areas outside the fund’s focus. All grants must be clearly aligned with the foundation’s purposes and service to the Lincoln community.

Align proposed activities with systemic community impact; emphasize collaboration and diversity; articulate a clear vision of long-term success and change beyond charity