The Woods Charitable Fund (WCF), a private foundation headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, offers biannual grant opportunities to nonprofit organizations that serve the Lincoln community. The foundation emphasizes collaborative, inclusive, and innovative approaches aimed at enhancing social equity and improving quality of life in the region. Organizations must complete a Letter of Intent (LOI) and receive an invitation from WCF staff to submit a formal proposal. Renewing grantees are also required to consult with WCF prior to reapplying.
WCF supports a broad spectrum of initiatives through its main grant categories: Arts & Culture, Civic & Community, Education, and Human Services. In the arts, the Fund backs creative endeavors that enrich community life and seeks to engage nontraditional participants in the humanities. Civic and community development proposals that empower underrepresented populations, support affordable housing, and promote self-sufficiency and civic leadership are encouraged. Educational funding is available for programs ranging from traditional institutions to innovative new efforts addressing lifelong learning and adaptation to societal changes. Human Services grants target projects that strengthen families, support mental health, address youth development, and assist individuals reintegrating after incarceration. Programs preventing youth and family violence are given special priority.
A unique feature of the Woods Charitable Fund is its commitment to refugee and immigrant inclusion. Proposals that seek to integrate New Americans, expand English language education, foster community acceptance, and conduct related research in Lincoln are specifically encouraged. Additionally, the foundation awards Breakthrough Initiative Grants annually to support pioneering collaborations, new programs, or exemplary organizational practices.
WCF operates on a strict semiannual schedule. For the fall cycle, LOIs are due by August 15 and full proposals by August 31, with board decisions issued in November. The spring cycle deadlines are February 15 for LOIs and February 28 for proposals, with decisions announced in May. In cases of extreme emergency, WCF will consider interim proposals up to $10,000 outside these standard cycles. Interested applicants are advised to reach out well in advance of the LOI deadline, as last-minute requests are unlikely to be accepted.
The foundation can be contacted at its office located at 1248 ‘O’ Street, Suite 1130, Lincoln, NE 68508. Email inquiries should be sent to info@woodscharitable.org, and phone inquiries can be directed to (402) 436-5971.
