Oregon Trail Community Foundation Grant Program

The Oregon Trail Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization legally established under Nebraska state law, serving communities across western Nebraska and the neighboring Goshen and Platte Counties in eastern Wyoming. Its primary mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents within this defined geographic area through charitable giving and support for community-based initiatives. The Foundation is funded by endowments and special contributions from individuals and businesses who are committed to improving their local communities. The Foundation invites grant applications three times annually, with deadlines falling on February 1, June 1, and October 1. Only applicants located within the eligible regions of Nebraska’s Panhandle and Goshen and Platte Counties in Wyoming will be considered. Applications from outside these areas will be automatically excluded from review. All applications must be submitted through the Foundation's online portal and must include a completed application form, a copy of the organization’s IRS determination letter confirming tax-exempt status, the most recent Form 990, and any pertinent supporting materials related to the grant request. OTCF prioritizes funding for current calendar year projects and will not consider recurring requests. Grants are typically not awarded for operating expenses, short-term or one-time programs, or items. The Foundation expects all funded projects to be completed within one year from the award date unless specific reporting arrangements are made. Recipients are also required to acknowledge OTCF's support in all public communications, project locations, and printed materials. Proposals are reviewed by the Grants Committee, which meets in February, June, and October to evaluate applications submitted by the start of those months. The Board of Directors may request further information during the review process to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s goals and policies. If approved, a formal plan for fund distribution will be outlined and confirmed via written correspondence. Acceptance of funds from the Oregon Trail Community Foundation constitutes agreement to all outlined policies and procedures, including those unique to a particular grant. The Foundation retains the right to impose additional conditions on a case-by-case basis to uphold its mission and accountability standards. Grant applicants will be notified of decisions as promptly as possible following the review process.

Include complete IRS and Form 990 documentation to avoid delays; only apply if located in the defined service area.