The Midlands Community Foundation Grant

The Midlands Community Foundation (MCF), headquartered in Papillion, Nebraska, is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting nonprofit entities that provide valuable services and programs in Sarpy and Cass counties. The Foundation’s mission includes promoting and sustaining charitable giving while strengthening the capacity of local nonprofits through biannual grantmaking. With a focus on enhancing the quality of life in the region, MCF enables donors to create lasting legacies while responding to community needs through strategic grant investments. MCF’s grant program provides funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations that deliver impactful programs and services directly benefiting residents of Sarpy and Cass counties. Grants are awarded twice annually, with application deadlines set for February 1 and August 1. The foundation does not fund general operating expenses, debt relief, or administrative overhead. Additionally, funding is not available for political or religious initiatives (unless the religious project is entirely secular and accessible to the broader community), individual aid, tickets or conferences, or government functions deemed the responsibility of public agencies. Eligible applicants must hold federal tax-exempt status as nonprofit organizations under IRS regulations. Furthermore, only those providing services within MCF’s designated geographic areas—specifically Sarpy and Cass counties in Nebraska—will be considered. Organizations with an existing active MCF grant are not eligible to apply until they submit a final report confirming project completion. This ensures equitable access to funding and accountability for previously awarded grants. The grant application process is straightforward. Prospective applicants can access the application portal via the "Apply for a Grant" section on the MCF website. There is no mention of pre-application phases, such as Letters of Intent or preliminary proposals. No specific list of required application questions or estimated time commitment for completion is included in the source, and the Foundation does not publicly publish previous awardee details on the referenced page. Evaluation criteria for submitted proposals are not explicitly outlined. However, based on the eligibility and funding restrictions, it can be inferred that alignment with MCF’s service area and mission, project-specific spending, and organizational readiness are crucial factors. Since MCF awards grants on a biannual cycle, organizations may plan for future submissions if they miss a current deadline. The grant does not operate on a rolling basis but is recurring, with the next anticipated submission cycle opening in February 2026. For additional information or questions about the program, organizations are encouraged to contact the Foundation at info@midlandscommunity.org or by phone at 402-991-8027. The Foundation’s office is located at 217 North Jefferson Street, Papillion, NE 68046. MCF’s commitment to transparency and strategic philanthropy underscores its role as a cornerstone of local charitable activity in Eastern Nebraska.