Custer County Foundation Grant Programs

The Custer County Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life for residents across Custer County, Nebraska, by supporting a diverse array of community-centered initiatives. As a locally focused philanthropic organization, the Foundation has positioned itself as a leader in responding to and anticipating the needs of the community. Its mission centers on fostering civic, educational, cultural, and health-related advancement through financial grants awarded to local nonprofit organizations that meet specific criteria. The Foundation invites proposals from nonprofit entities that align with its grant policy guidelines. Eligible projects typically fall within several priority sectors including healthcare, education, culture and the arts, law enforcement and drug awareness, community service, recreation and youth engagement, and leadership development. While the Foundation prefers to partially fund projects—thereby enabling collaborative investment rather than serving as the sole source of funds—it emphasizes broad community support as a key factor in decision-making. Notably, applications from religious organizations are considered only if the initiatives are non-denominational and widely accessible to the broader public. The grant process is organized into two primary cycles each year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but are reviewed biannually, with formal deadlines set on April 30 for the Spring cycle and October 31 for the Fall cycle. After each deadline, submissions are evaluated by the Custer County Foundation Board of Directors. Grant awards are announced shortly after the board's decision. Each approved grant must be utilized within 180 days from the date of award, and the recipients are encouraged to submit a brief evaluation or report detailing how the funds were used. Applicants must submit a comprehensive application form and include specific supporting documents, such as their IRS tax-exemption letter, a list of board members, the current operating budget, and the latest financial statement. The application must also outline the project’s purpose, cost structure with itemized quotes, projected impact, implementation and completion dates, funding sources, long-term sustainability plans, and an evaluation strategy. Each application must be signed by key board officers, confirming organizational commitment and oversight. The Foundation explicitly discourages applications that request funding for deficit coverage or general operational expenses, and it will not fund projects that are completed before the Foundation's decision date. Additionally, organizations are not eligible to receive more than one grant within a 12-month period unless a formal waiver is granted by the board. Grant disbursements are contingent upon submission of a relevant invoice, and grantees are strongly encouraged to source materials and services from local businesses within Custer County. Interested organizations may obtain application materials by contacting the Foundation’s office at 403 South 9th Avenue, Broken Bow, NE 68822 or by phone at (308) 872-2232. Electronic inquiries and submissions are handled via email at [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, applicants are directed to the Foundation’s website at www.custercountyfoundation.org.

Projects that demonstrate broad community support and plan to purchase from Custer County vendors are prioritized.