Custer County Foundation Grant Programs

The Custer County Foundation Grant Programs are designed to enhance the quality of life for residents of Custer County, Nebraska. Administered by the Custer County Foundation, a local philanthropic organization based in Broken Bow, Nebraska, this grant initiative underscores the Foundation’s mission to address and support community needs through targeted funding. The Foundation plays a leadership role in identifying key areas of concern and opportunity within the county, reflecting a commitment to sustainable community development and enrichment. The grants offered by the Foundation cover a broad array of sectors essential to the health and vitality of the community. These include health care, education, culture and the arts, community service, law enforcement and drug awareness, recreation and youth activities, and community leadership training. This wide scope ensures that nonprofit entities addressing diverse aspects of public well-being have an opportunity to secure financial support. The grant funds may be applied to programs, projects, or initiatives that align with these focus areas, though specific spending rules and restrictions are not delineated on the main grant announcement page. Nonprofit groups that meet the Foundation’s grant policy criteria are eligible to apply. While the policy itself is not detailed on the announcement page, it is implied that eligible organizations must operate within or serve the Custer County area. Applications are accepted on a biannual basis, with two closing deadlines per year: April 30 for the spring cycle and October 31 for the fall cycle. Grants are reviewed and awarded after each respective cycle, aligning with the Foundation’s structured, recurring funding timeline. The submission process is straightforward and accessible. Applications can be submitted year-round, though they are only reviewed biannually at the designated cutoff dates. A tutorial is offered to assist applicants in navigating the application process, which may be especially beneficial for first-time applicants. While specific application components or evaluation criteria are not disclosed in the source material, the presence of tutorial support suggests a standard set of expectations and documentation is required. Applicants and interested parties are encouraged to contact the Foundation directly with questions or for additional information. The primary contact is Rilee, who can be reached at rilee@custercountyfoundation.org or by phone at (308) 872-2232. The Foundation’s office operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time, providing ample opportunity for direct communication and support. Given its semiannual cadence, the grant program is recurring and predictable. With a current application cycle deadline of October 31, the next anticipated cycle would occur in Spring 2026, anchored to an April 30 deadline. This allows organizations to plan their submissions well in advance and encourages continuous engagement with community development priorities as supported by the Foundation.

Show broad community support; Do not apply for deficit spending or completed projects; Prefer partial funding over full project asks; Purchases from local businesses are encouraged.