Nebraska Grants

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, public schools, and governmental units in Nebraska that aim to improve community life through projects in arts, education, human services, and more, with a focus on measurable impact and sustainability.

The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation's Capacity Building Grant program is designed to bolster the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations within the Hall County area. This initiative seeks proposals during the fall each year, offering grants up to $10,000 based on recommendations by the Foundation's Distribution Committee and approval by the Board of Trustees. The program aims to fund projects that enhance organizational capabilities and effectiveness, excluding costs related to individuals, religious or political purposes, endowments, capital campaigns, annual fund drives, vehicles, furniture, ongoing operational or program delivery costs, consumable supplies, or food/beverages for meetings/events. Limited circumstances may allow for staff salaries under specific conditions. The program encourages applications for board training, critical equipment, staff training, strategic planning, technology/software upgrades, organizational mergers for sustainability, and other capacity-improving consultations Grant applications are available all year, and reviewed quarterly.

This program provides funding to local governments in Nebraska for transportation projects that create or retain jobs and attract private investment in the state.

Nebraska Innovation Fund (NIF) Prototype Grants offer financial support for new product development to businesses in Nebraska through a matching program. The grants are highly competitive, and applicants are advised to seek guidance from the Department of Economic Development (DED) to understand program requirements and expectations and to submit the strongest possible application. About Prototype Grants Prototype grants are awarded at up to $150,000 per project. Applicants must be businesses operating in Nebraska that can provide a minimum of 50% of the grant request as matching funds. Projects qualifying as value-added agriculture require a reduced match of 25%. Grant funds are accessed via reimbursement. DED reimburses project costs at a rate of 66%, or 80% for value-added agriculture projects. Eligible applicants must submit an application form and provide a business plan, plus evidence of matching funds. If approved, the project must be completed and all funds drawn down within 24 months. Eligible Businesses Eligible recipients include any Nebraska-based corporation, limited liability company, partnership, registered limited partnership, sole proprietorship, business trust or other entity with fewer than 500 employees that is engaged in non-retail primary industries and is adding value to products or processes in Nebraska. Eligible Use of Funds Prototype grant funds must be used towards the development of a product. Examples of eligible costs include wages for employees or contractors, prototype materials and limited preapproved tooling or equipment costs. Applicants must provide a budget at the time of application that outlines anticipated project costs. Eligible Matching Funds Includes any non-state source — e.g., private foundations, federal or local governments, quasi-governmental entities, commercial lending institutions, investors, etc. — provided they are not using funds appropriated by the Nebraska Legislature. Matching funds must be in the form of a cash match. Important Deadlines: Applications for this grant are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Contact DED to determine the availability of funds.

This program provides financial support to residents and community groups in Papillion, Nebraska, for projects that strengthen neighborhood connections and improve local spaces.

Nebraska Academic Research and Development Grants provide matching competitive grants for research and development activities in collaboration with a Nebraska college or university. The program focuses on commercializing new projects, improving existing products for better marketability, and enhancing processes to generate new revenue for Nebraska businesses. Phase I R&D awards are capped at $100,000, while Phase II awards are capped at $400,000. Businesses must match the grant amount with eligible funds. The project scope includes academic research and development activities conducted with a Nebraska college, university, or faculty member to develop new products and processes or modify existing ones. For more details, visit the Nebraska Department of Economic Development website.

Grant Name: Nebraska Film Office Grant Funding Source: Nebraska Film Office Fund Purpose: The grant aims to promote the State of Nebraska through marketing efforts and contribute to job creation and economic development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and awards are made at the discretion of the Department of Economic Development (DED) to further the state's best interests. The application and guidelines can be accessed through the Nebraska Film Office Grant webpage or by contacting the program coordinator. Additional resources, including user guides for applying through DED's AmpliFund system, are available on their resource page.

The Sandhills Area Foundation Grants are funds available to nonprofit organizations in Cherry County, NE, that support youth programs, buy locally, avoid religious or political activities, and are willing to publicly acknowledge SAF's support, provide a final report, and participate in media coverage.

This program provides funding to community groups and individuals to improve parks, trails, and public spaces in Lincoln through volunteer-led projects.