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.

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.

Grant Name: Regional Touring Program Grants Donor: Mid-America Arts Alliance Location: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas Grant Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: Up to $5,000 Details: The Regional Touring Program grants by Mid-America Arts Alliance support presenting organizations in showcasing the work of artists from within the M-AAA region. Presenters can receive up to 50% of the artist's fee for booking an artist listed on a state touring roster and up to 25% for booking an artist from the region not listed on a touring roster. Rural presenters may receive an additional 10% of the artist's fee. Projects must engage regional audiences through exposure, interaction, and outreach engagement. Eligible projects must feature in-region artists from outside the presenter's home state and include public-facing events between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. The grant does not cover indirect project costs or expenses associated with benefits or fundraiser events. Eligibility Criteria: Applicant organizations must be tax-exempt non-profit organizations or federally recognized tribal communities incorporated in one or more states in the M-AAA region. They must have a valid EIN and UEI ID and commit to M-AAA's Grantee Assurance of Compliance and Federal Suspension and Disbarment Policy. Organizations may submit a maximum of three applications per fiscal year. For more information, visit M-AAA's website.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to artists and organizers in Nebraska and Iowa who are working to challenge societal norms, foster community engagement, and promote collaboration through their creative endeavors.

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

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.

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.

This grant provides funding for capital building projects to nonprofit organizations in specific regions, focusing on higher education, human services, arts and culture, and healthcare initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government units in Nebraska and Western Iowa to support projects that enhance college access, youth development, economic opportunities, community amenities, and overall community capacity.

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

The U.S. Department of the Interior's WaterSMART Title XVI Program offers financial and technical assistance for the planning, design, and construction of water reclamation and reuse projects, aiming to secure future water supplies, improve efficiency, support underserved communities, and address climate change.