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Jack Lewis Safety Fund is sponsored by Walter Scott Family Foundation. Provides financial support for rural first responders to obtain critical safety resources, including essential equipment, protective gear, training, and facility improvements. Priority is given to projects with local fundraising matches.
Geographic focus: Rural Nebraska and southwest Iowa (Harrison, Mills, and Pottawattamie counties)
Focus areas: Public Safety, First Responders, Equipment, Emergency Services, Training
Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt:
Jack Lewis Safety Fund - Walter Scott Family Foundation Education Expanding access to higher education and workforce opportunities, with a focus on engineering, construction, IT and medical careers. Leadership Supporting youth development through mentoring, education and character-building skills that prepare young people to lead productive lives. Community Investing in civic and cultural spaces that enrich our communities — including parks, museums, artistic venues and public attractions. Our funding philosophy Most grant applications are accepted by invitation only. Education Expanding access to higher education and workforce opportunities, with a focus on engineering, construction, IT and medical careers. Leadership Supporting youth development through mentoring, education and character-building skills that prepare young people to lead productive lives. Community Investing in civic and cultural spaces that enrich our communities — including parks, museums, artistic venues and public attractions. Our funding philosophy Most grant applications are accepted by invitation only. The Jack Lewis Safety Fund (JLSF) was established in 2018 to honor the life and volunteer spirit of Dr. Jack K. Lewis, M.D. (1934-2016) — a physician, educator and lifelong advocate for those who dedicate their lives to serving others. A longtime friend of the Scott family, Dr. Lewis spent more than 40 years as Omaha Central High School’s athletic physician and later served as president of the Omaha Police Foundation, where he championed the safety and well-being of first responders. In tribute to his example, Karen Dixon created the Jack Lewis Safety Fund to provide critical safety resources for police, fire and EMS departments in rural communities across Nebraska and southwest Iowa. First-time applicants will need to create an organization profile before applying. Funding is available for organizations seeking grants within the following areas: Essential equipment and protective gear such as personal protective equipment, helmets, first-aid kits and other operational supplies needed to ensure responder and public safety. Training and preparedness or certification programs that enhance readiness, emergency response or community protection capabilities. Facility and infrastructure improvements for department facilities in need of updates or renovations that improve safety, accessibility or operational efficiency. All Jack Lewis Safety Fund grant applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online grant portal . Applications submitted via email will not be accepted. Grants support police, fire and EMS departments in rural Nebraska and southwest Iowa communities (Mills, Harrison and Pottawattamie Counties) focused on safety and readiness. Departments can apply for funding to enhance operations, equipment or training that improves the safety of both first responders and residents. Please reach out to our staff via the contact page with
Application snapshot: target deadline March 15, 2026; published funding information Up to $50,000; eligibility guidance Police, fire, and EMS departments in Nebraska communities with 5,000 or fewer residents, or departments in Harrison, Mills, and Pottawattamie counties in Iowa.
Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.
Jack Lewis Safety Fund - Walter Scott Family Foundation Education Expanding access to higher education and workforce opportunities, with a focus on engineering, construction, IT and medical careers. Leadership Supporting youth development through mentoring, education and character-building skills that prepare young people to lead productive lives.
Community Investing in civic and cultural spaces that enrich our communities — including parks, museums, artistic venues and public attractions. Our funding philosophy Most grant applications are accepted by invitation only. Education Expanding access to higher education and workforce opportunities, with a focus on engineering, construction, IT and medical careers.
Leadership Supporting youth development through mentoring, education and character-building skills that prepare young people to lead productive lives. Community Investing in civic and cultural spaces that enrich our communities — including parks, museums, artistic venues and public attractions. Our funding philosophy Most grant applications are accepted by invitation only.
The Jack Lewis Safety Fund (JLSF) was established in 2018 to honor the life and volunteer spirit of Dr. Jack K. Lewis, M.
D. (1934-2016) — a physician, educator and lifelong advocate for those who dedicate their lives to serving others. A longtime friend of the Scott family, Dr.
Lewis spent more than 40 years as Omaha Central High School’s athletic physician and later served as president of the Omaha Police Foundation, where he championed the safety and well-being of first responders. In tribute to his example, Karen Dixon created the Jack Lewis Safety Fund to provide critical safety resources for police, fire and EMS departments in rural communities across Nebraska and southwest Iowa.
First-time applicants will need to create an organization profile before applying. Funding is available for organizations seeking grants within the following areas: Essential equipment and protective gear such as personal protective equipment, helmets, first-aid kits and other operational supplies needed to ensure responder and public safety.
Training and preparedness or certification programs that enhance readiness, emergency response or community protection capabilities. Facility and infrastructure improvements for department facilities in need of updates or renovations that improve safety, accessibility or operational efficiency. All Jack Lewis Safety Fund grant applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online grant portal .
Applications submitted via email will not be accepted. Grants support police, fire and EMS departments in rural Nebraska and southwest Iowa communities (Mills, Harrison and Pottawattamie Counties) focused on safety and readiness. Departments can apply for funding to enhance operations, equipment or training that improves the safety of both first responders and residents.
Please reach out to our staff via the contact page with any questions. Maximum grant request: $50,000 Applicants can apply once per year at any time, with review occurring in the next cycle following submission. Spring 2026 cycle: Closes March 15.
Awards announced late May-early June. Fall 2026 cycle: Closes September 1. Awards announced late November-early December.
Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate local fundraising efforts, community collaboration or partnerships that strengthen the overall impact of the project.
The following items are required for your grant application to be considered: Project budget (an itemized list including priority, quantity, unit cost and total cost) Quotes, catalog pages or price documentation for all requested items Photos or supporting materials showing project need or community support Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the application process at least two weeks prior to a cycle deadline.
Applications received after the deadline will be held for review during the following cycle. For information on requirements, notification processes and more, see our how we fund page. Eligibility requirements.
To be considered for funding, applicants must meet all the following criteria: Department must serve a Nebraska community with 5,000 or fewer residents, or be located in Mills, Harrison or Pottawattamie Counties in southwest Iowa. Applicants must be a municipality, first responder department structured as a government entity or nonprofit, a rural fire district or similar fiscal agent.
Private EMS providers and regional health systems are not eligible at this time. Equipment and personal protection gear: helmets, turnout gear, first aid kits, etc. Training: certification programs or readiness activities that enhance emergency response.
Facility improvements: safety-related building updates or operational enhancements. Note: requests for reimbursement of past purchases or to retire debt will not be considered. Departments that received funding in previous years may apply again annually.
Applicant organizations must not discriminate in hiring practices or in providing services based on race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or military service. The Jack Lewis Safety Fund: Recognizing service and impact. As a physician, educator and lifelong advocate for first responders, Dr.
Lewis left behind a legacy of service, compassion and commitment to those who put the safety of others first. Since the creation of the JLSF, the Foundation has supported over 100 rural communities, providing more than $2. 3 million in grants for life-saving equipment, facility upgrades and training programs.
2025 | Bayard Police Department Received funds to replace portable radios. 2024 | Hickman Fire and Rescue Awarded funds to strengthen technical rescue operations, including a rescue boat and waterproof extrication tool. 2023 | David City Police Department Granted support for mental health trainings for police officers.
2022 | Neola Fire and Rescue Received funds to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus equipment. Apply for the Jack Lewis Safety Fund. Have questions about eligibility, application steps or reporting?
Reach out to us through our contact page and a member of our team will be in touch. Who is eligible to apply for the Jack Lewis Safety Fund? Police, fire and EMS departments in Nebraska communities with 5,000 or fewer residents, as well as departments in Mills, Harrison, and Pottawattamie Counties in southwest Iowa.
Can we apply again if we’ve received a grant in the past? Yes. Departments may apply once per year, regardless of prior funding history.
Do we need to include documentation or quotes with our request? Yes. All applications must include an itemized project budget and quotes or catalog pages verifying the cost of each item.
Applications missing these materials will not be considered. Please refer to the example project budget below for more information. Wildland Gear Set (Pant & Shirt When are applications due?
Two funding cycles are offered annually: Spring Cycle: Opens February 1, closes April 1 (awards announced May–June) Fall Cycle: Opens June 15, closes September 1 (awards announced November–December) Applications submitted outside of these periods will be reviewed in the next cycle. What tips can help make my application more successful?
The Jack Lewis Safety Fund is highly competitive, and applications that are complete, well-documented and clearly demonstrate community support stand out. To strengthen your request: Complete every field and include all required attachments — incomplete applications will not be considered. Many communities are applying for ambulance funding; wait to apply until your remaining fundraising balance is under $100,000.
Use an active email address and phone number that staff can reach if questions arise during the review process. Show local commitment — projects with strong local fundraising or community collaboration are often prioritized. Explore our other grant opportunities.
Advancing Nebraska Communities © 2026 Walter Scott Family Foundation
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Police, fire, and EMS departments in Nebraska communities with 5,000 or fewer residents, or departments in Harrison, Mills, and Pottawattamie counties in Iowa. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Up to $50,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is March 15, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
The Omaha Award is sponsored by Walter Scott Family Foundation. A competitive grant program for health and human service agencies addressing the basic needs of vulnerable populations. Funding supports general operations, programs, and capacity building in the areas of food, shelter, health, and personal care. Geographic focus: Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area Focus areas: Basic Needs, Food Security, Health, Housing, Human Services Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt: How we fund - Walter Scott Family Foundation Education Expanding access to higher education and workforce opportunities, with a focus on engineering, construction, IT and medical careers. Leadership Supporting youth development through mentoring, education and character-building skills that prepare young people to lead productive lives. Community Investing in civic and cultural spaces that enrich our communities — including parks, museums, artistic venues and public attractions. Our funding philosophy Most grant applications are accepted by invitation only. Education Expanding access to higher education and workforce opportunities, with a focus on engineering, construction, IT and medical careers. Leadership Supporting youth development through mentoring, education and character-building skills that prepare young people to lead productive lives. Community Investing in civic and cultural spaces that enrich our communities — including parks, museums, artistic venues and public attractions. Our funding philosophy Most grant applications are accepted by invitation only. Focused giving, lasting results. We invest in ideas and institutions that align with our strategic priorities. Our funding approach allows us to build deep relationships with grantees and organizations and ensure every investment achieves maximum impact. While we don’t accept unsolicited grant requests, we encourage all potential partners to review our giving priorities and guidelines to understand whether your work aligns with our mission. Please contact us with any questions you may have. Wherever you live, if you’re not doing something to make it a better place, you’re missing part of your purpose in life. Funding for grants in our focus areas. The Foundation’s grantmaking is centered around three key areas — with a strong geographic preference for organizations based in or benefiting Omaha and the state of Nebraska: Through the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation, we fund merit-based scholarships that recognize excellence and help keep exceptional students learning and leading in Nebraska. Encouraging leadership at every age by investing in innovation, nonprofit capacity, mentoring and the Next Generation program. Strengthening the fabric of community life by supporting parks and civic spaces, the zoo, arts and cultural programs and access to quality healthcare. What to expect during the application process. Most grants are offered by invitation after a discussion with Foundation staff to ensure alignment with our priorities. If your organization is selected to apply, you’ll receive detailed instructions from our program staff. If invited to apply, you’ll need to prepare the following information: Narrative and strategy information: A description of the proposed project or program The problem you’re addressing and why it matters Goals, anticipated impact and alignment with the Foundation’s priorities Partnerships, collaborators and Application snapshot: target deadline August 1, 2026; published funding information Up to $75,000; eligibility guidance 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or government entities focusing on direct services for basic needs. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
Advancing Communities is sponsored by Walter Scott Family Foundation. Supports capital projects that create or enhance shared community spaces—such as libraries, parks, trails, and community centers—that encourage social, recreational, historical, and civic engagement. Funding is for ready-to-launch projects that have secured at least 60% of their total funding. Geographic focus: Nebraska and southwest Iowa (specifically Harrison, Mills, and Pottawattamie counties) Focus areas: Community Development, Capital Projects, Public Spaces, Infrastructure, Recreation Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt: How we fund - Walter Scott Family Foundation Education Expanding access to higher education and workforce opportunities, with a focus on engineering, construction, IT and medical careers. Leadership Supporting youth development through mentoring, education and character-building skills that prepare young people to lead productive lives. Community Investing in civic and cultural spaces that enrich our communities — including parks, museums, artistic venues and public attractions. Our funding philosophy Most grant applications are accepted by invitation only. Education Expanding access to higher education and workforce opportunities, with a focus on engineering, construction, IT and medical careers. Leadership Supporting youth development through mentoring, education and character-building skills that prepare young people to lead productive lives. Community Investing in civic and cultural spaces that enrich our communities — including parks, museums, artistic venues and public attractions. Our funding philosophy Most grant applications are accepted by invitation only. Focused giving, lasting results. We invest in ideas and institutions that align with our strategic priorities. Our funding approach allows us to build deep relationships with grantees and organizations and ensure every investment achieves maximum impact. While we don’t accept unsolicited grant requests, we encourage all potential partners to review our giving priorities and guidelines to understand whether your work aligns with our mission. Please contact us with any questions you may have. Wherever you live, if you’re not doing something to make it a better place, you’re missing part of your purpose in life. Funding for grants in our focus areas. The Foundation’s grantmaking is centered around three key areas — with a strong geographic preference for organizations based in or benefiting Omaha and the state of Nebraska: Through the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation, we fund merit-based scholarships that recognize excellence and help keep exceptional students learning and leading in Nebraska. Encouraging leadership at every age by investing in innovation, nonprofit capacity, mentoring and the Next Generation program. Strengthening the fabric of community life by supporting parks and civic spaces, the zoo, arts and cultural programs and access to quality healthcare. What to expect during the application process. Most grants are offered by invitation after a discussion with Foundation staff to ensure alignment with our priorities. If your organization is selected to apply, you’ll receive detailed instructions from our program staff. If invited to apply, you’ll need to prepare the following information: Narrative and strategy information: A description of the proposed project or program The problem you’re addressing and why it matters Goals, anticipated impact and alignment with the Foundation’s priorities Partnerships, collaborators and Application snapshot: target deadline rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows; published funding information Up to $250,000; eligibility guidance Municipalities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations within Nebraska and southwest Iowa that own or manage community-serving facilities. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
