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

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 similar organizations in the space Supporting documentation: IRS determination letter (501(c)(3) Requested grant amount and % of total project cost Detailed project budget and funding timeline List of current and potential funders Organizational budget, most recent audit and prior year’s tax return Any additional documents relevant to your request After submitting your application, we’ll confirm receipt via email.

If additional information is needed, Foundation staff will contact you directly. Applicants will be notified of the outcome via email or phone call. Eligibility requirements.

To be considered for funding, organizations must: Be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code Be in good standing with the IRS, or be a qualified government entity under Section 170(c) What we don’t typically fund.

To remain focused and effective, we don’t generally consider requests for: Fundraising events, endowments or annual campaigns Programs that are the fundamental responsibility of government Elementary or secondary schools Churches or religious organizations (not including social services organizations with a faith-based heritage) Advocacy- or lobbying-based organizations Programs or organizations contrary to the principles of the free enterprise system that made this Foundation possible Social or fraternal organizations Athletic team sponsorships Visit our FAQs to learn more about our grantmaking process, eligibility and what to expect if you’re invited to apply.

Explore our available grant opportunities. This grant program supports nonprofits in the Omaha metro helping people meet food, shelter, health and clothing/personal care needs. Eligible organizations can request a maximum grant of up to $75,000 annually.

This fund awards grants to police, fire and EMS agencies serving Nebraska and southwest Iowa communities with populations of 5,000 or less. Eligible organizations can request up to $50,000 for equipment, personal protection gear and training. Advancing Nebraska Communities This grant supports capital projects that create or enhance public gathering spaces like parks, libraries, trails and community centers across Nebraska.

Eligible organizations can request up to $250,000 per project. © 2026 Walter Scott Family Foundation