Free funder guide · Nebraska · Last checked 16 October 2026
Which Nebraska environmental funders actually accept applications
Most private foundations in Nebraska have already told the IRS they won't read your proposal. This page explains how to spot them, and lists 11 secular funders of environmental and conservation work in Nebraska that do take applications, with what they fund, what they have given, and when they next open.
Of the 108 open Nebraska foundations, 43 made an environmental grant in their latest filing, and 36 of those also gave to a church, a YMCA, the Salvation Army or another faith-based group. Only one Nebraska private foundation is on this list. The biggest open money here is the state's lottery-funded Environmental Trust.
From my own read of IRS filings, September 2026
In Nebraska, 178 of the 286 private foundations with $1 million or more in assets tick the box on their tax return saying they don't accept unsolicited requests. That is 62%.
That leaves 108 larger Nebraska foundations that say they will read an application. It is a higher share of closed doors than in Iowa (60%, 217 of 359) and Kansas (58%, 210 of 363), and a lower share than in Missouri (76%, 1,178 of 1,559), counted the same way.
How I counted: every private non-operating foundation with a Nebraska address on the IRS Exempt Organizations Master File (September 2026 release) reporting assets of $1 million or more, checked against its most recent e-filed Form 990-PF (mostly tax years 2024 and 2025). Operating foundations, which mostly run their own programs, are left out, as they were for Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. Counting them too gives 64% (190 of 299).
What the checkbox means
One small box on the tax return tells you whether to bother.
Every private foundation files Form 990-PF with the IRS each year. Part XIV, line 2 of that return has a checkbox. A foundation that ticks it is telling the IRS, in writing, that it chooses its grantees itself. A proposal sent to it is usually wasted work.
"Check here if the foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."Form 990-PF, Part XIV, line 2
A foundation that leaves the box empty has to fill in lines 2a to 2d instead: who receives applications, what form they should take, any deadlines, and any limits on who or what it funds. For many small family foundations, those four lines are the only published guidelines they have.
The box does not tell you whether a foundation funds your kind of work. For that, read line 3a, the list of grants it actually paid. Check both before you write a letter of inquiry. Any foundation's return can be read free on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
11 funders
Open to applications, and funding environmental work in Nebraska.
Every funder below is secular, says it accepts applications (on its website or its tax return), and has paid grants to environmental or conservation groups in its most recent filing. Government programs are the exception: they file no tax return. Community foundations are listed by the program that fits environmental groups. Grant examples come from each funder's latest IRS filing unless the funder's own site is named.
Verified date on the funder's own site on 16 Oct 2026Expected based on last cycle; next not yet postedRolling applications any timeFiling only no website; from the tax return, confirm firstCheck site next date not posted; open their page
Statewide and regional public grantmakers
01
Nebraska Environmental Trust
Lincoln · statewide
Lottery-funded grants to conserve, enhance and restore Nebraska's natural environment, in five categories: habitat, water, waste management, air and soil. Anyone can apply if the project meets its eligibility criteria, including nonprofits; grants can run up to three years and are paid as reimbursement.
Typical grant
Over $25 million available for the 2027 cycle; no minimum or maximum, and match is not required but earns points (its site). Its 2026 board funding list includes Keep Omaha Beautiful $405,981, Conservation Nebraska $350,000, Xerces Society $277,558, Audubon Great Plains $54,500.
Next deadline
Once a year, the first Tuesday after Labor Day. The 2027 cycle closed September 8, 2026. Next deadline: September 7, 2027 Verified, per its calendar.
How to apply
Online grant application portal, open from about July; the board ranks applications, holds a public hearing and awards in early spring.
Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment: Nonpoint Source (Section 319) Grants
Lincoln · statewide
Federal Clean Water Act money, given to local governments, schools and nonprofits, for projects that carry out the state's nonpoint source management plan: best management practices, restoration, technical help and education.
Typical grant
Small Project Assistance grants up to $15,000; watershed-based projects typically up to $300,000. Both need a 40 percent non-federal match, including 10 percent sponsor cash (its site).
Next deadline
Small Project Assistance: any time Rolling. Watershed-based projects: one request for proposals a year; the next date is not posted Check site.
How to apply
Start with the Section 319 notice of interest form on the program page, then follow DWEE's application guidance.
Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment: Litter Reduction and Waste Reduction Grants
Lincoln · statewide
Two fee-funded state programs for litter cleanup and prevention, recycling and waste reduction projects. Public, private and nonprofit groups can apply.
Typical grant
About $1.5 million a year through the litter reduction fund alone (its site). For program year 2027 in-kind match is no longer accepted.
Next deadline
Once a year. Program year 2027 applications ran June 24 to August 5, 2026. Next window about June to August 2027 Expected.
How to apply
One online waste and litter grant application covers both programs; read the program-year grant guidance first.
Bureau of Reclamation: WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program
Nebraska and 18 other western states
Funding for watershed groups to organize, write a watershed restoration plan and design projects. An existing watershed group incorporated as a nonprofit can apply, and a nonprofit can apply to sponsor a new group.
Typical grant
Up to $100,000 a year for up to three years, with no cost share (its site).
Next deadline
Four closing dates under the current notice: October 7, 2026 (passed), February 24, 2027, September 1, 2027 and February 15, 2028. Next: February 24, 2027 Verified.
How to apply
Apply to funding opportunity R26AS00349 through Grants.gov; the program page links a recorded July 2026 applicant webinar.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: Northern Great Plains Program
Washington, DC · Nebraska Sandhills focal area
Voluntary grassland conservation and restoration with ranchers and tribes: grazing management, prescribed fire, wet meadow and prairie restoration, grassland bird habitat. The Nebraska Sandhills is one of its four focal areas.
Typical grant
Typically $200,000 to $1.5 million, 15 to 25 grants a year, with 1:1 match encouraged (2026 request for proposals). Nebraska grants in its filing for the year to September 2025, which does not name the program: Nebraska Community Foundation for the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture $639,612 (Sandhills grasslands and wet meadows), Sandhills Task Force $294,406, Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition $189,935.
Next deadline
About February 2027 Expected. The 2026 round closed February 25, 2026; the 2027 request for proposals is not posted yet.
How to apply
Online proposal in NFWF's Easygrants system, following the request for proposals when it is posted.
PlantNebraska: Trees for Nebraska Towns and Greener Towns
Lincoln · statewide
Two community planting programs. Trees for Nebraska Towns gives free trees for public-benefit plantings; Greener Towns provides plants, resources and education for native and sustainable landscapes on public land. Nonprofits, schools, tree boards and agencies can apply.
Typical grant
Trees for Nebraska Towns: up to 10 free trees for small projects, more with a fuller application (its site). Its filing for the year to June 2025 shows reimbursement grants of $6,312 to $32,950, mostly to towns, for example North Platte Natural Resources District $25,000.
Next deadline
Trees for Nebraska Towns: once a year, June to July 31. The 2026 window has closed. Next about June to July 2027 Expected. Greener Towns: the 2026 deadline has passed and the 2027 date is not posted Check site.
How to apply
Through PlantNebraska's online grant system; it offers grant alerts by email.
Flexible operating, program and capital grants for nonprofits based in or serving Lincoln and Lancaster County. Environment and animals is one of its named areas.
Typical grant
Up to $20,000; one grant per calendar year (its site). Environmental grants in its 2024 filing, which mixes donor funds with open grants: Solidago Conservancy $204,759, Great Plains Trails Network $33,479, Nebraska Land Trust $32,504, Friends of Wilderness Park $12,786.
Next deadline
Open all year and reviewed monthly; the last day to apply each year is November 30, so the 2026 cycle closes November 30, 2026 Verified.
How to apply
Online application; its page posts the questions in advance.
Omaha Community Foundation: Jetton Charitable Fund
Omaha · Omaha metro area
Grants for youth programs at cultural institutions and nonprofits, including natural science, zoological and botanical education outside the classroom. Applicants need five years as a 501(c)(3) and must serve at least 1,000 students a year.
Typical grant
Grants of $20,000 and up (its site). Its 2025 awards included Keep Omaha Beautiful $20,000 (youth environmental education) and Lauritzen Gardens $20,000.
Next deadline
Once a year, June 1 to July 15 (its standing schedule). The 2026 window has closed. Next: June 1 to July 15, 2027 Expected.
How to apply
Online application; awards are announced by email in September.
Kearney Area Community Foundation: Arthur Klinkacek Community Enrichment Grants
Kearney · Buffalo County
Discretionary grants for projects that improve quality of life in the Kearney area, with preference for long-term impact on residents or the area's physical environment.
Typical grant
Typically more than $5,000; may be multi-year (its guidelines). Its 2024 filing does not separate this fund; park grants include Yanney Heritage Park Foundation $18,442.
Next deadline
Twice a year, by April 15 and October 15 (its standing schedule), with a letter of intent 15 days before each. The October 15, 2026 round has closed. Next: letter of intent March 31, application April 15, 2027 Verified.
How to apply
Online letter of intent first; approved groups get the application link.
Greater Grand Island Community Foundation: Fields-of-Interest Grants
Grand Island · Hall County
Donor-funded grants in several fields, including animal welfare and wildlife conservation (conserving wildlife and natural habitat). It does not fund religious or political purposes, endowments or capital campaigns.
Typical grant
Award size is not published. Environmental grant in its 2025 filing: The Nature Conservancy, Nebraska chapter, $6,000.
Next deadline
No fixed deadline is posted Rolling.
How to apply
Its page says every application starts with a conversation with foundation staff; email [email protected] and ask to handle it in writing.
No website; everything here comes from its 2025 tax filing. Grants only for charitable and public purposes in Hamilton County, including a local prairie and conservation institute.
Typical grant
Nine grants totaling $273,063 in 2025. Conservation example: Prairie Plains Resource Institute $20,000 (greenhouse).
Next deadline
None; applications are reviewed periodically Filing only.
How to apply
Ask for the application form from the trustee named on the filing: Scott Grafton, 1228 L Street, PO Box 228, Aurora, NE 68818.
It is not exhaustive and it is not a ranking. Deadlines and guidelines change, so open each funder's own page before you start. Grants are competitive, and past grant sizes describe what a funder gave, not what it will give you. I list secular funders only.
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