Advancing Communities
The Advancing Communities grant program helps communities across Nebraska and southwest Iowa develop or enhance spaces that are inviting to all citizens, enabling connection through social, recreational, historical and civic engagement. By supporting capital projects that make great community assets — from libraries and youth rec centers to parks, trails, museums and more — we encourage our neighbors to get out and explore.
First-time applicants will need to create an organization profile before applying.
Funding priorities.
Projects for consideration should align with the following themes:
Shared spaces such as libraries, parks, trails and community centers — that encourage engagement and make towns more vibrant places to live, work and gather.
Innovative ideas and forward-thinking approaches that engage multiple generations, introduce new ideas or bring fresh energy into existing community spaces.
Community-led efforts, including partnerships among public, private and nonprofit sectors, with priority given to initiatives that demonstrate collaboration, local investment and community-driven vision.
Sustainable, ready-to-launch projects that have secured at least 60% of their total funding and show clear plans for long-term maintenance, sustainability and measurable community benefit.
All grant applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online grant portal. Please reach out to our staff via the contact page or call (402) 502-0062 with any questions.
Application process:
- Review eligibility, restrictions and funding priorities.
- Complete the online application through the Foundation’s grant portal.
- Include details on project scope, community engagement and secured funding.
Grant amounts:
Applicants may request up to $250,000 for one time capital support.
Deadlines:
Applications for this program can be submitted at any time.
Restrictions:
The following will not be considered for funding:
- Standalone childcare centers or early childhood education
- Educational institutions or schools
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Religious organizations or churches
- Golf courses
- Fundraising events
- Support to individuals
For information on requirements, notification processes and more, see our how we fund page.
Eligibility
To be considered for funding, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- The project must be owned or managed by a municipality or nonprofit organization.
- Projects should be independent of school systems, colleges or universities.
- Support may be requested for capital funding of new projects or improvements to existing spaces.
Priority will be given to projects that:
- Have met a minimum of 60% of total funding needed
- Demonstrate strong local support from citizens and businesses
- Involve public/private partnerships
- Show innovation or creative benefit to the community
- Engage the next generation of community members
Advancing Communities
Supporting innovative ideas with lasting impact.
In 2024, the Foundation launched a pilot phase of the program, awarding 11 grants statewide. Each of the past grant recipients demonstrate how shared spaces can foster accessibility, connection and belonging.
Past winner spotlights.
2025 | Hamilton County Inclusive Playground | Aurora, NE
Supported creation of the county’s first accessible outdoor play space with a Community Heroes theme, featuring structures honoring firefighters, police, teachers, doctors and more to engage everyone in the joy of play.
2024 | Rock County Community Center | Bassett, NE
Helped to fund the construction of a multi-use facility in Rock County that is utilized for events including weddings, community meetings, business expos and more.
Apply for the grant.
Have questions about eligibility, application steps or reporting? Reach out to us through our contact page or call (402) 502-0062.
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for the Advancing Communities grant?
Eligible applicants include municipalities and nonprofit organizations within Nebraska and southwest Iowa that own or manage community-serving facilities.
What types of projects are eligible?
This grant funds capital projects that create or enhance public gathering spaces, such as parks, trails, libraries, or community centers.
Can I apply for other grants from other family foundations in the same year?
The same project or request will not be considered by another Scott family foundation within the same calendar year. However, organizations are welcome to inquire about different projects or funding needs. Your Foundation staff contact can provide more information.
When will I know if my project will be funded?
Funding announcements are made throughout the year. Foundation staff will advise on this process.
