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Walter Scott Family Foundation
Walter Scott Family Foundation

How we fund

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.

Walter Scott, Jr.

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:

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.

Application submission.

You’ll need to prepare the following information as part of your application:

Narrative and strategy information:

  • Mission statement
  • 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
  • List of board members
  • Any additional documents relevant to your request

Review and notification.

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.

If your grant is approved, you will be required to sign a Grant Agreement outlining the terms of the award. This includes a requirement to submit a certified statement confirming that funds were used for their intended purpose.

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:

  • Support to individuals
  • 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

Have more questions?

Visit our FAQs to learn more about our grantmaking process, eligibility and what to expect if you’re invited to apply.

FAQs