Jack Lewis Safety Fund
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 priorities.
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.
Application guidelines.
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.
Grant amounts:
- Maximum grant request: $50,000
Deadlines:
Applications are accepted twice each year through two funding cycles.
- Spring 2025 cycle: Opens February 1, closes April 1. Awards announced May 19–June 6.
- Fall 2025 cycle: Opens June 15, closes September 1. Awards announced November 17–December 5.
General considerations:
- 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
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:
Community size:
Department must serve a Nebraska community with 5,000 or fewer residents, or be located in Mills, Harrison or Pottawattamie Counties in southwest Iowa.
Eligible entities:
Applicants must be a municipality, rural fire district, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or work with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent who can receive funds on their behalf.
Eligible service areas:
- 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.
Repeat applicants:
Departments that received funding in previous years may apply again annually.
Non-discrimination:
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.
Past winner spotlights.
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.
FAQs
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.
Example project budget:
| Item | Qty. | Unit Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildland Gear Set (Pant & Shirt | 10 | $700 | $7,000 |
| Helmet | 10 | $350 | $3,500 |
| First Aid Kit | 10 | $50 | $50 |
| Total | $11,000 |
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.
