The Omaha Award
The Walter Scott Family Foundation recognizes that for people and places to truly be healthy, the basic needs of individuals must first be met. We value the work of health and human service agencies that care for our community’s most vulnerable members and strive to assist in times of high demand and financial uncertainty.
The Omaha Award is a competitive grant program that provides support to nonprofit organizations working directly in the areas of food, personal care items, shelter and health for residents of the Omaha metro area. Eligible organizations can request a maximum grant of $75,000 annually.
First-time applicants will need to create an organization profile before applying.
Funding priorities.
Funding is available for operations, programs and capacity building within organizations that serve those in need.
General operating support for organizations whose programs are focused on meeting basic needs.
Services available to anyone in need, particularly where “safety net” resources are limited and agency services are essential.
Program support for expenses incurred while providing essential services.
Preference for projects demonstrating creativity, collaboration, impact and sustainability.
Application guidelines.
All Omaha Award applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online grant portal. Grant applications will be considered for general operations or program support to meet basic needs of residents in the Omaha metro area. Please reach out to our staff via the contact page with any questions.
Grant amounts:
- Maximum grant request: $75,000
Deadlines:
- Applications accepted through August 1 each year
- Reviewed on an ongoing basis (early submission encouraged)
General considerations:
- Nonprofits may submit one request annually.
- The same request will not be considered by other family foundations in the same calendar year, however, organizations may seek funding for other programs or needs from other family foundations.
- Organizations may reapply annually for future funding.
- Site visits or meetings may be required.
- Award of a grant does not guarantee future support.
For information on requirements, notification processes and more, see our how we fund page.
Eligibility
To be considered for funding, applicants must meet all the following criteria:
Eligible service areas:
- Food: Meals, pantries and food production support
- Essential items: Clothing, personal care or household supplies
- Shelter: Emergency shelter, temporary or permanent supportive housing or critical home repairs/updates
- Health: Access and charitable care for low- to moderate-income residents
Geographic area:
- Organizations or programs should be located in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area.
Tax-exempt status:
- Must be a 501(c)(3) organization in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service or be a government entity as defined in section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Omaha Award
More than two decades of making an impact.
Launched in 1998, the Omaha Award was created to energize Omaha’s philanthropic spirit by encouraging nonprofits to work collaboratively to strengthen the community. While its early years were invitation only, the program was reimagined in 2019 with new criteria, clearer guidelines and an improved application portal. Though the program has evolved over time, its purpose remains as our Founders intended: to empower nonprofits to be a catalyst for positive change.
Past winner spotlights.
2024 | Foster Heart & Hope
Foster family clothing boutique support.
2023 | Nebraska Diaper Bank
Diaper distribution through agency partners to support families in need.
2022 | Metropolitan Community College
Basic needs – including food, clothing and hygiene products – for those transitioning out of incarceration.
Apply for the Omaha Award.
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 Omaha Award?
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or government entities located in and serving the Omaha–Council Bluffs metropolitan area. Organizations must focus on providing direct services that meet residents’ basic needs — such as food, shelter, health, clothing or hygiene.
How much funding can my organization request?
The maximum annual grant request is $75,000. Past Omaha Award recipients may also apply for a one-time capital or capacity-building grant of up to $50,000 in 2025.
Can I apply for other grants from the other family foundations in the same year?
The same project or request will not be considered by another family foundation within the same calendar year. However, organizations are welcome to apply to other family foundations for different projects or funding needs.
When will I know if my project has been selected?
Applications are accepted through September 1 each year and reviewed on an ongoing basis. We encourage organizations to apply early in the year, as funding is limited and requests are reviewed in the order received.
