Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation
The Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation is a public charity based in Omaha, Nebraska, formed in 1990. Its 2024 filing describes a mission to distribute funds for charitable purposes in civic, cultural, health, education and social services. The foundation’s website emphasizes education, leadership and community, with a geographic preference for organizations based in or benefiting Omaha and Nebraska.
Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation at a glance
In short: Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation gave $25.7M across 60 grants in 2024 (avg $428K), mostly in Nebraska. 10% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $25,689,603
- -54.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 60
- -4.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $428,160
- -51.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $43,125
- Total assets
- $965,051,014
- +54.6% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 10% first-time grantees (6 of 60, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Nebraska (84% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- Invitation Only
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests for most grants. Most grants are by invitation, but eligible organizations may apply through the Omaha Award, Jack Lewis Safety Fund and Advancing Communities opportunities.
- Review Cycle
- Omaha Award applications are accepted through August 1 each year; the 2026 cycle has passed. The Jack Lewis Safety Fund deadline is April 1, 2027. No deadline is stated for Advancing Communities.
- Deadline
- Omaha Award applications are accepted through August 1 each year; the 2026 cycle has passed.
- Contact
Mailing address: 10340 North 84Th Street, Omaha, NE 68122-2216
Phone: (402) 502-1122
Website: https://swscottfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation
Who Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was University of Nebraska Foundation ($7.5M). Together the top 10 received $20.1M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($3,914,500), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
303 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 171 grants of 303 (56%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s website says its grantmaking is primarily focused on Nebraska-based organizations, particularly those serving the Omaha metro area and communities across the state. It also identifies Harrison, Mills and Pottawattamie Counties in southwest Iowa in its general eligibility information and some program scopes. In 2024, 84% of grant dollars went to recipients in Nebraska, 15% to Colorado and less than 1% to Iowa.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 60 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation open to new grantees?
10%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 6 of 60 grantees (10%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $39K; repeat grants $471K. How we count
Medians: $19K first-time, $45K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $8.6M (2021) to $56.0M (2023). In 2024 it made 60 grants totaling $25.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska Foundation Lincoln, NE | Capital Campaign, Program Support and Scholarships | $7,516,624 |
| Hastings College Foundation Hastings, NE | Scholarships and Capital Campaign | $5,903,944 |
| 1 individual scholarship Recipients not named | — | $3,914,500 |
| Avenue Scholars Foundation Omaha, NE | General Operating Support | $2,230,000 |
| University of Nebraska - Omaha Omaha, NE | Capital Projects | $1,500,303 |
| Metropolitan Community College Foundation Omaha, NE | Program Support, Scholarships, and Omaha Award | $1,308,626 |
| Creighton University Omaha, NE | Scholarships | $1,075,556 |
| Wayne State Foundation Wayne, NE | Program Support | $300,000 |
| Madonna School Omaha, NE | Capital Campaign | $153,000 |
| Omaha Community Foundation Omaha, NE | Program Support, Omaha Award and Event | $75,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $965,051,014 | $480,205,807 | $49,947,387 | $25,689,603 | 60 | $85,788,624 |
| 2023 | $624,027,717 | $327,875,619 | $77,325,501 | $55,961,221 | 63 | $10,991,344 |
| 2022 | $456,659,077 | $61,557,215 | $35,733,087 | $15,617,282 | 57 | $3,101,950 |
| 2021 | $445,596,234 | $43,233,723 | $25,764,240 | $8,621,123 | 61 | $8,569,037 |
| 2020 | $379,612,870 | $69,664,147 | $24,992,967 | $9,049,386 | 62 | $17,388,258 |
| 2019 | $365,162,529 | $46,598,029 | $40,000,553 | $23,928,195 | 60 | $22,432,209 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The mission stated in the foundation’s 2024 filing is to distribute funds for charitable purposes in civic, cultural, health, education and social services. Its website describes three grantmaking priorities: education, leadership and community. Education giving includes merit-based scholarships; leadership investments include innovation, nonprofit capacity, mentoring and the Next Generation program; and community support includes parks and civic spaces, the zoo, arts and cultural programs, and access to quality healthcare.
The 2024 grants included substantial support for education. The University of Nebraska Foundation received $7,516,624 for a capital campaign, program support and scholarships; its stated mission is to grow relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change and save lives. Hastings College Foundation received $5,903,944 for scholarships and a capital campaign; Hastings College describes itself as a private, co-educational residential liberal arts college. Colorado State University Foundation received $3,914,500 for scholarships; it says it supports the university’s facilities and educational programs through gifts.
Other recipients included Avenue Scholars, which received $2,230,000 in general operating support. Avenue Scholars describes its work as providing comprehensive support to Nebraska and Iowa area students of talent and need, from high school through community college or entry into the workforce. Metropolitan Community College Foundation received $1,308,626 for program support, scholarships and the Omaha Award. Creighton University received $1,075,556 for scholarships. The Omaha Community Foundation received $75,000 for program support, the Omaha Award and an event; it describes its mission as serving the community by cultivating generosity and strengthening nonprofits. Siena Francis House received $70,000 for the Omaha Award and program support and describes its work as welcoming, sheltering and empowering people experiencing homelessness.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 60 grants totaling $25,689,603. Grant amounts ranged from $7,000 to $7,516,624, with a median of $43,125. Other large grants included $1,500,303 to the University of Nebraska–Omaha for capital projects, $300,000 to Wayne State Foundation for program support, and $153,000 to Madonna School for a capital campaign.
Most grants are offered by invitation following discussion with foundation staff. The foundation also identifies open opportunities: the Omaha Award, the Jack Lewis Safety Fund and Advancing Communities. Applications for most grants are by invitation; if invited, applicants receive instructions from program staff. Typical application materials include a mission statement, project description and strategy, the need addressed, goals and anticipated impact, partnerships, requested amount and share of project costs, a detailed budget and timeline, funder lists, organizational budget, audit, prior-year tax return, board list and relevant supporting documents.
The foundation’s general eligibility information requires applicants to have 501(c)(3) status or qualify as a government entity under Section 170(c), be in good standing with the IRS, and primarily serve the Omaha metropolitan area or Harrison, Mills and Pottawattamie Counties in Iowa. General exclusions include support to individuals; fundraising events, annual campaigns and endowment funds; programs that are a fundamental government responsibility; social or fraternal organizations; elementary or secondary schools; churches or religious organizations except faith-based social-service providers; athletic-team sponsorships; organizations focused on advocacy or lobbying; and organizations whose work conflicts with the principles of free enterprise that inspired the foundation’s creation. Requirements can vary by grant opportunity.
The Omaha Award supports Omaha-area nonprofits focused on food, personal care, shelter and health. It allows requests up to $75,000 for general operations and $50,000 for capital projects. Applications are accepted through August 1 each year; the 2026 cycle deadline has passed. The Jack Lewis Safety Fund supports eligible police, fire and EMS departments in Nebraska communities with 5,000 or fewer residents and in Mills, Harrison and Pottawattamie Counties in Iowa, with awards of up to $50,000. Its listed deadline is April 1, 2027. Advancing Communities supports capital projects for shared community spaces in Nebraska and southwest Iowa, with awards up to $250,000. Its priorities include collaboration, local investment, project readiness, long-term maintenance and measurable community benefit.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation’s 2024 filing lists W David Scott as director and treasurer; Mickey Anderson as director and chairman; Randy Schmailzl, Mike Faust, Dr William Singer, Cindy Smith and Susan Morris as directors; Calvin Sisson as president and CEO; Richard Eakin as vice president; and Christi Annin as CFO. The foundation’s website identifies Christi Annin as chief financial officer.
Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation is led by Calvin Sisson, President & CEO on every filing since 2019; 11 of 18 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Calvin Sisson
President & CEO
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$566K (2019) → $937K (2024)
Ken Moreano
Executive Director - Noak
Executive Director-Noak Management → Executive Director - Noak, 2021
On filings since 2019
$480K (2019) → $567K (2024)
Laura Miller
Director of Education
Program Officer → Director of Education, 2022
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$101K (2019) → $250K (2024)
Ryan Osborn
Director of Operations - Noak
Director of Operations → Director of Operations - Noak, 2023
On filings since 2019
$172K (2019) → $201K (2024)
Sarah Lopez
Director of Grantmaking
Program Officer → Director of Grantmaking, 2022
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$108K (2020) → $210K (2024)
Cindy Smith
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mickey Anderson
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Faust
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Randy Schmailzl
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William Singer
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Susan Morris
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
W. David Scott
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anne Folkers
Deputy Director
Program Officer → Deputy Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$104K (2019) → $233K (2024)
Christi Annin
CFO
Director of Finance → CFO, 2023
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$181K (2019) → $287K (2024)
Richard Eakin
Vice President
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$213K (2019) → $289K (2024)
Dominic Romeo
Service Manager - Noak
Service Manager → Service Manager - Noak, 2023
On filings since 2022
$122K (2022) → $233K (2024)
Gary Freeman
Business Operations Officer
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$208K (2023) → $224K (2024)
William Torson
Chief Technology Officer - Noak
New on the 2024 filing
$229K (2024)
Former officers (6)
- Former: Traci Williams Hancock (2023) — Business Operations Director - Noak
- Former: Chad Grace (2019–2021) — Director - Information Technology
- Former: Walter Scott Jr. (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: David Scott (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: John Boyer (2019–2020) — Secretary
- Former: Ken Bird (2019) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $937K, to Calvin Sisson (President & CEO). 11 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation
How much does Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation give each year?
Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation gave $25.7M across 60 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $56.0M across 63 grants.
What is Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation's typical grant size?
Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $43,125, and its average grant was $428,160, across 60 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation that year got $39K on average.
Where does Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation give grants?
Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation gives mostly in Nebraska: 84% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Colorado (15%). The most frequent recipient cities were Omaha, NE (47 grants), Council Bluffs, IA (3 grants), Lincoln, NE (2 grants) and Hastings, NE (2 grants).
Does Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 2% of Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 60) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Omaha Award" (35 grants), "Event" (6 grants) and "Program Support" (5 grants).
Who are Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation's largest grantees?
Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include University of Nebraska Foundation ($7,516,624), Hastings College Foundation ($5,903,944) and Avenue Scholars Foundation ($2,230,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($3,914,500), which are not listed by name. Together they received 61% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation?
Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation reported $965.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $480.2M.
What does Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation fund?
The mission stated in the foundation’s 2024 filing is to distribute funds for charitable purposes in civic, cultural, health, education and social services. Its website describes three grantmaking priorities: education, leadership and community. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests for most grants. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation's EIN?
Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-3727897. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Does Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS August 26, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/suzanne-and-walter-scott-foundation-morg_785de73a0e0b4da9816afe708e9ed93e
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_363727897_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Suzanne \& Walter Scott Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/suzanne-and-walter-scott-foundation-morg_785de73a0e0b4da9816afe708e9ed93e},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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