Jack Lewis Safety Fund

Geographic Scope: Police, fire and EMS departments in:

• Nebraska communities with 5,000 or fewer residents
• Mills, Harrison and Pottawattamie Counties in southwest Iowa

Program Overview: The Jack Lewis Safety Fund 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. The fund provides critical safety resources for police, fire and EMS departments in rural communities across Nebraska and southwest Iowa.

Focus Areas:

• Equipment and protective gear: Personal protective equipment, helmets, first-aid kits and other operational supplies needed to ensure responder and public safety
• Training and preparedness: Certification programs or readiness activities that enhance emergency response or community protection capabilities
• Facility and infrastructure improvements: Department facility updates or renovations that improve safety, accessibility or operational efficiency

Funding Priorities:

• Projects that demonstrate local fundraising efforts, community collaboration or partnerships that strengthen overall impact
• 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

Eligible Entities:

• Municipalities and first responder departments structured as government entities
• Nonprofit organizations
• Rural fire districts or similar fiscal agents
• Private EMS providers and regional health systems are NOT eligible at this time

Eligibility Requirements:

• 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
• Must be a municipality, first responder department structured as a government entity, nonprofit, rural fire district or similar fiscal agent
• Must not discriminate in hiring practices or service provision based on race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or military service

General Considerations:

• Departments can apply once per year at any time, regardless of prior funding history
• Applications received after deadline held for review during next cycle
• Applicants strongly encouraged to begin process at least two weeks prior to deadline
• Priority given to projects demonstrating local fundraising efforts, community collaboration or partnerships
• Over 100 rural communities supported since fund creation, providing more than $2.3 million in grants

What Foundation Does Not Fund:

• Reimbursement of past purchases
• Retiring debt
• 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 principles of free enterprise system
• Social or fraternal organizations
• Athletic team sponsorships

Application Process

Submission Method: Online grant portal only; applications submitted via email will not be accepted

First-Time Applicants: Must create an organization profile before applying

Funding Cycles:

• Spring 2026 cycle: Closes March 15 (awards announced late May-early June)
• Fall 2026 cycle: Closes September 1 (awards announced late November-early December)
• Two cycles offered annually

Required Documentation:

1. Project budget (itemized list including priority, quantity, unit cost and total cost)
2. Quotes, catalog pages or price documentation for all requested items
3. Photos or supporting materials showing project need or community support
4. Completed online application form with all required fields

Application Tips for Success:

• Complete every field and include all required attachments — incomplete applications will not be considered
• Use an active email address and phone number that staff can reach if questions arise
• Show local commitment — projects with strong local fundraising or community collaboration are prioritized
• Many communities applying for ambulance funding; consider waiting to apply until remaining fundraising balance is under $100,000
• Avoid submitting outside funding cycles; applications will be held for next cycle

Timeline:

• Applications accepted at any time during open cycles
• Review occurs in the next cycle following submission
• Foundation staff will contact applicants if additional information is needed
• Applicants notified of outcome via email or phone call

Example Project Budget Format:
| 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 | $500 |
| Total | | | $11,000 |