Open Door Grants

Open Door Grants provide flexible operating and program grants to support compelling needs and opportunities to Lancaster County nonprofit partners. Grants may be applied to operations, programs or capital projects.

Focus Areas

• Arts and culture
• Community improvement
• Education and youth
• Environment and animals
• Health and human services

Geographic Scope

• Location/Service Area: Must be located or provide services in Lincoln/Lancaster County, Nebraska

Eligibility

• Applicant Type: 501(c)(3) public charities or other organizations recognized by the IRS as those that may receive tax-deductible gifts
• Geographic Requirement: Located or provide services in Lincoln/Lancaster County, Nebraska
• Frequency: Nonprofits may apply for one Open Door Grant per calendar year and do not need to wait 12 months between applications
• Timing: Nonprofits may apply when it makes strategic sense for their organization's fiscal calendar

Exclusions

LCF will not grant to:

• Organizations that discriminate as to race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, creed or ethnic group
• Applications for religious or political purposes

Evaluation Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

1. Community Impact - Is the nonprofit's mission or proposed scope of work a practical and/or reasonable approach to addressing the identified community need or opportunity?
2. Equity and Inclusion - Is the nonprofit intentionally working with historically marginalized communities and populations to ensure equitable opportunities?
3. Organization Size and Financial Stability - Does the nonprofit manage resources efficiently? Did they provide the requested financial statements?
4. Reputation - Does the nonprofit have a reputation for positive impact and ethical standards in the community?

Award & Process

• Maximum Award: $20,000
• Application Process: Open cycle with monthly reviews
• Final Submission Deadline: November 30 each year
• Platform: Blackbaud Award Management platform
• Reporting: A simple evaluation will be requested one year after a grant award

Contact Information

Vice President for Grantmaking & Operations

• Phone: (402) 474-2345
• Email: Available on website
• Address: 215 Centennial Mall S #100, Lincoln, NE 68508

Application Process

1. Create/Use Account: Applicants will create an account on the Blackbaud Award Management platform in order to save and submit an application. If you have an existing Blackbaud Award Management account, you can use that to submit an Open Door application.
2. Application Requirements:
   • Simple application process—no need to hire a grant writer
   • View the application questions on the foundation website
   • Financial statements (required)
3. Submission:
   • Submit through Blackbaud Award Management platform
   • Applications accepted throughout the year
   • Final deadline for submission: November 30 each calendar year
   • Applications reviewed monthly
4. Award Decision:
   • Based on evaluation framework (Community Impact, Equity and Inclusion, Organization Size and Financial Stability, Reputation)
5. Post-Award:
   • Simple evaluation requested one year after grant award