Woods Charitable Fund Grant

Woods Charitable Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Woods Charitable Fund Inc
Amount: Up to US $10,000
Last Updated: January 14, 2026

Summary

The Woods Charitable Fund Grant supports diverse initiatives in Lincoln, Nebraska, focusing on areas like arts, civic engagement, education, and human services. The Fund invites innovative proposals that foster community growth, enhance cultural experiences, and promote social equity. Special consideration is given to projects addressing the needs of underrepresented populations and integrating new Americans into the community. Organizations must adhere to specific eligibility criteria and submit applications after completing a Letter of Intent.

Overview

Areas of Interest The Fund supports a broad range of activities benefiting the people of Lincoln, Nebraska, including but not limited to the Areas of Interest described below. We are interested in reviewing plans for pilot projects and innovative programs, as well as requests for operational support and sustained growth for organizations whose work coincides with the purposes of the foundation. The foundation funds both direct services and policy programs. WCF especially looks forward to opportunities to review proposals joining partners (academic, community, government, business, public service, faith-based) to explore ways to integrate perspectives and talents toward common goals. We support projects that involve coalition-building, public education and advocacy to effect positive social change and improve opportunities for all citizens. Arts & Culture Visual art, literature, dance, theater, music and mixed media presentations are cornerstones of a community’s aesthetic and ethical being. They can bind people through shared experience and understanding. They stimulate thought, communication and creativity. Woods supports programs in the arts and humanities that will enhance or develop the common aesthetic spirit. Programs that connect the arts and humanities with nontraditional participants are of special interest to the Fund. Civic & Community To sustain or increase its vitality, a community must consistently nurture its development, particularly as that development impacts underrepresented residents. The Fund supports projects that empower those with fewer advantages to participate in the economic system and that foster community participation and responsibility, thus engaging people to solve problems and improve opportunities for all. Advocacy groups, neighborhood, legal, volunteer and community organizations are effective avenues to promote civic participation and leadership. Woods recognizes the growing need in Lincoln for affordable housing and supports programs that expand its availability. The need for individuals to achieve self-sufficiency has been identified as a primary community concern. The Fund encourages submission of proposals that suggest creative approaches to helping people escape poverty and become work ready. Education Our educational systems face the challenge of preparing individuals for a rapidly changing society. Today, more than ever before, education touches the lives of people of all ages – students at all levels, newcomers learning a second language and culture, adults retraining to handle new job responsibilities. The Fund looks forward to opportunities to review proposals from existing educational institutions and from creative new programs to meet the challenge. Human Services A significant cornerstone in community life is the family. Its power to mold and develop mentally healthy, secure, loving members determines Woods’ interest in supporting projects to strengthen families and provide opportunities for youth to achieve their full potential. This is a broad category and may include either direct service or policy programs focused on child care, behavioral and mental health, youth development, the elderly, family planning, shelter and basic needs, those returning to society after incarceration as well as others. The Fund will give special consideration to programs and initiatives designed to prevent youth and family violence. The Fund gives special consideration to programs and initiatives designed to: Support organizations that haven’t traditionally served refugees and immigrants but are trying to integrate them into their client bases and work forces; Expand English language education for New Americans; Help develop community acceptance and appreciation for New Americans; and Extend research and planning concerning immigrants and refugees in Lincoln. Please refer to additional Funding Considerations here. Timetable Woods Charitable Fund only accepts applications from non-profit organizations serving Lincoln, Nebraska, that have completed a Letter of Intent (LOI) available in PDF and Word formats, and been invited to apply. Organizations seeking to renew previous grants also are required to contact the Fund before reapplying. Nonprofits new to the Fund are urged to reach out several weeks before the LOI deadline to provide ample time for learning about each other’s work. Please inquire early; last-minute inquiries on the deadline date are less likely to be invited to apply. The application must be submitted online before the end of the deadline day or, if the deadline falls on a weekend, the deadline will defer to the following business day.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. While grants are made primarily in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Fund will consider grant applications from other locations in the context of their impact on Lincoln.Applicants generally should be organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and have a written ruling from the IRS that they also qualify under Section 509(a)(1), (2) or (3) of the Code (publicly supported organizations and their affiliates). Organizations must be in good standing with the IRS. Occasionally the Fund considers proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations that are private, operating foundations. In exceptional cases, the Fund will consider fiscal agent and expenditure responsibility grants.College and university proposals or those from city or government entities are reviewed only if they are applied projects that directly benefit the Lincoln community.Requests for support of technology must be from organizations whose emphasis is in the Fund’s special interest areas.Requests must define the need for the technology, provide compelling evidence that it is appropriate for the task and is cost-effective. Furthermore, the proposal must demonstrate the technology’s impact on the organization’s mission.Proposals not clearly within the Fund’s priority areas but not clearly ineligible are screened for funding consideration by the Fund’s board members.

Ineligibility

The following areas are not eligible for grant review:Capital projectsEnvironmental programs Event sponsorships Funding of endowments Fundraising benefits or program advertising Individual needsPet-rescue or other animal-focused organizations Physical health organizations, medical and scientific researchPrograms for individual schools Recreation programs and sports leagues Religious programs or programs that proselytize or require participation in faith-based or religious services Residential care and medical clinics Scholarships, fellowships Specialized support organizations, service clubs and organizations that raise funds for other nonprofit organizationsWoods does not accept applications from organizations:that have had proposals declined in the preceding 12 months; orthat are recipients of current multiyear grants. This policy does not apply when organizations are involved in collaborative proposals.