Our mission is to support strong, sustainable organizations, innovative ideas and ventures of significant promise. The Foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations located in and working in Nebraska, primarily Lincoln and Lancaster County.
Among Cooper Foundation’s recent grants, a repeated anchor is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues, which received multiple awards across 2023, 2024, and 2025, including a $50,000 program grant and a $26,157 program grant. That pattern sits alongside support for Lincoln-based civic and community organizations, showing a funder that combines recurring institutional support with discretionary awards for local nonprofits. The foundation’s public mission is to support strong, sustainable organizations and innovative ideas and ventures of significant promise. Its grantmaking is centered on Nebraska nonprofits, primarily in Lincoln and Lancaster County, and it funds both program and operating needs. Recent awards also reached education, human services, arts, and community engagement organizations, including Rabble Mill, Clyde Malone Community Center, Lincoln Public Schools, and the Asian Community & Cultural Center. Cooper Foundation also funds individuals through scholarship programs, and its portfolio includes challenge and matching grants as well as rapid-response support used during the COVID-19 emergency period. The overall picture is of a local funder that uses multiple tools: unrestricted support, designated program grants, and scholarship aid.
Education is one of the clearest themes in Cooper Foundation’s grantmaking. It gave $30,000 in 2023 to Lincoln Public Schools for program support, and it also funded the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communication with a $28,000 program grant. Human services appear in both operating and program support. Recent examples include $30,000 to Clyde Malone Community Center for operating support in 2025 and $20,000 to Friendship Home of Lincoln Inc for program support in 2024. The foundation also supported YWCA Lincoln with an operating grant in 2025. Arts and cultural work is another recurring area. Lux Center for the Arts received $20,000 for operating support in 2025, while Lincoln Arts Council also received $20,000 for operating support in 2025. In community engagement and inclusion, the foundation awarded $25,000 to Asian Community & Cultural Center for program support in 2025.
Cooper Foundation’s typical grant size sits at a median of $10,000, with a p25 of $6,750 and a p75 of $15,000. Recent grants show repeated support to some organizations across multiple years, including quarterly and recurring awards, rather than purely one-time giving. The foundation uses several grant types: operating support, program support, challenge or matching grants, scholarships, and emergency rapid-response funding. It also accepts unsolicited applications in some of its grant programs, including challenge or matching grants and general grantmaking via letters of inquiry.
$1M
$30.3M
$2.3M
$1.6M
Most grants fall between $7K and $15K, with a median of $10K.
25th Percentile
$7K
Median
$10K
75th Percentile
$15K
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Grantmaking is overwhelmingly local. Ninety-eight percent of grants go to recipients in Nebraska, and the recent-grants list is concentrated in Lincoln and Lancaster County. Lincoln appears most often, with examples spread across the city, while Red Cloud also appears through a 2025 operating grant to Willa Cather Foundation. The recipient-country distribution is entirely U.S.-based, with 187 grants in the United States and no non-U.S. recipient countries listed.
The foundation funds arts, civic and community engagement, education, environment, human services, and humanities. Recent grants show these priorities in practice through support for schools, community centers, arts organizations, and humanities programming in Lincoln.
The typical grant size is $10,000 at the median, with a p25 of $6,750 and a p75 of $15,000. Recent awards also include larger grants, such as multiple $50,000 program grants.
Yes. Some recipients appear in multiple years, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues and Rabble Mill. That pattern suggests the foundation uses recurring support for selected organizations alongside one-time awards.
Yes. The foundation funds individuals through scholarship programs, including the Cooper Foundation Scholarships for Students of Color, which awards one student at each of six Nebraska private colleges and universities a $4,000 annual scholarship for up to four years.
It is highly local. Ninety-eight percent of grants go to recipients in Nebraska, and the recent-grants list is concentrated in Lincoln and Lancaster County.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Cooper Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Nonprofits on the front lines of the pandemic or with critical operating needs due to lost revenue or changes in programs/services.
Deadline: Monthly awards through September 2020 (time-limited program).
Who can apply: Applicants must be Nebraska-based organizations located in and serving Nebraska. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charities under section 509(a)(1), units of government, public universities, and K-12 schools. Highest priority is given to organizations based in and serving Lincoln and Lancaster County; requests from elsewhere must serve a regional or statewide area and meet the Foundation's priorities. The Foundation does not fund individuals, businesses, construction or renovation, health organizations or programs, churches or religious organizations, sports organizations or programs, animal welfare or service organizations, travel, memberships, endowments, non-501(c)(3) organizations, 509(a)(3) supporting organizations, fiscal agents, private foundations, operational deficits, annual appeals, or event sponsorships.
LOI deadlines are January 1, March 15, July 15, and September 15. Board decisions occur in quarterly cycles, typically in March, June, September, and December; full application deadlines are provided only to applicants invited to proceed.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN EN THOMPSON FORUM ON WORLD ISSUES | LINCOLN, NE | $80,398 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| UNITED WAY OF LINCOLNLANCASTER COUNTY | LINCOLN, NE | $39,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION | LINCOLN, NE | $30,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION | LINCOLN, NE | $27,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| RABBLE MILL DBA THE BAY | LINCOLN, NE | $25,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| HOPE SPOKE | LINCOLN, NE | $25,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| THE HUB CENTRAL ACCESS POINT FOR YOUNG ADULTS | LINCOLN, NE | $25,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| CENTER FOR PEOPLE | LINCOLN, NE | $25,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| BRAVEBE CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER | LINCOLN, NE | $25,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF LANCASTER AND SAUNDERS COUNTY | LINCOLN, NE | $25,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| CLYDE MALONE COMMUNITY CENTER | LINCOLN, NE | $25,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| CENTER FOR IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE ADVANCEMENT | OMAHA, NE | $25,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| NEBRASKA ARTS COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT CORP | OMAHA, NE | $25,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| INDIAN CENTER INC | LINCOLN, NE | $20,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| VOICES OF HOPE LINCOLN INC | LINCOLN, NE | $20,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| HUMANITIES NEBRASKA | LINCOLN, NE | $20,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA - LINCOLN LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS | LINCOLN, NE | $20,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| FOOD BANK OF LINCOLN | LINCOLN, NE | $20,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| TEAMMATES MENTORING PROGRAM | LINCOLN, NE | $20,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| LINCOLN LITERACY | LINCOLN, NE | $20,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| CENTER FOR LEGAL IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE | OMAHA, NE | $20,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| FOSTER CARE CLOSET | LINCOLN, NE | $20,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| NEBRASKA JOURNALISM TRUST | OMAHA, NE | $20,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| LUX CENTER FOR THE ARTS | LINCOLN, NE | $20,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| MIDLAND UNIVERSITY | FREMONT, NE | $19,000 | 2026 | SCHOLARSHIP |
| CIVIC NEBRASKA | LINCOLN, NE | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF THE HEARTLAND INC | LINCOLN, NE | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| LEGAL AID OF NEBRASKA | OMAHA, NE | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| NEIGHBORWORKS LINCOLN | LINCOLN, NE | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| ACLU OF NEBRASKA | LINCOLN, NE | $15,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| NEBRASKA TRIBES ADDRESSING VIOLENCE COALITION | LINCOLN, NE | $15,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| RISE ACADEMY | OMAHA, NE | $15,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| SHELDON ART ASSOCIATION | LINCOLN, NE | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| CONSERVATION NEBRASKA | LINCOLN, NE | $15,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| PRAIRIE LOFT CENTER FOR OUTDOOR AND AGRICULTURAL LEARNING | HASTINGS, NE | $15,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| LINCOLN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM | LINCOLN, NE | $12,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| AT EASE USA | OMAHA, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| NEBRASKA CULTURAL ENDOWMENT | OMAHA, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| WHITE CANE FOUNDATION | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| NEBRASKA CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FOUNDATION | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| LINCOLN COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| LINCOLN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| LINCOLN ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| LINCOLN BIKE KITCHEN | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| OPEN SKY POLICY INSTITUTE | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| ROPER ORGANIZATION OF PARENTS AND EDUCATORS | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| NEBRASKA JAZZ ORCHESTRA INC | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| NEBRASKA CROSSROADS MUSIC FESTIVAL | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM |
| NEBRASKA WRITERS COLLECTIVE | OMAHA, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
| JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA | OMAHA, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | OPERATING |
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN EN THOMPSON FORUM ON WORLD ISSUES
$80,398PROGRAM
NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION
$30,000PROGRAM
OPERATING
THE HUB CENTRAL ACCESS POINT FOR YOUNG ADULTS
$25,000PROGRAM
COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF LANCASTER AND SAUNDERS COUNTY
$25,000OPERATING
CLYDE MALONE COMMUNITY CENTER
$25,000OPERATING
CENTER FOR IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE ADVANCEMENT
$25,000OPERATING
NEBRASKA ARTS COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT CORP
$25,000PROGRAM
INDIAN CENTER INC
$20,000OPERATING
HUMANITIES NEBRASKA
$20,000PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA - LINCOLN LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
$20,000OPERATING
TEAMMATES MENTORING PROGRAM
$20,000OPERATING
LINCOLN LITERACY
$20,000PROGRAM
CENTER FOR LEGAL IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE
$20,000OPERATING
FOSTER CARE CLOSET
$20,000OPERATING
PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF THE HEARTLAND INC
$15,000PROGRAM
ACLU OF NEBRASKA
$15,000OPERATING
NEBRASKA TRIBES ADDRESSING VIOLENCE COALITION
$15,000OPERATING
RISE ACADEMY
$15,000OPERATING
SHELDON ART ASSOCIATION
$15,000PROGRAM
CONSERVATION NEBRASKA
$15,000OPERATING
PRAIRIE LOFT CENTER FOR OUTDOOR AND AGRICULTURAL LEARNING
$15,000OPERATING
AT EASE USA
$10,000PROGRAM
WHITE CANE FOUNDATION
$10,000PROGRAM
LINCOLN COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE
$10,000OPERATING
LINCOLN ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION
$10,000OPERATING
LINCOLN BIKE KITCHEN
$10,000OPERATING
OPEN SKY POLICY INSTITUTE
$10,000OPERATING
ROPER ORGANIZATION OF PARENTS AND EDUCATORS
$10,000PROGRAM
NEBRASKA JAZZ ORCHESTRA INC
$10,000OPERATING
NEBRASKA CROSSROADS MUSIC FESTIVAL
$10,000PROGRAM
