The Ethel S Abbott Charitable Foundation concentrates its giving on large, one-off capital gifts to prominent Nebraska institutions. Recent grants show a strong local focus on cultural/science attractions and higher-education health infrastructure, favoring visible facility projects that serve the Lincoln–Omaha region.
Among The Ethel S Abbott Charitable Foundation’s recent grants, the largest award on file is $190,000 to the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation for Chimney Rock Trails. That grant fits a broader pattern of capital-oriented support for Nebraska institutions, especially projects tied to public attractions, cultural sites, and campus facilities. Recent awards include $125,000 to the Omaha Zoo Foundation for the Henry Doorly Zoo Sea Lion Shores project, $100,000 to the University of Nebraska Foundation for a nursing building, and $100,000 to Omaha Botanical Lauritzen Gardens for Great Hall renovations. The foundation also backed the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Joslyn Art Museum, and Willa Cather Foundation with additional capital gifts. Its giving is largely local and concentrated in Nebraska organizations, with a visible preference for projects that create or improve permanent facilities rather than broad unrestricted operating support. The grant list also shows recurring attention to Nebraska-based higher education, zoo exhibit development, and heritage-related institutions, suggesting a funder that favors visible, place-based investments with long-lived community use.
In animal habitat and zoo development, the foundation supported the Omaha Zoo Foundation with $125,000 for the Henry Doorly Zoo Sea Lion Shores project and gave $75,000 to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo for a giraffe complex. In higher education and workforce training, it awarded $100,000 to the University of Nebraska Foundation for a nursing building and another $50,000 for an UNO flight simulator. Cultural and heritage institutions also appear in the grant list: the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation received $190,000 for Chimney Rock Trails, while the Willa Cather Foundation received $75,000 for capital support and $25,000 for building restoration and improvements. The foundation also made a $50,000 grant to Joslyn Art Museum for Abbott Lecture Hall renovations.
Typical awards are in the mid-five-figure range: the p25 grant size is $5,000, the median is $10,000, and the p75 is $20,000. Recent giving includes both larger capital grants and smaller program or community-support grants, indicating a layered approach rather than a single grant size. The foundation accepts grant interest submissions through a Grant Interest Form, then may invite selected applicants to complete a formal request after board review. It grants only to 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities that operate in Nebraska or benefit Nebraskans. The recipient list shows repeated support for some organizations across multiple years, including the University of Nebraska Foundation, Lake Cunningham Development Trust, Living History Farms Foundation, and The Willa Cather Foundation.
$1.1M
$40M
$610K
$1.4M
Most grants fall between $5K and $20K, with a median of $10K.
25th Percentile
$5K
Median
$10K
75th Percentile
$20K
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Highly concentrated: very few grants but large amounts, directed to major regional institutions for capital projects rather than many small operating grants.
Notable grantees: Omaha Zoo Foundation (Henry Doorly Zoo — Sea Lion Shores project), University of Nebraska Foundation (UNMC — Lincoln campus nursing building)
Giving is overwhelmingly Nebraska-centered: 85% of grants went to recipients in the HQ state, and the top state by grant count is Nebraska. Recent grants reach Lincoln, Omaha, Red Cloud, Nebraska City, Bellvue, and Walton, with Lincoln and Omaha appearing most often. Outside Nebraska, the only recent recipient city in the list is Urbandale, Iowa, through Living History Farms Foundation. The grant record shows a local footprint rather than a multi-state or national pattern.
It accepts grant interest submissions through a Grant Interest Form. After board review, selected organizations may be invited to complete a formal grant request application.
The foundation makes grants only to 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities that operate in Nebraska or benefit Nebraskans.
Typical awards are modest to mid-sized: the p25 grant size is $5,000, the median is $10,000, and the p75 is $20,000. Recent grants also include larger capital gifts above that range.
Recent grants include zoo exhibit capital projects, nursing and health-professions building support, museum and lecture hall renovations, historical site work, and community or programming grants for Nebraska organizations.
Its giving is local and centered on Nebraska, but the recent grant list includes one recipient in Urbandale, Iowa. Eligibility still focuses on organizations that operate in Nebraska or benefit Nebraskans.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Ethel S Abbott Charitable Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: The Foundation can only make grants to 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities that operate in Nebraska or benefit Nebraskans.
Deadline: No application deadline is stated. Applicants must request a funding date at least two months from the submission date.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION | LINCOLN, NE | $190,000 | 2026 | CHIMNEY ROCK TRAILS |
| OMAHA DISCOVERY TRUST | OMAHA, NE | $105,000 | 2026 | SCHOOL FIELD TRIP PROGRAM |
| UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA FOUNDATION | LINCOLN, NE | $100,000 | 2026 | NURSING BUILDING |
| OMAHA BOTANICAL LAURITZEN GARDENS | OMAHA, NE | $100,000 | 2026 | GREAT HALL RENOVATION |
| LINCOLN CHILDREN'S ZOO | LINCOLN, NE | $75,000 | 2026 | GIRAFFE COMPLEX |
| LAKE CUNNINGHAM DEVELOPMENT TRUST | OMAHA, NE | $75,000 | 2026 | CAPITAL GRANT |
| WILLA CATHER FOUNDATION | RED CLOUD, NE | $75,000 | 2026 | CAPITAL GRANT |
| JOSLYN ART MUSEUM | OMAHA, NE | $50,000 | 2026 | ABBOTT LECTURE HALL RENOVATIONS |
| UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA FOUNDATION | LINCOLN, NE | $50,000 | 2026 | UNO FLIGHT SIMULATOR |
| BELLVUE UNIVERSITY | BELLVUE, NE | $50,000 | 2026 | TECHNOLOGY ENDOWMENT |
| SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEBRASKA | OMAHA, NE | $25,000 | 2026 | PROGRAMMING GRANT |
| LIVING HISTORY FARMS FOUNDATION | URBANDALE, IA | $20,000 | 2026 | PROGRAMMING GRANT |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS | LINCOLN, NE | $20,000 | 2026 | EMERGENCY ELKHORN TORNADO RELIEF |
| THE MALONE CENTER | LINCOLN, NE | $20,000 | 2026 | PROGRAMMING GRANT |
| HEARTLAND CANCER FOUNDATION | LINCOLN, NE | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAMMING GRANT |
| RADIO TALKING BOOK SERVICES | OMAHA, NE | $12,000 | 2026 | PROGRAMMING GRANT |
| ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAM NEW MEXICO | SANTA FE, NM | $10,000 | 2026 | SPORTS EQUIPMENT |
| COLUMBUS AREA CHILDREN'S MUSEUM | COLUMBUS, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAMMING GRANT |
| AT EASE USA | OMAHA, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | TRAUMA TREATMENT FOR VETERANS |
| UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA FOUNDATION | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | PHOTO ARK EXHIBIT |
| BELLVUE UNIVERSITY | BELLVUE, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | VISION AND VALUES SERIES |
| SHARE A FARE INC | OMAHA, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | TAXI FARE SUBSIDY |
| SHERWOOD FOREST ELEMENTARY PTA | BELLVUE, WA | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAMMING SUPPORT |
| FRIENDS OF NEBRASKA COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAMMING GRANT |
| JUNIPER REFUGE | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | REFUGEE ASSISTANCE |
| THE HEALING KADI FOUNDATION | OMAHA, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | ENDOWMENT |
| NEBRASKA 4-H FOUNDATION | OMAHA, NE | $6,000 | 2026 | PROGRAMMING GRANT |
| JUVENILLE DIABETES RESEARCH FUND | OMAHA, NE | $5,000 | 2026 | RESEARCH GRANT |
| POST PLAYHOUSE | CHADRON, NE | $5,000 | 2026 | PRODUCTION SUPPORT |
| CROHN'S & COLITIS FOUNDATION | OMAHA, NE | $5,000 | 2026 | OPERATING GRANT |
| KREGEL WINDMILL FACTORY MUSEUM | NEBRASKA CITY, NE | $4,500 | 2026 | EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING |
| MCLINDON FAMILY FOUNDATION | BATON ROUGHE, LA | $3,534 | 2026 | ADAPTIVE SPORTS EQUIPMENT |
| UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA FOUNDATION | LINCOLN, NE | $100,000 | 2024 | NURSING BUILDING |
| LINCOLN CHILDREN'S ZOO | LINCOLN, NE | $75,000 | 2024 | GIRAFFE COMPLEX |
| LAKE CUNNINGHAM DEVELOPMENT TRUST | OMAHA, NE | $50,000 | 2024 | CAPITAL GRANT |
| WILLA CATHER FOUNDATION | RED CLOUD, NE | $50,000 | 2024 | CAPITAL GRANT |
| OMAHA BOTANICAL LAURITZEN GARDENS | OMAHA, NE | $35,750 | 2024 | GREAT HALL RENOVATION |
| SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEBRASKA | OMAHA, NE | $25,000 | 2024 | PROGRAMMING GRANT |
| UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA FOUNDATION | LINCOLN, NE | $25,000 | 2024 | UNO FLIGHT SIMULATOR |
| OUTLOOK ENRICHMENT | OMAHA, NE | $25,000 | 2024 | PROGRAMMING & TRAINING |
| NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION | LINCOLN, NE | $25,000 | 2024 | CHIMNEY ROCK TRAILS |
| LIVING HISTORY FARMS FOUNDATION | URBANDALE, IA | $20,000 | 2024 | PROGRAMMING GRANT |
| TEAMMATES MENTORING | LINCOLN, NE | $20,000 | 2024 | MENTORING PROGRAM |
| THE HEALING KADI FOUNDATION | OMAHA, NE | $10,000 | 2024 | ENDOWMENT |
| BELLVUE UNIVERSITY | BELLVUE, NE | $10,000 | 2024 | VISION AND VALUES SERIES |
| ANGELS AMOUNG US | OMAHA, NE | $10,000 | 2024 | PROGRAMMING GRANT |
| CIVIC NEBRASKA | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2024 | NORTHEAST HS CLC PROGRAM |
| RADIO TALKING BOOK SERVICES | OMAHA, NE | $10,000 | 2024 | PROGRAMMING GRANT |
| GREAT PLAINS GATHERING | BILLINGS, MT | $10,000 | 2024 | CAREER CARE PROGRAM |
| NEBRASKA LAND TRUST | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2024 | PROGRAMMING GRANT |
NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION
$190,000CHIMNEY ROCK TRAILS
OMAHA BOTANICAL LAURITZEN GARDENS
$100,000GREAT HALL RENOVATION
CAPITAL GRANT
JOSLYN ART MUSEUM
$50,000ABBOTT LECTURE HALL RENOVATIONS
BELLVUE UNIVERSITY
$50,000TECHNOLOGY ENDOWMENT
AMERICAN RED CROSS
$20,000EMERGENCY ELKHORN TORNADO RELIEF
THE MALONE CENTER
$20,000PROGRAMMING GRANT
HEARTLAND CANCER FOUNDATION
$15,000PROGRAMMING GRANT
RADIO TALKING BOOK SERVICES
$12,000PROGRAMMING GRANT
ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAM NEW MEXICO
$10,000SPORTS EQUIPMENT
COLUMBUS AREA CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
$10,000PROGRAMMING GRANT
AT EASE USA
$10,000TRAUMA TREATMENT FOR VETERANS
BELLVUE UNIVERSITY
$10,000VISION AND VALUES SERIES
SHARE A FARE INC
$10,000TAXI FARE SUBSIDY
SHERWOOD FOREST ELEMENTARY PTA
$10,000PROGRAMMING SUPPORT
FRIENDS OF NEBRASKA COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED
$10,000PROGRAMMING GRANT
JUNIPER REFUGE
$10,000REFUGEE ASSISTANCE
THE HEALING KADI FOUNDATION
$10,000ENDOWMENT
NEBRASKA 4-H FOUNDATION
$6,000PROGRAMMING GRANT
JUVENILLE DIABETES RESEARCH FUND
$5,000RESEARCH GRANT
POST PLAYHOUSE
$5,000PRODUCTION SUPPORT
CROHN'S & COLITIS FOUNDATION
$5,000OPERATING GRANT
KREGEL WINDMILL FACTORY MUSEUM
$4,500EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
MCLINDON FAMILY FOUNDATION
$3,534ADAPTIVE SPORTS EQUIPMENT
OMAHA BOTANICAL LAURITZEN GARDENS
$35,750GREAT HALL RENOVATION
OUTLOOK ENRICHMENT
$25,000PROGRAMMING & TRAINING
NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION
$25,000CHIMNEY ROCK TRAILS
TEAMMATES MENTORING
$20,000MENTORING PROGRAM
THE HEALING KADI FOUNDATION
$10,000ENDOWMENT
BELLVUE UNIVERSITY
$10,000VISION AND VALUES SERIES
RADIO TALKING BOOK SERVICES
$10,000PROGRAMMING GRANT
GREAT PLAINS GATHERING
$10,000CAREER CARE PROGRAM
NEBRASKA LAND TRUST
$10,000PROGRAMMING GRANT