The Weitz Family Foundation appears focused on supporting higher education in Nebraska, making large-scale institutional gifts rather than many small grants. Its sole reported grant is a single substantial general operating award to the University of Nebraska Foundation, suggesting a preference for flexible, unrestricted support to a major state university.
Highly concentrated: a single large, unrestricted grant to a flagship university foundation rather than distributed or small-scale giving. No evidence of repeat or diversified grantees in the available data.
The Weitz Family Foundation’s most visible recent pattern is a series of large general operating awards to Nebraska institutions, led by a $1,227,958 grant to University of Nebraska Foundation in 2024. That gift fits a broader profile of flexible support for organizations with statewide or local reach, rather than restricted project funding. Recent awards also include major operating support for The Nebraska Journalism Trust, Uno Service Learning, Yates Fund, and The Union for Contemporary Art, all in Omaha. Across the recent grant list, the foundation’s giving shows a strong Nebraska orientation and a preference for established nonprofit partners. Higher education appears prominently through the University of Nebraska Foundation and Columbia University Teachers College, while community-focused groups such as Immigrant Legal Center, Planned Parenthood, and Avenue Scholars also appear among the larger awards. The grant descriptions available here are mostly general operating, which points to broad institutional support and flexibility for recipients’ day-to-day needs. The foundation’s active programs also show an interest in capacity building through fellow placements and annual partner grants, reinforcing a model centered on organizational support and leadership development.
Higher education is a clear thread in the foundation’s grantmaking. In 2024, it gave $1,227,958 to University of Nebraska Foundation for general operating support, and it also awarded $600,000 to Columbia University Teachers College for general operating support. The foundation also backs journalism and civic infrastructure. The Nebraska Journalism Trust received $650,000 in 2024 for general operating support, while Nebraska Civic Engagement Table received $346,000 in 2024 and $321,000 in 2023. Community-based service organizations are another visible category. Immigrant Legal Center received $450,000 in both 2023 and 2024, and Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation received $300,000 in both years. Arts and neighborhood work also appear through The Union for Contemporary Art and Seventy Five North Revitalization Corp, both of which received large operating grants.
Typical grant size is substantial: the p25 is $17,000, the median is $40,000, and the p75 is $100,000. The recent grant list is dominated by general operating support, with several recipients appearing in multiple years, including Columbia University Teachers College, University of Nebraska Foundation, Immigrant Legal Center, Opera Omaha, Planned Parenthood, Avenue Scholars, Nebraska Civic Engagement Table, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation, and Seventy Five North. The foundation also runs an annual application cycle and offers programs that accept unsolicited applications, including fellow placements and competitive partner grants. Its grantmaking is organized around operating support, capacity building, and annual funding rounds.
$15.6M
$21.2M
$1.1M
$16.8M
Most grants fall between $17K and $100K, with a median of $40K.
25th Percentile
$17K
Median
$40K
75th Percentile
$100K
About 94% of grants go to recipients in NE.
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Notable grantees: University of Nebraska Foundation
Grantmaking is heavily concentrated in Nebraska: 94% of grants go to recipients in the HQ state, and Nebraska is also the top state by grant count. Omaha accounts for many of the listed awards, with additional grants in Lincoln. Outside Nebraska, the recent list includes New York, Chicago, and a recipient listed in Chicago. The recipient-country distribution is entirely U.S.-based, with 333 grants to U.S. organizations.
The recent grants and active programs point to general operating support for higher education, journalism, civic engagement, arts, health, immigration services, and community development. University of Nebraska Foundation, The Nebraska Journalism Trust, Immigrant Legal Center, and The Union for Contemporary Art are among the larger recent recipients.
The stated grant-size distribution is $17,000 at the 25th percentile, $40,000 at the median, and $100,000 at the 75th percentile. Recent awards are often much larger than the median, including seven-figure and high six-figure operating grants.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including Columbia University Teachers College, University of Nebraska Foundation, Immigrant Legal Center, Opera Omaha, Planned Parenthood, Avenue Scholars, Nebraska Civic Engagement Table, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation, and Seventy Five North.
Its giving is local and concentrated in Nebraska. Ninety-four percent of grants go to recipients in Nebraska, and Omaha and Lincoln are the main recipient cities in the recent grant list, with a smaller number of awards going outside the state.
Yes. The Weitz Fellow Placement program accepts unsolicited applications, the Beloved Community Grant accepts unsolicited applications, and the General Grantmaking annual funding cycle also accepts unsolicited applications. The annual partner grant cycle opens in July each year.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Current and upcoming funding from Weitz Family Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Nonprofits willing to host a fellow and work in partnership with the Foundation; specific eligibility and selection criteria are provided in the fellowship materials.
Deadline: Fellowship openings follow the Foundation’s opportunities cycle; organizations should check the opportunities page for timing (new application windows often open in July).
Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations working in alignment with the Foundation’s focus areas; further eligibility details are provided on the Foundation’s opportunities pages.
Deadline: Applications for 2026 funding are closed; opportunities to submit for 2027 funding will open in July 2026. Specific open and close dates vary by year.
Who can apply: Applications are for partner organizations; the foundation describes its primary function as distributing fiscal resources to partner organizations.
Deadline: Applications for 2027 funding open Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8 AM CST and close Monday, August 24, 2026 at 5 PM CST.
Who can apply: Open to organizations seeking 2027 grant funding; the site refers to partner organizations and community-based organizations. Applications for new applicants include virtual office hours, and applicants may contact staff with questions.
Deadline: Applications for 2027 grant funding open Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8 AM CST and close Monday, August 24, 2026 at 5 PM CST; final decisions are announced Friday, December 18, 2026.
Who can apply: Organizations must be 501(c)(3)s (or have a fiscal sponsor that is); agencies must work in the Omaha metro area; first-time applicants are eligible. The foundation prioritizes efforts addressing racial equity and systems change. It does not fund organizations centered on religion, sports, animals, the environment, pantries, individuals, or work outside Omaha.
Deadline: Applications open annually in mid-July and close in late August; notifications by mid-December.
Who can apply: Organizations must be 501(c)(3)s (or have a fiscal sponsor that is); agencies must work in the Omaha metro area. First-time applicants are not eligible. Eligible multi-year requests require the organization to have received a Weitz Family Foundation grant for 5 or more years (not necessarily consecutive) and to be engaged in advocacy, community organizing, collective action to address poverty/racism/inequities, or provide unique culturally competent and accessible direct services in Omaha. The organization must also be actively improving racial equity and accessibility.
Deadline: Applications open annually in mid-July and close in late August; notifications by mid-December.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA FOUNDATION | OMAHA, NE | $1,227,958 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| THE NEBRASKA JOURNALISM TRUST | OMAHA, NE | $650,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY TEACHERS COLLEGE | NEW YORK, NY | $600,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| UNO SERVICE LEARNING | OMAHA, NE | $506,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| YATES FUND | OMAHA, NE | $500,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| THE UNION FOR CONTEMPORARY ART | OMAHA, NE | $498,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| IMMIGRANT LEGAL CENTER | OMAHA, NE | $450,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| SEVENTY FIVE NORTH REVITALIZATION CORP | OMAHA, NE | $400,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| PLANNED PARENTHOOD | OMAHA, NE | $400,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| NEBRASKA CIVIC ENGAGEMENT TABLE | LINCOLN, NE | $346,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| OPERA OMAHA | OMANA, NE | $331,646 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| NEBRASKA APPLESEED CENTER FOR LAW | OMAHA, NE | $319,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION | OMAHA, NE | $300,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| AVENUE SCHOLARS | OMAHA, NE | $300,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| OPEN SKY POLICY INSTITUTE | OMAHA, NE | $260,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| ONEWORLD COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS INC | OMAHA, NE | $250,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY | NEW YORK, NY | $250,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| SPARK | CHICAGO, IL | $250,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| NO MORE EMPTY POTS | OMAHA, NE | $250,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| WOMEN'S FUND OF OMAHA | OMAHA, NE | $236,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN EMPOWERMENT NETWORK | OMAHA, NE | $225,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| EDUCATION RIGHTS COUNSEL | OMAHA, NE | $225,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| I BE BLACK GIRL | OMAHA, NE | $210,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| KIDS CAN COMMUNITY CENTER | OMAHA, NE | $200,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| FAMILY HOUSING ADVISORY SERVICES | OMAHA, NE | $200,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| FILM STREAMS | OMAHA, NE | $197,563 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| THE SIMPLE FOUNDATION | OMAHA, NE | $189,500 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| CENTRO HISPANO COMUNITARIO DE NEBRASKA | COLUMBUS, NE | $183,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| URBAN LEAGUE OF NEBRASKA | OMAHA, NE | $150,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF OMAHA | OMAHA, NE | $150,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| DEPAUL UNIVERSITY | CHICAGO, IL | $140,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| GREAT PLAINS THEATRE COMMONS (GPTC) | OMAHA, NE | $135,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| CENTER FOR RURAL AFFAIRS | LYONS, NE | $135,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| COMUNIDAD MAYA PIXAN IXIM | OMAHA, NE | $130,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| OMAHA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION | OMAHA, NE | $125,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| DR SUSAN LA FLESCHE PICOTTE CENTER | WALTHILL, NE | $125,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| LENDING LINK | OMAHA, NE | $125,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| JOSLYN ART MUSEUM | OMAHA, NE | $100,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| CHILD SAVING INSTITUTE | OMAHA, NE | $100,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| INTERCULTURAL SENIOR CENTER | OMAHA, NE | $100,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| OMAHA SYMPHONY | OMAHA, NE | $100,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| CHARLES DREW HEALTH CENTER | OMAHA, NE | $100,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| WHISPERING ROOTS | PAPILLION, NE | $100,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS | OMAHA, NE | $100,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| LATINO CENTER OF THE MIDLANDS | OMAHA, NE | $100,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| ACLU OF NEBRASKA | LINCOLN, NE | $100,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| CENTER FOR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT | OMAHA, NE | $100,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| COLLEGE POSSIBLE | OMAHA, NE | $100,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES | OMAHA, NE | $100,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| D2 CENTER | OMAHA, NE | $96,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA FOUNDATION
$1,227,958GENERAL OPERATING
THE NEBRASKA JOURNALISM TRUST
$650,000GENERAL OPERATING
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY TEACHERS COLLEGE
$600,000GENERAL OPERATING
UNO SERVICE LEARNING
$506,000GENERAL OPERATING
YATES FUND
$500,000GENERAL OPERATING
THE UNION FOR CONTEMPORARY ART
$498,000GENERAL OPERATING
IMMIGRANT LEGAL CENTER
$450,000GENERAL OPERATING
SEVENTY FIVE NORTH REVITALIZATION CORP
$400,000GENERAL OPERATING
PLANNED PARENTHOOD
$400,000GENERAL OPERATING
NEBRASKA CIVIC ENGAGEMENT TABLE
$346,000GENERAL OPERATING
OPERA OMAHA
$331,646GENERAL OPERATING
NEBRASKA APPLESEED CENTER FOR LAW
$319,000GENERAL OPERATING
CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION
$300,000GENERAL OPERATING
AVENUE SCHOLARS
$300,000GENERAL OPERATING
OPEN SKY POLICY INSTITUTE
$260,000GENERAL OPERATING
ONEWORLD COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS INC
$250,000GENERAL OPERATING
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
$250,000GENERAL OPERATING
SPARK
$250,000GENERAL OPERATING
NO MORE EMPTY POTS
$250,000GENERAL OPERATING
WOMEN'S FUND OF OMAHA
$236,000GENERAL OPERATING
THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN EMPOWERMENT NETWORK
$225,000GENERAL OPERATING
EDUCATION RIGHTS COUNSEL
$225,000GENERAL OPERATING
I BE BLACK GIRL
$210,000GENERAL OPERATING
KIDS CAN COMMUNITY CENTER
$200,000GENERAL OPERATING
FAMILY HOUSING ADVISORY SERVICES
$200,000GENERAL OPERATING
FILM STREAMS
$197,563GENERAL OPERATING
THE SIMPLE FOUNDATION
$189,500GENERAL OPERATING
CENTRO HISPANO COMUNITARIO DE NEBRASKA
$183,000GENERAL OPERATING
URBAN LEAGUE OF NEBRASKA
$150,000GENERAL OPERATING
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF OMAHA
$150,000GENERAL OPERATING
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
$140,000GENERAL OPERATING
GREAT PLAINS THEATRE COMMONS (GPTC)
$135,000GENERAL OPERATING
CENTER FOR RURAL AFFAIRS
$135,000GENERAL OPERATING
COMUNIDAD MAYA PIXAN IXIM
$130,000GENERAL OPERATING
OMAHA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
$125,000GENERAL OPERATING
DR SUSAN LA FLESCHE PICOTTE CENTER
$125,000GENERAL OPERATING
LENDING LINK
$125,000GENERAL OPERATING
JOSLYN ART MUSEUM
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING
CHILD SAVING INSTITUTE
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING
INTERCULTURAL SENIOR CENTER
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING
OMAHA SYMPHONY
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING
CHARLES DREW HEALTH CENTER
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING
WHISPERING ROOTS
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING
INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING
LATINO CENTER OF THE MIDLANDS
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING
ACLU OF NEBRASKA
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING
CENTER FOR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING
COLLEGE POSSIBLE
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING
D2 CENTER
$96,000GENERAL OPERATING
