Purpose

The African American Unity Fund was established in 2008 to support organizations that address emerging needs within the Omaha-area African American community.  Ongoing funds are contributed by the Sherwood Foundation and the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation.  A 10-member grant committee, made up of local leaders who have robust knowledge of the African American community, evaluates the proposals and makes the award decisions.

Eligibility

The African American Unity Fund committee considers organizations with annual budgets of $300,000 or less with innovative programs, initiatives, services or other ideas that serve African Americans.

The five core areas in which the African American Unity Fund provides grants are:

  • Arts & Culture (for example, performance, visual arts, arts education, cultural programs)
  • Basic Human Needs (for example, food, shelter, clothing)
  • Community Development (for example, leadership training, neighborhood groups, youth programs)
  • Health & Wellness (for example, medical, dental, mental or behavioral health, nutrition, physical activities)
  • Capacity Building (for example, fundraising, technology or operating expenses)

Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, or organizations partnering with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3), that serve the African American community in the Omaha metropolitan area. The organization’s governing board must approve all applications prior to submission.

Restrictions

The Omaha Community Foundation does not make grants in support of individuals, for political campaigns or lobbying efforts, for new small businesses established for personal gain or profit, to support annual fund drives, capital campaigns, to fund an agency’s deficit or endowment, or for the direct support of religious activities.  Secular activities provided by religious organizations may be eligible for grant funds.

Application Deadline for 2010

Grant proposals are due August 1st.  Please check this website periodically for updates to eligibility criteria, application instructions, and other information.

NOTE:  Because the application deadline of August 1st falls on a weekend in 2010, applications will be accepted until Monday, August 2nd.

Questions?

Contact Sarah Gilbert, Associate Director of Philanthropic Services, (402) 342-3458 or sarah@omahafoundation.org.

2009 African American Unity Fund Awards

·        100 Black Men of Omaha, Inc. - $10,000 to promote post secondary education, career exploration, goal setting, and positive decision making for high school African-American males in grades 9-12.

·        African American Achievement Council - $10,000 to fund an alternative method to address student achievement by aligning high school learning standards with college expectations.

·        African American Achievement Council of Omaha - $7,500 to enhance capabilities in providing resources and opportunity for students and the community as a whole with emphasis on closing the educational gap in the African American Community.

·        CW Youth Resource Center - $15,000 to give youth who have a desire to play basketball an opportunity to do so regardless of skill or finances.

·        Empowerment Network - $10,000 to work with targeted neighborhood associations, their leaders and area residents and businesses to improve the quality of life within the North Omaha community. 

·        Hope of Glory Ministries - $10,000 to enhance supportive services and building capacity.

·        Love's Jazz and Arts Center, Inc. - $22,600 for capacity building and operating support.

·        Mildred D Brown Memorial Study Center - $10,000 to include year-round components and secure wider professional support so the Junior Journalists finish a journalism/communications project targeting youth.

·        National Coalition of 100 Black Women Omaha Chapter - $10,000 to support the 3rd Annual Women of Color in Leadership Summit and the newly established year-long Leadership Academy.

·        North Omaha Contractors' Association - $10,000 to build the capacity of this program that provides services to bring together, structure, and activate both North Omaha business' and contractors' associations.

·        Omaha School of Music - $7,500 to provide students in 4th through 8th grades with exciting after-school motivational instruction in the following developmental disciplines: piano, vocal, dance, drama, guitar, violin, woodwind and drums.

·        Suntaman Communications - $7,500 to continue and expand the Student Empowerment Program (SEP).

·        You Are Not Alone, Inc. - $10,000 to launch a new program with the goal to teach 48 newly released ex-offender the skills of keyboarding Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2007.

·        Youth Empowerment Program - $10,000 to support the after-school program that holistically meets the needs of school-aged youth in North Omaha.