Several family foundations exist within the Omaha Community Foundation.  Some family foundations invite selected agencies to apply for grants.

Affiliated Family Foundations

Annually, the Omaha Community Foundation gathers approximately 50 grant proposals from a variety of area nonprofit agencies on behalf of the Affiliated Family Foundations.  This initiative brings worthwhile programs from newer, or less well-known, agencies to the attention of potential funders.  The Omaha Community Foundation makes recommendations on these programs that contribute to the Omaha community.  Please follow the instructions carefully, as the Affiliated Family Foundations prefer applications that are clear and concise.  To receive an application, e-mail Kris Penney (kris@omahafoundation.org).

Eligibility

This grant process is by invitation only.  Unsolicited grants cannot be accepted.  Applicants must be public tax exempt organizations as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and provide service in Douglas, Sarpy, and/or Pottawattamie county.

Requirements

All proposals must include an application cover sheet, program narrative, and budget detail and need to be submitted in the format provided in this document.  The program narrative may not exceed three pages.  Proposals should be in Arial 12-point font.  OCF will copy proposals for distribution to the Affiliated Family Foundations.  Any graphics should be suitable for photocopying.  Grant proposals should be e-mailed to Kris Penney (kris@omahafoundation.org).  Note:  This is the only grant program that accepts e-mailed applications.  No hand-written or faxed proposals will be accepted.

Available funds and allowable costs

Grant requests should be between $3,500 and $20,000.  While we invite a limited number of proposals, this is a highly competitive process.

The family foundations have a history of not funding colleges, schools, planning grants, and advocacy grants through this process.  Do not submit any applications that focus on those areas.  In addition, any organization that is conducting a capital campaign should not submit an application.

Application timelines

Agencies invited to apply to the Affiliated Family Foundations must submit proposals by July 17, 2006.

The family foundations usually announce their decisions sometime between November and early January.  Please be patient.  The Omaha Community Foundation will not be able to answer questions regarding the applications once they go to the family foundations, as the applications will be reviewed by those organizations directly.