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Richard A. Shaw Fund

The Richard A. Shaw Fund was established to honor the life and legacy of Richard A. Shaw by supporting nonprofit organizations that contribute to the passions and values he held so dear.

Richard Shaw was born in Lakewood, Ohio and moved to Omaha in 1962. A graduate of Benson High School, Richard earned a degree in Education from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He taught elementary grades in Ralston, and later taught at Elkhorn Middle School until his retirement in 2006. Richard continued his support of the school system as a bus driver and substitute teacher for Elkhorn until his death. Throughout his life, Richard was an avid historian and exhibited a true connection with nature.

Through his many personal and professional pursuits, Richard sought to foster an appreciation for history and the wonders of the natural world. Richard’s life-long commitment to these endeavors moved his family to ensure that his influence on young minds and the elements of nature that surround them would continue for years to come through the creation of the Richard A. Shaw Fund.

The grant program is available for:

  • Public school programs emphasizing history, the natural sciences, and outdoor education. Applications from schools/school systems will only be accepted from public schools serving students from 5-18 years of age.
  • Nonprofit programs benefiting animals, with preference given to equine therapy.

Application Details

$3,500 is awarded through a maximum of two grants.

The application period is open annually June 1 – July 15. Awards are announced via email in September.

Applications must be submitted online.

Grant dollars are to be limited to programming and projects, and will not support operating expenses. Religiously-based and private educational institutions will not be considered.

Organizations are welcome to apply for the grant each year.

Eligibility Requirements

Public schools or public school systems emphasizing history, the natural sciences, and outdoor education programs; or public 501(c)(3) organizations that benefit animals, both wild and domesticated. Preference will be given to organizations and programs involving equine therapy.

Organization must be located in the Omaha metropolitan area (Douglas, Sarpy, or Pottawattamie Counties).

Applicants’ policies and practices must be in alignment with the following non-discrimination clause: The applicant organization does not discriminate in hiring practices or service provision to clients and/or customers based on race, ethnicity, religious preference, age, [mental, emotional, or physical] ability/disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, or gender.

PREVIOUS GRANT RECIPIENTS

Questions? We’re here to help.
Laura Contreras

Senior Program Manager
402-884-0792
laura@omahafoundation.org

Visit our online grant portal to apply.

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