[Lincoln Community Foundation](https://www.lcf.org)

November 30, 2026 (final annual submission deadline)

Up to $20,000 per award; grants are flexible and may be used for operations, programs, or capital projects.

Flexible funding for Lancaster County nonprofits to address community needs in areas such as arts, education, health, and more.

Only one application per nonprofit per calendar year; applications accepted year-round and reviewed monthly.

--- ## Description Open Door Grants provide flexible support to nonprofit organizations serving Lancaster County, Nebraska. Grants may be used for operating expenses, programs, or capital projects in a broad range of sectors including arts and culture, community improvement, education and youth, environment and animals, and health and human services. The program is designed to empower nonprofits to address pressing community needs and seize opportunities for impact. The application process is streamlined and accessible, with a focus on community impact, equity and inclusion, organizational stability, and reputation. --- ## Due Dates - November 30, 2026: Final day to submit applications for the annual cycle Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and reviewed monthly, but all submissions must be received by November 30 for consideration in the current year. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award per grant: $20,000 - Flexible use: May be applied to operations, programs, or capital projects - Total annual funding varies by year and is subject to available resources --- ## Eligibility - Nonprofits must be a 501(c)(3) public charity or another IRS-recognized organization eligible to receive tax-deductible gifts. - Organizations must be located in or provide services to Lincoln/Lancaster County, Nebraska. - Only one Open Door Grant application per organization per calendar year is permitted. - Organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, creed, or ethnic group are ineligible. - Grants will not be awarded for religious or political purposes. --- ## Application Process - Applications are accepted throughout the year and reviewed monthly. - Submit via the [Blackbaud Award Management platform](https://lcf.academicworks.com/opportunities/2384). - Required documentation includes financial statements and, if relevant, a program or capital project budget. - Applicants must answer questions about their mission, community needs addressed, populations served, and anticipated outcomes. - A simple evaluation report is required one year after receiving the grant. - [See application questions](https://lcforg.presencehost.net/file_download/b870ccb9-0219-46e4-9868-d76958d2e8e3) for details. --- ## Additional Information - The application is designed to be straightforward—no grant writer is required. - Strategic timing: Nonprofits may apply when it best aligns with their fiscal calendar. - Evaluation criteria include community impact, equity and inclusion, organizational stability, and reputation. - Applicants with an existing Blackbaud account can use it to apply. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines](https://lcf.org/helping-nonprofits/open-door-grants.html) - [Application Portal](https://lcf.academicworks.com/opportunities/2384) - [Application Questions (PDF)](https://lcforg.presencehost.net/file_download/b870ccb9-0219-46e4-9868-d76958d2e8e3) - [Grants Previously Awarded](https://lcf.org/about/news/grants-awarded.html) --- ## Contact Information | Role/Contact | Details | |----------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries & Grantmaking | 402-474-2345 | | Vice President for Grantmaking & Operations | [michellep@lcf.org](mailto:michellep@lcf.org) | | Online Contact Form | [Contact LCF](https://www.lcf.org/contact) |

Open Door Grants

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