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

November 30, 2026 (final annual submission deadline; applications accepted year-round and reviewed monthly)

Maximum grant award is $20,000; one grant per organization per year.

Flexible funding for Lancaster County nonprofits to support operations, programs, or capital projects that enhance community well-being.

Applications accepted on a rolling basis; submit by November 30 for consideration in the current year.

--- ## Description Open Door Grants provide flexible funding to support nonprofit organizations serving Lancaster County, Nebraska. Grants may be used for operations, programs, or capital projects and are intended to address a wide range of community priorities such as arts and culture, community improvement, education and youth, environment and animals, and health and human services. The program emphasizes community impact, equity and inclusion, organizational stability, and a positive community reputation. The application process is designed to be accessible and straightforward, without the need for professional grant writers. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and reviewed monthly. - The final day to submit applications each year is November 30. - Next due date: November 30, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant award: $20,000 per organization per calendar year. - Organizations may apply for one Open Door Grant annually; do not need to wait 12 months between applications. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants 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 application per organization per year. - Grants are not available for organizations that discriminate by race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, creed, or ethnic group. - Grants will not be considered for religious or political purposes. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the [Blackbaud Award Management platform](https://lcf.academicworks.com/opportunities/2384). - Applicants must create (or use an existing) account on the platform. - Required materials include: - Organization and contact details - Purpose of request and mission statement - Description of community needs addressed and populations served - Financial documentation: current and most recent year-end income/expense statements and balance sheets - For program/capital grants: optional project budget and letters of support for collaborations - Evaluation criteria include community impact, equity and inclusion, organizational and financial stability, and reputation. - A simple evaluation is requested one year after grant award. --- ## Additional Information - The grant process is intentionally simple and does not require a professional grant writer. - Applicants may apply at any time that aligns with their fiscal calendar. - Applications are reviewed monthly; submit by November 30 for consideration in the current year. --- ## External Links - [Open Door Grants Program Page](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) - [See Grants Previously Awarded](https://lcf.org/helping-nonprofits/grants-awarded.html) - [Funder Home Page](https://www.lcf.org) --- ## Contact Information | Role/Contact | Details | |-----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries/Vice President for Grantmaking & Operations | 402-474-2345, [michellep@lcf.org](mailto:michellep@lcf.org) | | Foundation Address | 215 Centennial Mall South, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68508 | | Contact Page | [https://www.lcf.org/contact](https://www.lcf.org/contact) |

Open Door Grants

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