[Omaha Community Foundation](https://omahafoundation.org)

July 15, 2026 (Annual application deadline; open June 1 – July 15)

Up to $3,500 total per year, awarded through a maximum of two grants.

Supports Omaha-area nonprofits and public schools advancing history, nature, outdoor education, and animal-related programs, with preference for equine therapy.

Grant funds are for programming/projects only; operating expenses are not eligible.

--- ## Description The Richard A. Shaw Fund, administered by the Omaha Community Foundation, honors Richard Shaw’s legacy by supporting nonprofit organizations and public schools that reflect his passion for history, nature, and education. The fund is designed to foster appreciation for history and the natural world, especially among young people, and to support animal-related programs with a preference for equine therapy. Grants are awarded annually and are intended to fund specific programming or projects, not operating expenses. --- ## Due Dates - July 15, 2026: Annual application deadline (application period open June 1 – July 15) - Previous deadlines: July 15, 2025; July 15, 2024 Awards are announced via email in September. --- ## Funding Amount - Total annual funding available: $3,500 - Distributed through a maximum of two grants per year - Grant funds must be used for programming or projects (not for general operating expenses) --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** - Public schools or school systems in Douglas, Sarpy, or Pottawattamie Counties (Omaha metropolitan area) serving students ages 5–18, with programs emphasizing history, natural sciences, or outdoor education - Public 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations benefiting animals (wild or domesticated), with preference for equine therapy programs - **Ineligible Applicants:** - Private or religiously-based educational institutions - Organizations outside the Omaha metropolitan area - **Other Requirements:** - Applicants must have non-discriminatory policies in hiring and service provision (see full non-discrimination clause in Additional Information) - Organizations may apply each year --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [Omaha Community Foundation grant portal](https://omahafoundation.org/submit) - Organizations will need: - EIN or Tax ID number - Executive officer’s name and contact information - New users must create an account in the grant system; if your organization already has an account, contact the Grants Administrator to add new users - Application window is June 1 – July 15 each year --- ## Additional Information - Grant dollars are restricted to programming and project expenses; they cannot be used for general operating costs. - Preference is given to animal-related programs involving equine therapy. - Awards are announced in September. - Applicants’ policies must not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, age, ability/disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, or gender. --- ## External Links - [Richard A. Shaw Fund program page](https://omahafoundation.org/nonprofits/field-of-interest-funds/richard-a-shaw-fund/) - [Online grant portal / application](https://omahafoundation.org/submit) - [Field of Interest Funds overview](https://omahafoundation.org/nonprofits/field-of-interest-funds/) - [Previous grant recipients](https://omahafoundation.org/news/field-of-interest-funds-award-131402-to-14-omaha-nonprofits/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |---------------------|------------------------|------------------------------------|--------------| | Laura Contreras | Senior Program Manager | [laura@omahafoundation.org](mailto:laura@omahafoundation.org) | 402-884-0792 | | Aaron Koontz | Grants Administrator | [aaron@omahafoundation.org](mailto:aaron@omahafoundation.org) | 402-939-6780 | | Omaha Community Foundation (general) | | [info@omahafoundation.org](mailto:info@omahafoundation.org) | 402-342-3458 |

Richard A. Shaw Fund

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