Spotlight: State of Nebraska

Ah, the great state of Nebraska! The Cornhusker State. Of course, Nebraska isn’t known as the Cornhusker State for nothing! In fact, it is a vital source of food – and energy – for the country. There’s also a native Nebraskan who is a titan in the financial world (but you’ll have to read further to find out who). Some little known facts: The State of Nebraska is 3rd in U.S. corn production, 1st in popcorn production, and 2nd in ethanol production. To get some idea of just how much is being produced, you may be surprised to learn that in 2023 alone, Nebraska produced 1.73 billion bushels of corn. I think we can all agree that’s a lot of corn!

As part of our spotlight series, GrantWatch shines a light on the State of Nebraska. In recognition of this essential state, GrantWatch provided listings of grant opportunities primarily for the purpose of improving local community services throughout the State of Nebraska. In addition, GrantWatch offers a list of close to 1,700 grants in its Community and Economic Development grants listing category. It’s important to note that there are also countrywide as well as international funding opportunities.

Some Fun Facts About Nebraska

911 was first used here.

Weeping Water’s stream is supposedly made from tears. According to lore, after a fierce battle where many warriors lost their lives, the wives and mothers left behind mourned. Supposedly, they cried so much that their tears began to overflow enough to form a stream. It’s unknown whether this legend is authentically Native American or if it was made up by settlers.

There are supposedly radioactive hornets. The 1940s introduced the world to nuclear power. One of the legends that gained popularity was the myth that radioactive hornets could be found in Nebraska. There were never any verified cases, but that hasn’t stopped people from telling the story!

The Lied Jungle is the largest indoor rainforest.

The Reuben sandwich was a Nebraska invention.

destguides.com, “50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Nebraska State to Know“

More Fun and Odd Facts About Nebraska

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln can crumble. The story says that if a young woman graduated without being kissed during her time in school, the columns on the school’s campus would crumble.

Marlon Brando was born here.

Kool-Aid wouldn’t exist without the state. In 1927, the town of Hastings, Nebraska changed beverage history. Inspired by Jello-O, Edwin Perkins decided to try to create a powdered drink mix.

It’s Warren Buffet’s birthplace. Buffet’s family ties helped him get his foot in the door of business, which paved the way to becoming one of the most successful men in the world. As of 2022, the Oracle of Omaha is one of the wealthiest people in the United States.

destguides.com, “50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Nebraska State to Know“

Below is a list of grants for community development funding opportunities in the State of Nebraska.

Nebraska Grants and Business Loans

1. Grants of up to $50,000 to Nebraska organizations, academic institutions, industry groups, farms, and individual growers for projects that enhance and promote the local grape and wine industry. Moreover, funding supports a range of activities to improve the competitiveness of Nebraska’s grapes and wines. Also, projects must benefit the entire grape and/or wine industry and not a particular business venture.
2. There are grants of up to $5,000 to eligible Nebraska nonprofits and government agencies to improve the quality of life for residents. In addition, focus areas include education, civic affairs, arts and culture, health, and human services.
3. In addition, grants to eligible Nebraska counties and municipalities to develop tourist attractions/facilities. Moreover, funding is to increase the number of visitors to the area and benefit local and regional economies. As a result, funded projects are to include historic preservation, cultural and heritage recreational sites, convention centers, and scientific and educational interpretive sites. In addition, activities must benefit low and moderate-income persons or aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight.
4. Grants to eligible Nebraska counties and municipalities for infrastructure projects or business loans to help promote economic development. Moreover, the program’s purpose is to assist businesses to create jobs for low to moderate-income employees, and expand the state’s economic base. In fact, funds are for construction management, infrastructure development, property acquisition, administration, acquisition of real property, and economic development and direct financial assistance to businesses.
5. There are grants to eligible Nebraska nonprofits to benefit the community and improve the quality of life for individuals and families. As a result, the Foundation supports health, arts and culture, community, and education programs. Also, additional priorities include recreation, economic development, and human services. The award of grants will be based on service area needs.

Additional Nebraska Grants and Loans

1. Grants to eligible Nebraska nonprofits for programs to benefit local communities. Applicants must contact program staff and submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) prior to applying. Moreover, proposals will address one or more of its focus areas: community and civic services, education, human services, and arts and culture.
2. There are grants and loans to state and local government agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and Tribes to expand rural broadband-access. In fact, funding for construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service. Moreover, grants, loans, or a combination of both will be for applicants.
3. In addition, grants to state government to expand specialty-crop markets for agricultural products, including dried fruit, fruits and vegetables, nursery crops, horticulture, and tree nuts. As a result, applications must be submitted by the government agency, department, or commission responsible for agriculture within the state. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S.-grown specialty crops in domestic or foreign markets.
4. Lastly, grants to nonprofits to advance diversity in the entrepreneurship/investment fields. Also, funding supports programs benefitting women, minority, and (other) underrepresented communities. In addition, the goal is to facilitate progress in diversifying entrepreneurship and empowering a more diverse group of investors.

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Please Note: There is no guarantee by GrantWatch nor the author of grant awards as a result of this information.