Omaha Community Foundation Let good grow

African American Unity Fund

The mission of the African American Unity Fund is to involve more African Americans in philanthropy and to provide support to emerging nonprofits that improve the quality of life for African Americans in Omaha.

Grants are provided in five core areas of focus:

• Arts & Culture (visual arts, arts education, cultural programs)
• Basic Human Needs (food, shelter, clothing)
• Community Development (leadership training, neighborhood groups, youth programs)
• Health & Wellness (medical, dental, mental or behavioral health, nutrition, physical activities)
• Capacity Building (fundraising, technology or operating expenses)

Eligibility requirements for 2011

1. Public, tax-exempt organization as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or working with a 501(c)3 fiscal agent who can receive funds on your behalf
2. Annual organizational budget of $300,000 or less
3. Innovative programs, initiatives, services or other ideas within the focus areas that serve African Americans in Omaha, Nebraska.
4. Applicants from previous years may apply again this year. Those who received grants last year are eligible provided an evaluation report has been submitted on time to the Omaha Community Foundation.

Additional Information

Please note that these requirements, including eligibility of repeat grantees, focus areas, and budget limit, are subject to change annually.

Historically, the typical grant size is $10,000, although the committee considers smaller and larger requests (approximately $5,000-$20,000). Applications that propose collaborative projects among multiple organizations are welcome. Organizations with a significant percentage of African American clients, management, staff, and board members will receive extra consideration by the committee. The committee reserves the right to waive eligibility requirements to make awards to address critical community needs.

The William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation and The Sherwood Foundation do not accept applications from organizations that apply for or receive funding from the African American Unity Fund. Organizations that submit proposals to the African American Unity Fund in 2011 may not approach the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation or the Sherwood Foundation for funding until 2012.