Jack Lewis Safety Fund

The Jack Lewis Safety Fund was established in 2018 to memorialize the volunteer spirit of heartland citizens as exemplified by the life of Jack K. Lewis, M.D. (1934-2016).

During his life, Jack Lewis managed to accomplish several lifetimes of professional and volunteer work. After graduating from Stanford University, where he was backup quarterback to future NFL great John Brodie, he studied medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He joined his father’s medical practice and also served UNMC as an associate professor of internal medicine. Jack was an enthusiastic booster of his alma mater, Omaha Central High School, and served as its sports doctor for more than 50 years.

Later in life, Jack’s passion was the Omaha Police Foundation. He served as board president from 2007 until his passing. That organization matured during his time at the helm and marked its most significant achievements during the last five years of his life. It is Jack’s love of those who protect us as first responders that was inspiration for the Jack K. Lewis, M.D. Safety Fund.

This grant program supports police, fire, or EMT departments in second class Nebraska communities and SW Iowa communities in Mills, Harrison, and Pottawattamie Counties. Second class is defined as having 5,000 or fewer residents.

Application Details

Grants can be requested for equipment, personal protection gear, or training purposes. The maximum grant amount considered is $50,000, though the average grant distributed is around $10,000. Priority will be given to requests with committed dollars raised in the local community.

There are two funding cycles for this program in 2024. Applicants can apply once per year during their preferred cycle.

Completed applications shall be submitted electronically to cindy@swscottfdn.org. Submissions between cycles will be held until the next funding cycle.

download the application

Eligibility Requirements

• Entities eligible to apply for this grant program include municipalities, public, tax-exempt organizations as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or those working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent who can receive funds on their behalf.
• Applicants from previous years may apply.
• Applicants’ policies and practices must be in alignment with the following non-discrimination clause: The applicant organization does not discriminate in hiring practices or service provision to clients and/or customers based on race, ethnicity, religious preference, age, [mental, emotional, or physical] ability/disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, or gender.

Questions? Contact Cindy at 402-502-0062.