The Omaha Venture Group (OVG), a giving circle facilitated by the Omaha Community Foundation, is excited to announce its 2026 grant cycle. If your nonprofit has a bold vision and a fledgling initiative that can make a difference in our community, we encourage you to apply for an OVG grant. Applications will be accepted from February 1 to March 1, 2026. 

For more than two decades, OVG has empowered emerging philanthropists to pool their resources and direct meaningful funding to innovative nonprofits. Since its founding in 2002, OVG has granted over $800,000 to 178 organizations, driving grassroots impact across the Omaha metro. 

Why Apply for an OVG Grant? 

OVG focuses on venture philanthropy, awarding up to $10,000 to initiatives that spark growth and innovation. Each year, grants are awarded in the following interest areas: 

  • Arts and Culture: Expanding community engagement in arts and cultural programming. 
  • Health: Removing barriers to access quality healthcare, mental health services, and nutrition. 
  • Neighborhoods, Civic Engagement, and Safety: Building stronger, inclusive neighborhoods with safe housing, public spaces, and connectivity. 
  • Workforce and Education: Creating pathways to living-wage jobs and improving educational access and outcomes. 
  • Youth Sports: Expanding access to quality youth sports experiences. 

OVG seeks new nonprofits or bold new initiatives within established organizations and invests in newer ideas to make a big impact on the growth of the nonprofit. 

Who is Eligible? 

To apply, nonprofits must: 

  • Be a public, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit or working with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit fiscal agent who can receive funds on your behalf. 
  • Serve residents in the Omaha metro area. 
  • Have an annual budget of $500,000 or less. 
  • Fit into one of the five interest areas. 
  • Have not received OVG funding in the last three grant cycles. 

How to Apply 

The application process is designed to be straightforward: 

  • Applications will be open from February 1 and close on March 1, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. CST. 
  • OVG interest groups will review applications and select award recipients. Applicants will be notified if they are selected or not selected for an award in April 2026.  
  • Applicants may be asked to complete a site visit with an interest group from the giving circle. This site visit is intended to give OVG members a better understanding of your nonprofit.  Site visits will be completed by April 30, 2026. 

Check out the 2025 Recipients, 2024 Recipients, 2023 Recipients, 2022 Recipients. 

Award recipients will be invited to our Celebration Night event on May 7, 2026, where they will celebrate with OVG members. All potential grants awarded by OVG are subject to a grant agreement with the Omaha Community Foundation. 

APPLY HERE

Make Your Vision a Reality 

At OVG, we believe that grassroots initiatives are the foundation of a thriving community. We are passionate about supporting nonprofits with the courage to dream big and the commitment to making Omaha a better place for all. 

Don’t miss the chance to bring your ideas to life with an OVG grant. Apply today and join the movement of innovators shaping the future of the Omaha metro. 

For questions, contact us at ovg@omahafoundation.org.