As Nebraska communities continue to battle wildfires, immediate needs are emerging. While containment has improved in several areas, conditions continue to shift due to weather and wind, and a State of Emergency remains in effect across multiple counties.
The Omaha Community Foundation is establishing a relief fund to collect and deploy resources. Similar to past efforts, the Foundation will serve as a central hub for collecting donations, tracking funds, and directing support to organizations positioned to respond quickly and effectively.
This relief fund is intended to support the first responders who have been central to response efforts. Nearly 100 departments have responded or are currently responding to fires across the state, representing a significant portion of Nebraska’s volunteer fire network. Many of these departments face expenses that are not fully reimbursed through state or federal programs, including equipment repair, fuel, and protective gear, making additional support necessary.
Response partners continue to emphasize that financial contributions are the most effective way to help at this stage. Material donations are not needed at this time, and the public is asked not to bring items directly to fire stations or response sites.
As response efforts continue, additional needs are beginning to take shape for individuals and families impacted as well. Disaster mental health support is already underway, and direct financial assistance to households will expand as damage assessments can safely be completed. Many individuals are relying on family for temporary shelter but continue to seek support for food and essential services throughout the day. Contributions to various relief funds listed below help ensure that support can adapt as these needs evolve.
Below is a list of trusted resources you can reach out to or donate to directly. If you are an OCF fundholder, you can utilize your fund to give to any of the following:
- Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association: Supports volunteer fire departments across the state by helping address gaps that are not always covered by state or federal reimbursement programs.
- American Red Cross Nebraska-Iowa Region: Operating a firefighter respite center in North Platte, operating a shelter in Brady for displaced individuals, coordinating disaster mental health support and referrals to other resources, and preparing to provide direct financial assistance to impacted households once damage assessments can occur.
- The Salvation Army Omaha: Providing meal service and on‑the‑ground assistance to firefighters and affected residents, and raising funds to continue response and recovery support.
- Legal Aid of Nebraska: Disaster Relief Program provides free civil legal assistance to income-eligible individuals and families affected by disasters, including help with FEMA appeals, insurance disputes, contractor fraud, housing issues, and replacement of vital documents.
- America’s Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT): Coordinating hay, livestock supplies, and fencing assistance for impacted ranchers in affected counties.
- Nebraska Community Foundation – Nebraska Wildfire Recovery Fund: This fund will support Nebraska communities impacted by the 2026 wildfires through NCF’s network of county and community affiliates, helping ensure resources reach affected local communities.
- Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund: Supporting beef cattle producers impacted by the fires, including needs related to hay, fencing, and livestock.
- United Way of Western Nebraska – Fire Relief Fund: Supporting emergency needs such as temporary housing, food, clothing, essential supplies, and recovery assistance for needs not covered by FEMA or insurance.
- Oregon Trail Community Foundation – Sandhills Fire Relief Fund: Funds will be directed to agencies on the front line providing immediate relief and longer‑term recovery support.
- Kearney Area Community Foundation – Nebraska Sandhills Rancher Relief Fund: This fund supports wildfire victims and recovery efforts primarily in Garden, Morrill, Arthur, Keith, and Grant counties.
The Omaha Community Foundation will report more about where relief funds are directed as the situation unfolds. Feel free to reach out to your OCF Donor Services Advisor or call OCF for more information at (402) 342-3458.