As Nebraska communities continue to face a historic wildfire season, local advisors are hearing from clients who want to help in meaningful, effective ways. Nearly 100 volunteer fire departments across the state have been involved in wildfire response efforts so far, and many are navigating significant costs that are not fully reimbursed through state or federal programs.
The Omaha Community Foundation has established the Nebraska Wildfires Response Fund to support volunteer fire departments and first responders who have been central to response efforts. The Foundation is serving as a central hub for collecting donations, coordinating with partners, and directing philanthropic resources where they can make the greatest impact.
A key development in recent weeks is the launch of a department-level Wildfire Relief Grant application through the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association. This application allows eligible rural and volunteer fire departments to document specific recovery needs and estimated costs related to equipment repair or replacement, personal protective equipment, hoses, fuel, and other response-related expenses that are not reimbursed through public programs.
All proceeds from the Nebraska Spring Game are committed to supporting rural and volunteer fire departments through this coordinated approach.
Now that the application is live, the Foundation and its partners are moving from monitoring and coordination into a needs-validation phase. As applications are reviewed, grants will be issued directly to eligible volunteer fire departments, with award decisions guided by documented needs and alignment with other funding partners. This process helps avoid duplication, fills funding gaps, and allows for clear guidance to donors about how their contributions are being used.
Vetted organizations supporting wildfire response and recovery
The Nebraska Wildfires Response Fund is one option among many for donors who want to support wildfire recovery. Contributions to this fund help address immediate response and recovery needs for first responders, while remaining flexible to support limited hardship cases for volunteer firefighters who may have lost income while responding.
For advisors working with clients, aligning giving with donor intent is key. Some donors may want to support first responders directly, while others may be focused on community recovery, household stability, legal assistance, or agricultural impacts. Omaha Community Foundation fundholders can recommend grants to a range of trusted organizations working across these areas.
- 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 continue to share updates as needs become clearer and recovery priorities evolve. Advisors and donors with questions are encouraged to contact their OCF Donor Services Advisor or call the Foundation at 402-342-3458.