The Enrichment Foundation

*Connie Cowdery O’Neil passed away on May 9, 2024, at the age of 83. Her leadership style was often quiet and discreet, preferring to let partner organizations and their clients shine. Yet her influence is everywhere, from adaptive sports fields to residential care centers. Read more about Connie’s enduring legacy here.

About the Foundation

The Enrichment Foundation was founded by Connie O’Neil in honor of her sister, Nancy, who was born with cerebral palsy. When she was born, Nancy’s parents were told she would be lucky to see 25 years of age. Because the family was able to find quality care for Nancy, she was able to live a full and happy life, living to age 62. Her memorial service was filled with people whose lives she had touched in both big and small ways. She is a testament to the power individuals with a disability have to enrich the lives of those around them.

The purpose of The Enrichment Foundation is to assist individuals, and those who care for them, who have major physical and mental disabilities and are unable to acquire services or equipment which would enrich their lives. In the words of the Enrichment Foundation’s late founder, Connie O’Neil, “While other efforts may keep the body alive, we will focus on the soul.”

Board Members

Board members have personal or professional experience caring for, advocating on behalf of, or serving individuals with a disability.  The board is supported by the Omaha Community Foundation’s expertise in operating a foundation and administering grantmaking activities.

• Nancy O’Neil Nelsen, President
• Tim O’Neil, Vice President
• Annie Bird
• Eileen Fenton
• Ranae Keckeisen
• Jason Tonjes

History

Nancy was born with cerebral palsy and as a result, she could not control many of her muscles, including her tongue. These limitations made communication difficult and, at times, frustrating for Nancy. As a child and a young adult, Connie watched her mother struggle to find help for her younger sister, doing her best to fill the void of services for people with physical disabilities by helping to create the Meyer Rehabilitation Institute. After her mother passed, Connie cared for her sister. During this time, she too, came to understand how few services are available for adults with physical disabilities.

When Connie and Nancy’s father was planning his legacy, Connie asked him to put money into a foundation to make changes in the care of individuals with disabilities. The Enrichment Foundation was formed and has been dedicated to this pursuit since its establishment.

Grant Details

The Enrichment Foundation’s resources are directed to individuals who:

• Reside in Douglas or Sarpy County
• Have a major physical or mental disability
• Are a caregiver for an individual with a physical or mental disability
• Have fully utilized relevant available funding options
• Are preferably adults, though not limited to adults

Partner Agencies

The Enrichment Foundation does not and cannot make grants or gifts directly to individuals. Individuals seeking The Enrichment Foundation’s assistance are encouraged to contact one of the Partner Agencies listed below. Partner organizations work independently of The Enrichment Foundation in selecting those who will receive assistance.

AllPlay Foundation Inc.
ALS in the Heartland, Inc.
Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter
Assistive Technology Partnership, Nebraska Department of Education
At Ease USA
Autism Action Partnership
Autism Center of Nebraska Inc
Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska for the Munroe-Meyer Institute
Circle Theatre
Community Alliance Rehabilitation Services
CRCC – Children’s Respite Care Center
Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands
Duet Foundation
Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging
Easter Seal Society of Nebraska Inc. dba Easterseals Nebraska (ESN)
Executive Services Corps-Ne, Inc.
Gotta Be Me, Inc.
Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy Inc.
Help Adult Services
Madonna Foundation, on behalf of Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals
Mosaic
NAMI Nebraska
NE Miss Amazing
Nebraska Adaptive Sports
Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Nebraska Commission of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Nebraska Methodist Hospital Foundation
Ollie Webb Center, Inc.
OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc.
Outlook Enrichment
Paralyzed Veterans of America Great Plains Chapter
Project Harmony 
Project Houseworks
Quality Living, Inc. (QLI)
Sheltering Tree
United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska (UCP)
Visiting Nurse Association (VNA)
WhyArts
Women’s Center for Advancement (WCA)
Youth Care & Beyond Inc.