The Omaha Community Foundation awarded a total of $147,319 to 11 local organizations from three specialized grant funds: Creche Childhood Education Fund, Jetton Charitable Fund, and Richard A. Shaw Fund. Each fund supports specific programming in the community, driven by the intent of donors who established the funds. 

Creche Childhood Education Fund 

The Creche Childhood Education Fund was established following the closure of the Creche Home for Children in 2014. The Fund continues the organization’s 135-year legacy of serving youth in Omaha by distributing a maximum of $25,000 a year to nonprofits providing educational services to underserved children. 

Jetton Charitable Fund 

The Jetton Charitable Fund supports youth exposure to the performing and visual arts as well as educational pursuits in the areas of natural science, technologies, zoological, botanical, or historical programs. The fund places an emphasis on programs offered by area cultural institutions or nonprofits rather than traditional classroom instruction. 

Richard A. Shaw 

The Richard A. Shaw Fund awards grants to organizations with a focus on history, the natural sciences, outdoor education, or animals. It was established to honor the life and legacy of Richard A. Shaw, a graduate of Benson High School and the University of Nebraska-Omaha, who worked as a teacher in Ralston and Elkhorn schools throughout his life. Each year the fund distributes up to $3,500 through two grants that support an organization’s mission.