In 2026, the Omaha Community Foundation’s LGBTQIA2S+ Equality Fund received $355,712 in funding requests and awarded $190,000 to organizations serving LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and families across the metro.
The Equality Fund supports projects that expand access to essential services, build community, and strengthen leadership rooted in lived experience. Through a resident-led grantmaking process, community members help guide funding decisions, ensuring investments reflect the needs and priorities of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals in our community.
The following organizations received funding through the Equality Fund:
Access Period – $11,000
Access Period provides immediate relief to individuals experiencing period product insecurity while working toward long-term systems change.
Funding supports distribution of gender-affirming menstrual products, including boxer-brief style period underwear, through a partnership with Omaha ForUs. This effort ensures individuals can access products that align with their gender identity, reducing barriers to daily life and supporting dignity, autonomy, and well-being. The project increases access to essential care while helping normalize menstruation beyond a binary framework.
Planned Parenthood of the Heartland – $20,000
Planned Parenthood of the Heartland advances and protects sexual and reproductive health care for all.
Support expands LGBTQIA2S+ community education and engagement programming in Omaha, including youth and adult education, peer-led learning, and outreach at community events. The program is expected to reach more than 500 individuals directly through education and another 2,000 through events, with outcomes focused on reducing health stigma, increasing access to care, and improving health outcomes.
BFF Omaha – $16,790
BFF Omaha builds community through arts engagement, with a strong focus on inclusion and artist development.
Funding supports First Friday Pride 2026, a district-wide arts event in the Benson Creative District featuring exhibitions, performances, and public art by LGBTQIA2S+ artists. The project creates paid opportunities for artists, increases visibility of LGBTQIA2S+ voices, and provides safe, affirming spaces for community connection.
No More Empty Pots – $2,605
No More Empty Pots works to create equitable, resilient food systems that support community well-being.
Support funds a series of alcohol-free, food-centered LGBTQIA2S+ events and workshops, including a culinary competition and community gatherings. These programs create inclusive spaces for connection, particularly for Black and other people of color, while building knowledge and skills related to food systems, nutrition, and community health.
Nebraska AIDS Project – $10,000
Nebraska AIDS Project promotes sexual health and supports individuals impacted by HIV and AIDS.
Funding expands testing capacity, including increased testing hours, new rapid HIV/syphilis testing, and outreach through a targeted awareness campaign. The project aims to significantly increase testing access and strengthen early detection and prevention efforts.
Women’s Center for Advancement – $5,000
The Women’s Center for Advancement supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
Funding expands outreach to LGBTQIA2S+ survivors through targeted marketing, community engagement at events, and educational programming. The project focuses on increasing awareness of services, reducing barriers to access, and improving safety, housing stability, and long-term outcomes for survivors.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands – $10,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands creates one-to-one mentoring relationships that support youth development.
Support strengthens LGBTQIA2S+-affirming mentoring efforts, with goals including establishing at least 46 mentoring matches, improving youth well-being and engagement, and maintaining strong match retention. The program reaches hundreds of youth, caregivers, and mentors through inclusive support and community-building activities.
United in Pride – $5,000
United in Pride works to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community in the Heartland.
Funding supports Youth Pride, an event serving more than 1,000 young people annually, as well as scholarship initiatives that reduce barriers to education and leadership opportunities. The project ensures continued free access to programming despite rising event costs.
Legal Aid of Nebraska – $7,077
Legal Aid of Nebraska provides civil legal services to individuals who cannot otherwise access legal support.
Support funds the LGBTQIA2S+ Name Change Clinic, which helps individuals navigate the legal process of aligning identity documents with their lived identity. This work improves access to housing, health care, and safety.
The Wellbeing Partners – $7,205
The Wellbeing Partners builds community well-being through advocacy, education, and collaboration.
Funding launches the Connect and Thrive pilot program, which trains community members in Mental Health First Aid and expands access to culturally relevant mental health support. The project focuses on reducing stigma, increasing access to care, and strengthening community-based support systems.
River City Mixed Chorus – $20,000
River City Mixed Chorus creates musical experiences that support diversity and inspire change.
Support funds a performance of Tyler’s Suite, a choral work exploring LGBTQIA2S+ history and the impacts of discrimination. The project creates space for reflection, education, and community connection through the arts.
Winnebago Two-Spirit Corps – $9,400
Winnebago Two-Spirit Corps supports Two-Spirit individuals through cultural education, advocacy, and community-building.
Funding supports Pride-related programming, including cultural events, storytelling, community education on gender-affirming care, and regional outreach. The project increases visibility, strengthens cultural connections, and expands access to affirming resources.
ACLU Nebraska Foundation – $20,000
ACLU Nebraska works to defend and expand civil rights and liberties.
Support strengthens local Trans Justice efforts, including public education, legal support, and leadership development. The project focuses on protecting transgender youth and families while increasing access to accurate information and community resources.
Visiting Nurse Health Services – $25,923
Visiting Nurse Health Services delivers community-centered public health care.
Funding supports a pilot initiative providing on-site public health nursing services in partnership with Omaha ForUs. The program increases access to preventive care, health navigation, and culturally responsive services for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals.
Omaha ForUs – $20,000
Omaha ForUs builds intentional community and provides equitable space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.
Support funds a Health Navigator and Case Manager program that connects individuals to affirming care, benefits, and services. The program is designed to reduce barriers, improve coordination, and ensure access to trusted, inclusive systems of care.
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Community Interest Funds connect and support on-the-ground organizations and provide technical assistance and training where needed. It’s a macro approach to addressing local priorities, practicing and growing active citizenship, and building community.
The next grant cycle for will open on January 1, 2027.