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Refugee Community Grant Fund
Translations: Arabic, French, Karen, Kiswahili, Nepali, and Somali.
The Refugee Community Grant Fund supports initiatives and organizations that benefit this community in Omaha. The Omaha Community Foundation is in partnership with an advisory board to aid in funding decisions. However, this committee will transition to being led by individuals who identify as current or former refugees in the coming months. In addition, the committee representatives will have a deep understanding of what investments will be most impactful in addressing the needs of their community.
→ Anyone can donate to our five Community Interest Funds, which includes the Refugee Community Grant Fund.
Funding Priorities
- Family stabilization and youth support services/programs
- Education and culture
- Physical and mental health
- Belonging and inclusion
Applications that demonstrate collaboration among multiple organizations are encouraged. Refugee representation (among clients served, management, staff, and board members) is considered during the decision-making process.
Application Details
Up to $165,000 in grant funding will be awarded during the annual grant cycle. Funding requests may not exceed $25,000. The average grant award is between $5,000 to $15,000.
The application period is open annually from January 1 – March 1 (11:59 PM). Applications must be submitted via the online grant portal.
Awards are announced via email in May. Projects must be completed in the year awarded.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be public, tax-exempt organizations as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, OR working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent who can receive funds on your behalf.
- We fund innovative programs, initiatives, services, or other ideas within the above-stated focus areas that serve refugee communities in Douglas and Sarpy Counties.
- Previous grant recipients may apply again if their final report was submitted to the Omaha Community Foundation.
- Applicants’ policies and practices must be in alignment with the following non-discrimination clause: Applicant organizations may not lawfully or unlawfully discriminate in its hiring practices or service provision to clients and/or customers based on race, ethnicity, religious preference, age, [mental, emotional, or physical] disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, or gender.
- Additionally, organizations must submit their anti-discrimination policy at time of application.
2024 Refugee Community Grant Committee Members
Applications for new members to join are open annually March 1 – April 1. Learn more.
- Osuman Issaka, Chair
- Elveldina Becirovic
- Khenda Mustafa
- Bakheit Shata