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Jack Lewis Safety Fund
The Jack Lewis Safety Fund was established in 2018 to memorialize the volunteer spirit of heartland citizens as exemplified by the life of Jack K. Lewis, M.D. (1934-2016).
During his life, Jack Lewis managed to accomplish several lifetimes of professional and volunteer work. After graduating from Stanford University, where he was backup quarterback to future NFL great John Brodie, he studied medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He joined his father’s medical practice and also served UNMC as an associate professor of internal medicine. Jack was an enthusiastic booster of his alma mater, Omaha Central High School, and served as its sports doctor for more than 50 years.
Later in life, Jack’s passion was the Omaha Police Foundation. He served as board president from 2007 until his passing. That organization matured during his time at the helm and marked its most significant achievements during the last five years of his life. It is Jack’s love of those who protect us as first responders that was inspiration for the Jack K. Lewis, M.D. Safety Fund.
This grant program supports upgrades to police, fire, or EMT services in second class Nebraska and Iowa cities and villages. Second class is defined as having 5,000 or fewer residents.
Application Details
Grants can be requested for equipment or facilities, personal protection gear, or training for first responders. The maximum grant that will be considered is $50,000. Priority will be given to requests for funds that will be added to previously committed dollars raised in the local community.
The deadline for submissions is September 15. Awards will be announced by November.
Applications should be submitted to Cindy Vaccaro at cindy@swscottfdn.org.
Eligibility Requirements
Municipalities, public, tax-exempt organizations as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or those working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent who can receive funds on their behalf
Located in Nebraska second-class cities and villages, defined as those with 5,000 or fewer residents. Comparable towns in the three Iowa counties in the Omaha SMSA, Harrison, Mills, and Pottawattamie are also eligible.
Applicants from previous years may apply.
Applicants’ policies and practices must be in alignment with the following non-discrimination clause: The applicant organization does not discriminate in hiring practices or service provision to clients and/or customers based on race, ethnicity, religious preference, age, [mental, emotional, or physical] ability/disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, or gender.