Omaha, Neb. – The Nebraska Blue Foundation has donated $25,000 to Food Bank for the Heartland to help the nonprofit continue to keep Nebraska families fed as demands for food increase. In addition, the foundation has invested $300,000 in grant funds to 20 Nebraska nonprofits, including Communities for Kids Lincoln County.
The foundation, which serves as the philanthropic arm of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE), opened applications for its second grant cycle of the year in July. Nonprofits throughout the state were invited to submit letters of intent to highlight how their work supports economic vitality and/or the development of “third places,” which are social settings separate from home and work that build communities.
“The Nebraska Blue Foundation is proud to have supported so many incredible organizations through this inaugural year of grantmaking,” said Jay Warren-Teamer, executive director of the foundation and community and strategic engagement leader at BCBSNE. “The grantees all prioritize the health and well-being of Nebraskans, and we are excited to see the impact this funding will create.”
Recipients supporting economic vitality include: African Immigrant Family Services; Communities for Kids Lincoln County; Avenue Scholars; CareerLadder; Community Hospital Association; Dignity in Healing Collective; Heart Ministry Center; Nebraska Enterprise Fund; Northeast Community College Foundation; United Way of the Kearney Area; and Willow Rising.
“The Heart Ministry Center provides food, health care and a way forward for people severely affected by poverty in the Omaha area. The Nebraska Blue Foundation’s generous support of our Fresh Start program directly strengthens that mission,” said Rick Berger, chief development officer at Heart Ministry Center. “Fresh Start is a personalized job training program that combines career coaching, life skills classes and hands-on workforce training to help participants secure lasting employment and stability. Together, we’re helping community members achieve self-sufficiency.”
Grant recipients supporting the development of third places include: Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agriculture Learning; Forward Wayne – Majestic Theatre; 23 Tails, Inc.; Alliance Rec Center; Citizens for a Greater Ord, Nebraska Inc. – Bound for a New Playground; Conservation Nebraska; No More Empty Pots; One Omaha; Spark; Susan LaFlesche Picotte Center; and YMCA of McCook.
Wayne’s Majestic Theatre was saved in 2010 after residents took ownership and turned it into a nonprofit community hub. Now, they look to make going to the movies more accessible.
“We are truly grateful to the Nebraska Blue Foundation for this generous grant, which will allow us to install a telecoil hearing loop system in our theatre,” said Angela Nuss, coordinator at the Wayne Majestic Theatre. “This technology will make movies more accessible and enjoyable for our patrons with hearing loss. By improving accessibility, we hope to ensure that everyone in our community can share in the experience, connection and joy that comes from going to the movies.”
This round of funding completes the Nebraska Blue Foundation’s inaugural year of grant cycles. Letters of intent for the first grant cycle of 2026 will open at the beginning of the year. This next round of grants will focus on preventive care and serving seniors, mirroring the efforts of the inaugural grant cycle of 2025.
To learn more about the grantees and the work of the foundation, visit NebraskaBlue.com/Foundation.
