Grow Omaha
Non-Profit News

More than 20 dogs are completing a journey from Omaha to the West Coast this week as a part of Operation Frodo, an annual volunteer effort to transport rescue dogs to volunteer families in time for Christmas. The operation was started by Nik Miles, founder and president of Animal Rescue Rigs, after he traveled to Omaha to adopt from Basset and Beagle Rescue. This is Operation Frodo’s fifth year, with the total number of dogs rescued through the program hitting 85.

Goodwill Omaha has launched Good Threads, a boutique, which aims to support individuals and families facing economic hardship by providing essential clothing and household items, free of charge. Individuals in need are referred through Goodwill’s trusted Community Partners, then are able to set up an appointment to browse the boutique.

Habib Rahmani purchased one of the last available homes in phase one of Habitat for Humanity Omaha’s new Bluestem Prairie development this week. Rahmani served alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan, and fled to Omaha after the Taliban regained power in 2021. Now, he will live in the home with his wife and six children.

On Tuesday, local leaders and nonprofit organizations like Heartland Workers Center gathered in Omaha from across the state to rally support for and donations to the Lexington Community Relief Fund. The fund will provide assistance for many individuals and organizations impacted by the recent Tyson plant closure in Lexington. More than 3,200 employees of the plant will lose their jobs on January 20.

Reach Out and Read Midwest, a nonprofit based in Omaha, has named the Lozier Foundation to its 2025 National Honor Roll, a national recognition celebrating exceptional partners whose leadership strengthens early literacy, caregiver–child connection and equitable pediatric care.

The Omaha Community Foundation awarded $467,918 in Fund for Omaha grants to 24 local nonprofits focused on broadening essential services, fostering economic stability and enhancing overall well-being. The demand for flexible grant funding remains high. This year, the Foundation received more than $2.9 million in requests across 136 applications. These grants address community priorities such as economic opportunity, maternal health and birth outcomes, housing and neighborhoods and mental and behavioral health. Applicants can request up to $25,000 for general operating support.

Since its inception 36 years ago, the Fund for Omaha has granted more than $10 million to local nonprofits, making it the largest grant program funded by the Foundation in partnership with local philanthropists.

Habitat for Humanity Omaha recently completed phase one of Bluestem Prairie, the largest development in the organization’s 40-year history. Located near 51st & Sorensen Parkway, the project invested $29 million into more than 80 homes. Phase two of the project will include 64 more homes.

The North Omaha Visitor Center, a nonprofit whose mission is to celebrate North Omaha’s history, culture and economic growth, officially opened its location at the intersection of 24th & Burdette Streets last Friday. The space features a coffee shop, gift shop and presentation gallery. It will host events as well as provide tours of North Omaha.

Autism Action Partnership this week announced its newest COMPASS Partner, Tiny Trims. The organization is AAP’s first small business to become a COMPASS Partner. This designation is awarded to organizations that embrace the idea of inclusion so that individuals with autism and their families feel a sense of belonging and can thrive in all the places they live, work, learn and play.

Tiny Trims, owned by Claudia Delgado Aguero, is designed to accommodate the sensory needs of individuals, particularly children, who may experience discomfort or anxiety during a haircut. Tiny Trims is located inside Sensory Suite Spot at 14216 Pierce Plaza in Omaha.

Giving Tuesday results are in! This year’s #GivingTuesday402 campaign raised more than $5 million for local nonprofits, fueling vital programs and services for over 500 nonprofits across the metro. More than 1,300 donations were made by donors who gave to a new-to-them nonprofit for the first time. Since the launch of SHARE Omaha’s community-wide Giving Tuesday effort in 2019, the cumulative total of donations has reached $27.6 million.

Lauritzen Gardens is hosting a free admission day this Friday, December 5. Visitors will be able to explore the Merry & Bright holiday show, the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory and the winter gardens.

Completely KIDS is hosting a Holiday Gift Drive until December 8. The nonprofit organization provides programming and services for 2,900 children, the majority of whom live in poverty. Donors can sign up to sponsor one or more children and receive a wish list from them, in order to provide personal and meaningful gifts.

The Arthritis Foundation Nebraska Chapter is hosting the Jingle Bell Run at Papillion Landing on Saturday. Similar runs are being held by the Arthritis Foundation throughout the country this winter. Funds raised will support arthritis treatment and cure research.