Grow Omaha
Non-Profit News

The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands released the 2025 Economic Impact of Nonprofits in Nebraska report this month. Notably, Nebraska’s nonprofit sector rivals private industries in economic scale as it employs roughly one in 10 workers statewide and generates $23.1 billion in revenue throughout local economies. The report offers the most comprehensive look yet at the expansive scale, scope and community value of Nebraska’s nonprofit sector. It was prepared by the University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research and sponsored by NAM and FNIC.

Omaha has officially joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, a national network of cities working to make their communities more livable for people of all ages. Age Friendly Omaha is asking for responses from residents over 45 years old for a city-wide survey which will inform Omaha’s first-ever, 5-year Age-Friendly Action Plan.

Community Alliance, an Omaha nonprofit which helps individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, has received a three-year CARF International accreditation — the highest level possible — by an independent, nonprofit health and human services accreditor. To achieve the accreditation by CARF International, Community Alliance went through a rigorous peer-review process, demonstrating to a team of five surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable and of the highest quality.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands is kicking off its signature fundraising event of the year, Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Community members are invited to gather a team of five-to-six friends, family members or coworkers, register their team and work together toward a shared fundraising goal. Teams will then celebrate their impact at Spare Time Omaha with free bowling, pizza and drinks. Bowling sessions run April 21–24. This year’s theme is “Prom Night,” encouraging supporters to dress up in anything from formal wear to fun, creative outfits. Proceeds directly support BBBS’s youth mentoring programs.

Child Saving Institute’s largest annual fundraiser, Cabaret, returns on Friday, April 10 at 6 p.m. at the CHI Health Center. Guests enjoy fine dining, cocktails, a silent auction, raffle opportunities and entertainment from comedian Dustin Nickerson, all while supporting the 3,500 children and families CSI serves annually.

The Omaha-based Salvation Army Western Division announced this week that it is now raising funds to support those impacted by the Nebraska wildfires. They will be focusing first on feeding firefighters on the front lines, then moving to provide assistance to families whose lives and property have been affected by the fires.

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha will honor Diane Duren as Power Woman of the Year at its 19th annual Women’s Power Luncheon Friday, March 27, at the downtown Hilton. Duren retired from Union Pacific Corporation in 2017 after serving as executive vice president and has been a cornerstone of Habitat Omaha’s long-term viability and mission advancement. Racquel Henderson, community liaison for North Omaha for Mayor John Ewing’s Office, has been named the Power Partner. Steve and Amy Lindsay, longtime supporters of Habitat Omaha, will serve as the event’s honorary chairs.

The Women’s Power Luncheon helps fund the Women Build Program, which empowers women volunteers to build Habitat Omaha homes. This year, these volunteers will work on multiple houses in the Bluestem Prairie development near 52nd and Sorensen Parkway.

The Sports For Kids Foundation will host its 35th annual Benefit Auction & Dinner on Saturday, March 14 at the DC Centre. The event will feature over 200 items, including world-class sports memorabilia, entertainment collectibles, vacation packages and more. Proceeds from the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser go toward year-round support of children with disabilities and their families, with a focus on those who have limited financial resources.

This year’s auction features autographed jerseys from Caitlin Clark, Steph Curry and Cristiano Ronaldo; helmets from Patrick Mahomes and Christian McCaffrey; and a signed item from musician Taylor Swift.

Nebraska Humane Society is hosting a Low-Cost Vaccination Clinic for cats and dogs this Saturday from 12 noon to 5 p.m. In addition to vaccination services, the clinic will also offer licensing and microchipping.

Girls Inc. of Omaha is hosting Stand Up For Girls 2026 today, March 12, at the Holland Center. The event aims to highlight what is possible when a community invests in its girls. This year’s event will feature programming which celebrates the stories and experiences of Girls, Inc. Artist and Comedian Jessi Realz will headline the event. Handcrafted art and jewelry will be available for purchase, with proceeds going toward programming for Girls, Inc. in Omaha.

Yates Illuminates is hosting a Rain Barrel Giveaway event on March 14. The free workshop, presented by Keep Omaha Beautiful, Omaha Stormwater Program and Yates Illuminates, will provide a free rain barrel, parts and supplies for setting it up, and hands-on instruction.

$2,853,337 in federal grant funds awarded to Omaha’s Threshold Continuum of Care from HUD through the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) are now being dispersed to four projects with the goal of addressing and preventing youth homelessness in the Omaha metro area:

• Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc. – Supportive Services Coaching
• Institute for Community Alliances – HMIS & Data Management
• Together – Rapid Rehousing
• Youth Emergency Services – Joint Transitional Rapid Rehousing
• Threshold CoC – YHDP Planning

Project Intentional, an Omaha nonprofit, which provides resources for women and families, has partnered with local business Storm Bath & Beauty to create a custom, cream-based, scent-free deodorant made with just five clean ingredients and packaged in reusable tins. The product is intentionally fragrance-free and housed in recyclable, reusable packaging to reduce waste and stay aligned with Project Intentional’s sustainability values. The deodorant will officially launch on April 26 during Storm Bath & Beauty’s one-year anniversary celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 14455 W. Center Road. The open-house event will be free to the public.

Hillside Fund, the nonprofit arm of Hillside Solutions, is launching a curbside compost pickup program in April, serving City Council District Three to start and moving into additional neighborhoods based on demand. Interested parties can sign up for the waitlist now. The service will cost $35 a month, but the organization will offer sponsorships for families who may not otherwise be able to participate.

More than 300 families visited Oak View Mall last Sunday for the 22nd Annual Walk and Roll For Disabilities event, which raised $40,000 for the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute.