Grow Omaha
Non-Profit News

Omaha 100, a nonprofit which aims to generate positive economic growth and long-term generational wealth by offering loans, has built four new homes in north Omaha and is selling them to people who qualify for assistance. The project was made possible through partnerships with the City of Omaha Planning Department, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, philanthropic supporters and Omaha 100’s Board of Directors. Funding was provided in part through the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Fund, created by Nebraska lawmakers in 2020, to expand attainable housing across the state.

The University of Nebraska Omaha’s Maverick Food Pantry, which provides food and other basic items for students and staff from UNO, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the College of St. Mary, has seen a 55 percent increase in student visits from the first week of November 2024 to the first week of November 2025, according to pantry officials.

The Tangier Shriners are hosting their annual “Feztival of Trees” fundraiser at the Shiners Temple near 84th and Center Streets from November 22-29. At the event, local businesses, organizations and individuals transform beautifully decorated trees into breathtaking works of art. Guests can purchase raffle tickets and enter for a chance to win their favorite tree.

The City of Omaha’s Holiday Lights Festival Lighting Ceremony is taking place at 6 p.m. on November 29 at Gene Leahy Mall. The event is paired with the Shine the Light on Hunger campaign, with this year’s focus being on food insecurity and proceeds benefitting the Food Bank for the Heartland.

Omaha metro area donors can now make Giving Tuesday contributions at ShareOmaha.org and support hundreds of local nonprofits while helping address pressing community needs. As an extra incentive this year, SHARE Omaha will award daily $500 nonprofit prize donations from now through December 1.

As part of the annual Light the World initiative, Westroads Mall visitors will be able to purchase food, clothing, baby supplies, medicine or chickens for someone in need in our community or around the world. The twist? It’s all done at a vending machine. With a simple card swipe, individuals can purchase items for people in need at the Giving Machine Omaha from November 25 to December 9. The Light the World Giving Machine is a global initiative that began in 2017. Since then, more than $44 million has been contributed to assist millions in need. The local nonprofits that will participate in this year’s Giving Machine Omaha include:​

• Catholic Charities of Omaha
• CUES School System (Omaha)
• HETRA (Gretna)
• New Visions Homeless Services (Omaha and Council Bluffs)
• Trivium Life Services (Council Bluffs)

Winterland at Heartwood Preserve, which offers free outdoor ice skating and skate rentals, is partnering with Release’s Care Closet, which provides services and support to foster families and others in need. The nonprofit, which serves more than 2,000 Care Closet visitors per year, is in urgent need of winter weather clothing items for children. Heartwood Preserve is inviting Winterland visitors to give back by donating new or gently used items, through February 1.

Food Bank for the Heartland is hosting its 19th annual Shine the Light on Hunger Campaign. Thanks to sponsors Conagra Brands Foundation, Farm Credit Services of America, Baker’s and WoodmenLife, every gift made by December 31, will be matched up to $200,000. The Food Bank’s goal is to raise enough for 6 million meals this holiday season.

United Way of the Midlands, Omaha Mayor John Ewing and other community partners announced late last week that they had raised more than $100,000 to support families facing uncertainty around SNAP benefits. Funds raised are now being distributed to four trusted partners: Heartland Hope Mission; Heart Ministry Center; Whispering Roots; and Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue

CenterPointe’s Campus for Hope will start offering Intensive Outpatient Programming in Omaha on December 1st. IOP helps individuals recovering from alcohol or drug addiction with evidence-based, individualized care. The organization will host three group sessions each week, covering addiction education, coping skills, sober supports and more. Weekly one-on-one therapy is also included.

Warren Buffett made another sizable donation this week to four family foundations: The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, The Sherwood Foundation, The Howard G. Buffett Foundation and NoVo Foundation. The donations were made from 2.7 million B shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock, which amounts to about $1.3 billion.

Omaha Children’s Museum announced last week that it is pausing the capital campaign that would have funded a new building at 8th & Douglas Street. The museum will remain at its current location at 500 South 20th Street. Board president Dana Washington said the museum would revisit expansion plans “when the time is right.” The museum announced in October 2024 that it would build a 4-story, state-of-the-art facility on the north side of Heartland of America Park designed by internationally renowned architecture firm Snøhetta. It was scheduled to open in 2027.

The Omaha Lancers are teaming up with Outlook Enrichment on Sunday, November 16, to host an ice skating event for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, along with their sighted friends and family. Adults, teens and youth of all skill levels are invited to lace up their skates and take to the ice for an inclusive and memorable experience.

Did you know Omaha’s Sister Cities across the world are managed by the nonprofit Omaha Sister Cities Association? This year, the organization made an agreement with Jamestown, Accra, Ghana to become Omaha’s ninth sister city. This month, the Omaha Sister Cities Association is raising funds to support local student outreach activities.