Cooper Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Cooper Foundation supports education, human services, arts, humanities, environment and community improvement in Nebraska.
FUNDING AREAS: Education, human services, arts, humanities, environment, community improvement
IP TAKE: This is an essential and accessible foundation to know for Nebraska organizations because of the wide variety of topics supported in a small geographic area. First-time applicants have a good opportunity here.
PROFILE: Established in 1934, the Cooper Foundation is a private foundation based in Lincoln, Nebraska. This is the foundation of Joseph Cooper, who emigrated from Russia and developed a chain of theaters in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Colorado. He donated proceeds from his movie theater interests to the foundation until his death in 1946. The foundation aims to "support strong, sustainable organizations, innovative ideas and ventures of significant promise.” It funds local efforts for education, human services, arts, humanities, environment and community improvement.
The Cooper Foundation supports nonprofits, government units, public universities and K-12 schools. It provides program and general operating support and also considers requests for technology, advocacy, capacity building and staff positions. There are four competitive grant cycles per year. The funder rarely makes multi-year commitments, as most grants are for one-year terms. Overall, this foundation funds a wide variety of local causes in a small geographic area.
Grants range between about $2,000 and $50,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving on the grants awarded page of the funder’s website. Grantmaking focuses on Lincoln and Lancaster County in Nebraska. Past local grantees include the Lincoln Orchestra Association, Lauritzen Gardens and CEDARS Youth Services.
This foundation accepts grant applications from nonprofits but first requests that nonprofits contact the staff to discuss the idea. There is a two-step application process that involves both a letter of inquiry and a full application within the funder’s online system, and the foundation makes grant decisions quarterly. LOI deadlines are January 15, July 1, April 1 and October 1. Direct general questions to the staff at info@cooperfoundation.org or 402-476-7571.
PEOPLE:
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