Name of Foundation: Sherwood Foundation
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Contact Info: http://www.sherwoodfoundation.org, [email protected]
Phone: (402) 341-1717
Coverage Area: Nebraska
Subject Areas: Urban community partnerships, Omaha public schools, rural community partnerships and early childhood education
Assets: $139.6 million (2012)
Last Year Total Giving: $60.8 million (2012)
In a nutshell: Founded by Warren Buffet’s daughter, Susie, in 1999, the Sherwood Foundation is dedicated to investing in organizations that are making a difference in communities in Nebraska. It provides grant funding to tax-exempt, nonprofit government entities, schools or churches located in Nebraska.
The mission of the Sherwood Foundation is to promote equity through social justice initiatives enhancing the quality of life in Nebraska. The vision of the Sherwood Foundation includes a strong focus on social justice as well as the “proactive reinforcement of policies, practices, attitudes, and actions” that are centered on creating increased equitable outcomes and impacts.
Major Programs: The Sherwood Foundation limits grants to eligible organizations in four category areas:
- Urban community partnerships
- Omaha public schools
- Rural community partnerships
- Early childhood education
Application Process: The Sherwood Foundation only accepts online applications. Applicants will be notified by email about the status of their application within 90 days of the deadline. The Sherwood Foundation funds operating grants, program grants and capital grants. Each type of grant has a slightly different timeline.
Operating grants can provide flexible funding to nonprofits for day-to-day budgetary concerns, allowing organizations to focus on strategic solutions and develop greater organizational infrastructure. The online application for operating grants from the Sherwood Foundation is open every year starting on January 1, with a deadline of February 15. Multi-year operating grants will not be funded.
Funding for program or project grants through the Sherwood Foundation must include organizational information, how your organization’s participation in community change initiatives relates to its mission, financial information, a detailed explanation of the program or project and evaluation information, including measurable goals and an evaluation plan. The application for a program grant will be available at the Sherwood Foundation’s site from January 1 through August 15 and is due August 15.
Capital grants should be geared toward providing funding for construction, renovation or the purchase or improvement of a property or equipment. The application for a capital campaign request will be available on the Sherwood Foundation site starting on July 1, with a deadline of August 15.
According to Jerry Bexten, director of Education Initiatives for the Sherwood Foundation, recent grants include many aimed at youth who are at risk of dropping out of school. For example, the D2 (Directions and Diploma) Center is a center for youth between the ages of 16 and 20 who can access personalized educational assistance, resources and guidance.
