Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Weitz Family Foundation (WFF)
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
The Weitz Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Omaha, Nebraska, founded in 2000 by Barbara and Wally Weitz. For over 20 years, the foundation has distributed nearly $200 million to community organizations in the Omaha metro area. It offers two annual grant programs: Beloved Community (up to $20,000) for new or smaller nonprofits, and Capacity Building (starting at $21,000) for established grantees. Funding priorities include Arts, Education, Health, Human Services, and Public/Societal Benefit sectors with a focus on racial equity and systemic change. View Weitz Family Foundation (WFF)'s website for more information.
About Weitz Family Foundation (WFF)
What is the mission of Weitz Family Foundation (WFF)?
The Weitz Family Foundation works to create a just and kind society by partnering with community-based organizations in Omaha that are addressing systemic inequities. The foundation believes in trusting those most proximal to the issues to help drive decision-making, and provides funding, technical assistance, and leadership development to support transformative change.
What type of organization is Weitz Family Foundation (WFF)?
Weitz Family Foundation (WFF) is a Foundation.
When was Weitz Family Foundation (WFF) founded?
Weitz Family Foundation (WFF) was founded in 2000.
What is Weitz Family Foundation (WFF)'s official website?
Weitz Family Foundation (WFF)'s official website is https://weitzfamilyfoundation.org/.
What else should I know about Weitz Family Foundation (WFF)?
Role of Weitz Family Foundation in the Funding Ecosystem
The Weitz Family Foundation serves as a primary philanthropic funder in the Omaha metropolitan area, focusing on community-based organizations working toward equitable and just outcomes. Founded in 2000, the foundation has distributed nearly $200 million over its first 20 years to area organizations, making it one of the region's significant private funders.
Grant Programs Offered
The foundation operates two distinct grant programs:
- Beloved Community: Funding requests up to $20,000, focused on relief, recovery, and reimagining life in Omaha. This is the entry point for first-time applicants and smaller organizations.
- Capacity Building: Funding requests starting at $21,000, designed to support organizations seeking to facilitate success at a higher impact level. Requires an established grantee relationship.
The foundation also considers multi-year requests for eligible organizations that have received grants for 5 or more years and meet specific criteria around advocacy, community organizing, or direct services.
Funding Priorities and Focus Areas
The foundation funds organizations across five key categories:
- Arts and cultural organizations
- Education and youth development
- Health and mental health services
- Human services and community support
- Public and societal benefit initiatives
A critical eligibility requirement is addressing racial equity, with the foundation prioritizing systemic change that transforms the community into an equitable place to live.
Application Process and Timeline
The annual grant cycle follows this timeline:
- Applications open in July (typically mid-July)
- Virtual information sessions held throughout July and August
- Application deadline at the end of August
- Review period in September-October
- Board meeting in November for funding decisions
- All applicants notified by mid-December
- Grant agreements sent and payments scheduled for the following year
Eligibility Requirements
Organizations must be 501(c)(3) designated, work in the Omaha metro area, and address racial equity in their programming. The foundation does not fund religious organizations, sports programs, animal organizations, or environmental groups. Funding is disbursed as general operating support.