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Mutual of Omaha Foundation

Annual Giving
$5.6M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.5M
Decision Time
3mo

Mutual of Omaha Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $5.6 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Several months (board meets twice per year)
  • Grant Range: Varies by program, impact, and need (average grant ~$45,670)
  • Geographic Focus: Douglas County (NE), Sarpy County (NE), and Pottawattamie County (IA)
  • Application Method: Invitation only

Contact Details

Website: https://www.mutualofomahafoundation.org

Email: community.affairs@mutualofomaha.com

Phone: Not publicly listed

Location: Omaha, NE

EIN: 20-2176636

Overview

Established in 2005, the Mutual of Omaha Foundation continues the insurance company's longstanding tradition of supporting the Omaha metropolitan area. With assets exceeding $106 million, the Foundation operates as a corporate foundation focused on breaking the cycle of poverty and investing in major capital projects that strengthen the community. Since its founding, the Foundation has invested more than $75 million through nearly 2,000 grants. In 2023, the Foundation distributed more than $5.5 million to over 120 nonprofit organizations. The Foundation emphasizes strategic partnerships that are collaborative, solutions-based, and drive change. Led by President Gail A. Graeve, who serves as Vice President of Social Impact at Mutual of Omaha, the Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen the community, create equity, and improve quality of life for the most vulnerable neighbors.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation operates through invitation-only channels with two application periods per year:

  • Application Windows: December 15 – February 1 and June 15 – August 1
  • Grant Type: Both program grants and capital campaign grants
  • Average Grant Size: Approximately $45,670
  • Capital Grants: By invitation only; recent capital investments totaling $2 million

Priority Areas

The Foundation focuses funding on three main areas:

1. Basic Needs

  • Affordable housing
  • Community health
  • Food security
  • Emergency shelter
  • Homelessness prevention

2. Adult Self-Sufficiency

  • Domestic violence services
  • Financial education
  • Literacy and language programs
  • Parenting classes
  • Workforce development

3. At-Risk Youth

  • Abuse and neglect prevention
  • College and career preparation
  • Mentoring programs
  • Out-of-school programs
  • Teen parenting support

Recent Grant Examples (2024):

  • Disaster relief grants totaling $150,000 for organizations responding to April 26th tornadoes (American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Christian Outreach Program Elkhorn, Community Foundation for Western Iowa)

Capital Campaign Examples (2023):

  • $2 million invested in capital campaigns for Youth Emergency Services, The Salvation Army, Immigrant Legal Center, Omaha Performing Arts, and Habitat for Humanity
  • Historical capital support for major projects including Baxter Arena, Holland Performing Arts Center, T.D. Ameritrade Park, Henry Doorly Zoo, Buffett Cancer Center, Do Space, Lauritzen Gardens, Children's Hospital, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus

What They Don't Fund

  • Projects of religious denominations or sects (except eligible educational, health, or human service-related projects)
  • Support of individuals including education, research, travel, sports sponsorships, or product development
  • Organizations outside Douglas (NE), Sarpy (NE), and Pottawattamie (IA) counties
  • Organizations without outcomes measures in place

Governance and Leadership

President & Executive Director: Gail A. Graeve

  • Title: Vice President of Social Impact, Mutual of Omaha
  • Background: Thirty years of experience in community relations, marketing, communications, and government affairs
  • Previous roles at Cox Communications, Oriental Trading Company, and Girls Incorporated of Omaha

Quote from Gail Graeve: "The private sector can only be as strong as the surrounding community. It's good business to engage in philanthropy and invest in the people and programs that make all of us stronger, wiser, healthier and engaged."

Board Structure: The Foundation is guided by a corporate board of directors, all of whom serve without compensation. The board is committed to supporting values of integrity, compassion, and transparency.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

IMPORTANT: This foundation operates on an invitation-only basis. Organizations cannot submit unsolicited applications. Instead, the Foundation identifies and invites organizations to apply for grants.

To Express Interest: Organizations interested in connecting with the Foundation can email community.affairs@mutualofomaha.com to introduce themselves and request a conversation with a team member.

Application System: Once invited, applicants use the BlackBaud Grantmaking© software for online applications. Organizations should create only ONE account (shared email address and password) to be used by all staff members.

Application Windows: Invitations to apply are issued during two periods annually:

  • December 15 – February 1
  • June 15 – August 1

Decision Timeline

  • Review Process: Staff review all applications, and qualified applications are presented to the board for final approval or declination
  • Board Meetings: The board meets twice per year, aligning with the application periods
  • Timeline: The process can take several months from submission to decision
  • Notification: The Foundation communicates the outcome of the grant review within seven days following a board decision

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. In 2024, the Foundation supported 130 organizations with $5.6 million in paid grants. In 2023, more than $5.5 million was distributed to over 120 nonprofit organizations.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly disclosed. Organizations should contact community.affairs@mutualofomaha.com for guidance.

Application Success Factors

The Mutual of Omaha Foundation has clearly articulated what they look for in potential grantees:

1. Outcomes Measurement is Critical Priority is given to organizations with outcomes measures in place that can adequately show the impact of their programs. The Foundation specifically asks for program-specific, direct service-related information demonstrating client impact. Organizations must show how they are creating change within the Foundation's priority areas.

2. Collaboration is Expected, Not Optional The Foundation's consideration is influenced by collaboration. They explicitly state that "no organization or foundation alone can solve the issue of poverty" and expect applicants to demonstrate an understanding of other organizations working on the same issues and articulate how they work together. The Foundation supports "strategic partnerships that are collaborative, solutions-based and drive change."

3. Direct Service Focus The Foundation limits grants to 501(c)3 organizations that provide direct client service in the tri-county area. Organizations must demonstrate they are providing direct service within the Foundation's priority areas (basic needs, adult self-sufficiency, or at-risk youth).

4. Geographic Alignment Only organizations serving Douglas (NE), Sarpy (NE), and/or Pottawattamie (IA) counties are eligible. The Foundation emphasizes this geographic restriction consistently.

5. Understand Their Funding Philosophy Before seeking invitation to apply, organizations should thoroughly read and understand the Foundation's funding priorities, exclusions, outcomes philosophy, and application process. This preparation demonstrates respect for the Foundation's strategic approach.

6. Capital Projects Require Special Consideration Capital applications are by invitation only and represent a significant portion of the Foundation's grantmaking (e.g., $2 million in capital grants in 2023). Major capital projects supported have included community infrastructure like performing arts centers, sports facilities, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation-only model: You cannot apply without being invited; focus on building visibility and relationships with the Foundation by reaching out to community.affairs@mutualofomaha.com to introduce your organization
  • Outcomes are non-negotiable: Have robust measurement systems in place before seeking funding; the Foundation prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate impact with data
  • Collaboration wins: Be prepared to articulate who else is working on your issue and how you coordinate efforts; siloed approaches will not be competitive
  • Direct service is the priority: The Foundation funds organizations providing direct client services, not intermediaries or research projects
  • Geographic focus is strict: If you serve areas outside Douglas, Sarpy, or Pottawattamie counties, this is not the right funder for you
  • Two-tier approach: The Foundation makes both program grants (average ~$45,670) and significant capital campaign investments ($2 million annually); understand which category fits your need
  • Timeline requires patience: With board meetings twice annually and a review process taking several months, plan your funding needs well in advance

References

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