Cooper Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Quarterly review cycles
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $30,398 (based on recent grants)
• Geographic Focus: Lincoln/Lancaster County, NE (priority); statewide Nebraska

Contact Details

• Website: cooperfoundation.org
• Phone: 402-476-7571
• Email: info@cooperfoundation.org
• Address: 1248 O St, Suite 870, Lincoln, NE 68508
• Initial Contact: Call or email before submitting any application

Overview

The Cooper Foundation is a private foundation based in Lincoln, Nebraska, dedicated to strengthening the nonprofit sector throughout Nebraska with a primary focus on Lincoln and Lancaster County. The foundation's mission is "to support strong, sustainable organizations, innovative ideas and ventures of significant promise." The foundation operates with a strategic approach that prioritizes organizational sustainability and community impact, making grants across six program areas while maintaining a strong commitment to local community development. Through initiatives like the E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues, established in 1988, the foundation also demonstrates a commitment to bringing international perspectives and policy discussions to Nebraska communities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $30,398 based on recent award data, with funding available for:

• Program Support: Direct funding for specific programs and initiatives
• General Operating Support: Unrestricted funding for organizational operations
• Capacity Building: Investments in organizational infrastructure and effectiveness
• Technology: Support for technological improvements and digital initiatives
• Staff Positions: Funding for key personnel
• Advocacy: Support for policy and systems change work

Priority Areas

• Arts: Supporting cultural organizations and artistic initiatives
• Civic and Community Engagement: Fostering community participation and leadership
• Education: K-12 and higher education initiatives
• Environment: Conservation and sustainability efforts
• Human Services: Social services, mental health, and support programs
• Humanities: Programs promoting cultural understanding and preservation

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly excludes:

• Individuals
• For-profit businesses
• Building construction or renovation projects
• Health organizations
• Churches and religious organizations
• Travel expenses
• Memberships
• Endowments
• Operational deficits
• General fund drives
• Event sponsorships

Governance and Leadership

The foundation was previously led by E.N. "Jack" Thompson, former president and chair, who established the E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues to increase Nebraskans' understanding of international issues. Current board and staff information is not publicly detailed on their website. The foundation emphasizes strong governance and fiscal management as key criteria in evaluating potential grantees.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Cooper Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. All potential applicants must first contact the foundation at 402-476-7571 or info@cooperfoundation.org to discuss their project. During this initial conversation, organizations should be prepared to discuss:

• Program details and objectives
• Organizational operations
• Budget information
• Governance structure

After initial contact, if there is alignment with foundation priorities, organizations may be invited to submit a formal application through their online portal.

Decision Timeline

• Grant Cycles: Four times per year (quarterly)
• Review Process: Quarterly board meetings for grant decisions
• Notification: Timeline not publicly specified

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly stated. Organizations interested in reapplying should contact the foundation directly to discuss their situation.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and requirements, successful applications typically demonstrate:

• Strong Local Impact: Projects serving Lincoln/Lancaster County receive highest priority
• Organizational Strength: Evidence of sound governance, fiscal management, and strong programming
• Mission Alignment: Clear connection to one or more of the six program areas
• Sustainability Focus: Projects that build long-term organizational capacity rather than addressing short-term needs
• Regional Significance: For organizations outside Lincoln/Lancaster County, demonstration of regional or statewide impact is essential
• Pre-Application Engagement: Initial phone or email contact allows the foundation to assess fit before formal application

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Contact First: Never submit an unsolicited application - always call or email to discuss your project before applying
• Geographic Priority: Lincoln and Lancaster County organizations have the strongest chance of funding
• Demonstrate Strength: Emphasize organizational stability, governance quality, and fiscal responsibility
• Avoid Construction: Do not request funds for building projects, renovations, or capital campaigns
• Operating Support Available: Unlike many foundations, Cooper provides general operating support - consider this option
• Quarterly Opportunities: With four grant cycles annually, there are multiple opportunities to apply if timing doesn't work initially
• Program Diversity: The foundation funds across multiple sectors, so various types of nonprofits may be eligible

References

• Cooper Foundation Official Website (https://cooperfoundation.org) - Accessed January 2026
• Cooper Foundation Grants Page (https://cooperfoundation.org/grants/) - Accessed January 2026
• Cooper Foundation For Grantseekers Page (https://cooperfoundation.org/for-grantseekers/) - Accessed January 2026
• Thompson Forum Page (https://cooperfoundation.org/thompson-forum/) - Accessed January 2026