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William And Ruth Scott Family Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$32.9M
Grant Range
$1000K - $10.0M

William And Ruth Scott Family Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $32,881,186 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $215 million (2024)
  • Number of Grants: 8 grants awarded (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: Omaha, Nebraska and surrounding region
  • Established: 1998

Contact Details

Address: Omaha, NE EIN: 47-0815787 Website: Not publicly available Foundation Type: Supporting organization of the Omaha Community Foundation

Note: This foundation operates as a supporting organization and does not have a public website or publicly listed contact information.

Overview

The William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation was established in 1998 by Ruth and the late Bill Scott, both University of Nebraska alumni and longtime Omaha philanthropists. Bill Scott joined the Buffett Partnership in 1959 and Berkshire Hathaway in 1970, establishing the foundation from the family's financial success. The foundation operates as a supporting organization whose sole purpose is to further the missions of the Omaha Community Foundation and the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation. With total assets exceeding $215 million and annual giving of more than $32 million, the foundation has become one of the most transformative philanthropic entities in Nebraska. The foundation's mission is to empower individuals, particularly children, to build better futures by providing tools and fostering mindsets that encourage them to become changemakers. In November 2024, Ruth and Bill Scott were honored with the University of Nebraska Foundation's top awards, recognizing their exceptional philanthropic impact.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

Education & Children The foundation focuses heavily on supporting education and empowering children throughout Nebraska. This is the cornerstone of their philanthropic approach, with particular emphasis on K-12 and higher education initiatives.

Rural Health & Healthcare Significant support for rural health initiatives and healthcare infrastructure, including leading gifts for rural health education facilities and medical centers across Nebraska.

STEM Education Recent grants support STEM education initiatives, particularly in rural and underserved communities, to expose youth to career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Higher Education Infrastructure Major support for University of Nebraska system campuses, including student support facilities, research buildings, and academic programs.

First-Generation & Low-Income Student Support Scholarships and support programs targeting first-generation college students, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities.

Community Development in Omaha Support for nonprofit organizations serving the greater Omaha metropolitan area, with particular focus on South Omaha community programs.

Notable Grant Recipients & Projects

  • University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK): Lead donor for the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex, a $95 million project addressing critical shortage of health care providers in rural Nebraska
  • University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC): Ruth and Bill Scott Student Plaza, UNMC Student Life Center expansion, Munroe-Meyer Institute, College of Nursing facility in Lincoln, Frederick F. Paustian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Health Science Education Complex
  • University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO): Biomechanics Research Building expansion (Center for Cardiovascular Research in Biomechanics), Dreamers Pathway Scholarship, Project Achieve for first-generation and low-income students
  • Bellevue University: Scholarships (largest area of giving to Bellevue), South Omaha Outreach Program (launched 1999, providing need-based scholarships since 2001)
  • University of Nebraska Teachers Academy: Financial support for pilot program at UNO, UNL, and UNK
  • Northeast Nebraska iHub: Recent 2024 grant for STEM education initiatives targeting youth in Northeast Nebraska

What They Fund

  • Student scholarships and financial aid programs
  • Healthcare and medical education facilities
  • STEM and technology education programs
  • Student support services and campus facilities
  • Research infrastructure and academic programs
  • Community-based nonprofit initiatives in Omaha region
  • Rural healthcare workforce development
  • Teacher education programs

Governance and Leadership

Officers and Trustees

John Levy - President (Compensation: $259,044 salary + $42,615 other compensation in 2024)

John Scott - Chair, Vice President, Treasurer (son of Ruth and Bill Scott; works with Bellevue University and numerous nonprofits throughout the community)

J William Scott - Vice President

Donald Scott - Vice President

David Scott - Vice President

Ruth Scott - Secretary (Co-founder, University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate 1951, former educator, founded Omaha Bridge Studio)

The foundation is primarily family-governed, with Ruth Scott continuing the philanthropic legacy following the passing of her husband Bill Scott in March 2024 at age 93.

Leadership Philosophy

The foundation operates with a quiet but exceptional approach to philanthropy. With a focus on supporting education and children, the Scotts have contributed greatly to Nebraska's progress, health, and vitality. Their giving reflects Bill Scott's affectionate and personal approach - he nicknamed the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex "The Doug," reflecting the personal relationships the foundation maintains with beneficiaries.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation operates as a supporting organization of the Omaha Community Foundation, meaning grants are awarded through trustee discretion rather than through an open competitive application process.

Grants appear to be awarded based on:

  • Strategic priorities identified by the foundation's board
  • Existing relationships with beneficiary organizations
  • Alignment with the missions of the Omaha Community Foundation and Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
  • Initiatives that support the foundation's core focus on education and children

Getting on Their Radar

While the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, they have demonstrated consistent support for:

University of Nebraska System Organizations: The foundation has deep, multi-generational ties to the University of Nebraska system across all campuses (UNL, UNO, UNK, UNMC). Organizations working in partnership with these institutions may be well-positioned.

Omaha Community Foundation Network: As a supporting organization, projects aligned with the Omaha Community Foundation's priorities and network may receive consideration.

South Omaha Community Programs: The foundation has shown sustained commitment to the South Omaha community, particularly through the South Omaha Outreach Program launched in 1999.

John Scott's Network: John Scott (Chair/VP/Treasurer) actively works with Bellevue University and numerous nonprofits throughout the Omaha community, suggesting relationship-building through these networks.

Rural Nebraska Healthcare & Education: The foundation's recent significant investments in rural health education and STEM programs in rural Nebraska indicate ongoing interest in addressing rural service gaps.

Decision Timeline

Information about decision timelines is not publicly available. Given the foundation awards approximately 8 grants per year based on 2023 data, grants appear to be strategic, high-dollar investments in major capital projects and ongoing programs rather than rapid-cycle grant cycles.

Grant Structure

With 8 grants totaling $32,881,186 in 2023, the average grant size is approximately $4.1 million, indicating this foundation makes a small number of very large, transformative investments rather than numerous smaller grants.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Foundation Values

Focus on Children and Youth: The foundation's stated mission emphasizes empowering individuals, particularly children, to become changemakers. Projects that directly impact children's futures and provide tools and mindsets for success are central to their giving.

Education as a Pathway: Both Ruth (educator, UNL '51 education degree) and Bill (UNL '53 business degree) Scott valued education deeply. Initiatives that expand educational access, particularly for underserved populations, align with their personal values.

Long-term Transformative Impact: The foundation favors major capital projects and sustained programmatic support over one-time grants. Their gifts create lasting infrastructure and ongoing programs.

Rural Nebraska Support: Despite being based in Omaha, the foundation shows strong commitment to addressing rural Nebraska's needs, particularly in healthcare workforce development and youth opportunities.

Relationship-Based Grantmaking

The foundation operates through established relationships rather than competitive applications. Organizations that have received support typically demonstrate:

  • Multi-year partnerships: Many beneficiaries receive sustained support over years
  • Strategic institutional relationships: Primary beneficiaries are institutions where the Scotts have personal connections (University of Nebraska system, Omaha-area universities, Omaha Community Foundation network)
  • Board member engagement: John Scott's active involvement with multiple nonprofits suggests board-level relationships facilitate funding

Demonstrated Examples

What Has Succeeded:

  • Major capital campaigns with clearly defined community impact (UNK rural health complex, UNMC facilities)
  • Scholarship programs targeting specific underserved populations (South Omaha students, first-generation students, students with disabilities)
  • STEM and workforce development programs addressing identified community needs (Northeast Nebraska iHub)
  • Programs aligned with Omaha Community Foundation priorities

Recognition and Awards

In November 2024, the University of Nebraska Foundation honored Ruth and Bill Scott with the Perry W. Branch Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service. The foundation also established the Ruth and Bill Scott Medal in their honor, celebrating their generosity and vision. This recognition reflects the transformative scale of their giving and their standing as among the most impactful donors in University of Nebraska history.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process exists - This foundation awards grants through trustee discretion and established relationships, not competitive applications
  • Focus on major institutional partnerships - Primary beneficiaries are University of Nebraska system campuses and Omaha Community Foundation network organizations
  • Very large, strategic investments - Average grant of ~$4.1 million (8 grants totaling $32.9M in 2023) indicates focus on transformative capital projects and major programs
  • Education and children are paramount - The foundation's explicit mission emphasizes empowering children to become changemakers; this is the lens through which all giving is evaluated
  • Multi-generational Nebraska commitment - Both founders are Nebraska natives and UNL alumni; the foundation strongly favors Nebraska-based initiatives with lasting community impact
  • Relationship-driven giving - Family governance and John Scott's active nonprofit involvement suggest relationships with board members and trusted community leaders are pathways to consideration
  • Supporting organization structure matters - Operating under the Omaha Community Foundation umbrella means alignment with OCF's strategic priorities is important
  • Rural health and underserved populations are priorities - Recent major gifts demonstrate commitment to addressing healthcare workforce shortages and providing opportunities in rural and underserved communities

References

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