Walter Scott Family Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $148.9 million (2023)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (primarily invitation-only)
Decision Time: Not publicly specified
Grant Range: $3,000 - $40.6 million (typical range varies by program)
Total Assets: $1.58 billion (2023)
Geographic Focus: Primarily Nebraska, with emphasis on Omaha metro area

Contact Details

Address: 10340 N 84th Street, Omaha, NE 68112
Phone: (402) 502-1122
Website: https://walterscottfamilyfdn.org
Email for Advancing Nebraska Communities: cindy@swscottfdn.org (Cindy Vaccaro)

Overview

The Walter Scott Family Foundation was established in 2014 following the philanthropic vision of Walter Scott Jr. (1931-2021), a billionaire civil engineer, former CEO of Kiewit Corporation, and close friend of Warren Buffett. The foundation experienced dramatic growth in 2023 when Scott's estate transferred more than $736 million, bringing total assets to nearly $1.58 billion. The foundation awarded $148.9 million in charitable disbursements in 2023, representing 94.8% of its total expenses. The foundation operates with a long-term impact philosophy, prioritizing ongoing partnerships and relationship-based grantmaking over unsolicited applications. It is governed by 10 trustees including Greg Abel (Chairman) and Mogens Bay (Chairman Emeritus), and shares administrative staff with the broader Scott family of foundations. The foundation's mission centers on "supporting the Founders' vision and interests by investing in education, developing leaders and advancing communities."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Omaha Award

Amount: Up to $75,000 annually per organization
Focus: Supports nonprofits in the Omaha metro addressing food, shelter, health, and clothing/personal care needs
Application Method: By invitation following initial discussions with foundation staff

Jack Lewis Safety Fund

Amount: Up to $50,000 per request (average grant around $15,000)
Focus: Equipment, personal protection gear, training, and facility improvements for police, fire, and EMS agencies
Geographic Scope: Nebraska and southwest Iowa communities with populations of 5,000 or fewer
Application Method: Online application available
Contact: cindy@swscottfdn.org

Advancing Nebraska Communities

Amount: Up to $250,000 per project
Focus: Capital projects creating or enhancing public gathering spaces like parks, libraries, trails, and community centers
Geographic Scope: Statewide Nebraska
Application Method: Open application process (launched 2024)
Contact: cindy@swscottfdn.org

Major Grants Program (Invitation Only)

Amount: $3,000 to $40.6 million (median grant: $150,000)
Focus: Capital campaigns and major civic projects, particularly in Omaha
Application Method: By invitation only through ongoing partnerships

Priority Areas

Education: Expanding access to higher education and workforce opportunities, with emphasis on engineering, construction, IT, and medical careers. The foundation manages education grantmaking supporting 1,000+ students annually through scholarship programs.

Leadership: Supporting youth development through mentoring, education, and character-building skills programs.

Community: Investing in civic and cultural spaces that enrich communities—parks, museums, artistic venues, and public attractions. Recent major investments include Downtown Riverfront Trust ($20 million in 2022) and Omaha Zoo Foundation ($10.5 million in 2022).

Public Safety: Supporting first responders in rural communities through the Jack Lewis Safety Fund.

Arts & Culture: Supporting cultural institutions and artistic venues that serve as community gathering spaces.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation has indicated it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations" for its major grants program. Specific exclusions are not publicly listed, but the foundation's focus areas clearly center on Nebraska-based projects, particularly in education, community development, and public safety.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

Greg Abel - Chairman
Mogens Bay - Chairman Emeritus
Amy Scott - Trustee (family member)
W. David Scott - Trustee (family member)
Additional trustees (10 total)

Executive Leadership

Calvin Sisson - President & CEO
Leads all seven Scott family foundations with 30+ years of nonprofit experience. Under his leadership, the foundations collectively employ 250+ people, including 30+ dedicated to grantmaking.

Anne Folkers, MA - Deputy Director
Supports strategic and operational growth across the foundation's programs.

Christi Annin - Chief Financial Officer
Oversees finance, investments, HR, IT, and compliance.

Program Staff

Laura Miller, Ph.D. - Director of Education
Manages education grantmaking supporting 1,000+ students annually through scholarship and workforce development programs.

Sarah Lopez - Director of Grantmaking
Oversees grantmaking for arts, culture, public safety, and youth development initiatives.

Gary Freeman - Director of Business Operations
Provides strategic oversight of affiliated entities.

Jenni Stoll - Communications Officer
Leads brand and communications efforts.

Patti Kahre - Executive Assistant
Provides executive support to the CEO.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For Most Major Grants: This foundation does not have a public application process for its primary grantmaking. Most grants are awarded through ongoing partnerships or by invitation only. The foundation states that it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds" for its major grants program.

For Open Application Programs: Three programs accept applications:

The Omaha Award: Invitations are extended after initial discussions with foundation staff to verify alignment with priorities. Organizations interested should contact foundation staff to explore potential alignment.
Jack Lewis Safety Fund: Online application available. Contact Cindy Vaccaro at cindy@swscottfdn.org for eligibility verification and application access.
Advancing Nebraska Communities: Open application process. Contact Cindy Vaccaro at cindy@swscottfdn.org for application details and timeline.

Application Requirements (for programs accepting applications):

501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in good standing with the IRS
Narrative information describing the project and organizational capacity
Supporting documentation
Detailed budget information

Decision Timeline

The foundation states that "applicants will be notified of the outcome via email or phone call," but specific decision timeframes are not publicly disclosed. Given the foundation's emphasis on relationship-based grantmaking and the size of typical grants, applicants should expect a thorough review process that may take several months.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. In 2023, the foundation awarded 58 grants totaling $148.9 million. In 2022, it awarded 51 grants totaling $101 million. Given the invitation-only nature of most grants and the small number of awards relative to the foundation's assets, competition for the open programs (Jack Lewis Safety Fund and Advancing Nebraska Communities) should be expected to be significant.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly stated. Given the invitation-only nature of most grants, organizations should focus on relationship-building with foundation staff rather than repeated unsolicited applications.

Application Success Factors

For Organizations Seeking Major Grants

Alignment with Nebraska Focus: The foundation demonstrates a strong commitment to Nebraska, particularly the Omaha metro area. In 2023, Scott's estate transferred over $736 million to this foundation specifically to continue supporting Nebraska communities. Major recent grants include $20 million to Downtown Riverfront Trust and $10.5 million to Omaha Zoo Foundation.

Capital Campaign Capacity: The foundation shows a strong preference for capital projects that create lasting community assets. Recent major grants have focused on capital campaigns for public gathering spaces, cultural institutions, and civic infrastructure.

Long-term Partnership Potential: The foundation emphasizes "long-term impact and alignment with core priorities" and awards most grants through "ongoing partnerships." Organizations should demonstrate capacity for sustained engagement rather than one-time project support.

Alignment with Core Mission Areas: Priority is given to projects that advance the foundation's three pillars: Education (particularly workforce development in engineering, construction, IT, and medical fields), Leadership (youth development and character-building), and Community (civic and cultural spaces).

For Jack Lewis Safety Fund Applicants

Community Support: Priority is given to requests with "committed dollars raised in the local community," demonstrating local buy-in and sustainability.

Rural Focus: The program specifically targets communities of 5,000 or fewer residents, recognizing the unique needs of rural first responders.

Practical Equipment Needs: The fund supports tangible items like equipment, personal protection gear, training, and facility improvements—demonstrating a focus on practical, immediate impact.

For Advancing Nebraska Communities Applicants

Public Gathering Spaces: Projects must focus on spaces that "serve people in all ages and stages of life," demonstrating broad community benefit.

Capital Project Readiness: With grants up to $250,000, the foundation expects projects to be well-planned with clear budgets, timelines, and community support.

Statewide Equity: Launched in 2024 to "assist communities across the state," this program appears designed to extend the foundation's impact beyond the Omaha metro area to underserved Nebraska communities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Build relationships first: For major grants, unsolicited applications are not accepted. Organizations should focus on networking with foundation staff and demonstrating alignment with priorities before seeking significant funding.
Nebraska connection is essential: The foundation's assets grew dramatically through Walter Scott Jr.'s estate specifically to benefit Nebraska communities. Out-of-state organizations should not apply.
Capital projects are preferred: The foundation's largest grants support permanent infrastructure—buildings, parks, gathering spaces—that create lasting community assets.
Think long-term partnership: The foundation seeks "ongoing partnerships" rather than one-time grants. Demonstrate your organization's capacity for sustained engagement and impact.
Open programs offer entry points: The Jack Lewis Safety Fund and Advancing Nebraska Communities provide opportunities for organizations not yet on the foundation's radar to demonstrate their work and build relationships.
Local match matters: For the Jack Lewis Safety Fund, priority is given to applicants who have raised local funds, demonstrating community investment and sustainability.
Scale appropriately: With a median grant of $150,000 but a range from $3,000 to $40.6 million, the foundation funds projects at vastly different scales. Match your request to your organizational capacity and project scope.

References

Walter Scott Family Foundation website - https://walterscottfamilyfdn.org (accessed December 16, 2025)
Walter Scott Family Foundation, Grant Programs - https://walterscottfamilyfdn.org/grant-programs (accessed December 16, 2025)
Walter Scott Family Foundation, About - https://walterscottfamilyfdn.org/about (accessed December 16, 2025)
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, Walter Scott Family Foundation - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/471116371 (accessed December 16, 2025)
Cause IQ, Walter Scott Family Foundation - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/walter-scott-family-foundation,471116371/ (accessed December 16, 2025)
Instrumentl, Walter Scott Family Foundation 990 Report - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/walter-scott-family-foundation (accessed December 16, 2025)
Inside Philanthropy, "The story behind the billion-dollar Avenir Foundation" - https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/this-billion-dollar-foundation-is-the-latest-example-of-the-buffett-effect (accessed December 16, 2025)
NPR, "Walter Scott, Billionaire Philanthropist, Dies At 90" - https://www.npr.org/2021/09/25/1040728667/philanthropic-billionaire-walter-scott-dies-at-90 (accessed December 16, 2025)
Wikipedia, Walter Scott Jr. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Scott_Jr. (accessed December 16, 2025)
fundsforNGOs, Jack Lewis Safety Fund 2025 – Iowa and Nebraska - https://us.fundsforngos.org/grant-2/jack-lewis-safety-fund-2025-iowa-and-nebraska/ (accessed December 16, 2025)