With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the season of giving is nearly upon us! The spirit of generosity is in full swing as the holidays approach, with many people eager to find ways to give back to their community. Across the city, region and state, neighbors are opening their hearts, schedules and wallets to ensure everyone can experience the warmth of the holidays.
Whether you’re passionate about helping families in need, animals in need or ensuring that mental health services are made available to those experiencing difficulties — there are an abundance of ways to show your support! It’s almost guaranteed that there’s a nonprofit in the Omaha area whose mission aligns with your values. Together, these nonprofits work to play a vital role in the community as they strive tirelessly to build a stronger, more compassionate community.
Nonprofits need your support throughout the year, not just during the holidays. Channel your gratitude into action by supporting the people and the programs that keep Omaha’s residents resilient. Support doesn’t have to be limited to monetary donations either, so please consider volunteering your time or simply spreading the word about the hard work these Omaha nonprofits are doing! Everything counts.
Nonprofits Fighting Against Hunger & Food Insecurity in Omaha
Nobody should have to live in worry about where their next meal is coming from. These nonprofits are working to make this goal a reality. Through food pantries, meal delivery programs and connecting distributors with community outreach programs to limit food waste — this work brings comfort and dignity to neighbors living under the stress of food insecurity.
Food Bank for the Heartland
Each and every day, neighbors, friends, classmates and co-workers struggle to find a nutritious meal that allows them to work, grow and thrive. Food insecurity is a very real problem in the region, with devastating effects. Food Bank for the Heartland was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Omaha. Their vital focus is to provide food for children, families, seniors and veterans facing hunger in Nebraska and western Iowa. This is a huge job to tackle, which is why the effort is ongoing and collaborative with individuals, organizations, food manufacturers and distributors, grocery stores and the USDA and Feeding America. Volunteers help to keep the 76,000 square-foot warehouse running and donors are essential to the success of programs and the nonprofit’s mission. $0.96 of every dollar received goes back into the community! Learn how to get involved here, including common projects, age requirements and recommended attire.
Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue
Saving Grace offers Omaha’s only dedicated perishable food rescue service, which combats against the 30% of food in the country that goes unsold or uneaten. A very small percentage of this food gets donated to those in need, while the rest goes to the landfill. Food insecurity is more than just an immediate hunger, it’s also a lack of access to healthy foods (produce, proteins, fresh milk and eggs, etc.), which are also the exact types of food that make up the majority of food waste! Not only is food waste a missed opportunity to feed those experiencing this insecurity, it’s also bad for the environment and a drain on natural and economic resources. Saving Grace helps to provide food to people in need by connecting excess perishable food to organizations serving the community. The nonprofit works tirelessly to deliver food same-day, free of charge, to these nonprofit partner agencies. There are a multitude of ways to get involved with Saving Grace and their mission, including financial donations, volunteer hours, and becoming a food donor. Learn more here.
Nonprofits in Omaha that Support Families and Children in Need
Across Omaha, there are several nonprofits that are devoting their time and resources to helping families and children build stable, secure and bright futures. From essential services such as food assistance, housing support and education, this work is fundamental to helping families overcome challenges and feel empowered to face the future.
Project Harmony
Project Harmony believes in a safe and promising future for all children and families. Unfortunately, child abuse is a fact of the world and the Omaha community is no exception. Through a recognized, collaborative, and child-focused approach, Project Harmony works to ensure children are not further victimized by the systems intended to protect them. Your support can help set children on a new course towards healing and hope. Join the nonprofit at an upcoming training or an event to get involved! Be a part of the solution with Project Be Someone or shop Project Harmony’s wish list to provide children in need with comfort items or coping kits. The nonprofit also accepts new clothing, hygiene items and snacks in their original packaging for their Triage Center, which is where children await a stable placement.
Completely KIDS
Completely KIDS empowers children and families to create a safe, healthy, and successful future. The organization serves over 2,900 KIDS and families in Omaha through before- and after-school care, mental health services, weekend meals, family programming, and adult education classes. During the holidays, Completely KIDS works to make sure every child feels celebrated, because every child deserves a gift under the tree. The Holiday Gift Drive aims to match 1,180 children with sponsors who provide meaningful gifts from each child’s wish list. In addition to sponsoring gifts, volunteers can help wrap presents or support holiday parties and activities for families. If you are interested in sponsoring a child (or multiple children!) or volunteering at a holiday party or gift-wrapping event, visit their website here or contact Lacey Locklear at llocklear@completelykids.org. Every contribution helps create joy, lasting memories, and a sense of belonging.
Partnership 4 Kids
Partnership 4 Kids provides career and skill-focused programming beginning in pre-kindergarten and continues throughout a student’s academic journey. The nonprofit serves 3,000+ students growing up in underserved neighborhoods. Partnership 4 Kids boasts multiple programs, such as The Literacy Program that promotes reading and regular school attendance among early learners, with increased access to age-appropriate books. The Goal-Setting Program uses a small group mentoring model to engage 5th and 6th grade students in developing future-focused mindsets. Ways to help include making a gift to the nonprofit, setting up a fundraising campaign, and volunteering your time throughout the Omaha metro area. Learn more about getting involved here and help make a difference in a child’s life!
Nonprofits Providing Animal Welfare Services and Shelter in Omaha
These Omaha-area nonprofits are dedicated to protecting and caring for the city’s four-legged residents. From rescue to adoption services and low cost veterinary care and community education, these organizations are working hard to provide a second chance for abandoned and neglected animals.
Nebraska Humane Society
The Nebraska Humane Society provides shelter to animals who have no place to call home, along with the vital services required to care for them and to give them a second chance with new fur-ever families. Over 15,000 animals, including wildlife, find their way through the doors of the humane society each year! Services include training classes, low cost spaying/neutering, a pet food pantry for residents in economic distress, and medical services for animals in the society’s care. Want to get involved? The Nebraska Humane Society welcomes volunteers who want to contribute their time and talents, which means more animals can get the care and second chances that they so deserve. You can help by signing up to foster, volunteer, spend time with shelter dogs, or participate in community service projects. One-time donations, recurring monthly donations, legacy giving and shopping the nonprofit’s wishlist are also great ways to help out and show support for the Humane Society’s tireless work and dedication. Learn more about donations here.
Town and Country Animal Rescue
Town and Country Animal Rescue is dedicated to saving lives and fostering meaningful connections between people and pets. The mission statement, “Saving lives, connecting people and pets,” guides every aspect of their work, ensuring that each animal in need receives compassionate care until a loving home is found. The nonprofit relies entirely on donations from generous supporters to keep the doors open and operational. The dog, cat, and small animal rescue and adoption organization is situated in Papillion, Nebraska. In addition to facilitating adoptions, Town and Country Animal Rescue provides vital community support through its pet food pantry and low-cost vaccination clinic—helping families care for their pets and keep them healthy. Volunteers are critical to the success of the nonprofit, with needs ranging from animal care to office administration.
Nonprofits Dedicated to Providing Mental Health Support, Education & Resources
Mental health care is an essential part of any thriving community. These Omaha nonprofits are working tirelessly to ensure nobody has to face these challenges alone. Through counseling, crisis intervention, resources and more, the mental health stigma can be broken down to build a stronger, more compassionate Omaha.
Community Alliance
Community Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency founded in 1981 by a coalition of families that offers nationally accredited rehabilitation programs that serve people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges helping them achieve their unique potential and to live, work, learn and contribute in a community of mutual support. Community Alliance’s Center for Mental Health, centrally located at 7150 Arbor Street, provides a full range of psychiatric outpatient and recovery support services readily accessible in one location. As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, the organization provides an array of services for both individuals and families including mental health and substance use services that are fully integrated with primary health care, including care coordination that work together to support overall wellness. Ways to support Community Alliance can be found here and include financial contributions and in-kind gifts, which are items that can be used by the individuals served by the nonprofit. These donations include bottled water, toilet paper, personal care items (soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaving supplies, feminine hygiene products, etc.), blankets, twin size bed linens and more. During the early winter months, new and gently used adult-sized hats, gloves, scarves, and coats are also appreciated.
The Kim Foundation
The Kim Foundation serves as a supportive resource and compassionate voice for lives touched by mental illness and suicide. Since being founded in 2001, the nonprofit has grown based on the needs of the community and has passionately worked to remain relevant and accessible to meet the changing times. The Kim Foundation has played an active role in policy, outreach, education and funding in all components of mental health care in the state of Nebraska. Donations go towards helping the nonprofit continue their mission to reduce stigma and connect people to necessary resources. Here’s where you can learn more and make a donation if you feel called to. There are also corporate partnership program opportunities.
Getting Involved Looks Different for Everyone!
Supporting local nonprofits isn’t just about writing a check, though monetary donations are certainly appreciated and helpful! Other practical ways to help these great causes in Omaha include volunteering your time and energy, as well as through advocacy. Many Omaha nonprofits rely on a dedicated force of volunteers to pack food boxes, mentor children, care for animals and even help organize community events. Even a few hours a month can really add up throughout the year!
Advocacy can include sharing a nonprofit’s online posts, talking about their mission with friends and coworkers, or even encouraging your workplace to make a donation at the end of the year! Awareness is integral to building momentum, so don’t underestimate the power of your voice.
Some organizations will request donations in the form of dry goods, gently used items and even particular skillsets (such as marketing, accounting, or photography). These contributions help immensely and help nonprofits save money that can then be used for helping those in need.
This season of giving, showing up for your community in any way that you can is one of the most gracious offerings you could make. Every effort, both large and small, helps these dedicated nonprofits keep up the essential work that inevitably strengthens the city and the community.
Give Thanks for Local Nonprofits & Help Support Their Mission!
As your family prepares to gather around the dining table this Thanksgiving, take a moment to remember that gratitude is best when it’s shared. These nonprofits tirelessly serve Omaha and its residents, whether that’s through feeding families, sheltering neighbors, or rescuing four legged friends off the street. Compassion is our greatest strength, so help ensure that their efforts are sustained long after the holidays have wrapped by helping however you can.
Supporting these nonprofits doesn’t require a grand gesture or for you to empty your wallet, either. Committing to a few volunteer hours, a small monthly donation or even spreading the word to your friends and family can make a meaningful difference. This season as we give thanks for what we have, let’s help to lift our neighbors up so that nobody is forgotten. Happy Thanksgiving, Omaha!