At Strictly Business, we not only support the growth and prosperity of local businesses but also the nonprofit organizations that keep our community strong—and whose work and outreach are crucial for so many individuals and families living in the Omaha area. Nonprofits enhance the quality of life for all by serving multiple roles, but their primary role is connecting people with resources. By principal and design, nonprofits are dedicated to the common good of the community and measure their success according to quality of life and not quantity of profit.
Among our local nonprofit organizations are social, health and human service agencies; environmental groups; educational and research institutions; arts and cultural organizations; religious organizations; and foundations. Nonprofits also have an impact in the community that is similar to that of local businesses. They employ people, purchase goods and services, invest in buildings and equipment, and supply goods and services to those who are in need of them most.
We ask that everyone reflect upon how they are giving back to the Omaha community, and consider supporting the wonderful nonprofit organizations that do so much work for the betterment of all. It is important to do your research when deciding which organization(s) you will support, as all nonprofits are definitely not created equal, as well as finding organizations that not only do the most good but whose work is meaningful to you personally.
Additionally, take into account that monetary donations are only one of the ways that businesses can support local nonprofit organizations. A majority of organizations are also equally in need of your time or donations of essential items. Businesses also have the opportunity to encourage their employees to get involved, which unites everyone together for a worthy cause. Many companies participate in fundraising and awareness events or volunteer together as a group; there are plenty of ways to get involved that can be tailored to fit the needs and goals of your organization.
Finally, as we always encourage consumers to be conscious of their purchasing decisions, staying informed and supporting the businesses that make an effort to support nonprofits in the community is paramount.
We have compiled a list of excellent nonprofits, all of which need and welcome your support, and encourage you to get involved with these local nonprofit organizations!
Phoenix Academy is a private school grades K-8 for students who are behind grade level in reading and/or math. For 24 years we have been teaching struggling students to read using an intensive phonics program. Students attend Phoenix Academy for one to two years as we help them get caught up to grade level. We also offer summer school. The small class size, 12:1 student teacher ratio, and nurturing learning environment help with our students’ success. Independently evaluated test scores consistently show improvement. To register, schedule a tour, or for more information about Phoenix Academy call Nancy Liebermann at (402) 390-0556.
1110 N. 66th Street Omaha, NE 68123
phoenixacademyomaha.org
The Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation strives to enhance educational opportunities for students of the Papillion-La Vista School District by offering activities and programs that would not otherwise be possible. The partnership between our community and the Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation has been the catalyst for great student opportunity. The Foundation has provided millions of dollars to support students, staff, and families with programs including Kids Club, the Student Emergency Fund, Outdoor Ed, Elementary Arts, Career Academies, Teacher Grants, Graduating Senior Scholarships, Endowed & Expendable Funds for Excellence, Alumni Outreach and, Cooperation BEST, and more.
For more information about the Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation contact Erin Burke at (402) 898-0477 or visit www.plvschoolsfoundation.org.
Douglas County Historical Society is the official repository of history for Douglas County and we offer a variety of services to the community. The Library Archives Center is open to the public for research M-F, 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturdays by appointment. The General Crook House Museum is the authentically restored 135-year-old home of General George Crook. It is open to the public M-F, 10 am to 4 pm and weekends, 1 pm to 4 pm. The General Crook House Museum is also available for group tours, and makes a unique venue for weddings, parties, and meetings.
For more information about the Douglas County Historical Society, please call (402) 455-9990 or visit www.omahahistory.org.
Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha (CSF) believes that all families, regardless of income, should be able to choose the best educational setting for their children. CSF provides tuition assistance scholarships so children from low-income families can access the private or parochial K-8 education of their choice. CSF is destination neutral and has no religious affiliation—children attend approximately 80 different schools across Omaha and northeast Nebraska. A crucial piece of the CSF program is the commitment it requires from families. Each CSF family must contribute $500 toward their children’s education and their children must achieve a 90% attendance rate. Since 1999, more than 24,000 scholarships have been awarded.
CSF Omaha relies solely upon donations to provide scholarships. If you or your company would like to make a donation or receive more information about Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha (CSF), please contact the CSF office.
Contact information: Mary Boyle, Annual Giving Manager: mary.boyle@csfomaha.org | (402) 819-4990 | www.csfomaha.org.
The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment, and ensuring access to high-quality specialized care.
In Nebraska, patient families, board members and volunteers join together to raise more than $1 million annually to accomplish this goal. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has made unbelievable progress since its inception in the 50’s and aided in the development of the first FDA approved drug to treat the defect in a genetic disease in ’12.
Need: You—join our team to make CF stand for ‘Cure Found.’
For more information about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation contact us at: Nebraska@cff.org or (402) 330-6164 or visit our website at www.cff.org.
Established in 2000, Outlook Nebraska, Inc.’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of the blind and visually impaired, which stems from our desire to overcome their 70 percent unemployment rate. We achieve this mission through many means, but our primary service is employment. This is provided to the blind and visually impaired in an Omaha-based converting operation producing a full line of 100 percent recycled fiber content tissue and towel products that are distributed to local and national customers. Our organization does much more than sell tissue, however. When a potential associate walks through our doors, we work with that person to find a way to provide opportunities for them to succeed here. We have demonstrated that there are many financially viable options that can be used to provide employment opportunities for blind people. ONI is the 2014 recipient of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce Innovator of the Year Award, and we hope you will come see this innovation at work through a tour or an event such as our November 7 recognition banquet.
For more information about Outlook Nebraska, Inc., call (402) 614-3331 or visit outlooknebraska.org.
Established in 1989, the Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association of Nebraska (FSCAN) is comprised of contractors, suppliers, code officials, representatives of Architect and Engineering firms, and interested individuals. Since its beginning, FSCAN has sought to bring together people associated with the fire protection industry in order to promote understanding and cooperation between industry professionals in addition to providing educational opportunities for the industry. Their mission is to create fire safety awareness, encourage high uniform standards for fire sprinkler equipment and installations, stay abreast of changes in regulations and codes, and to promote fire sprinkler installations as a means of saving lives and property. In addition to these efforts, FSCAN also hosts an annual Burn Aid Golf Classic which has collectively raised over $28,000 for the Tangier Shriners Transportation Fund and has directly supported over 350 children receiving burn care.
For more information about FSCAN, please contact Melissa Spencer at (402) 514-4826, via email at mspencer@ahernfire.com, or visit www.fscan.org.
Serving greater Omaha with two locations, Assure Women’s Center is a nonprofit organization providing pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STD screenings and options counseling, FREE of charge, for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies.
Assure also offers FREE parenting classes to the public and provides Healthy Relationships speakers to students attending local middle and high schools.
NEEDS: Volunteers, Baby Supplies, Cash Donations
Contact: For more information about Assure Women’s Center, service or donations, please call (402) 390-9700 or visit assureomaha.com.
The mission of the Heart Ministry Center is to provide food, healthcare and a way forward for people severely affected by poverty in the Omaha area. Their programs include a Clothing Closet, Community Garden, Community Outreach events and Volunteer program, Food Pantry, Health and Dental Care, Education Classes, Holiday Meal Baskets & Gifts, Resource Center and Legal Clinic, Group Meetings, Self-Sufficiency and Youth Mentoring programs.
Each year, the Heart Ministry Center provides acts of assistance for more than 67,000 people. In recent years, requests for services have nearly tripled and Heart Ministry Center needs the support of the Omaha community more than ever. You can help by donating your time as a volunteer or by donating financially to their programs so that they can continue to provide food, clothing, household items, toiletries, school supplies, medical outreach programs and community education classes to the people in the Omaha community who need it the most.
To learn more about the Heart Ministry Center, please call (402) 451-2321 or visit heartministrycenter.org.
Community 360° is a non-profit organization that recruits, screens, trains, and places volunteers in nursing homes to visit people living in nursing homes who never receive a visitor. Less than half of all people living in nursing homes receive a visitor. Research has shown that people living in nursing homes who receive a regular visitor need less medications, have higher self-esteem, receive better care and have a higher quality of life. Currently 200 Community 360° volunteers visit nursing homes throughout the Omaha Metro area and assure that the people they visit are not forgotten.
In addition to day-to-day recruiting efforts, Community 360° also sponsors two city-wide events each year. “Cards4Kids@Heart” ensures that every one of the 5,000 residents in the Omaha area living in a nursing home receives a visitor and a Valentine card. “Christmas In Our Hearts” is a free concert held on the first Thursday in December which consists of both professional and amateur singers and musicians plus a lot of great volunteers to help get people in and out of the concert hall safely.
Community 360° is currently looking for people who would like to become a companion and volunteer for a few hours each week at a local nursing home in the Omaha area.
For more information about Community 360° visit www.community-360.org, email info@community-360.org, or call (402) 556-8032.
AIM is a locally based, not-for-profit, membership organization focused on IT talent development. For AIM, IT talent development means a pathway for careers that drive the economy through the creation and profitable application of technology.
AIM Youth sponsors local events like Coder Dojo, a fun mentor led introduction to programming and Graduate Twice, a schools-based effort that leads at-risk kids with an interest in IT to complete high school and pursue a college degree.
AIM Careerlink is a valuable job placement site that helps jobseekers zero in on opportunities with job alerts and searchable profiles. Employers maximize talent acquisition with robust employment branding, simplified applicant tracking and effortless social media posting. www.careerlink.com
AIM, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, has offices in Lincoln and Scottsbluff, Chattanooga, Tennessee and Denver, Colorado.
For more information on AIM membership, events and programs, visit aimforbrilliance.org, or call (402) 345-5025.
The Alzheimer’s Association® is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. For an estimated 33,000 Nebraskans, Alzheimer’s disease is the ultimate thief — of their identity and precious memories. Their caregivers and loved ones are left feeling alone and heartbroken. The Alzheimer’s Association provides education and support to those who face dementia every day. On a national level, the Association advances critical research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease, the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.
Find out how you can get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association® — visit www.alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.
Located in North Omaha, the Omaha Street School is an accredited, faith-based, alternative high school for at-risk teens who have not had success in traditional schools. Serving a diverse and low income population, OSS offers a personalized education, a moral code, and tools for self-sufficiency. Academic success is measured in three ways: graduation; re-entry into public school; or referrals to positive next step programs. In the past five years, 90% of OSS students accomplished one of these three goals.
Programs and Services:
OSS is an accredited high school serving students in the Omaha metropolitan area. Education is provided by state certified instructors with a heart for at-risk teens. Volunteers and community professionals participate in the unique educational model designed to develop community and foster success. Strengths include: small instructor to student ratio (1:8); focus on the whole student—academic, vocational, personal, spiritual; and a nurturing environment that includes student families.
For more information about the Omaha Street School, please call (402) 451-5234 or visit www.omahastreetschool.org.
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha (RMHC) is to create and operate family-centered programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children who have traveled 35 miles or greater to receive medical treatment at any area medical facility. These families are welcome to stay at our 20 family ‘home away from home’ during their greatest time of need. The specific purpose of the RMHC is to support access to care, reduce financial burden, provide psychosocial support keeping families together, enhance clinical experiences and outcomes and help families resume normalcy.
Needs: Please see our Wish List on our website at www.rmhcomaha.org for a full list of supplies needed for our families.
For more information about Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha (RMHC), contact Jennifer Tyler at (402) 346-9377 or jtyler@rmhcomaha.org.
The La Vista Community Foundation was founded in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to serve the community of La Vista by promoting and facilitating philanthropy through networking and the giving of grants. For nearly fifteen years, they have been leaders of funding for the purpose of community betterment as they fulfill their mission which is to improve the quality of life where people live, work and play in La Vista.
The La Vista Community Foundation is dedicated to strengthening relationship between nonprofit organizations, donors and concerned citizens who want to invest in the community’s future
This year, the LVCF is proud to announce its 5th Annual Golf Classic on Friday, August 8th at Tara Hills Golf Course in Papillion. The funds raised contribute to the Community Impact Grants awarded annually to organizations doing work in La Vista. For more information about La Vista Community Foundation or to register, visit their webpage at www.lavistacommunityfoundation.com or contact Leah at (402) 960-9625.
The Hope Center for Kids strives to faithfully inspire hope in youth and children through education, employability, collaboration and faith. Programs are focused on transforming the hearts and minds of the youngest generation in order to impact an entire community. From the first day a child enters the program they are surrounded by hope. Hope that they can make positive life choices. Hope that they will graduate from high school and attend college or vocational training. Hope that their life has extraordinary meaning.
Hope Center for Kids offers after school programming, which is still available in the summer during extended hours, in addition to specialized programs such as the Hope Employment and Learning Academy, SOZO 402, Hope Skate, and After Hope.
If you would like to support The Hope Center for Kids by volunteering or via donation, please call (402) 341-4673 or visit www.hopecenterforkids.com.
At Open Door Mission, we often say that hope begins with a meal. The first time someone comes through our doors, they are often driven by an urgent physical need for food and shelter. But thankfully, what happens once they arrive can have a lasting impact. At Open Door Mission they find real, lasting hope!
Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 816 safe, shelter beds to homeless men, women and children, serves over 2,000 hot, nutritious meals and provides preventive measures to more than 275 people living in poverty. Will you help hungry men, women and children find a Summer of Hope?
For more information about Open Door Mission visit www.opendoormission.org to see how you can make a difference in our community.
Help Beat the Heat this summer by donating bottled water and fans to Open Door Mission!
Ballet Nebraska is the region’s professional dance company—the only arts organization of its kind in the area. Now in its fifth season, it brings the energy, excitement, and artistry of dance to an enthusiastic and growing audience in Nebraska, Iowa and on tour.
Ballet Nebraska’s talented professional dancers hail from around the USA and abroad, making Omaha their home to share the excitement of dance with others. As expressive artists, powerful athletes, and skilled teachers, Ballet Nebraska’s dancers give the company a key role in the cultural vitality of the region. Ballet Nebraska’s commitment to community service embraces a range of outreach programs, including special performances for schoolchildren; onsite workshops at schools, libraries and other venues; tickets for underserved populations; and ongoing collaborations with partners that include Joslyn Art Museum, Opera Omaha, and Omaha Performing Arts.
To attend, donate, volunteer, or simply learn more about Ballet Nebraska, visit balletnebraska.org.
The Wellness Council of the Midlands (WELCOM) is a local nonprofit organization serving the state of Nebraska. WELCOM was founded more than 30 years ago in Omaha, and has a mission to lead employers to create a workplace culture of health and wellness. As a membership organization, companies across Nebraska are invited to join WELCOM in order to obtain tools and resources that can assist with workplace wellness efforts. WELCOM members receive access to a members-only website, and free admission to educational trainings that provide a foundational understanding of the ways in which to strategically develop and enhance results-driven worksite wellness programs. Member companies also have the opportunity to apply for the Well Workplace Award, which is a nationally recognized designation as one of America’s Healthiest Companies. Overall, WELCOM serves to keep member companies on the cutting edge of best practices within the field of employee wellness.
Visit www.wellnesscouncil.org or contact WELCOM for more information (402-934-5795; info@welcomomaha.org).
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association is a non-profit working to improve the cardiovascular health of Americans by 20%, while reducing deaths from CVD and stroke by 20% by 2020. Heart disease is our No. 1 killer. Each day, Americans suffer more than 2,500 heart attacks, killing 1 person every 39 seconds. Stroke is our No. 4 killer and the leading cause of disability. Through awareness and fundraising at events like Go Red For Women, Heart Walk and Heart Ball, we are determined to change those statistics.
Find out how you can help the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association at www.heart.org/omaha.
Merrymakers is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for seniors by encouraging active participation, increasing social interaction, and sparking memories through professional entertainment. By offering the benefits of socialization, movement, interaction and stimulating memories through regular performances, Merrymakers programs such as the annual Roast and Songs & Suds make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of seniors in Nebraska and Central Iowa. Merrymakers’ twenty performers are all professional, and tailor their music to their audience, so seniors are offered a strong dose of the music of their youth–a healthy tonic for the boredom and loneliness endemic in senior homes. Your support of Merrymakers is a huge help in getting music to seniors in our community.
For more information about Merrymakers, visit www.merrymakers.org or call (402) 697-0205.
The First Tee of Omaha is a youth development organization offering Golf and Life Skills programming city-wide to youth ages 5-17. The First Tee of Omaha is more than just a place to learn the game of golf. 9 Core Values, inherently taught through the game, are delivered to the youth during programming sessions. The 9 Core Values include: Respect, Honesty, Integrity, Courtesy, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, Judgment, Perseverance and Confidence. 9 Healthy Habits are now also included in the program to promote active lifestyles amongst our youth.
The First Tee of Omaha provides opportunities for young people to experience a positive, safe place, surrounded by caring adults. The organization’s primary goal is to see participants graduate from high school on time with the life skills needed to succeed in college and life, with the ability to make healthy choices and with the desire to positively impact their communities.
For more information about The First tee of Omaha, please visit http://www.thefirstteeomaha.org.
Partnership 4 Kids is a goal setting and group mentoring program building hope for underserved students and helping them create a foundation for success from kindergarten to careers. We’ve been serving Omaha youth for 25 years and currently reach 4,500 students. Our volunteers empower kids to succeed through goal setting, career exploration and college preparation.
Needs: We are looking for people with heart who want to help more Omaha kids succeed and are willing to commit 2-5 hours a month mentoring students enrolled in our programs.
For more information about Partnership 4 Kids contact Tracy Wells at (402) 930-3095 or visit www.p4k.org.
For over 45 years, Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc. (FHAS) has been dedicated to improving quality of life by helping people achieve housing stability and financial security. FHAS has addressed a broad range of housing issues improving quality of life by helping people achieve housing and financial stability. Through a unique combination of comprehensive services, FHAS prevents homelessness, educates home owners, provides foreclosure prevention options, develops financially-wise consumers (including youth transitioning out of foster care), offers affordable mortgage lending options, eliminates housing discrimination, and reduces poverty through access to tax credits. For more information about Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc. (FHAS) please visit: www.fhasinc.org or call (402) 934-7921.
The mission of the WCA is to help women and their children out of their immediate crisis and assist them in making permanent changes in their lives, helping them to stay safe… grow strong. The WCA provides services to thousands of women and their children who are impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. We offer a 24-hour crisis hotline in both English and Spanish, safety planning, crisis counseling, legal services including immigration, support groups, women veteran programs, prevention training, sex trafficking programs, career planning and wardrobe assistance.
Volunteers are needed in the following programs: hotline, office management, clothing closet (sorting and arranging clothing) & clothing donations.
For more information about WCA contact Elizabeth Power, elizabethp@wcaomaha.org or (402) 345-6555.
The Durham Museum in Omaha’s beautiful art deco Union Station is home to permanent exhibits that preserve Omaha’s vibrant history. The museum’s traveling exhibits display subjects ranging from history and culture, to science and industry, and many entertaining, educational, family-oriented activities. The Durham Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and has strong ties with the Library of Congress, National Archives, and The Field Museum.
The mission of The Durham is to provide educational and entertaining opportunities within the region that exceed customer expectations, while preserving our community’s cultural history.
Admission is $9 for adults; $7 for seniors; $6 for children 3-12; and free for members and children age 2 and under. For information about The Durham Museum please visit the museum’s website at DurhamMuseum.org.
Since 1974 the Charitable Giving Foundation (CGF), through our unique “shopping environment”, has helped generate millions and millions of dollars for our approved Causes by connecting Merchants, Causes, and Consumers for a WIN-WIN-WIN benefit for all! We are also proud to be recognized as the FIRST Cause Marketing Organization (Wikipedia) in America!
Besides helping to create a perpetual source for substantial funding, the entire CGF program is offered FREE…NO dues, fees, or added costs…to all of our Charitable Causes, Non-Profits, and Faith-Based Organizations and their supporters!
So…if you are a Charitable Cause, Non-Profit, or Faith-Based Organization and you are looking to generate ADDITIONAL funds;
…or you are a Merchant, Vendor or Business Owner looking to develop NEW and loyal customers;
…or your are a Consumer wanting to support your favorite Cause, at NO expense to you…CHECK OUT THE CGF AT www.charitablegivingfoundation.org!
For more information about the Charitable Giving Foundation (CGF) contact Mark Wehner at (402) 676-0101 or mwehner@charitablegivingfoundation.org.
WasteCap Nebraska is a statewide, member-based, nonprofit organization headquartered in Lincoln, NE dedicated to eliminating waste in Nebraska. Do you know what your organization spends on waste every year? Businesses buy an estimated 40% more trash service than needed. Waste reduction is a key strategy in the battle to reduce operating expenses. WasteCap Nebraska can provide solutions to control your costs through vendor selection, service optimization, prevention and diversion. Let our expert consultants document the financial and environmental benefits of waste reduction for you by conducting a Waste Assessment.
WasteCap staff sorts and measures all materials destined for the landfill and the recycling center, recording weight and estimating volume. A detailed written report contains photographic documentation, customized recommendations and an economic analysis of current versus future program options. The client uses this information to establish a solid waste baseline and to measure improvements against stated waste reduction goals.
For more information about WasteCap Nebraska, visit www.wastecapne.org.
As part of its mission of Supporting and Strengthening Youth, Young Adults and Families, the Omaha Home for Boys is committed to providing services to young men and women ages 12-24 through family-style, community-based programs supported by education. As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2020, we will continue to adapt and change to meet the needs of youth and families throughout the community. Our promise began 93 years ago – to help youth become productive, independent adults who contribute positively to and responsibly in their community. The Omaha Home for Boys is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization providing services to youth regardless of race, religion or ability to pay and is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children (COA).
For more information about the Omaha Home for Boys, please call (402) 457-7000 or visit www.omahahomeforboys.org.