Strive to Thrive Lincoln works with local nonprofits on an invitation-only basis. Each semester, the class focuses its research and grantmaking on a different area of need within the Lincoln community. If your organization is interested in being considered for a future semester's grant process, please email Professor Amber Messersmith at amessersmith3@unl.edu.
Project Overview
Thanks to the generosity of Rhonda Seacrest and the partnership of the College of Business, Strive to Thrive Lincoln allocates $10,000 in grant funding each semester to nonprofits in Lincoln/Lancaster County.
Eligibility Guidelines
- Classified as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations by the IRS.
- Have an active, local presence in the Lincoln/Lancaster County area and benefit local individuals.
- Officially operating in Lincoln/Lancaster County for no less than two calendar years.
- Provide services directly, rather than reallocating grant funds to additional groups or organizations.
- Past recipients of Strive to Thrive Lincoln grants may apply again after a calendar year has elapsed (e.g., spring winners may apply the next spring).
- UNL-sponsored organizations are not eligible if they use the same Form 990 as UNL.
| Past Grant Recipients | |
|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | The Children's Place, $5,000; Northeast Family Center, $5,000 |
| Fall 2024 | Bridges to Hope, $5,000; Friendship Home, $5,000 |
| Spring 2024 | Camp Kesem-University of Nebraska, $5,000; Mourning Hope, $5,000 |
| Fall 2023 | Food Fort, $5,000; WICS Home for Girls, $5,000 |
| Spring 2023 | The Bridge Behavioral Health, $5,000; Belmont Community Center, $5,000 |
| Fall 2022 | The Arc of Lincoln, $5,000; St. Monica’s Home, $5,000 |
| Fall 2021 | CEDARS Youth Services, $5,000; City Impact, $5,000 |
| Spring 2021 | Visionary Youth, $5,000; South of Downtown Community Development Organization, $5,000 |
| Fall 2020 | The HUB Central Access Point for Young Adults, $5,000; Lighthouse, $5,000 |
| Spring 2020 | Belmont Community Center $5,000; Food Fort $5,000 |
| Fall 2019 | City Impact $5,000; The BAY $5,000 |
| Spring 2019 | Center for Legal Immigration Assistance $7,500; Food Fort $2,500 |
| Fall 2018 | Child Advocacy Center, $5,000; Rabble Mill $3,000; Lead Up $2,000 |
| Spring 2018 | Clinic With a Heart $5,000; Lincoln Literacy $5,000 |
| Fall 2017 | Child Advocacy Center, $5,000; City Impact, $3,000; Bright Lights, $2,000 |
| Fall 2016 | Still Waters Equestrian Academy, $6,000; Lincoln Police Charities, $4,000 |
| Fall 2015 | Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, $5,000; CASA for Lancaster County, $2,500; Lincoln Literacy, $2,500 |
