Community involvement is a core value at Strictly Business. We believe in supporting our neighbors and giving back whenever possible, and working with nonprofits allows us to help strengthen the heart of our community. Nonprofit organizations address the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors and they work tirelessly to support causes that resonate with many of us.
Many people don’t realize the impact they can have on nonprofits. At Strictly Business, we don’t like seeing things go to waste or be thrown away. Many items you want to get rid off or don’t have a use for anymore can become a gift and donation to some of these organizations. An old blanket you don’t use anymore can be rags and blankets for an animal shelter, and old towel for the same purpose. Other items that tend to sit unused include children’s toys, books, puzzles, school supplies, office items, and craft materials. Electronics such as old laptops, tablets, calculators, and working phones can often be repurposed by organizations. Many nonprofits also welcome unopened toiletries, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, and personal care items. Check with your local nonprofits about the most needed items and you’d be surprised that some of them sit and collect dust at your home.
If your house is spick and span and you’re sure there’s nothing left to donate (look harder!), giving your time can have just as big an impact. Nonprofits offer all kinds of volunteer opportunities, and most people are surprised by how many different ways they can get involved. Some of the most common include helping at food pantries by sorting donations, packing boxes, or serving meals.
Shelters often need extra hands to organize clothing, tidy up common areas, or help greet the people they support.
Youth organizations may look for mentors, tutors, or volunteers to help with activities and events. Animal shelters frequently need people to walk dogs, play with cats, or assist during adoption days. Environmental groups host park cleanups, garden workdays, and neighborhood beautification projects throughout the year.
Many nonprofits also need behind-the-scenes help—things like office support, event planning, photography, or social media assistance. And during busy seasons, opportunities like holiday gift drives, school supply collections, and fundraising events pop up all over the community.
Giving back matters—but meaningful advocacy starts with awareness. That is the purpose of our Supporting Nonprofits segment. Strictly Business is fortunate to partner with nonprofits by offering valuable visibility and media opportunities at an accessible rate. Over the years, we have seen countless connections form between businesses and nonprofits featured in our pages, leading to collaborations that create real impact and expand awareness for important causes.
Lincoln nonprofits are the backbone to the growing community, industries and businesses we have in Lincoln. Each year, our readers use the magazine as a trusted resource when planning charitable giving, volunteer involvement, and seasonal support efforts. Featuring your nonprofit in Strictly Business not only increases visibility but also connects your mission with individuals and businesses who are actively seeking ways to give back. By sharing your story in these pages, you ensure that community members can discover your organization, understand your impact, and consider you as part of their annual giving and engagement plans.
Aging Ally (AgingAlly.org) is a Nebraska nonprofit dedicated to guiding adults and families through the complexities of healthcare with advocacy, compassion and faith. Founded by nurse and healthcare leader Brenda Soto, MHL, BSN, RN, together with her niece Lauren Furman, Aging Ally helps individuals connect the dots between medical care, insurance and community resources so they can make confident, informed decisions.
Our mission is to ensure no one walks alone on their healthcare journey. Through RN-guided advocacy, personalized education and compassionate support, we bridge the gap between healthcare systems and the people they serve – bringing clarity, comfort and confidence when it’s needed most.
Our No One Walks Alone campaign helps fund advocacy for those who cannot afford private support.
Learn more at AgingAlly.org or call (531) 893-1456. Together, we’re connecting the dots to make healthcare navigation clear and compassionate.
The American Heart Association (Heart.org/EN) is devoted to healthier lives for everyone and saving people from the nation’s top two causes of death: Heart Disease and Strokes. Their goal is to equitably increase worldwide healthy life expectancy from 64 to at least 67 years by 2030.
They are powered and run by only the best of the best. Thanks to millions of volunteers and countless help from local and global collaborators they are able to help fight against Heart Disease and keep people informed and educated on how to live healthy lives.
Through events right here in Nebraska, like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women and Heart Ball, the American Heart Association is making an impact. For more information, visit Heart.org/Nebraska.
The mission of the American Red Cross (RedCross.org) is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. This mission guides every action the organization takes.
The Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to people affected by disasters; supplies approximately 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches life-saving skills; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families.
Through a strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners, the Red Cross is always ready to respond in times of need. Its supporters provide a beacon of hope, whether helping during disasters, ensuring access to lifesaving blood, delivering critical training, or supporting military communities.
To learn more about the American Red Cross and how to get involved, visit RedCross.org.
Angels Among Us (MyAngelsAmongUs.org) provides financial and emotional support to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply. Once approved, families qualify for levels of $550 or $825 a month, depending on household income, for the duration of their critical treatment plan. Funds are paid directly to the creditor, which ensures funds are used for their intended purpose. AAU is the only organization providing long-term sustained funding to pediatric cancer families in the region.
In addition to financial support, Angels Among Us launched emotional support programming in 2022 to provide wrap-around services for all members of the pediatric cancer family. Programs include Kids Link, Women’s Recharge, Healing Hearts and events for the whole family. These emotional support programs allow Angels Among Us to better fulfill its mission of both financial and emotional support.
Since 2006, over 800 families have been supported with over $5.5 million in financia 
l support. Gifts of any amount are welcome and encouraged. For more information, contact Angels Among Us at (402) 934-0999 or visit MyAngelsAmongUs.org.
Apace (GoApace.com) is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fulfilling, lives rooted in dignity, respect and inclusion. Through personalized supports, innovative programming and meaningful connections, we help people build skills, pursue their passions and celebrate everyday achievements.
Located across Southeast Nebraska our day centers, employment services, shared living program and community-based supports, Apace focuses on creating opportunities, whether that’s finding a job, expressing creativity through art, navigating the community with confidence or forming lasting friendships. Our staff walks alongside each person, ensuring they feel safe, supported and valued in every step of their journey.
We believe in the strength of community and the power of shared experiences, Apace works to build a more inclusive world where everyone belongs. Together, we celebrate progress, possibility and the extraordinary in every day.
To learn more about our programs and get involved, please visit GoApace.com or call (402) 471-6400.
For more than 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln (BBBSL) (BBS.org) has operated under the belief that every young person has the ability to succeed and thrive. The organization’s vision is for all youth to reach their full potential. To achieve this, BBBSL creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
BBBS Lincoln is part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands (BBBSM) network, a donor- and volunteer-supported organization dedicated to defending the potential of youth across Lincoln and the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro areas, spanning nine counties in Nebraska and Iowa. This year, BBBSL is establishing nearly 150 mentoring relationships to provide a strong foundation for personal growth, academic achievement, and positive development.
To volunteer, donate, or learn more about our program, visit BBBSMidlands.org or call (402) 330-2449, option 4. Stay connected with Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn (@bbbslincoln).
The Branched Oak Observatory (BOO) (BranchedOakObservatory.com) is a unique astronomical park located conveniently just 20 minutes from downtown Lincoln near Branched Oak Lake Recreation Area. Established in 2015, they offer a unique viewing experience and learning opportunities for young and old alike. Whether viewing the sun, the moon or deep-space star clusters and nebulae, the Observatory’s staff of volunteers – amateur and professional astronomers alike – help to “Bring the Night Sky Down to Earth.”
Come view our newest Observatory, the Miller Astrophotography Research Center (MARC). Also coming this summer is our new Gift Shop/Admissions building! Check out our Facebook page for the latest announcements!
The Observatory has a radio telescope to view the electronic spectrum of the universe, a SATCOM array for communications with the International Space Station and other satellites, a Cosmic Ray Detector and an Earth Moon Earth EME array that will allow them to bounce radio signals off the surface of the moon and back to Earth!
Please follow the Branched Oak Observatory on Facebook (@BranchedOakObservatory). Keep checking back to see about our “NEW” operating hours! If you would like more information, visit theboo.org or contact Matt Anderson at matthew@branchedoakobservatory.com, (402) 480-5515. Branched Oak Observatory is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Summer should be fun and filled with new experiences, and a Bright Lights camp provides all of that and more!
Now in its 40th summer, Bright Lights Summer Learning Adventures (BrightLights.org) provides K-8th grade students with engaging and fun summer learning opportunities. Their week-long half-day and full-day camps allow students to learn and create, expand skills and build new relationships.
During Summer 2026, camps occur June 1-5; June 8-12; June 15-19 June 22-26 and July 6-10. Camp topics include science, technology, math, art, literature and music with most having a STEAM connection.
Their full Summer 2026 camp schedule will be available online in early February, and registration will open on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 8 AM at BrightLights.org.
Bright Lights offers Before Care and Lunch Care options as well as need-based scholarships. There is an international experience for middle school students and a Camp Assistant program for high schoolers. Find out more at BrightLights.org.
Hundreds of children and youth in Lancaster County experience abuse and neglect each year. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) (Nebraskacasa.org) for Lancaster County works to change that by recruiting, training and supporting volunteers who advocate for children involved in Juvenile Court. CASA volunteers get to know each child, understand their circumstances and provide the judge with clear, informed recommendations to help ensure safety, stability and a path to permanency. Volunteering with CASA offers a direct and meaningful way to change a child’s future. A CASA advocate becomes a steady, trusted presence—someone who listens, speaks up and makes sure the child’s needs and wishes are heard.
For those unable to volunteer, donations create equally powerful impact. Support helps CASA train more volunteers, reach more children and ensure no child moves through the court system alone.
Help “Change a Child’s Story™” by volunteering or donating today. For more information, contact CASA for Lancaster County at (402) 474-5161, visit casa4lancaster.org, or follow @CASA4LancasterCo on Facebook.
CBMC Lincoln (Christian Business Men’s Connection) (Lincoln.CBMC.com) is part of a global community of Christian men dedicated to growing in their faith while making an impact at work and in life. Whether just starting a career or leading a business, men can find support to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually.
Faith and work do not always feel connected, but CBMC helps bring them together. Through one-on-one mentoring, small group meetups, leadership training, and events throughout the year, members gain the tools, support, and real connections to live out their faith in everyday life.
For business owners and leaders, CBMC offers Peer Advisory Groups designed to help run businesses in a Christ-honoring way while benefiting staff, customers and communities. For younger men in the workforce, Young Professionals (YP) groups are a great place to meet other like-minded men, hear from experienced leaders, and receive guidance on work, life, and relationships.
Joining CBMC Lincoln means more than attending events. It is becoming part of a community of men who are honest, encouraging, and committed to growing together.
To learn more, contact CBMC Lincoln at (402) 204-1997, visit Lincoln.CBMC.com, or find them on Facebook or LinkedIn.
The Nebraska Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) (CEFNebraska.org) is part of the world’s largest and oldest children’s youth ministry. Established in 1937, the global ministry has reached over 350 million children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are unique in that they focus specifically on elementary children ages five to 12. CEF of Nebraska’s Good News Club is an after-school Bible club during the school year that primarily meets in local public elementary schools. During the summer, their Summer Good News Club (formerly the Five-Day Club) goes where the children are – neighborhoods, homes and parks.
CEF of Nebraska brings the gospel of Jesus Christ to children for an opportunity in which to make a life-changing decision for Christ in a safe and loving environment. If you would like to know more, please contact Matt Anderson at matta@cefnebraska.org / (402) 480-5515.
The David Staenberg Family Foundation (DSFF) (DavidStaenbergFamilyFoundation.org) is a mission-driven nonprofit focused on supporting dyslexic youth and community veterans through practical opportunities that build confidence, stability, and hope. The Foundation’s stated mission is to “support dyslexic youth and our community veterans by creating opportunities, inspiring hope, and building a legacy of positive change.”
For dyslexic students, DSFF helps remove barriers to success by offering scholarships for post-secondary education, pairing financial support with encouragement so students can pursue their academic goals.
For veterans, DSFF provides targeted support that includes financial literacy scholarships, specifically noting 60 scholarships to the Dave Ramsey program through The Vet Center in Lincoln.
Beyond these two pillars, DSFF also strengthens the broader community through service and partnerships, including collaboration with local organizations serving people in need.
Learn more or make a contribution at DavidStaenbergFamilyFoundation.org.
Disrupting Traffick (DisruptingTraffick.org) is a Lincoln, Nebraska–based nonprofit dedicated to preventing sexual exploitation through community education, outreach, and practical support. Its resource center, located at 1625 N Street, serves as a critical entry point for women and youth facing vulnerability.
Disrupting Traffick operates from a simple but powerful belief: traffickers exploit unmet needs, and when those needs are met, prevention begins. At the resource center, individuals receive tangible resources—such as food, clothing, and hygiene items—freely and without expectation. For many, this is the first experience of receiving help without strings attached.
The organization also provides short-term emergency housing through its safe house, Lincoln’s first for survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation. Beyond crisis response, Disrupting Traffick offers long-term advocacy and mentorship, fostering healthy relationships that empower survivors to rebuild lives marked by dignity, freedom, and hope. Through dignity-centered care and early intervention.
Disrupting Traffick works to interrupt cycles of exploitation before they take hold. Please visit DisruptingTraffick.org for more information.
Fresh Start (FreshStartHome.org) is more than just a shelter for women experiencing homelessness; it is a goal-oriented program that has empowered over 1,900 women since 1991. Residents work closely with staff to create individualized plans designed to help them achieve self-sufficiency, while supportive services are available onsite 24/7. Even after completing the program, women can continue to receive guidance and resources through Fresh Start’s Community Support Program.
While Fresh Start provides exceptional support, residents still rely on assistance with basic needs like food, clothing, and safe shelter. The Daisy Thrift Store, located at 6433 Havelock Ave., helps provide clothing for residents.
As homelessness continues to rise, Fresh Start’s needs grow as well. Community members can make a meaningful difference through volunteering or donations. For more information, contact the Development Team at (402) 475-7777 ext. 4 or email Lacreshab@freshstarthome.org.
Since 1978, Friendship Home (FriendShipHome.org) has helped survivors of domestic violence find physical and emotional safety by offering possibilities to help change their lives when things are at their worst.
Friendship Home’s current facilities have expanded shelter options including transitional housing and single-family shelters and a variety of different crisis services.
Friendship Home offers emergency shelter in a communal shelter setting, apartments for families and transitional living for families who need more time to rebuild their lives – free from violence.
Friendship Home continues to empower everyone who comes through their doors to achieve safety, independence and freedom from domestic violence.
Friendship Home is Lancaster County’s only safe, confidential emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Services include emergency and transitional shelter, as well as supportive services, through safety planning, crisis intervention, support groups and mental health counseling. To access safe shelter and services, call (402) 437-9302. Learn more about
Friendship Home online at FriendShipHome.org.
For 94 years, Goodwill Industries (GoodWillNe.org) Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. has been strengthening the Lincoln community by providing services for individuals who face barriers to employment and by offering residents an outlet for recycling unused household items and clothing. The sale of donated items in Goodwill’s retail stores remains the largest source of funding for its programs and services.
Goodwill recognizes that services provided by peer agencies prepare people served by Goodwill to better succeed in Goodwill’s employment programs. It is with this understanding that Goodwill provides funding to colleague agencies to help with their own programs that align with Goodwill’s mission of keeping willing workers employed and community resources maximized. To learn more, visit lincolngoodwill.org.
Founded in 1989 by Dennis and Carol Wheeler of Auburn, Nebraska, Midwest Animal Rescue was created to address the growing need for care of homeless and unwanted dogs. In the early 1990s, the organization became Hearts United for Animals (HUA), (HUA.org) evolving into a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare. Since 1996, HUA has rescued more than 18,000 dogs from severe neglect, untreated medical conditions, and profound emotional trauma, highlighting the urgent need for reform in commercial breeding practices.
In the summer of 2024, HUA lost both founders within weeks of each other. While their passing marked the end of an era, their legacy endures. HUA’s board, staff, and executive leadership remain steadfast in honoring the Wheelers’ vision while building a strong future for the non-profit organization.
A cornerstone of HUA’s impact is its weekly Spay/Neuter Clinic, which has treated more than 25,000 animals and prevented an estimated 2.5 million births. Through donor and community support, HUA continues to reduce puppy mills through education, legislation, and enforcement, bringing a puppy-mill-free future closer to reality.
To learn more, visit HUA.org and follow Hearts United for Animals on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
HopeSpoke (Hopespoke.org) inspires healthy futures for children and families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services. Emotional challenges and trauma are difficult to navigate, especially for kids. When life feels overwhelming, HopeSpoke offers support, healing, and hope.
Serving individuals and families across the lifespan, HopeSpoke provides a range of services, including outpatient counseling, school-based therapy, extended day treatment, and crisis and residential care. Outpatient services are available in person or via telehealth, offering flexibility to meet each individual’s needs.
With a legacy of care dating back to 1949, HopeSpoke remains dedicated to supporting children’s mental well-being. Our experienced team delivers expert, compassionate, and innovative treatment tailored to help families thrive.
At HopeSpoke, we believe every child and family deserves a bright, healthy future, and we’re here to help make that future possible.
For more information about HopeSpoke’s programs, or to make a gift to support mental health for children and families, please visit Hopespoke.org or call (402) 475-7666.
Junior Achievement (lincoln.ja.org) empowers young people to own their economic success by bringing relevant, hands-on learning experiences directly into K–12 classrooms. Through partnerships with local businesses, dedicated volunteers and educators, JA helps students build critical skills in financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship.
Each year, thousands of students across Lincoln and surrounding communities engage in JA programs that spark curiosity, build confidence and connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities. From early elementary lessons that introduce basic money concepts to middle and high school experiences that equip students with the tools they need to envision and create a successful future.
With the support of our community, Junior Achievement continues to inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators and leaders—ensuring every student has the chance to explore their potential and thrive. Learn more at lincoln.ja.org.
For over 60 years, Keep Nebraska Beautiful (KNB) (KNB.org) has worked for the betterment of Nebraska through waste reduction, recycling and community beautification. KNB’s mission is to enhance, preserve and beautify Nebraska by developing and managing programs and partnerships with statewide affiliates, private industry leaders and citizens who share a passion for the environment. As a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful (KAB), KNB coordinates KAB events in the state of Nebraska and is a statewide resource for its 20 local community affiliates and all Nebraska residents.
The largest programs offered through KNB are the School Chemical Cleanout Campaign, CleanGreenZoNE, Materials Exchange, Used Oil Collection, Food Waste Education, Household Hazardous Waste and our newest Sustainability Seal Program. These initiatives focus on promoting environmental sustainability and public education/awareness.
To learn more, call us at (402) 486-4562 or visit KNB.org for more information.
Lily Haven (LilyHaven.org) is a trauma-informed residential program supporting girls ages 14–18 who have survived human trafficking. Their mission is to create a stable, nurturing environment where each young woman can heal, rediscover her identity and begin building a hopeful future at her own pace.
The program centers on a warm, family-style group home model with 24-hour staff, offering consistent care and space for trust to grow. Each resident receives individualized support that may include therapeutic services, life-skills development and education. All services are facilitated through staff and volunteers trained in the Teaching Family Model, ensuring that care is structured, relational and grounded in evidence-based practices.
Grounded in professionalism and compassion, Lily Haven offers more than immediate relief; it provides room for long-term healing and the tools for sustainable growth. Their work reflects both the seriousness of the realities these girls have faced and the belief that every survivor deserves stability, dignity and a future filled with possibility.
The Lincoln Children’s Museum (LCM) (lincolnchildrensmuseum.org) is where play and learning go hand in hand and curiosity is always welcome. Designed for children and the grown-ups who love them, LCM offers hands-on exhibits that spark creativity, encourage problem-solving, and turn everyday moments into meaningful discoveries.
From building and experimenting to pretending and performing, kids learn best by doing, which is at the core of LCM. Our exhibits are thoughtfully designed to support a love for learning and confidence through play, all in a space made for families to explore together.
Best of all, LCM is an easy win for parents. We’re open year-round, rain or shine, with a fully indoor, climate-controlled environment that makes planning simple and stress-free. Whether you’re looking for an hour of fun or a full day of discovery, LCM delivers joyful learning, lasting memories, and smiles you can count on.
For more information, please visit lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.
Through partnerships and collaboration Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) (LCF.org) facilitates positive change for the common good. LCF’s mission is to inspire our community to give, act and lead.
Since 1955, LCF has been privileged to be part of many wonderful legacies by connecting donor generosity to local needs. The organization serves as a faithful stewards for many types of philanthropic gifts and helps donors create lasting legacies of giving. With gifts of all sizes from thousands of donors over the years, the assets of LCF have grown to more than $271 million. LCF has distributed more than $275 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of our residents.
The success of Lincoln Community Foundation is measured by the quality of life achieved for people today and generations to come.
Find out more online at LCF.org or by calling (402) 474-2345.
Lincoln Medical Education Partnership (LMEP) (lmep.com) is a leader in healthcare education, patient care and behavioral health services through a variety of programs designed to meet community needs.
These include the training of Family Medicine resident physicians and the delivery of exemplary patient care through the Lincoln Family Medicine Residency Program and the Lincoln Family Medicine Center, along with exposure to integrative medicine through Lincoln Medical Acupuncture, outpatient mental health and substance use counseling services for adults through Stepping Stones, and the provision of training and technical assistance to help schools identify and assist students with behavioral health issues through School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP). To learn more about Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, visit lmep.com or call (402) 483-4581.
Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (mtko.org) is dedicated to relieving hunger, overcoming homelessness, addressing addiction, and providing outreach and advocacy in Lincoln. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, the organization is a hunger relief and outreach center dedicated to helping the homeless and near-homeless find possibilities when things seem impossible.
Each year, Matt Talbot provides more than 250,000 meals through onsite prepared meals, emergency food pantries, and food distributed through the Fresh Choice Pantry. In addition, the organization delivers more than 50,000 outreach and homeless prevention services, including housing assistance, case management, drug and alcohol evaluations, education classes, homeless diversion, and support obtaining vital identification documents.
Matt Talbot’s commitment to accountability and ethical practices is reflected in its record of recognition. The organization has maintained a four-star Charity Navigator ranking for eleven consecutive years, received the 2023 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics, and holds a Gold Seal GuideStar Nonprofit Profile for transparency.
For more information, visit mtko.org.
Founded in 1986, MICAH House (themicahhouse.org) serves families and single women that are experiencing the crisis of homelessness by providing shelter and support services. Located on the Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus in Council Bluffs, MICAH House provides two shelter programs – a family shelter and a women’s shelter. Through both programs, all individuals are provided with case management services that are tailored specifically to them, helping each person reach their unique goals and safe, stable housing.
MICAH House provides a variety of additional support services including education on finances and employment, an on-site health clinic, career closet with free professional clothing, various types of therapeutic programs targeted specifically for each population (families, women, children), the Florence M. Lakin Child Development Center and invaluable parenting support.
For more information, please visit themicahhouse.org.
Nebraska Community Foundation (NebraskaHometown.org) unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a greater Nebraska.
Headquartered in Lincoln, the foundation serves communities, donors and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving 266 communities.
In the past five years, 46,481 contributions have been made to Nebraska Community Foundation and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, Nebraska Community Foundation has reinvested $594 million in Nebraska’s people and places.
For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.
Nebraska Diaper Bank (nebraskadiaperbank.org) believes that all babies deserve clean diapers. The impact of a clean diaper cannot be overstated. Since 2014, Nebraska Diaper Bank (NDB) has operated a growing diaper distribution program, partnering with social service agencies to serve families across the state.
Clean, dry diapers are essential to a baby’s health and well-being, yet many families struggle to keep up with this basic need. Diapers are not covered by SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid, so for families already stretching every dollar, spending $80 or more per month on diapers can be the breaking point.
NDB is dedicated to filling this critical resource gap for low-income families in Nebraska. By distributing diapers through trusted partner agencies, NDB helps reduce financial stress and empowers parents to work, attend school, and provide a more stable environment for their children by taking one more expense off their plate.
Currently, NDB serves over 5,000 babies each month, distributing more than 300,000 diapers across Nebraska. The need continues to grow—and so does our commitment to ensuring that no child goes without this essential item. To learn more about our mission or to get involved, visit nebraskadiaperbank.org.
Nebraska Sports Council (NebraskaSportsCouncil.com) Invites Businesses to Build a Healthier, Stronger Nebraska
The Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) is a premier organization dedicated to building a healthier Nebraska through sports and physical activity. Its signature initiatives include the Lincoln and Omaha Corporate Games—events that unite businesses in friendly competition while promoting teamwork and employee wellness. These games provide corporations with a platform to boost morale, encourage fitness, and strengthen workplace culture.
The NSC is committed to enhancing Nebraska’s sports landscape and actively seeks partnerships and sponsorships. Businesses aligning with the NSC gain valuable exposure while contributing to the growth of a more active and connected community. Sponsorship options range from event-specific branding to long-term partnerships, offering flexibility for marketing and philanthropic goals.
By supporting the NSC and the Corporate Games, sponsors play an essential role in fostering engagement, well-being, and community pride across the state. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier Nebraska. Learn more at NebraskaSportsCouncil.com.
People’s City Mission (pcmlincoln.org), Lincoln’s homeless shelter since 1907, provides refuge, stability and compassionate care for thousands of men, women and children each year. Grounded in a mission to serve the poor with dignity, the Mission offers emergency and transitional housing, three daily meals, free clothing and household goods, and comprehensive medical, vision and dental services through its free clinic.
Last year alone, PCM provided more than one hundred thousand nights of shelter, served over one hundred sixty thousand meals and distributed nearly nine hundred thousand pounds of food to families in need. Through its Help Center, more than one million items were given at no cost to the community. Beyond meeting immediate needs, the Mission works to restore hope and help guests rebuild their lives. With unwavering commitment, People’s City Mission remains a vital lifeline for vulnerable neighbors and a trusted pillar in the Lincoln community.
For more information, please visit pcmlincoln.org.
The Pregnancy Center (pregnancycenterlincoln.org) is a nonprofit, faith-based organization located in the heart of Lincoln, just off O Street. Every day women in our community visit the Pregnancy Center for answers. These women desperately need love and support, and many of them are afraid and feel like they have no options. The Pregnancy Center provides comprehensive information about every option available to women facing an unintended pregnancy. The center also provides confidential counsel, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, materials support, parenting and birth classes all at no cost to their clients or taxpayers. For more information, please visit pregnancycenterlincoln.org.
As Nebraska’s quality award-winning expert in senior care, nonprofit Tabitha, an Eventide Affiliate, empowers people to live joyfully and age gratefully. Serving families across the state since 1886, Tabitha provides comprehensive services, including results-driven rehabilitation, in-home health care, compassionate hospice, innovative senior living communities, and Tabitha Meals on Wheels in Lincoln. For all aging needs, “Tabitha is the answer.”
Each year, Tabitha (tabitha.org/Give) relies on generous community support to bridge the gap in funding for senior care. Government programs like Medicaid and Medicare do not fully cover the cost of services, making fundraising essential to continue providing high-quality, mission-driven care.
Community members can help ensure seniors receive the support and dignity they deserve. To give today or learn more, visit tabitha.org/Give or call (402) 486-8520. Together, donors and supporters can make a lasting difference in the lives of older adults across Nebraska.
TeamMates (lincolnteammates.org) of Lincoln matches an adult volunteer with a student in grades 3-12 to help them realize their strengths, grow hope for their future and to simply be heard. Matches share common interests and/or lived experiences. Mentor’s may choose the school and/or grade level that fits best for them. Visits last one class period, once a week and take place at school.
TeamMates began in 1991, thanks to Dr. Tom and Nancy Osborne. In 34 years, program outcomes have confirmed their belief that caring adults help students – especially those with multiple life challenges – stay engaged in school, graduate high school and make post-secondary plans. Mentors help students expand their aspirations, develop visions for their futures and realize their full potential. To discuss the benefits of mentoring for associates in your business or to offer donations of food for trainings, reach out by calling (402) 436-1990. You can learn more at lincolnteammates.org.
Since 1952, The Arc of Lincoln (advocacypartnership.org) has served as a resource for parents, schools, agencies and individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its mission is to empower people with these disabilities and th
eir families, promoting and protecting their rights while enriching the quality of their lives. The organization believes that all individuals deserve opportunities to contribute to and influence their communities.
For more information, please visit advocacypartnership.org.
The Foundry Community (thefoundry.co) exists to support, educate, and develop the Nebraska purpose-driven community. We design resources to provide talent, capacity, programs, and spaces tailored to nonprofits and purpose-driven organizations in Lincoln and Nebraska. By joining our community, organizations can accelerate their impact pathway through fiscal sponsorships and incubation services and benefit from added capacity and talent through our partnerships with the University of Nebraska- Lincoln and Kearney Honors programs (Intern Foundry and Base Camp).
We also offer meeting rooms, event spaces, and a specialized coworking environment in our headquarters located in the heart of downtown Lincoln. We deeply value our members and work to provide infrastructure that sets up Nebraska-based nonprofits, purpose-driven businesses, and public sector organizations up for success.
We enable small organizations to focus on their core missions, empowering them to make a direct and positive impact on the world. We are proud to say that our work is centered on adding capacity tocommunity impact work, and, at the same time, working to make a positive dent in Nebraska’s Brain Drain by engaging high-achieving students in our programming. Join us to become part of a collaborative network that fosters growth, community, and success – in Lincoln and Greater Nebraska.
For more information and to become a member: visit thefoundry.co.
The HUB Central Access Point for Young Adults (hublincoln.org) provides unconditional support and access to services for young people as they become productive, independent, and active members of the community. Serving unconnected young adults ages 14–24, The HUB focuses on three core areas: education, employment and empowerment.
Through personalized education support, The HUB helps young adults complete high school or earn a GED. Employment services connect young people to job readiness resources, while empowerment services address critical needs such as housing stability, basic necessities, and peer support. The HUB meets young adults where they are, recognizing their individuality and believing in their goals and potential.
In 2024, The HUB provided support to 1,086 young adults across Lincoln, strengthening pathways to stability and long-term success. By combining practical resources with trusted relationships, The HUB helps young people navigate life’s challenges and build brighter futures for themselves and the community.
For more information, please visit hublincoln.org.
Vision Maker Media (VMM) (visionmakermedia.org), a Lincoln, Nebraska-based non-profit overseen by President and CEO Francene Blythe-Lewis, was established in 1976 as a media archive of videos about Native American history, culture, and generational wisdom. Francene’s father, VMM founder Frank Blythe, had a visionary and ambitious goal: the development, distribution, and production of programming by and about Native Americans and Alaska Natives for public television.
VMM celebrates 50 years in 2026 as the flagship organization dedicated to bringing media by and about Native Americans into American homes, through public television broadcasts, community-based events, social media feeds, and streaming downloads.
VMM accomplishes its important mission through training, networking, and mentorship opportunities. Over its fifty-year history, VMM has supported filmmakers from 412 Native American tribal communities and envisions a world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate.
For more information, please visit visionmakermedia.org.
Voices of Hope (voicesofhopelincoln.org) provides 24-hour services to all genders who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or related forms of abuse. They have provided free and confidential services to individuals of these crimes in Lincoln/Lancaster County for 48 years. Their services include a 24-hour crisis line (402) 475-7273, victim advocacy courts/hospitals, support groups, crisis counseling, safety planning, assistance with protection orders, basic needs and campus advocacy. They answer more than 8,000 crisis line calls a year and provide face-to-face services to approximately 2,500 unduplicated survivors. Voices of Hope is in need of financial donations, gift cards, gas cards, and donations of basic need items such as personal hygiene items, household items, and security cameras.
To learn more visit voicesofhopelincoln.org
Willard Community Center (willardcommunitycenter.org) is a place where every generation belongs.
Willard Community Center provides safe, inclusive and enriching programs that support children, families and adults through every stage of life.
The Early Explorers program offers high-quality, year-round preschool and pre-K education that builds social, emotional and academic readiness. Willard also provides licensed before- and after-school care at Roper and Lakeview elementary schools, along with free after-school clubs at Lakeview that give students opportunities to explore new interests and build confidence.
During the summer, Willard offers a full-day K–8 program featuring hands-on learning, recreation, field trips and outdoor fun.
For adults and older adults, expanding programs promote wellness, creativity and lifelong learning through classes, fitness, art, technology, community potlucks and intergenerational activities.
As a true community hub, Willard also hosts local organizations, civic groups and is a licensed bingo hall, creating a welcoming space for connection, learning and community growth.
For more information, visit willardcommunitycenter.org.
At Youth for Christ Lincoln Area (yfclincoln.org), we develop meaningful, Christ-centered relationships with young people at pivotal moments in their lives. We walk alongside teens in public schools through our Campus Life ministry, building trust and offering support where students are every day. We also come alongside pregnant and parent teens through Parent Life, helping them make wise choices, finish their education, and grow in their faith.
In the Juvenile Justice Ministry, we meet teens behind bars to share hope, provide chaplaincy services, and build long-term relationships that continue when they return to their communities. YFC Lincoln partners with local churches and volunteers to invite youth into a lifelong relationship with Jesus, encouraging them through events, mentoring, and regular programs that reflect God’s love and truth. Their work reaches thousands of young people across Lincoln and surrounding areas, offering hope, support, and the opportunity to explore faith in a safe, caring environment. For more information, visit yfclincoln.org.
The YMCA of Lincoln (YMCALincoln.org) is one of the community’s largest nonprofits, dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. For more than 150 years, the YMCA has served Lincoln by promoting positive values and strengthening the spirit, mind, and body for all.
Today, the YMCA reaches every corner of the city through its facilities and programs, including swim lessons, YMCA Youth Sports, after-school programs, Camp Kitaki, and a wide range of health and wellness offerings that support individuals and families at every stage of life.
While program offerings have evolved over the years, the YMCA’s mission has remained constant. As one of the nation’s most storied nonprofits, the YMCA understands that lasting personal and social change happens when people come together. Every day, the organization works alongside neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Learn more at YMCALincoln.org.
The nonprofits featured in this issue show the wide range of important work happening throughout Lincoln. Each organization plays a unique role in addressing community needs, supporting local families, and stepping in where resources are limited. Together, they illustrate how essential the nonprofit sector is to the overall health, stability, and wellbeing of our community.
Seeing these missions side by side highlights how much nonprofits contribute—often quietly—to everyday life. Their efforts help strengthen networks of support, improve access to services, and create opportunities that make long-term difference for the people they serve. Many of these organizations are deeply embedded in Lincoln’s neighborhoods, responding to needs as they arise and adapting their programs to meet changing circumstances. Whether providing food, shelter, education, health services, or advocacy, nonprofits are often the first to identify gaps and the last to step away from difficult work.
Nonprofits also play a major role in shaping the culture and character of a city. They bring people together, create community events, support youth development and the local arts, and give residents meaningful ways to connect with one another. In many cases, nonprofits help drive collaboration between local businesses, schools, faith communities, and government agencies; progress is rarely achieved alone. The partnerships they build not only strengthen their own missions but enrich the entire community in ways that ripple far beyond their programs.
Strictly Business aims to provide a space where nonprofits can share their work and increase community understanding of the issues they address. We want to remind individuals and businesses of an opportunity where they can do a lot of good for nonprofits. Individuals or businesses may sponsor a nonprofit to be in this feature, which gives them six months of press release coverage. This visibility helps organizations reach new supporters, highlight their achievements, and expand the impact of their mission.
If you don’t see your favorite nonprofits—or the one you work with—reach out to paige@strictlybusinessomaha.com or office@strictlybusinessomaha.com to find out how to sign them up or sponsor them. We will be running a limited follow-up Supporting Nonprofits feature for our February edition.