FREMONT, NE – Six area organizations and communities were recently awarded grants totaling $60,000 during the Fremont Area Community Foundation’s third competitive grant cycle of 2026. Grants were awarded to the following organizations and projects:

• Active Community Team of Saunders County (ACT). $10,000 for the Saunders County Family Support and Youth Success Initiative, which provides early intervention, parenting education, and individualized family support to help strengthen families, improve school attendance, and reduce risk factors for youth facing behavioral challenges, family conflict, or potential involvement in the juvenile justice or child welfare systems.
• CASA of the Midlands. $15,000 to support CASA Cares, helping the organization recruit, train, and maintain volunteers who advocate for children experiencing abuse and neglect while expanding its capacity to meet growing needs in Dodge and Washington Counties.
• City of Fremont. $10,000 to support the Fremont Transit Program and help meet local match requirements for continued demand-response transportation services. The program provides essential transportation access for seniors, individuals with disabilities, low-income households, and others traveling to employment, healthcare, education, and other essential services.
• The Builder Foundation. $10,000 for Fremont Builds!, a project designed to strengthen the future construction workforce through teacher training and support for Fremont High School’s Builders of the Future program. The project will help prepare area industrial technology teachers and recognize students participating in hands-on construction education.
• Village of Pender. $5,000 toward Build to Protect, a project to construct a modern fire and rescue facility that will improve emergency response capabilities, firefighter and EMT safety, training opportunities, and long-term public safety services for Pender and the surrounding mutual aid area.
• Village of Dodge. $10,000 toward the VersaCourt Community Recreation Project, which will create a versatile outdoor recreation space for residents of all ages. The new court will provide opportunities for activities including basketball, pickleball, shuffleboard, and Four Square while encouraging healthy lifestyles, family engagement, and community connection.

FACF competitive grants are funded in part by:

• The Lester Walker Fund, which provides grant funding to 501(c)(3) organizations in the Fremont area for civic, cultural, educational, health and welfare purposes, and honors the life and philanthropy of the late Lester A. Walker, former owner and publisher of the Fremont Tribune.
• The Fremont Forever Fund, the foundation’s unrestricted endowment fund which transcends generations to support the improvement of the quality of life in our community, today and in the future.
• Fremont Forever Friends, who have created the following unrestricted endowment funds: Tanya and Blake Dillon Family Endowment Fund, RVR Bank Giving Fund, Todd and Shannon Hansen Family Endowment Fund, Libby and John Headid Endowment Fund, Robert and Dian Hillis Endowment Fund, Roger and Pam Pannier Charitable Fund, Peg and Steve Pribnow Family Fund, Neil and Bonnie Schilke Endowment Fund, Wikert Endowment Fund, and Tom and Deanna Wolf Endowment Fund.

“This grant cycle reflects the many different ways local organizations and communities are working to make a difference—from supporting children and families to expanding transportation access, preparing the next generation for meaningful careers, and investing in safe and vibrant communities,” said Melissa Diers, Executive Director of the Fremont Area Community Foundation. “We are grateful for the donors whose generosity makes it possible to support these important efforts and help strengthen our communities for the future.”

Founded in 1980 with a single estate gift, the Fremont Area Community Foundation connects donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to address local needs and create lasting impact. Over the life of the foundation so far, nearly $50 million has been distributed throughout Fremont and the greater Dodge County area in the form of scholarships and grants in five areas of interest: arts and culture, civic improvement, education, health and recreation, and social services. The foundation currently administers over $43 million in community assets.

The next deadline for competitive grant applications is October 1, 2026. For more information or an application, visit the Fremont Area Community Foundation website or call 402-721-4252.

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