Omaha, Neb. – (March 11, 2010) The Mutual of Omaha Foundation has announced more than $135,000 in grants for the first quarter of 2010. The grants will assist seven non-profit organizations in addressing critical issues that families in Omaha and surrounding communities face.
“The Mutual of Omaha Foundation gives priority to fund programs that address specific issues we have identified as obstacles for those looking to make positive change. We hope that through the Foundation’s support, families will be connected to the resources they need to achieve and maintain a higher quality of life,” said Christine Johnson, president of the Mutual of Omaha Foundation.
These critical issues include: behavioral health, youth violence, domestic abuse, childhood obesity, early childhood education, preparedness for graduation, literacy/language, financial literacy, food and shelter.
As an example of the Foundation’s first quarter funding, Johnson highlighted a $50,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Inc. to be used for its Neighborhood Restoration project, which addresses the critical issue of shelter.
While new construction will continue to be a focus for the organization, Habitat for Humanity plans to purchase and redevelop houses in need of repair through the Habitat Neighborhood Restoration project.
According to Amanda Brewer, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, because of the depleted housing market, it is a great time to focus on full renovations, which can prove to be cost-effective for the organization while restoring stability in the neighborhood.
“The support from Mutual of Omaha Foundation will enable us to focus on renovations and have an even greater impact on the community by saving old houses,” Brewer said.
In addition to Habitat for Humanity, the Mutual of Omaha Foundation provided funding in the first quarter to the following organizations:
| Organization | Amount | Project/Program |
| Omaha Zoo Foundation | $10,000 | Expedition Madagascar Education Campaign |
| Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska | $10,000 | Grants to American Indians in Nebraska |
| 100 Black Men of Omaha | $20,280 | Young Men Mentoring Institute |
| TeamMates Mentoring Program | $10,000 | General Operating Support |
| Legal Aid of Nebraska | $25,000 | Access to Justice Self-Help Center |
| Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska | $10,000 | Refugee Resettlement Match Grant Program |
This list along with descriptions of each project can be found on the Foundation’s Web site at www.mutualofomahafoundation.org.
Requests for applications for the third quarter of 2010 will be accepted online through May 15. The application deadline for the second quarter has passed. To apply for funding or for more information, including and explanation of each critical issue and funding requirements, organizations may visit the Foundation’s Web site.
The Mutual of Omaha Foundation was established in 2005 to continue the company’s longstanding tradition of supporting efforts that impact individuals and families throughout the community. Mutual of Omaha is a full-service, multi-line organization providing insurance and financial services products for individuals, businesses and groups throughout the United States.
