2026-27 Catalyst Funding Opportunity
Eligibility Guidelines
The 2026-27 Catalyst Funding is available to Nebraska afterschool programs outside of the Lincoln and Omaha metro areas.
Statewide Impact Pathways
Catalyst recipients will select one of two statewide impact pathways:
Literacy Pathway: Programs will use high quality literacy experiences to help young people strengthen reading skills, build a love of learning, increase engagement, and develop the foundational skills needed for lifelong success.
Workforce Exploration Pathway: Programs will provide career-connected learning experiences that help young people explore future opportunities, develop workplace and leadership skills, and build meaningful connections between education, postsecondary pathways, careers, and community.
While programs will select a primary pathway, all recipients will contribute to a broader statewide effort to strengthen outcomes for Nebraska youth through the goal areas below.
Funding Structure
Funding will run September 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027 (9 months). Separate summer funding may be available outside of the Catalyst Funding Opportunity for Summer 2027.
Catalyst applicants will have the opportunity to apply at one of two participation levels:
Option 1: Catalyst Partners
Programs may apply to become Catalyst Partners through either the Literacy Pathway or Workforce Exploration Pathway. Grantees receive funding and support to deliver high-impact programming while joining a statewide effort to improve outcomes for Nebraska youth through literacy and career-connected learning.
This cohort will consist of 12-15 school year grants, averaging $22,000-$25,000 each.
Option 2: Catalyst Research & Innovation Cohort
Programs interested in leading the next generation of afterschool innovation may apply to join the Catalyst Research & Innovation Cohort. As demonstration sites, grantees will participate in pathway related studies to help build Nebraska's evidence base on how high-quality Expanded Learning Opportunities improve literacy, career exploration, workforce readiness, attendance, and long-term success.
This cohort will consist of 3-4 grants, averaging $42,000-$45,000 for the first year. Funding will be provided for up to three years, with amounts determined each year based on performance and available funds.
Requirements of Recipients
Those who are awarded funding will be expected to:
- Participate in Catalyst learning community activities and attend virtual quarterly network meetings
- Maintain timely communication with BSB
- Participate in advocacy and awareness opportunities, including attending Advocacy Day in Lincoln hosted by BSB (spring 2027)
- Submit three 3-month expenditure reports via WebGrants
- Submit a midway and final progress report via Qualtrics
- Implement programming aligned with the selected pathway, such as:
- Implementation of a book stand and literacy backpacks (Literacy Pathway), and/or
- Hosting a career exploration club
Informational Webinar
Beyond School Bells will be hosting an informational webinar on Thursday, June 18th at 12 PM CT/11 AM MT. The webinar will cover the structure of this opportunity, requirements of those who receive fundings, and provide space for Q&A about the opportunity.
Dates and Deadlines
- Applications open June 15, 2026
- Informational webinar will be held on June 18 at 12pm CT
- Applications due August 7
- Award Notifications August 14
- Funding will run September 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027 (9 months)
- Separate funding may be available for 2027 summer programming
Application
Applications are due by Friday, August 7. Please submit via email to Dakota Staggs at dstaggs@nebraskachildren.org and Stephanie Vadnais at svadnais@nebraskachildren.org. For questions, contact any member of the BSB team.
