Catalyst Funding Opportunities
Our Catalyst Funding builds on the legacy of our Partner and Leverage Grants, offering flexible support for established ELO programs that are committed to innovation, sustainability, and youth-centered learning. In addition to operational funding, Catalyst grantees join a statewide learning community with access to:
- Coaching and technical assistance
- Virtual and in-person gatherings
- Opportunities to share best practices
- Resources to support long-term sustainability and alignment with statewide priorities such as workforce development, literacy, and attendance
Funding Opportunity Goal Areas
Goal 1 - Quality: Facilitate continuous improvement processes to support high quality Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELOs) that engage relevant stakeholders.
Goal 2 - Sustainability: Increase and enhance efforts that promote local sustainability of partner ELOs.
Goal 3 - Local Advocacy and Policy: Enhance practices that build local stakeholder knowledge of ELO impact and contribute to supportive policy structures.
Goal 4 - Innovative Programming: Facilitate and enhance use of high-quality programming that reflects youth interests and builds life skills.
Dates & Deadlines
- Application opens Friday, June 20
- Applications due Friday, August 15
- Notification of selections by Friday, August 29
- Funding will run October 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026 (11 months)
Eligibility
To apply, you MUST be:
- An afterschool, before-school, and/or summer program serving elementary, middle, and/or high school students in Nebraska
- School-based or community organization-based
- Outside of the Lincoln and Omaha metro areas
- An established program working to provide high-quality, locally sustainable learning experiences
Interested in applying?
