City of Kearney I-80 sign, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The City of Kearney, in partnership with the Keno Application Advisory Committee, is proud to announce the 2026 Special Community Betterment Awards for 18 projects.
This grant program was very competitive, and we appreciate all of the applicants and their work in our community.
The Special Community Betterment Awards are community development grants with no match that are available to local not-for-profit organizations with a maximum award of $25,000. The program is funded by unique one-time receipts to the City of Kearney that are being used to give back to the community. The maximum amount of funds being made available for this application period was $216,000.
2026 Award Recipients:
Applicant Name Project Scope Amount
- America 250 Buffalo County Celebration 250 Celebration $5,000.00
- American Red Cross of Central & Western Nebraska Health Screening Equipment $5,158.00
- Buffalo County Community Partners New building $10,000.00
- Crane River Theater New Microphones $10,000.00
- Faith Christian School Secure Futures: Security Project $5,000.00
- Family of Christ Lutheran Church ESL Classes $2,300.00
- HelpCare Clinic Clinic Renovation for Improved Patient Care $25,000.00
- Kearney Area Animal Shelter Dog Yard Fencing & Play Space Enhancement Project $5,000.00
- Kearney Area Children’s Museum Entryway Renovation $25,000.00
- Kearney Community Learning Center-KCLC Healthcare Heroes Club $6,000.00
- Kearney Community Sustainable Housing Transitional Housing – Furnishing $9,300.00
- Kearny Jubliee Center Help Now & Food Pantry $25,000.00
- Kearney Rescue Cats Help feral & stray cats $8,242.00
- Kearney Whitewater Association Cherry Ave Kearney Water Trail Landing $20,000.00
- McKenna’s Rae of Hope Foundation (MROH) Counseling Support Fund $10,000.00
- S.A.F.E. Center Shelter Project $25,000.00
- The Archway Audio Tour Modernization Project $10,000.00
- The World Theatre Sound improvements $10,000.00
Congratulations to all of the grant awardees! The 2027 Lottery Trust Fund Application is currently anticipated to open in January 2026. If you have any questions about the grant program, please contact Brian Schultz, Director of Finance, (308)-233-3213.
