Cooper Foundation

10/14/2026

We’re excited to welcome two distinguished speakers to the E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues in the coming weeks. From award-winning insights into American history to a compelling portrayal of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, these upcoming events offer unique opportunities to engage with the people, stories, and ideas that have shaped our nation. Learn more about our upcoming speakers and reserve your tickets below.

Nathaniel Philbrick — With Humanities Nebraska as part of the Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities, Philbrick brings the perspective of an acclaimed author of eight bestselling works of American history and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for History.
Free Tickets: https://tickets.liedcenter.org/4916

Darius Wallace — Historical interpreter, educator, and actor praised for his powerful portrayal of abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
Free Tickets: https://tickets.liedcenter.org/5025

Don’t miss these engaging opportunities to learn, reflect, and connect with the people and ideas shaping our understanding of America!

We hope to see you there!

10/13/2026

The Cooper Foundation was proud to award a $15,000 grant to Visionary Youth this September to support mentorship, basic needs assistance, and family-centered services for low-income youth and families in Lincoln.

In 2025 alone, Visionary Youth served 2,966 households through its Community Impact and Mentoring in New Dimensions programs. As they gear up for their 7th Annual Community Holiday Food Giveaway, we invite you to learn more about this impactful event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1439965314685598

10/12/2026

A great opportunity to learn more about strategic planning with Cause Collective!

Training: Strategic Planning--From Planning to Purposeful Action

Do you have questions about nonprofit strategic planning?
❓Why does strategic planning matter?
❓When do we plan?
❓Is my nonprofit ready to plan?
❓How do we prepare to plan?
❓How do we put our plan in action?

Join this training session to understand when and how to approach strategic planning and how to turn a plan into meaningful action.

Best for: Nonprofit executive directors, board members, senior staff, and other organizational leaders.

Trainer: Melissa Filipi from Give Nebraska
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 from 9:00-10:30am
Register online: https://www.causecollectivelincoln.org/events

10/06/2026

In September, the Cooper Foundation approved $252,600 in grants to 15 nonprofits, supporting mental health, recovery, civic engagement, legal aid, reentry services, and more. Among the recipients was Houses of Hope, which received $30,000 and recently expanded short-term residential treatment services to help meet growing demand in Lincoln.

09/28/2026

In June, Nebraskans for the Arts received a $10,000 grant from the Cooper Foundation to support statewide advocacy efforts that strengthen arts, culture, and arts education across Nebraska. The organization works with policymakers, educators, community leaders, and arts organizations to ensure the arts remain an essential part of life and learning.

09/25/2026

In June, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach received a $20,000 grant from the Cooper Foundation to support its Hunger Relief Program. Serving Lincoln for over 30 years, Matt Talbot is a community kitchen and outreach center providing daily meals, housing support, and prevention services to individuals experiencing hunger and homelessness. Last year, the organization provided more than 263,000 meals and served more than 3,300 individuals, helping meet a growing need in our community.

09/17/2026

In June, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment received a $15,000 grant from the Cooper Foundation to help sustain arts and humanities programming across Nebraska. Since 1998, the Endowment has generated more than $14 million in support for Nebraska Arts Council and Humanities Nebraska programs that reach every corner of the state. As public funding for arts and humanities faces ongoing challenges, investments like this help ensure that Nebraskans continue to benefit from vibrant cultural and educational opportunities.

09/15/2026

Join us next Tuesday evening for an engaging conversation with historian Sarah M. S. Pearsall as she discusses her new book, "Freedom Round the Globe: A World History of the American Revolution" (Knopf Doubleday, 2026).

Pearsall offers a fresh perspective on the American Revolution, looking beyond the thirteen colonies to uncover the insurgents, freedom lovers and dreamers across India, West Africa, North America, Europe, China and the West Indies who helped shape the ideas of freedom and revolution.

Through stories from around the world, from protests in Kolkata to conversations in an Edinburgh club, "Freedom Round the Globe" (Knopf Doubleday, 2026) explores how ideas of liberty, happiness, security and resistance to oppression traveled across borders and influenced the revolutionary era.

📅 Date: September 22, 2026
🕐 Time: 5:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Sheldon Museum of Art
In Partnership with the Sheldon Museum of Art and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of History
🎟️ Free Registration: https://sheldonartmuseum.doubleknot.com/event/a-world-history-of-the-american-revolution-a-conversation-with-sarah-ms-pearsall/3152155

Come learn more about this fascinating history and join the conversation!

We hope to see you there!