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Strive to Thrive

Strive to Thrive

Strive to Thrive Lincoln works with local nonprofits on an invitation-only basis. Each semester, the class focuses its research and grantmaking on a different area of need within the Lincoln community. If your organization is interested in being considered for a future semester's grant process, please email Professor Amber Messersmith at amessersmith3@unl.edu.

Project Overview

Thanks to the generosity of Rhonda Seacrest and the partnership of the College of Business, Strive to Thrive Lincoln allocates $10,000 in grant funding each semester to nonprofits in Lincoln/Lancaster County.

Find Strive to Thrive Lincoln on Social Media

Eligibility Guidelines


  • Classified as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations by the IRS.
  • Have an active, local presence in the Lincoln/Lancaster County area and benefit local individuals.
  • Officially operating in Lincoln/Lancaster County for no less than two calendar years.
  • Provide services directly, rather than reallocating grant funds to additional groups or organizations.
  • Past recipients of Strive to Thrive Lincoln grants may apply again after a calendar year has elapsed (e.g., spring winners may apply the next spring).
  • UNL-sponsored organizations are not eligible if they use the same Form 990 as UNL.

Past Grant Recipients
Spring 2025 The Children's Place, $5,000; Northeast Family Center, $5,000
Fall 2024 Bridges to Hope, $5,000; Friendship Home, $5,000
Spring 2024 Camp Kesem-University of Nebraska, $5,000; Mourning Hope, $5,000
Fall 2023 Food Fort, $5,000; WICS Home for Girls, $5,000
Spring 2023 The Bridge Behavioral Health, $5,000; Belmont Community Center, $5,000
Fall 2022 The Arc of Lincoln, $5,000; St. Monica’s Home, $5,000
Fall 2021 CEDARS Youth Services, $5,000; City Impact, $5,000
Spring 2021 Visionary Youth, $5,000; South of Downtown Community Development Organization, $5,000
Fall 2020 The HUB Central Access Point for Young Adults, $5,000; Lighthouse, $5,000
Spring 2020 Belmont Community Center $5,000; Food Fort $5,000
Fall 2019 City Impact $5,000; The BAY $5,000
Spring 2019 Center for Legal Immigration Assistance $7,500; Food Fort $2,500
Fall 2018 Child Advocacy Center, $5,000; Rabble Mill $3,000; Lead Up $2,000
Spring 2018 Clinic With a Heart $5,000; Lincoln Literacy $5,000
Fall 2017 Child Advocacy Center, $5,000; City Impact, $3,000; Bright Lights, $2,000
Fall 2016 Still Waters Equestrian Academy, $6,000; Lincoln Police Charities, $4,000
Fall 2015 Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, $5,000; CASA for Lancaster County, $2,500; Lincoln Literacy, $2,500

Contact

Messersmith, Amber
Amber Messersmith
Executive Director of Center for Executive and Professional Development and Lecturer of Management
HLH 201A
P.O. Box 880491
Lincoln, NE 68588-0491
402-472-2353
amessersmith3@unl.edu