The Sherwood Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Sherwood Foundation is a private foundation in Omaha, Nebraska. In tax year 2025 it gave $296 million in 790 grants; the typical grant was $90,000 and the largest $15.1 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$296 million
- Number of grants790
- Typical grant$90,000
- Largest grant$15.1 million
- Assets$978 million
- New grantees42%
Giving in 2025 was up from $256 million the year before.
42% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $197 million | 522 | $460 million |
| 2024 | $256 million | 830 | $716 million |
| 2025 | $296 million | 790 | $978 million |
How to apply
The Sherwood Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Sherwood Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 20 states, the most to Nebraska.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 714 | $267 million |
| Iowa | 22 | $13.1 million |
| District of Columbia | 14 | $6.9 million |
| New York | 10 | $4.2 million |
| Massachusetts | 4 | $2.5 million |
| Arkansas | 1 | $1.0 million |
| California | 5 | $630,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $253,248 |
| Georgia | 1 | $150,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $125,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha Community Foundation | Omaha north stadium/butler gast YMCA project | $15.1 million |
| Buffett Early Childhood Fund | 2025 operating grant | $15.1 million |
| Buffett Early Childhood Fund | 2025 operating grant | $15.1 million |
| Southside Redevelopment Corporation | Cni funding | $15.0 million |
| Conservation Foundation of Dickinson County | Donation of property | $10.3 million |
| Rise Academy | Omaha campus capital grant | $10.0 million |
| Girls Incorporated of Omaha | New south center capital grant | $7.0 million |
| Community Information Trust | Omaha central public library project | $5.6 million |
| Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority | Convention center expansion capital grant | $5.1 million |
| Omaha Parks Foundation | Omaha central baseball/boyd park | $5.0 million |
| Nebraska Department of Education | Nebraska literacy leadership network | $5.0 million |
| Family Planning Council of NE | Sexual & reproductive health initiative | $4.4 million |
| Walthill Public School | School building project | $4.2 million |
| Justice for Our Neighbors Nebraska | 2026 operating grant | $4.0 million |
| Regional Metropolitan Transit Authority of Omaha | Metro microtransit pilot | $3.8 million |
| Collective for Youth | Elementary school program 2026-2027 | $3.5 million |
| Campaign Legal Center | 2025/2026 operating grant | $3.5 million |
| Justice for Our Neighbors Nebraska | Additional operating funds | $3.5 million |
| Mays Foundation | Donation of property | $3.3 million |
| Justice for Our Neighbors Nebraska | One-time 2025 operating grant | $3.0 million |
| Nebraska Children & Families Foundation | Bring up ne - community wellbeing - connected youth | $2.7 million |
| University of Nebraska Foundation | Unmc college of public health - expanding centering pregnance in ne | $2.5 million |
| The Bridge Project Inc | Bridge project omaha | $2.4 million |
| Little League Baseball Inc | Benson little league field renovations | $2.3 million |
| Thor Inc | Natural surface trails activation phase 2 | $2.3 million |
| Collective for Youth | Middle school program 2026-2027 | $2.1 million |
| Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Coalition | Member program operating support | $2.1 million |
| Joslyn Art Museum | Evolve joslyn capital campaign | $2.0 million |
| Rabble Mill | Capital campaign for omaha rabble mill | $2.0 million |
| Completely Kids | The ck campus | $2.0 million |
| Nebraska Appleseed | 2026 operating grant | $2.0 million |
| Center for Rural Affairs | 2026 operating grant | $1.7 million |
| Omaha Community Foundation | Community education program grant | $1.6 million |
| Center for Rural Affairs | Additional operating funds | $1.5 million |
| Harvard University | Connecting science + community | $1.5 million |
| Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless | Housing problem solving | $1.5 million |
| The One Campaign | Operating funds 2024 - 2025 - 2026 | $1.5 million |
| Omaha Parks Foundation | Memorial park concert 2025 | $1.2 million |
| University of Nebraska Foundation | Nebraska resource project for vulnerable young children | $1.1 million |
| University of Nebraska Foundation | Nebraska college preparatory academy | $1.0 million |
Officers and trustees
- Susan A Buffett
- Shari Lecci
- Richard Putnam
- Michael Greenberg
- Emily Greenberg
Questions people ask
Does The Sherwood Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Sherwood Foundation give?
$296 million in tax year 2025, across 790 grants, with a typical grant of $90,000.
Who runs The Sherwood Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Susan A Buffett (Chairman), Shari Lecci (VP of Finance), Richard Putnam (Secretary & Legal Counsel) and Michael Greenberg (Member) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Sherwood Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, community development and youth programs.