Skip to content
501(c)(3) exempt private foundation

ACF — Grants and Financial Assistance for Eligible Nonprofits

American Charitable Foundation is dedicated to supporting eligible nonprofit organizations through financial assistance, charitable funding initiatives, and resources designed to strengthen community-centered work.

A group of ACF representatives standing together at the front desk beneath the American Charitable Foundation Inc. sign
ACF representatives

Before you apply

Prepare your documents, review your information, and understand what submission means.

  1. Check the guidelines

    Assistance is intended for nonprofit organizations, not individuals. Additional eligibility conditions may depend on the support being considered; contact ACF if you are unsure.

    Read eligibility guidance
  2. Prepare your documents

    Have your organization’s details, IRS document, and 501(c)(3) determination letter ready. A recent payslip or bank statement is optional.

    Review application requirements
  3. Review before sending

    Check your details and attachments before final submission. Applying does not guarantee an award or reserve funding.

    Start your application

Public financial records

Annual returns available for public inspection.

2015–2024
Form 990-PF returns

The supplied annual returns identify American Charitable Foundation, EIN 36-3822910, as a section 501(c)(3) exempt private foundation in Omaha, Nebraska. Previously displayed support totals remain withheld pending substantiation.

View transparency information

About ACF

American Charitable Foundation seal

Resources are what turn good intentions into lasting services.

Nonprofit organizations carry out essential work, yet many operate with limited and uncertain funding. Charitable assistance can help eligible organizations sustain proven programs, respond to emerging community needs, and invest in the staff, systems, and planning that make their work durable.

Our mission and vision

01 — Mission

“To strengthen eligible nonprofit organizations by supporting charitable initiatives, expanding access to financial assistance, and encouraging sustainable, community-focused work.”

02 — Vision

“A future in which nonprofit organizations have greater opportunities to secure resources, deliver meaningful services, and contribute to resilient communities.”

Core values

Proposed organizational statements, pending formal approval by ACF's authorized leadership.

  • Integrity
  • Accountability
  • Transparency
  • Compassion
  • Collaboration
  • Responsible stewardship
  • Fairness
  • Sustainable community impact

Areas of support

Where charitable funding can matter most.

ACF’s program areas are active. The type and amount of support are determined through application review.

Two ACF representatives smiling beside windows with a garden view
  1. 01Community development
  2. 02Education and youth opportunities
  3. 03Food security and basic needs
  4. 04Health and well-being
  5. 05Family support
  6. 06Older adult services
  7. 07Disability inclusion
  8. 08Environmental initiatives
  9. 09Nonprofit capacity building
  10. 10Community resilience

Our grantmaking process

Five steps, documented at every stage.

Typical review time: 7 to 30 days
  1. 1

    Prepare organization details

  2. 2

    Submit both required documents

  3. 3

    Receive a reference and confirmation

  4. 4

    Application and document review

  5. 5

    Decision and follow-up

Read our grantmaking process →
ACF representatives gathered in an office meeting room

Accountability & transparency

Trust is built in the records.

Responsible grantmaking depends on documented decisions, careful financial management, conflict-of-interest controls, and appropriate reporting. Review ACF’s transparency information for the status of public records, reported figures, and proposed policies.

View transparency information →

Organization information and public records

Find ACF’s published information, policy statements, and contact details in one place. Proposed policies remain labeled as proposed.

Transparency & reported results

Read the status of financial information, public filings, and supporting reports.

Leadership & governance

Meet the organization-provided officers and staff, and read about proposed oversight practices.

Financial accountability

Read the proposed practices for funding decisions, financial controls, and records.

Community impact

What funding can make possible

Hypothetical example

A neighborhood food pantry uses a capacity grant to add refrigerated storage, allowing it to accept fresh produce donations.

Hypothetical example

A youth tutoring nonprofit funds a part-time coordinator, so volunteers can be trained and matched with students more consistently.

Hypothetical example

A small senior services group invests in accessible transportation, helping older adults reach medical appointments.

Questions from nonprofit applicants

Clear answers before you share your organization’s information.

Read the Privacy Policy
Is funding available, and what does submission mean?

ACF has confirmed that funding is available for eligible nonprofit applications. Submission records a request for review; it is not an award. Typical review takes 7 to 30 days, and decisions depend on eligibility and available resources.

Read about financial assistance
Do I have to pay or share a password?

No. ACF does not ask for passwords, application fees, processing fees, gift cards, or any other payment to apply for or receive support. The form asks only for the listed organization information and documents.

Report a suspicious request
How is approved financial support provided?

If support is approved, it is provided only by bank check made payable to the organization and mailed to the organization’s address. No payment is required from an applicant to release funds.

Read the applicant safety notice
Which documents should I prepare?

Prepare an IRS document showing “IRS” and “Department of Treasury” in its header, your organization’s name and EIN, and a photo of the 501(c)(3) determination letter that your organization received from the IRS by mail. If you do not have a copy of your determination letter, you may request an affirmation letter from the IRS by calling 877-829-5500. A payslip or bank statement issued within the last 3 months is optional. Each file must be PDF, JPG, or PNG and no larger than 10 MB.

See document guidance
Can I check my application before sending it?

Yes. The review step shows the information and documents you selected. You can return to edit them before choosing Submit application. Attachments are not uploaded during this review step.

Open the application
Where can I find ACF’s public records?

The Transparency page includes copies of ACF’s Form 990-PF returns for tax years 2015 through 2024, available to view or download. Previously displayed organization-provided support totals remain withheld pending substantiation.

View transparency information

Applicant safety and financial support

ACF does not ask applicants for passwords, money, application fees, processing fees, gift cards, or any other payment to apply for or receive financial support. Only the organization information and supporting documents described in this application are requested.

If financial support is approved, it is provided only by a bank check made payable to the organization and mailed to the organization’s address. No payment from the applicant is required to release funds. Submitting an application does not guarantee financial support.

Contact ACF about a suspicious request

Latest updates

Official announcements will appear here.

There are no published announcements yet. Genuine grant opportunities, organizational updates, and official publications will be posted here when available.

See news and updates →