Welcome to the Nebraska Environmental Trust, a state program dedicated to the preservation of Nebraska's natural resources. The Nebraska Environmental Trust provides the seed money needed to preserve critical habitat areas, protect water supplies and establish recycling programs in Nebraska through a unique combination of lottery proceeds and private donations.

Here's what's new at the Trust:

Nebraska Environmental Trust Seeks New Director

August 21, 2006 – The Search Committee of the Nebraska Environmental Trust Board met and voted to put into motion the search for an Executive Director for the Trust, according to Board Chair Gloria Erickson of Holdrege.

“The Board is seeking someone who can carry out the policy directives and work effectively with the executive and legislative branches of government, and with our many grantees and applicants,” Erickson said. The full board established a salary range of $60,000 to $90,000, commensurate with education and experience, at its last meeting on July 28.

Erickson also stated that the search committee set the position requirements as a bachelor’s degree in administration, planning, natural resources, or related fields; or six years related experience. Experience in financial management, grants management, policy development, staff leadership, fundraising, or partnership development are required, Erickson continued. Click here to view the complete position requirements

Persons interested in applying for the position can apply on line at www.wrk4neb.org or request application forms from the Nebraska Department of State Personnel (402-471-2075) and the Nebraska Environmental Trust Office (402-471-5409).

Trust Board Selects New Board Chair, Interim Director

August 1, 2006 – At its 2nd Quarter Board Meeting, the board of the Nebraska Environmental Trust selected a new board chair for 2006-2007 as well as an interim director to oversee Trust operations during the search for a new Executive Director.

Gloria Erickson was elected as Board Chair for 2006-2007. Erickson lives in Holdrege, NE and is active in her family’s farming and cattle feeding operation, serving as secretary/treasurer of Erickson Land and Cattle Co., Inc. Erickson is an enthusiastic sportswoman and has a keen interest in conservation and wildlife resource issues. In January 1999, she was selected the as the Outdoorswoman of the Year and received a $50,000 grant from Budweiser, the sponsor of the award, to be used for conservation projects of her choice. She was successful in working to leverage this grant to nearly $350,000 by developing partnerships with both private and public entities. Erickson will serve as Board Chair until July 2007.

Lisa Beethe accepted the position of Interim Director for the Nebraska Environmental Trust. She will serve in this capacity during the search for a new Executive Director. Beethe has been with the Trust as Grants Administrator since January 1999. Prior to joining the Nebraska Environmental Trust, Beethe worked in insurance and mortgage loan processing for the secondary market. She lives near Elk Creek, Nebraska with her husband, son and daughter.

Bonus Points Available for 2007 Grant Applications

July 31, 2006–In a continuing effort to support natural resource projects across Nebraska, the board of the Nebraska Environmental Trust will award bonus points to 2007 grant applicants in the southwestern and Sandhills regions of the state. In southwest Nebraska, projects based in Chase, Dawson, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Gosper, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Lincoln, Perkins, Phelps and Red Willow counties will be eligible for 20 bonus points in the 2007 grant cycle.

In the Sandhills, projects based in Arthur, Blaine, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Custer, Garfield, Grant, Greely, Holt, Hooker, Howard, Keya Paha, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Rock, Sherman, Thomas, Valley and Wheeler counties will be eligible for 15 bonus points in the 2007 grant cycle.

By law, the Nebraska Environmental Trust is required to ensure a geographic mix of projects over time. Geographic bonus points allow the Trust board to evaluate which areas are in need of Trust grant funds and provide an incentive to increase applications from deficient areas. Applications for 2007 grants are due by September 5, 2006. To apply, download an application form from the Trust web site, www.environmentaltrust.org, or request a printed copy by calling the Trust office at 402-471-5409.

2007 Grant Applications Available

June 1, 2006 – Updated copies of Nebraska Environmental Trust grant applications, including the new Public Information & Education MiniGrant Application, are now available for download on this web site. Printed copies will be available by request; contact Lisa Beethe, Grants Administrator at 402-471-5541 for more information.

Download Grant Application Forms

Nebraska Environmental Trust Announces MiniGrant Program

June 1 , 2006–The board of the Nebraska Environmental Trust has approved the creation of a new MiniGrant program for public information and education projects. The Trust will award Public Information & Education MiniGrants to support the presentation and dissemination of information and perspectives that will stimulate enhanced environmental stewardship in any category eligible for Trust funding. Workshops, conferences and seminars qualify as do the publication of how-to manuals, field guides or pamphlets. This grant program seeks to expand dialogue on important current conservation topics and to provide information on emerging or highly useful conservation methods.

The MiniGrants program is open to all applicants, public or private. Project eligibility is determined according to the standards established by Nebraska law for the program. The maximum award available under this program is $2,500 per application. At this time, the board of the Trust has set aside up to $50,000 for this program. Funding is not available under this program for projects which have been completed prior to the award.

Public Information and Education MiniGrants will be awarded quarterly by the Trust board. The MiniGrant program will use a simplified application form that is different from the regular Trust grant forms. You may download the Public Information & Education MiniGrant Application from this web site; printed copies will be available by request. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Beethe, Grants Administrator at 402-471-5541.

Download PIE MiniGrant Application Forms

View MiniGrant Application Calendar

View MiniGrant Ratings Scale

Donate to the Sandhills Legacy Fund

The untamed spirit of the Nebraska Sandhills has captured the hearts of many wandering travelers. One of those travelers was Pamela Sprenkle, who fell in love with the broad expanses of prairie and rolling dunes of the area and decided to stay on an 18-acre ranch near Valentine. “I live a dream come true, and I call that dream Sweet Grove Homestead,” said Sprenkle. Now, this love for one of Nebraska’s special places will be used to preserve it for generations to come. Ms. Sprenkle has graciously bequeathed the Sweet Grove Homestead to Natural Nebraska as a planned gift. Funds from the sale of the estate will be used to establish the Sandhills Legacy Fund dedicated to conservation work in the Nebraska Sandhills. Click here to donate to the Sandhills Legacy Fund