Women's empowerment programs in the US are funded through a mix of federal grants (Office on Women's Health, Women's Bureau at the Department of Labor, WANTO grants for nontraditional trades) and nonprofit networks like the YWCA, AAUW, and the National Council of Women's Organizations. Services typically include leadership development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship through SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs), and peer support groups. Dress for Success outfits women re-entering the workforce, and Bottomless Closet and Step Up Network mentor low-income women. State-level women's commissions advocate on policy and refer to local providers. This directory aggregates WBCs, YWCAs, women's commissions, and empowerment nonprofits.
Nebraska district courts hear family matters in each of its 93 counties, with many counties using county court for paternity and child support. The Child Support Enforcement division operates under DHHS. Omaha and Lincoln dominate the state's population. Legal Aid of Nebraska and the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence provide statewide civil legal aid and safety services to women.
The state commission advises the governor and legislature on policy affecting Nebraska women — pay equity, childcare, maternal health, and women's representation in state government. The Lincoln office at 402-471-2039 takes public comments before each meeting and publishes annual reports any resident can access.
402-471-2039 · Lincoln, NE 68509 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
YWCA Omaha on South 29th runs the Open Doors emergency shelter, racial-justice programming, and a women's economic-empowerment series that includes financial coaching and credit repair. Most programs are free; call 402-345-6555 weekdays to enroll or to ask about evening group schedules.
402-345-6555 · 222 S 29th St, Omaha, NE 68131 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Dress for Success Omaha provides free interview-ready professional clothing, suiting appointments after a referral from a workforce partner, and a Career Center that includes resume coaching and ongoing professional development. Appointments only; call 402-991-0202 to be matched with a partner agency that can issue your referral.
402-991-0202 · Omaha, NE · By appointment · Visit Website
Nebraska Enterprise Fund is a statewide CDFI making microloans from $500 to 50,000 to entrepreneurs banks turn down — many of them women launching home-based and Main Street businesses. Loan officers also coach borrowers through bookkeeping and tax basics. Call 402-595-0504 to start an application.
402-595-0504 · Omaha, NE · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Girls Inc. of Omaha at 45th and Bedford runs after-school and summer programming for girls 5-18, focusing on STEM, healthy sexuality, and economic literacy through its 'Strong, Smart, and Bold' curriculum. Membership fees scale to family income and scholarships are available; call 402-457-4676.
402-457-4676 · 2811 N 45th St, Omaha, NE 68104 · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm
Junior League of Omaha is a women's civic and training organization whose member projects have included Done-in-a-Day service days, Kids in the Kitchen nutrition programming, and the diaper bank. New-member orientations happen each fall; call 402-561-6820 for membership information and a calendar.
402-561-6820 · Omaha, NE · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
The Nebraska WBC, hosted by Catholic Charities and SBA-funded, offers free one-on-one business advising, capital-readiness coaching, and a Bizmark cohort program for early-stage founders. Services are open to anyone but tailored to women and minority-owned business owners. Call 402-595-1158 to schedule.
402-595-1158 · Omaha, NE · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
AAUW's Nebraska branches run salary-negotiation workshops (Work Smart), college scholarships through local funds, and lobby days at the state capitol on gender-equity bills. Membership opens doors to AAUW national fellowships worth up to $50,000 for women pursuing graduate study.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
NOW's Lincoln and Omaha chapters organize on reproductive rights, equal pay, and LGBT inclusion through Nebraska's legislative sessions. Joining links women to state lobbying days and the national PAC. Sign up online; chapter meetings are free and open to non-members for the first visit.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The League of Women Voters of Nebraska — and its Lincoln, Omaha, and Greater Hastings local leagues — registers voters, hosts candidate forums every election cycle, and publishes plain-English issue briefs on state ballot measures. Membership isn't required to attend events or to request a speaker for your group.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
YWCA USA coordinates 200+ local YWCAs whose services include DV shelter, racial-justice programming, after-school care, and senior services. Nebraska's YWCAs in Omaha and Lincoln are listed in the national directory; the parent site is also where women find national policy campaigns to join.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The Women's Funding Network connects 100+ women's foundations that fund girls' programs, DV prevention, and women's economic mobility. Mothers running nonprofits or community projects in Nebraska can search WFN's grant alerts for foundation funding aligned with women-and-girls outcomes.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The Association of Junior Leagues International coordinates 290 leagues across North America. Beyond Omaha, Nebraska has a Lincoln chapter; both engage in volunteer training and community projects, and members can transfer between leagues if they relocate, preserving their tenure and training.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Soroptimist clubs in Omaha, Lincoln, and Hastings raise scholarship funds for women heads of household (Live Your Dream Awards) and run Dream It, Be It career-confidence programs for teenage girls in Nebraska schools. Clubs welcome professional women interested in service; visit a meeting before joining.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Zonta clubs across Nebraska — Omaha and Lincoln among them — fund Young Women in Public Affairs awards and Jane M. Klausman business scholarships for college women. Members also lobby for the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women and support local DV shelters.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website