We Give Blood Grants
As the recipient of the inaugural We Give Blood Drive competition sponsored by Abbott, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has outlined its plan to distribute the $1 million award. The funds will be directed toward a variety of grants and initiatives designed to advance the health and well-being of UNL students and the broader Nebraska community.
Two of the awards, the Healthy Nebraska Grants and the UNL Student Health & Well-being Grants, will be awarded by the Division of Student Life in collaboration with the Office of Research and Innovation.
The remaining funds will support awards for Recognized Student Organizations (RSO) and the Well-being Collective, both initiatives led by the Division of Student Life.
The following outlines the details for each award, including fund allocation, eligibility criteria, and proposal deadlines.
Questions?
Contact Jordan Foreman-Black at studentlife@unl.edu or (402) 472-3755.
Interested in learning more about the Healthy Nebraska Grant and UNL Student Health & Well-being Grant?
Information Session (Zoom)
This information session will not include details about the RSO Award. Additional information on that award will be provided at a later time.
Below is a recording of the Zoom session. Information discussed included the details of the grant process, important dates, and eligibility for the Healthy Nebraska Grants and UNL Student Health & Well-being Grants.
Grants & Awards
Total of $200,000 to be awarded.
Healthy Nebraska Grants
These grants will support research, programs, and projects aimed at improving health outcomes for students or the greater Nebraska community.
- UNL faculty and staff are eligible to apply.
- Letter of Intent Due: May 16, 2025, 5:00 p.m. CST
- Proposals Due: September 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m. CST
Total of $150,000 to be awarded.
UNL Student Health & Well-being Grants
These grants will focus on research, programs, or initiatives that enhance the health and well-being of UNL students.
- UNL faculty and staff are eligible to apply.
- Letter of Intent Due: May 16, 2025, 5:00 p.m. CST
- Proposals Due: September 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m. CST
Total of $150,000 to be awarded.
Recognized Student Organization (RSO) Awards
These grants, awarded to RSOs only, will fund projects that directly support student or community health and well-being in the areas of emotional, physical, or social well-being.
- Recognized Student Organizations are eligible to apply.
- Applications Open: Fall 2025
- Proposals Due: September 1, 2025 (preferred review); October 6, 2025 (final review)
Well-being Collective
The Well-being Collective is a cross-campus initiative led by Campus Recreation within the Division of Student Life. The group includes representatives from Dining Services, Counseling & Psychological Services, Student Advocacy & Support, the Center for Advocacy, Response & Education, University Housing, and other student-focused units. Its purpose is to strengthen coordination of campus resources and programs that support student well-being across eight dimensions: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual.
Following the University’s $1 million award from Abbott, $450,000 has been dedicated to advancing the work of the Well-being Collective. The funding will help expand health and wellness programs that remove barriers, promote balance, and support student success. Specifically, the funds will be used to support three key initiatives focused on financial wellness, access, and student-led well-being programs.
Well-being Coordinator
A new full-time coordinator will lead the Well-being Collective’s wellness efforts and guide students toward proactive financial planning. The position will provide financial literacy education, train peer ambassadors, and connect students with tools to manage the costs of college life, including tuition, textbooks, food, and housing.
Abbott Access Fund
The Abbott Access Fund provides short-term financial assistance to help students overcome small expenses that may impact their ability to fully participate in campus life. Examples include transportation costs, student organization dues, intramural team fees, or limited dining dollars. Applications for the fund are expected to open soon. Awards will be paid directly to service providers to preserve financial aid eligibility.
Student-led Wellness Programs
A portion of the funding will support student-led programs and events that promote physical, social, and emotional well-being. These initiatives give students the chance to identify needs, create solutions, and strengthen the culture of well-being on campus.
For more information about the Well-being Collective, how to apply for the Abbott Access Fund, and the university’s ongoing investments in student health and success, please visit the Well-being Collective website.