Greener Together Program
Investing in a More Sustainable Future
A member-Funded Program Supporting Local community Projects
United Way of the Midlands (UWM) is proud to partner with OPPD on the Greener Together Program to create a stronger, more sustainable future by investing in projects that improve infrastructure, support local organizations and enhance quality of life for everyone in our community.
Through the Greener Together program, we’re working with OPPD to support local nonprofits in building capacity, increasing efficiency and delivering services in smarter, more sustainable ways – helping strengthen the systems our community relies on every day.
How the Program Works
By pooling contributions from OPPD customers and community members like you, we’re able to support projects that improve energy efficiency, protect natural resources and promote environmental sustainability.
Each month, OPPD customers can opt-in to contribute to the Greener Together Fund and support local nonprofit-led sustainability projects.
Here’s how the process works:
- Community members contribute to the Greener Together Fund at a level that fits their budget.
- Local nonprofits apply for funding to support sustainability-focused projects.
- Funds are distributed to nonprofits to bring their projects to life – helping create a cleaner, healthier community for all.
- We track the impact, ensuring transparency and measurable results.
Let your voice be heard!
The Greener Together Program is part of UWM’s broader efforts to build a more resilient community by funding projects that:
- Expand access to clean energy solutions
- Improve energy efficiency in homes and buildings
- Support conservation and sustainability education
Through your contributions and participation, we’re building a stronger tomorrow for the metro area.
Got a project in mind? Apply for funding.
United Way of the Midlands will begin accepting Letters of Intent to apply for funding through the Greener Together Program beginning July 6th, ending July 17th. Details regarding program eligibility and the grant making process can soon be viewed in the forthcoming Request for Proposals (RFP), which will be available here.
A Virtual LOI training session will be available on June 25th, 2026. If you’d like to receive a link to attend the Virtual LOI Training session, please email us at communityinvestment@uwmidlands.org.
ready to submit your letter of intent for greener together funding?
Greener Together application Timeline
- LOI virtual training June 25th
- LOI opens July 6th
- LOI submission deadline July 17th
- Due Diligence meetings July 23-27th
- Application virtual training July 30th
- Applications open August 3rd
- Application submission deadline August 21st
- Community & staff reviews August-September
- Funding announcements October
- Funding will begin in November
2025 Greener Together projects
Agency: Educational Service Unit #3 Educational Foundation
Project: Gifford Farm Solar Energy Education
This grant will support the installation of a roof-mounted solar array, accompanying equipment and a storage battery.
The solar array system will be the centerpiece for the development of a new sustainability and nature-based education curriculum on the farm that will serve pre-kindergarten – 12th grade and adults.
The project will support efforts for Gifford Farm to become energy self-sufficient, reduce energy costs and be an active contributor to OPPD’s and other net-zero energy goals.
Agency: inCOMMON Housing Development
Project: Poppleton Low-Income Housing Development Solar Panels
This grant will add solar panels and related equipment to benefit 51 new units of quality, affordable housing for low-income neighbors.
Solar panels will reduce residents’ utility costs and contribute to the organization’s mission of providing a sustainable living situation.
Agency: The Bay
Project: Solar Panel Installation in Building Renovation
This grant plan includes the installation of solar panels for another kind of project – one that is transforming a former three-level parking structure into a youth-focused community center.
Funds will go toward implementing a solar-first, battery-ready energy strategy to lower operating costs, reduce emissions and maintain critical services during grid events.
Choose a Membership That Works for You
To ensure the Greener Together program is accessible to all OPPD customers, there are multiple membership options. This program is available to all members of the OPPD community, with three levels to choose from. The more you contribute, the more involvement you’ll have in selecting and shaping future sustainability projects.
As a member of the Greener Together Program, you’re not just donating – you’re helping empower local action such as:
- Solar panel installations
- Composting & waste reduction
- Tree planting and local park projects
join now
join US IN BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE!
The Greener Together Program is about the power of collective action. By working together, we can help fund local projects that protect our environment and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Questions?
If you have questions about the Greener Together Program, please email us at greenertogether@oppd.com or call us at 402-536-4131.
Frequently Asked Questions
With deep local roots in community service, United Way of the Midlands has served the Omaha-Council Bluff community for over 95 years. Working on behalf of thousands of donors, UWM’s focus is to serve those living in poverty – helping our most vulnerable neighbors stand strong and work toward independence. We invest in programs that demonstrate national, evidence-based best practices in the following areas:
- Basic Needs
- Education
- Financial Stability
United Way of the Midlands helps the most vulnerable members of our community – individuals living in or at-risk of poverty. In our metro, there are more than 100,000 people living in poverty. For a family of four, this means they are living on less than $25,000 annually.
United Way of the Midlands-funded programs operate in Douglas, Sarpy or Pottawattamie counties. This means donor dollars stay right here in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro, helping our neighbors fulfill their needs and lead healthy, independent lives. Our 2-1-1 Helpline impacts the whole state of Nebraska and eight counties in southwest Iowa.
Originally called the Omaha Community Chest, the first campaign was held in 1923. Over the years, our name has changed but we have continued to work alongside the Omaha-Council Bluffs community to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors have services available to help in times of need.
United Way of the Midlands brings individuals, businesses, nonprofits and government agencies together to strengthen our community.
- We identify community needs, service gaps and opportunities to improve life in our region.
- We inspire individuals and organizations to give their time and financial resources to support these needs.
- We convene organizations with related programs to facilitate collaboration and information sharing – ultimately strengthening the network of services available to community members.
- We invest in the metro’s strongest health and human service programs.
- We require funded programs to demonstrate quantifiable results so we can evaluate and share our progress with you.
If you have more questions, email communitystrong@uwmidlands.org or call our main number at 402.342.8232 to be connected to a staff member who can provide an answer.