Moonshot for Success

At Omaha Public Schools Foundation, we are committed to advancing Omaha Public Schools' efforts to improve early literacy and create lasting opportunities for students. Literacy is the foundation of learning, and we believe that strong school libraries and skilled librarians play a pivotal role in shaping successful readers and lifelong learners.

To support this mission, the Omaha Public Schools Foundation is proud to partner with OPS librarians. By providing grants for student learning materials, we aim to empower librarians to enrich their collections, create engaging literacy experiences, and inspire young readers. These resources are designed to spark curiosity, foster a love for reading, and directly contribute to the district's literacy goals.

Together, we can support OPS librarians in their vital work, advance early literacy, and make a meaningful impact on the future of Omaha Public Schools students.

Librarians Request for Funding

Who Can Apply:

During the grant period, all district librarians are eligible to receive one grant for each library they serve, not to exceed $1500 including tax. Please figure in 7% tax in addition to the amount of your order keeping the total at or below $1500.00. All items must be pre-approved by Amy Soma. Email her, amy.soma@ops.org, for approval of your list prior to completing the request.

Start Date: August 25, 2026, 8:00 am

End Date: November 5, 2026 12:00 noon

Qualifying Vendors:

Your purchases must be made from only one of the three following vendors:

• Sphero
• Demco
• Amazon

Qualifying Purchases

Library Enhancements from Demco; Examples:

• Wayfinding signage
• Acrylic browsing bins
• Book displays

You must order from only one of three approved vendors. 

Amazon Process:

1. Create your Amazon Wish List 
2. Create a shareable link to the list in Amazon.
3. Send the link to Amy Soma for her approval.
4. Complete the grant application form.
5. Include the link to your Amazon Wish List.

1. Navigate to the Demco OPS Literacy Grant Portal in your browser. https://www.demco.com/ops-grant-order-2026 
2. Create a list of desired products not to exceed $1425 using the custom built Demco OPS Literacy Grant Portal. 
3. When your list is complete, click the Review Order button. Fill out the information on the pop-up screen and click the Download Excel button.
4. Email the generated Excel spreadsheet to Amy for approval.
5. Complete the grant application form and upload the approved spreadsheet. 

Sphero Process: 

1. Email Amy to let her know you are using grant funds to purchase an Indi Class Pack. No approval required. The email is simply for tracking purposes. 
2. Submit the grant application, requesting an Indi Class Pack and referencing this link: https://sphero.com/collections/indi/products/indi-student-kit?variant=41964666880045 . 

Once we receive your request, we will place the order and have the items shipped to your school, sending you a copy of the tracking number. You will want to alert the school office that the items are being shipped to your attention. We will request that the vendor delivers your order during normal school hours.