Named for Grace Abbott of Grand Island, Nebraska — a pioneering social worker and children’s advocate who contributed to the Social Security Act of 1935 and represented the United States in the League of Nations — the Grace Abbott Award has been presented by Nebraska Children since 2003 to honor organizations and individuals whose work reflects Abbott’s legacy of compassion and courageous advocacy.
2025 Grace Abbott Awardee
The Annie E. Casey Foundation, a private philanthropy based in Baltimore, has partnered with Nebraska Children since 2009 through its Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative®. What began with the establishment of Foster Youth Councils to elevate youth voice in Nebraska’s foster care system has grown into a nationally recognized model for supporting young people who have experienced foster care, juvenile justice involvement, or homelessness.
Highlights of the partnership’s impact include:
The Opportunity Passport®, a matched savings program in which nearly 6,300 young Nebraskans have participated since 2009; among them, 1,928 young people have saved $3.3 million and purchased 2,931 assets as of 2025 (assets such as vehicles to be able pursue work or education);
The Connected Youth Initiative (CYI), in which 78% of participants have continued on to college — compared to a national average of just 8–12% for youth aging out of foster care — and 89% have earned a degree or credential;
16 young Nebraskans who went on to serve as Jim Casey Fellows and Emerging Leaders, many now working in professional advocacy or coaching roles;
Influenced 19 state policy and practice improvements, many in partnership with young people who had meaningful roles;
Youth co-design of the Bridge 2 Independence (B2i) legislation, which extended foster care support to age 21 in Nebraska, and direct influence on 18 administrative policy changes since 2017.
In 2026, Nebraska was designated a Thriving Families, Safer Children Action Site — a national designation that reflects the depth of progress made possible through this sustained partnership.
“The Annie E. Casey Foundation has been an extraordinary partner in building a stronger future for Nebraska’s young people,” said Mary Jo Pankoke, President and CEO of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation. “Their commitment to strengthening families and young adults is exactly what the Grace Abbott Award was created to recognize.”
The Annie E. Casey Foundation was established in 1948 by Jim Casey, founder of the messenger service that became UPS, and his siblings, in honor of their mother — a widow who raised four children. The Foundation is dedicated to strengthening families, building vibrant communities, and expanding opportunities for children and young people across the country.
“The Nebraska Children and Families Foundation has been an outstanding partner to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, including as the site lead agency for the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative® for 17 years,” said Leslie Gross, director of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Family Well-Being Strategy Group. “We are honored to receive this award and grateful for the ongoing collaboration with Nebraska Children and its many amazing youth leaders, whose work together improves outcomes for young people and families in Nebraska. Nebraska Children has so many superpowers — commitment to innovation, responsiveness to community needs, and always leaning in to cultivate change.”
About Grace Abbott
Grace Abbott, internationally known social worker and reformer, was born November 17, 1878, in Grand Island, Nebraska. After completing her studies, Abbott returned to her home state to teach high school. She then became involved in the protection of immigrants and children, influencing public opinion in favor of child labor reform and related social legislation.
Her accomplishments include being chosen to represent the United States in the League of Nations and being appointed by President Franklin Roosevelt to the team that crafted the Social Security Act of 1935. Abbott was also a U.S. delegate to the International Labor Organization conferences in 1935 and 1937.
Previous Honorees
Peter Kiewit Foundation (2024)
Susanne Shore (2023)
William (Bill) Stanton (2022)
Barbara Bartle (2019)
Jessie Rasmussen (2018)
Dr. Helen Raikes and Ron Raikes (posthumous) (2017)
Bill and Ruth Scott (2016)
Gary Stangler (2015)
Senator John Harms (2014)
Founding Board Members of Building Bright Futures (2013)
Buffett Early Childhood Fund (2012)
Bill and Jean (posthumous) White (2011)
Richard Holland (2010)
Dr. Doug Christensen (2009)
Senator Kathy Campbell (2008)
Duncan Aviation (2007)
Ally Milder (posthumous) (2006)
Cabela’s (2006)
A. Mike Alesio (2005)
First National Bank (2005)
Donna Tubach Davis (2004)
BryanLGH Medical Center (2004)
ConAgra Foods (2003)
JoAnn LeBaron (2003)
