Tom Osborne Donates $6.5 Million to Homeless, Charity Housing Project in Nebraska
Lincoln, NE — May 4, 2025
In a landmark act of philanthropy, former Nebraska Cornhuskers football coach and respected community leader Tom Osborne has donated $6.5 million toward a housing project aimed at providing shelter and support services to homeless individuals and low-income families across Nebraska. The contribution is one of the largest personal donations for social welfare initiatives in the state’s recent history and is expected to have a profound impact on efforts to combat homelessness and housing insecurity.
The donation will support a new charitable housing initiative spearheaded by the Nebraska Housing Alliance and several local nonprofit organizations. The project will include the construction of more than 100 affordable housing units in Lincoln and Omaha, transitional housing for homeless individuals, and integrated support services such as job training, mental health counseling, addiction recovery programs, and access to healthcare.
At a press conference held at the State Capitol on Friday morning, Osborne, 87, expressed his motivation behind the generous gift, stating, “This is about giving people a second chance and restoring hope. I’ve been fortunate in my life and career, and I believe we all have a responsibility to help those who are struggling. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.”
Osborne, who served as Nebraska’s head football coach from 1973 to 1997 and led the Cornhuskers to three national championships, is also a former U.S. Congressman and co-founder of TeamMates Mentoring Program. He has long been involved in youth and community development but said the increasing rates of homelessness and housing instability in Nebraska prompted him to take more direct action.
According to the latest data from the Nebraska Balance of State Continuum of Care, homelessness in the state has increased by nearly 12% over the past three years, with over 2,500 individuals identified as homeless in the 2024 annual point-in-time count. A growing number of those are families with children, veterans, and individuals struggling with mental illness or substance use disorders.
“This is more than just building housing. This is about restoring dignity and creating opportunities for people to rebuild their lives,” said Karen Linder, executive director of the Nebraska Housing Alliance. “Tom Osborne’s donation is not only incredibly generous—it’s transformational. It will allow us to accelerate our timeline, expand our reach, and help hundreds of Nebraskans find stability and hope.”
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the first phase of homes slated for completion by summer 2026. The project will incorporate environmentally sustainable design principles, community gardens, and shared community centers where residents can access services and connect with neighbors.
Governor Jim Pillen praised Osborne’s leadership and generosity, calling the donation “an inspiring act of compassion that reflects the best of Nebraska’s spirit.” He added, “Tom Osborne has always been a builder—of teams, character, and community. Today, he’s building something even more powerful: a future where more Nebraskans have a chance to thrive.”
Public response to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with community leaders, former players, and longtime fans of Osborne lauding his commitment to social good. Many took to social media to share stories of Osborne’s legacy of mentorship and service, describing this donation as a continuation of his life’s work.
“It’s not just about football,” said former Cornhuskers quarterback Turner Gill. “Coach Osborne has always cared about people. He taught us to do the right thing, even when no one’s watching. This gift is just another example of who he is.”
As plans for the housing project move forward, Osborne says he hopes others—especially those with the means to give—will consider how they, too, can contribute to building stronger, more compassionate communities.
“You don’t have to give millions,” Osborne said. “You just have to care. That’s where change begins.”