The MAC FOUNDATION

Founded in 2021, the MAC Foundation is organized as a 501(c)(3) corporation exclusively for charitable, educational, and cultural purposes in the state of Nebraska.

The Foundation provides a mechanism to establish, administer and finance programs that enhance the robust African and African American communities’ crucial needs, in line with the goals of the MAC Chamber.

Mission: MAC Foundation’s mission is to connect, empower, and elevate entrepreneurs in underresourced and systemically overlooked markets.

Vision: Equal Economic Opportunity for All.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

All benefits, programs, and events of the Foundation are designed to give businesses the opportunity to make or save money, acquire knowledge and skills to help grow a network of successful entrepreneurs.

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The MAC Foundation Gratitude Gala

The purpose of our Gratitude Gala is to recognize exceptional community members, individuals, businesses as well as organizations who have supported the MAC in furthering its mission, vision and values by fostering diversity, inclusion and the development of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. These awards recognize MAC members, volunteers, partners and those organizations and individuals who have mentored and help our members’ businesses succeed, supported our community for their extraordinary efforts in our community.

Nominate exceptional community members today!

Nomination deadline: September 30, 2022

MAC Foundation Programs

SUIT UP BY MAC

The MAC Foundation’s Suit Up Program empowers young men and women to achieve economic independence through access to professional attire, headshots, a supportive network, and job readiness training.

Designed for teens and young adults in underserved communities, the program helps remove barriers to opportunity and builds a pipeline for future entrepreneurs.

By promoting self-investment and career and business development, Suit Up encourages participants to envision a future beyond violence and limited opportunity—toward positive, prosperous, and purpose-driven lives.

RISING CEOs

Rising CEOs is a Leadership and Entrepreneurship program that is made possible by grants from the Omaha Community Foundation, Sherwood Foundation, and Weitz Foundation.

The program's goal is to foster entrepreneurial spirit, technology, and leadership skills among young people between the ages of 14 to 19 who are navigating significant socioeconomic barriers. It is designed to create opportunities for teens in communities experiencing high barriers to economic opportunity so as to inspire and feed the pipeline of future entrepreneurs.

We aim to reframe their vision of a future away from crimes, gangs activity, and drugs. This program is a pathway to helping young people envision how they can achieve a positive and prosperous life by investing in themselves and their business ideas.

MAC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

The MAC Foundation Scholarships support first-generation, New American, immigrant, and refugee-background high school seniors and college students, as well as students committed to advancing economic development in underserved communities. Eligible fields of study include Accounting, Finance, Law, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

We understand the financial challenges many students face, and this scholarship program is designed to help reduce that burden. Awards are one-time scholarships of $1,000 that may be used for tuition and books.

UMOJA FORUM™

The MAC Foundation’s Umoja Forum™ program aims to bridge the gap between African American and African immigrant communities. Launched in July 2022, the initiative fosters cross-cultural dialogue and economic empowerment through community forums, workshops, trade events, service projects, healthcare advocacy, and youth leadership programs. By providing platforms for discussion, education, business networking, and volunteer efforts, Umoja Forum™ seeks to build a unified, inclusive community and create lasting global connections. We invite you to connect, learn, and drive positive change while building stronger global and local ties

MAC Foundation Annual Fundraiser

Gratitude Gala & Awards 2 0 2 6

The Child Within: Dream, Dare, Do

Date

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Time

5:30 PM – 10:30 PM

ABOUT THE MAC FOUNDATION

Founded in 2021, MAC Foundation exists to enhance the business climate for African, African American, and other underrepresented entrepreneurs in Nebraska and across the Midwest, with a focus on expanding access to capital, contracts, and networks. All benefits, programs, and events of the Chamber are designed to give businesses the opportunity to make or save money, acquire knowledge and skills to help grow a network of successful entrepreneurs.

Mission: MAC Foundation’s mission is to connect, empower and elevate underrepresented entrepreneurs.

Vision: Equal Economic Opportunity for All.

Values: MAC Foundation believes in empowering, connecting, and elevating underserved entrepreneurs and promoting cultural awareness, economic mobility, and inclusive economies.

GIVE TO THE FOUNDATION

DONATE TO THE MAC FOUNDATION

All benefits, programs, and events of the Foundation are designed to give businesses the opportunity to make or save money, acquire knowledge and skills to help grow a network of successful entrepreneurs.