Spark

A nonprofit organization

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$1,500 Goal

About Spark

Spark, founded in 2016, is a community development organization dedicated to transforming disinvested neighborhoods into thriving communities. We collaborate deeply with local partners, leveraging community knowledge to provide strategic funding, technical assistance, and capacity building to local leaders.

Our inclusive model has made us a trusted partner for foundations, nonprofits, developers, and government agencies. We focus our efforts in three key areas:

Urban Design – Educating and empowering communities through advocacy and placemaking projects like the North Omaha Trail.

• Capacity Building – Supporting emerging real estate developers with training and technical assistance to foster local ownership.

• Spark Capital – Providing flexible financing for developers investing in community-driven real estate projects.

Through these pillars, Spark ensures that community-led development creates lasting economic, environmental, and social impact.



About The North Omaha Trail

The North Omaha Trail, one of Spark’s Urban Design placemaking initiatives, is an ambitious, multi-use urban trail system designed to enhance mobility, promote economic development, and address environmental justice concerns in historically disinvested neighborhoods.

This trail network provides a safe, accessible transportation corridor that connects residents to essential services, business districts, public transit, and recreational spaces, fostering a healthier and more connected North Omaha.

🚴‍♂️ Phase 1: Completed in 2024 – 1.6 miles of trail transformation

  • Route: Connecting 30th Street & Ames Avenue to 24th & Ohio Streets.
  • Funded with $2.5 million in public and private grants.
  • Designed to increase mobility, reduce vehicle dependency, and expand green spaces.

🚴‍♂️ Phase 2: Expanding Access & Opportunity (Completion: December 2027)

  • 2.3-mile extension connecting 24th & Ohio to the Baby Bob Pedestrian Bridge via Burt & Mike Fahey Streets.
  • $8 million secured from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
  • Strengthens direct connectivity to:
    CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center
    Baker’s grocery store & key commercial districts
    ✔  Metro Transit bus stops along Cuming Street

🚴‍♂️ Future Phases: A Complete Mobility Network

When fully completed, the North Omaha Trail will span 8 miles, linking North Omaha with downtown Omaha and beyond. Future phases will include:

Trail extensions to enhance access.

Wayfinding & public art installations to highlight North Omaha’s cultural identity.

✔ Safety & accessibility improvements to ensure usability for all residents.


How You Can Make a Difference

Your support will help expand the North Omaha Trail and accelerate equitable transportation solutions for the community.

 Your Contribution Can Help Fund:

✔ Trail Enhancements – Invest in bike repair stations, wayfinding signage, and lighting for safety.

✔ Community Programming – Sponsor bike education workshops, safety events, and engagement activities.

✔ Public Safety & Infrastructure – Support efforts to improve crosswalks, install security features, and expand accessibility.


Join us in shaping a more connected, sustainable, and vibrant North Omaha.

To make a donation or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit www.sparkcdi.org

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Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Spark

Tax id (EIN)

81-3057920

Address

1111 N 13th Street, Suite 311
Omaha, NE 68102

Phone

402-819-4885

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