SOSkatefest Omaha
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About Skatefest Omaha
At Skatefest Omaha, a skateboard can be the thing that gets a young person through the door, but it is never the whole story. The organization uses classes, camps, public sessions, events, and pocket parks to create safe, inclusive spaces for youth and community members in Omaha and surrounding areas. If you care about giving young people access to places where they can learn, show up, and feel included, this is the kind of work that meets them where they are.
What stands out here is how naturally skateboarding, art, and community space-making are tied together. Skatefest Omaha is not just running programs in existing spaces, it is also helping activate underused ones through pocket parks, public lessons, and community events.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Sk8 Skool
A long-term skateboarding program that uses punch cards and progression levels to build skate skills, confidence, determination, creativity, and leadership.
Public Sk8 Skool
Free public skateboarding classes hosted at local parks in Omaha, with weekly sessions at different locations.
Sk8 Kamp
A 1 to 5 day skateboarding camp that includes skateboard painting and design, skateboard culture workshops, and basic tricks.
Build and Sk8
A hands-on workshop where youth assemble precut ramps and learn skateboarding fundamentals while building assembly, STEM, teamwork, and practical construction skills.
Hydration workshop
A short workshop on hydration that covers the importance of hydration, recognizing dehydration, the science of hydration, and mixing hydration drinks.
Mini Sk8 Skool
A community event booth program that brings ramps and skateboards to neighborhood events so the public can try skateboarding.
Pocket parks
Resident-led and community-driven pocket parks built in underused lots, featuring skate features and other community amenities for free public use.
Community events
Events that transform skateparks into gatherings with skate competitions, live music, interactive art, youth workshops, local vendors, and food.
About this work
Mission
To use skateboarding and creativity as a vehicle to provide Omaha with safe, diverse, and inclusive spaces for community to thrive.
Who they serve
Youth from at-risk, underrepresented, underserved, and overlooked communities in Omaha and surrounding areas, especially inner-city youth.
Their impact
- Total youth served: 1,961
- Locations served: 48
- 40 skateboards and 40 helmets provided to neighborhood youth through the Caden's Corner project
How your donation helps
- Launch new initiatives
- Support programming
- Provide kids with skateboards and helmets
- Cover art supplies for workshops
- Purchase ramps and other supplies for after-school Sk8 Skool
- Sponsor live artists and musicians
- Pay for event costs such as security, insurance, porta potties, park permits, truck rental, and generators
Need help?
How someone in need can access Skatefest Omaha’s services.
Parents or guardians sign up each child with a form and waiver. The sign-up asks for the youth's age, zip code, skateboarding experience, whether they already have a skateboard and helmet, and the location they want to attend.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In the news
Recent independent coverage of this organization.
- SkateFest Omaha partners with local organizations to battle food insecurity in the metrofox42kptm.comSkateFest Omaha partnered with the Omaha Mobile Stage to collect non-perishable food donations at an event, with items delivered to Together Omaha to help reduce food insecurity. Executive Director Blake Harris said the initiative aims to support kids in Omaha.
- Skatefest brings Omaha skateboarders together for a day of fun3newsnow.comSkatefest Omaha held a skateboarding event at James F. Lynch Park in Omaha, bringing local skateboarders together for competitions, food, and fun. Executive director Blake Harris said the event inspires kids and gives participants something to look forward to.
- Omaha skaters show off tricks at Skate Festomaha.comThe article describes Skate Fest at Omaha’s Roberts Skate Park, highlighting skaters performing tricks during open skate and a beginners competition. It also includes remarks about longtime skater Conan Modrzynski helping teach young people in the skateboarding community.
- Skatefest Omaha hosts event in Roberts Parkwowt.com
Grant support
$690,500 from 3 funders · through 2025 (IRS 990 records).
- THE SHERWOOD FOUNDATION — $250,000 (2025)HEADQUARTERS
- THE SHERWOOD FOUNDATION — $70,000 (2025)OMAHA YOUTH PROGRAMMING
- THE SHERWOOD FOUNDATION — $65,000 (2025)2026 OPERATING GRANT
- THE SHERWOOD FOUNDATION — $65,000 (2024)2025 OPERATING GRANT
- THE SHERWOOD FOUNDATION — $60,000 (2024)PROGRAMS
- THE SHERWOOD FOUNDATION — $50,000 (2024)2024 OPERATING GRANT
- THE SHERWOOD FOUNDATION — $45,000 (2023)2024 PROGRAMS
- THE LOZIER FOUNDATION — $40,000 (2023)GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
Events
SkateFest events
multiple times a yearMultiple annual events that turn skateparks into hubs of skateboarding, art, music, youth workshops, vendors, and food.
SkateFest SOIREE
annualAn end-of-year celebration and fundraiser with music, performances, dancing, live art, and a skate deck art auction.
Public Sk8 Skool sessions
weeklyWeekly skate lessons held at different parks and locations across Omaha.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Skatefest Omaha has shared.
Current needs
- New or gently used skateboards
- Helmets
- Skateboard accessories
- Art supplies for workshops
- Ramps for after-school programs
- Water for events
- Sponsorships for live artists and musicians
Volunteer opportunities
- Set up crew
- Check-in assistant
- Art and vendor assistant
- SkateFest merchandise assistant
- Music assistant
- Park clean-up crew
- Tear down crew
Recognition & press
In the media
- 3 News Now, coverage of Skatefest bringing Omaha skateboarders together for a day of fun
- WOWT, coverage of Skatefest Omaha hosting an event in Roberts Park
- FOX 42 KPTM, coverage of SkateFest Omaha partnering with local organizations to battle food insecurity in the metro
- Omaha World-Herald, coverage of Omaha skaters showing off tricks at Skate Fest
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What kinds of activities are included in Sk8 Skool?
Sk8 Skool uses punch cards and progression levels to introduce skateboarding in a fun, positive, and engaging way while building confidence, determination, creativity, and leadership.
Are the public skate lessons free?
Yes. Public Sk8 Skool sessions are held at local parks in Omaha and are free of charge.
What happens in Sk8 Kamp?
Sk8 Kamp is a 1 to 5 day camp that includes skateboard painting and design, a workshop on skateboard culture, and basic skateboard tricks.
What is a pocket park in SkateFest Omaha's work?
Pocket parks are community-driven spaces built in underused lots, with features such as a ramp, garden, mural, picnic tables, or other amenities for free public use.
What does the hydration workshop teach?
The workshop covers the importance of hydration, recognizing dehydration, the science of hydration, and includes mixing a hydration drink.
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