People of all faiths have opportunities in Greater Omaha. To give thanks. To give something back to the community.

All faiths are welcomed by Omaha’s growing religious community. When Omaha became a city in 1854, a Methodist clergyman preached the city’s first sermon. Two years later, the first church in the Nebraska territory was built, a Catholic Church in Omaha. Since then the city has opened its arms to a multitude of religious traditions and denominations. Omaha’s different faiths include Protestantism, Judaism, Catholicism, Baha’i, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam.

A rich tradition of giving puts Omaha in the top range for philanthropy. Average giving as a percentage of discretionary income is around six percent in the nation, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Yet Nebraska givers average a more generous seven percent to eight percent. Among the 50 largest cities in the United States, Omaha ranks 28th in the percentage of discretionary income residents give to charity, better than cities such as Dallas, Chicago and Phoenix, the report says.

Helpful hands are extended to the metro area through volunteerism and community service. Whether it’s a crisis or simply the struggles of everyday life, Omahans stand shoulder-to-shoulder to support those less fortunate and those in need.