Go Big GIVE releases official record total
Listen to an interview with Sara Kirkley from KRGI below.
The number is now official and an incredible record-setting $2,007,344 was raised for 167 nonprofit organizations during Go Big GIVE 2025.
From new museums and playgrounds to fighting food insecurity and violence, donors made a splash in the communities making up Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick Counties on May 1.
Generous sponsor support provided match pool and incentive prizes adding up to $126,300 also put a wind in the sails of local causes.
Wednesday, Voice for Companion Animals was announced as the recipient of a $10,000 endowment from the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation. A full list of prize winners can be found at gobiggive.org.
Each contribution between April 21 and May 1, was matched by 5.78%. Human services and education categories reeled in the most support, making up 51% of giving.
One of central Nebraska’s largest days of giving stayed the course thanks to Admiral’s Circle sponsors Hornady Manufacturing, Greater Grand Island Community Foundation and Heartland United Way and generous Captain’s Deck sponsors, including: Virgil Eihusen Foundation, Inc., S.N. "Bud" and Gloria Wolbach Foundation, and Lutz. Sponsors giving at the First Mate level included: Five Points Bank, Woodsonia Real Estate, Merrick Foundation and Hamilton Community Foundation. Other sponsors keeping Go Big GIVE afloat included ALLO, AMGL, PC, Roe Automotive Inc., Schuster Anderson Wealth Advisors, Walmart, AMUR, Associated Staffing Inc, Bruning Bank, CHI Health St. Francis, Equitable Bank, Essential Screens, FNBO, Heritage Bank, Home Federal Bank, Nebraska State Fair, Nova-Tech Inc., UNITY Eye Center, and Wortman Enterprises.
Go Big GIVE has raised more than $12.6 million for over 200 nonprofits since 2014. Mark your calendar for May 7, when donors will set sail for giving once again during Go Big GIVE 2026.
HUW Sara Kirkley 6/12/25