Greater Grand Island Community Foundation Awards $32,000 in Summer Greater Impact Grants
HALL COUNTY, Neb. — The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation (GGICF) is proud to announce the recipients of the Summer 2025 Greater Impact Grants, awarding $32,000 to local nonprofits and community projects. With this round of funding, GGICF has invested more than $70,000 in Hall County so far this year through the Greater Impact Grants program.
The Greater Impact Grant Program supports unmet charitable needs and unique programming opportunities that address essential and emerging issues in the community. The program is powered by field of interest funds established by impassioned donors and GGICF. Each fund supports a specific area—such as arts, education, or health—while also giving the Foundation the flexibility to respond to community needs and opportunities.
“These grants reflect the incredible range of work happening in our community, from preserving history to supporting families and providing critical services for those in need,” said Melissa DeLaet, CEO. “We’re honored to support projects that create meaningful, lasting impact.”
This round of Greater Impact Grants supports the following initiatives:
Nebraska Children’s Home Society – Grant Island Peer Support Groups
The grant funding will pilot new peer support groups within NCHS’s Pregnancy and Parenting Services, Families Forever, and Kinship Navigation programs. These innovative, family-centered gatherings provide opportunities for parents and children to practice skills, build community, and create positive family memories.
Choice Family Health Care – HIV Education and Outreach Program
This support strengthens the HIV Education and Outreach program, which offers risk reduction, testing, and connections to essential services for high-risk individuals. These confidential and affordable services are vital to both individual and community health. Funding for this program has been affected by federal funding cuts.
Willow Rising - Essentials for Empowerment
The Essentials for Empowerment initiative ensures survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking have access to basic necessities like food, clothing, hygiene items, and household goods. These resources provide immediate stability and help survivors begin the path toward healing. The funding helps restock the program, which lost supplies during a building fire.
Crossroads Mission Avenue - Grand Island Location Supplies
Grant funding will help supply cleaning products necessary to maintain a safe, healthy, and sanitary environment for residents receiving shelter, meals, and support at the Mission in Grand Island.
Hall County Historical Society, Inc. - Abbot Sisters Historic Marker
A Nebraska Historical Marker will be installed at the Grand Island Public Library honoring Grace and Edith Abbott, Grand Island natives who became national leaders in social work and champions for women, children, and immigrants. Their legacy continues to inspire generations.
Nebraska State Historical Society – I-80 Sculpture National Register of Historic Places Nomination
Funding assists with the development of a National Register of Historic Places nomination for the Nebraska Interstate 80 Bicentennial Sculptures. This designation will help preserve and recognize the sculptures, which will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2026, coinciding with America’s 250th birthday.
The Greater Impact Grant Program is open year-round to 501(c)(3) organizations serving Hall County. Nonprofits interested in applying can find full guidelines and deadlines at www.gicf.org/grants.
To learn more about how the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation helps strengthen Hall County, visit www.gicf.org.