Great accomplishments begin with the power of one. Whatever a donor’s passion or legacy, your gifts prove that the power of one could be transformative — in the quality of an individual life, a whole city, or the entire area. The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation provides opportunities for donors of all kinds to turn passions into community enrichments.
A defining feature of Greater Grand Island Community Foundation’s recent giving is the size of its support for local institutions that shape community life, from Grand Island Children’s Museum Inc. at $870,714 in 2025 to Hastings College Foundation at $464,390 in 2025. Those awards sit alongside repeated support for Heartland United Way and the City of Grand Island, showing a funder that works across youth-serving, civic, educational, and neighborhood-building priorities. The foundation’s stated focus areas include youth leadership and development, education, scholarships, parks and recreation, and community development, and its recent grants reflect that mix in practice. It also backs organizations connected to housing, environmental work, animal welfare, health care, and civil rights, which fits its generalist community-improvement role. Leadership is listed with Bart Qualsett. The pattern suggests a place-based foundation that uses donor gifts and affiliated funds to move resources into institutions and projects that affect Grand Island and Hall County residents, with most grant dollars and most grant records remaining in Nebraska. Recipients range from museums and colleges to United Way, parks, schools, and local nonprofit partners.
Youth leadership is one of the foundation’s clearest program areas. Through the Youth Philanthropy Board and Youth Leadership Tomorrow, Hall County high school sophomores review applications and help decide how funds are awarded to local nonprofit organizations serving youth. Education is another consistent line of support: Nebraska Christian Schools Foundation received $100,300 in 2024, and Grand Island Central Catholic Schools appears in both education and philanthropy-related grants. The foundation also funds parks and recreation and civic space. City of Grand Island Friends of Gi Parks received $185,469 in 2025, while City of Grand Island Stolley Park received $27,000 in 2024. Community development appears in grants to Leadership Unlimited, including $25,372 in 2024 and $20,650 in 2023, reflecting support for local capacity and community improvement work.
Typical awards fall in a relatively compact range, with the 25th percentile at $7,500, the median at $10,652, and the 75th percentile at $16,525. The recent grant list also shows a mix of one-time awards and recurring support across multiple years; Heartland United Way, Hastings College Foundation, Central Nebraska Humane Society, City of Grand Island Hear Grand Island, and Leadership Unlimited each appear more than once. The foundation operates as a community foundation and makes local grants, with donor-advised and affiliated grantmaking visible in the record. It also accepts unsolicited applications for several programs, including the Youth Philanthropy Board Application/Cohort, the GICF Scholarship Program, and GICF Nonprofit Grants.
$1.8M
$40.1M
$5.6M
$3.5M
Most grants fall between $8K and $17K, with a median of $11K.
25th Percentile
$8K
Median
$11K
75th Percentile
$17K
BART QUALSETT
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Grantmaking is overwhelmingly local. Ninety-six percent of grants go to recipients in Nebraska, and the recent list is entirely U.S.-based. Grand Island is the main recipient city, with additional grants to Hastings, Omaha, Palmer, and Cairo in Nebraska. The most visible concentration is in Grand Island itself, where recipients include Grand Island Children’s Museum Inc., Heartland United Way, Hope Harbor, Central Nebraska Humane Society, and City of Grand Island partners tied to parks, arts, and community projects.
The foundation supports a broad mix of local organizations, with stated focus areas including youth leadership and development, education, scholarships, parks and recreation, and community development. Recent grants also show support for housing and shelter, environmental work, animal welfare, health care, civil rights, and community improvement.
Typical awards are modest to mid-sized: the 25th percentile is $7,500, the median is $10,652, and the 75th percentile is $16,525.
No. The grant record is heavily centered in Nebraska, with 96% of grants going to recipients in the state, but recipients also include Hastings, Omaha, Palmer, and Cairo in Nebraska. The recipient country distribution is entirely U.S.-based.
Yes. The Youth Philanthropy Board Application/Cohort accepts unsolicited applications, and the GICF Scholarship Program and GICF Nonprofit Grants also accept unsolicited applications.
Yes. Heartland United Way, Hastings College Foundation, Central Nebraska Humane Society, City of Grand Island Hear Grand Island, and Leadership Unlimited each appear multiple times in the recent grants list, which suggests recurring support rather than only one-off awards.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Greater Grand Island Community Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Applicants must be IRS-classified 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing. Organizations may receive a capacity-building grant only once every three calendar years, must have completed prior grant follow-ups, and must meet with Foundation staff before starting the application.
Deadline: Applications are accepted each fall; specific deadline not stated.
Who can apply: Organizations must generally be eligible charitable or public organizations serving Hall County and must meet the applicable GGICF grant guidelines. Fiscal-sponsored organizations may apply if they meet program requirements.
Deadline: Requests are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations serving Hall County and, for STOP Fund Grants, organizations addressing trafficking in the Greater Grand Island area, primarily within Hall, Hamilton, Howard, Merrick, and Adams counties, with preference given to Hall County. Organizations must provide programs or services open without discrimination as described by GGICF.
Deadline: Requests are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Who can apply: Projects and programs must address unmet charitable needs or unique opportunities strengthening Cairo, Nebraska, and meet applicable GGICF grant guidelines.
Deadline: Requests are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Who can apply: Projects should address trafficking through education, prevention, justice, support, or treatment in the Greater Grand Island area, primarily the named Nebraska counties. Preference is given to Hall County.
Deadline: Requests are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HASTINGS COLLEGE FOUNDATION | HASTINGS, NE | $455,807 | 2026 | PHILANTHROPY, VOLUNTARISM & GRANTMAKING FDNS |
| GRAND ISLAND PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $231,692 | 2026 | RECREATION, SPORTS |
| OLSSON | LINCOLN, NE | $199,195 | 2026 | ENVIRONMENTAL, PROTECTION & BEAUTIFICATION |
| THE ALFORD GROUP INC | CHICAGO, IL | $146,296 | 2026 | COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING |
| JEM EXTERIORS | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $123,522 | 2026 | ENVIRONMENTAL, PROTECTION & BEAUTIFICATION |
| CAIRO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | CAIRO, NE | $61,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING |
| SHERMAN COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INC | LOUP CITY, NE | $50,000 | 2026 | PHILANTHROPY, VOLUNTARISM & GRANTMAKING FDNS |
| LEADERSHIP UNLIMITED | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $43,769 | 2026 | COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING |
| J & M DISPLAYS | YARMOUTH, IA | $40,000 | 2026 | RECREATION, SPORTS |
| GRAND ISLAND CENTRAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $38,500 | 2026 | PHILANTHROPY, VOLUNTARISM & GRANTMAKING FDNS |
| SURE SOUND AND LIGHTING INC | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $25,000 | 2026 | ARTS, CULTURE & HUMANITIES |
| RIVERSIDE GOLF CLUB | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $18,773 | 2026 | COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING |
| SHERMAN COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | LOUP CITY, NE | $16,707 | 2026 | COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL NEBRASKA | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $15,500 | 2026 | YOUTH DEVELOPMENT |
| LITCHFIELD RURAL FIRE & AMBULANCE DISTRICT | LITCHFIELD, NE | $15,000 | 2026 | HEALTH CARE |
| FIVE POINTS BANK | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $14,967 | 2026 | COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING |
| CENTRAL PLATTE NRD | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $13,770 | 2026 | ENVIRONMENTAL, PROTECTION & BEAUTIFICATION |
| VLCEK GARDENS | CHAPMAN, NE | $13,263 | 2026 | ENVIRONMENTAL, PROTECTION & BEAUTIFICATION |
| PLATTE INSTITUTE FOR ECONOMIC RESEARCH INC | OMAHA, NE | $12,650 | 2026 | COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING |
| CROSSROADS MISSION AVENUE | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $12,500 | 2026 | HOUSING & SHELTER |
| GRAND ISLAND PARTNERSHIP FOR THE ARTS INC | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $12,500 | 2026 | ARTS, CULTURE & HUMANITIES |
| ST LEO'S PARISH | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $12,250 | 2026 | RELIGION |
| PROJECT HUNGER INC | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $11,750 | 2026 | FOOD, NUTRITION & AGRICULTURE |
| VOICE FOR COMPANION ANIMALS | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $11,599 | 2026 | ANIMAL-RELATED |
| WILLOW RISING | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $11,000 | 2026 | MENTAL HEALTH & CRISIS INTERVENTION |
| LEGAL AID OF NEBRASKA-GRAND ISLAND | OMAHA, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | CIVIL RIGHTS, SOCIAL ACTION & ADVOCACY |
| KOZ INTERNATIONAL | LINCOLN, NE | $10,000 | 2026 | PUBLIC SAFETY, DISASTER PREP. & RELIEF |
| MULTICULTURAL CENTER FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION AND SPORTS | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $9,600 | 2026 | RECREATION, SPORTS |
| MULTICULTURAL COALITION | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $9,440 | 2026 | CIVIL RIGHTS, SOCIAL ACTION & ADVOCACY |
| CENTURA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION | CAIRO, NE | $9,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING |
| SALTZGABER SPRINKLERS AND LAWN CARE | CENTRAL CITY, NE | $8,310 | 2026 | ENVIRONMENTAL, PROTECTION & BEAUTIFICATION |
| DOUBLE LOCKED SECURITY | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $8,294 | 2026 | ARTS, CULTURE & HUMANITIES |
| THIRD CITY COMMUNITY CLINIC | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $8,250 | 2026 | MEDICAL RESEARCH |
| FIRST LIGHT CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $8,060 | 2026 | CIVIL RIGHTS, SOCIAL ACTION & ADVOCACY |
| THIRD CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $6,600 | 2026 | RELIGION |
| FIRST BANKCARD | OMAHA, NE | $6,540 | 2026 | YOUTH DEVELOPMENT |
| LITERACY COUNCIL OF GRAND ISLAND | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $6,510 | 2026 | CIVIL RIGHTS, SOCIAL ACTION & ADVOCACY |
| GRAND ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $6,510 | 2026 | EDUCATION-SCHOLARSHIPS AND PUBLIC & PRIVATE SCHOOLS |
| IDEABANK MARKETING | HASTINGS, NE | $6,295 | 2026 | COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING |
| THE NATURE CONSERVANCY NEBRASKA CHAPTER | OMAHA, NE | $6,000 | 2026 | ENVIRONMENTAL, PROTECTION & BEAUTIFICATION |
| LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES OF NEBRASKA INC | OMAHA, NE | $6,000 | 2026 | PUBLIC & SOCIETAL BENEFIT |
| BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH FOOD PANTRY | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $6,000 | 2026 | FOOD, NUTRITION & AGRICULUTRE |
| ST MARY'S FOOD PANTRY | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $6,000 | 2026 | FOOD, NUTRITION & AGRICULTURE |
| PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $6,000 | 2026 | RELIGION |
| HEARTLAND UNITED WAY | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $5,944 | 2026 | PHILANTHROPY, VOLUNTARISM & GRANTMAKING FDNS |
| GRAND ISLAND REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $5,887 | 2026 | HEALTH CARE |
| SCOTTSDALE BIBLE CHURCH | SCOTTSDALE, AZ | $5,820 | 2026 | RELIGION |
| MARY'S CRADLE - ST MARY'S CATHEDRAL | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $5,750 | 2026 | HUMAN SERVICES |
| ST MARY'S CATHEDRAL | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $5,500 | 2026 | RELIGION |
| HOPE HARBOR | GRAND ISLAND, NE | $5,500 | 2026 | HOUSING & SHELTER |
GRAND ISLAND PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
$231,692RECREATION, SPORTS
OLSSON
$199,195ENVIRONMENTAL, PROTECTION & BEAUTIFICATION
THE ALFORD GROUP INC
$146,296COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING
JEM EXTERIORS
$123,522ENVIRONMENTAL, PROTECTION & BEAUTIFICATION
CAIRO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$61,000COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING
SHERMAN COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INC
$50,000PHILANTHROPY, VOLUNTARISM & GRANTMAKING FDNS
LEADERSHIP UNLIMITED
$43,769COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING
J & M DISPLAYS
$40,000RECREATION, SPORTS
GRAND ISLAND CENTRAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
$38,500PHILANTHROPY, VOLUNTARISM & GRANTMAKING FDNS
SURE SOUND AND LIGHTING INC
$25,000ARTS, CULTURE & HUMANITIES
RIVERSIDE GOLF CLUB
$18,773COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING
SHERMAN COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$16,707COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL NEBRASKA
$15,500YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
LITCHFIELD RURAL FIRE & AMBULANCE DISTRICT
$15,000HEALTH CARE
FIVE POINTS BANK
$14,967COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING
CENTRAL PLATTE NRD
$13,770ENVIRONMENTAL, PROTECTION & BEAUTIFICATION
VLCEK GARDENS
$13,263ENVIRONMENTAL, PROTECTION & BEAUTIFICATION
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING
GRAND ISLAND PARTNERSHIP FOR THE ARTS INC
$12,500ARTS, CULTURE & HUMANITIES
ST LEO'S PARISH
$12,250RELIGION
PROJECT HUNGER INC
$11,750FOOD, NUTRITION & AGRICULTURE
VOICE FOR COMPANION ANIMALS
$11,599ANIMAL-RELATED
WILLOW RISING
$11,000MENTAL HEALTH & CRISIS INTERVENTION
KOZ INTERNATIONAL
$10,000PUBLIC SAFETY, DISASTER PREP. & RELIEF
MULTICULTURAL CENTER FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION AND SPORTS
$9,600RECREATION, SPORTS
MULTICULTURAL COALITION
$9,440CIVIL RIGHTS, SOCIAL ACTION & ADVOCACY
CENTURA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
$9,000COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING
SALTZGABER SPRINKLERS AND LAWN CARE
$8,310ENVIRONMENTAL, PROTECTION & BEAUTIFICATION
DOUBLE LOCKED SECURITY
$8,294ARTS, CULTURE & HUMANITIES
THIRD CITY COMMUNITY CLINIC
$8,250MEDICAL RESEARCH
FIRST LIGHT CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER
$8,060CIVIL RIGHTS, SOCIAL ACTION & ADVOCACY
THIRD CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH
$6,600RELIGION
FIRST BANKCARD
$6,540YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
LITERACY COUNCIL OF GRAND ISLAND
$6,510CIVIL RIGHTS, SOCIAL ACTION & ADVOCACY
GRAND ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION
$6,510EDUCATION-SCHOLARSHIPS AND PUBLIC & PRIVATE SCHOOLS
IDEABANK MARKETING
$6,295COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING
ENVIRONMENTAL, PROTECTION & BEAUTIFICATION
BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH FOOD PANTRY
$6,000FOOD, NUTRITION & AGRICULUTRE
ST MARY'S FOOD PANTRY
$6,000FOOD, NUTRITION & AGRICULTURE
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
$6,000RELIGION
HEARTLAND UNITED WAY
$5,944PHILANTHROPY, VOLUNTARISM & GRANTMAKING FDNS
GRAND ISLAND REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION
$5,887HEALTH CARE
SCOTTSDALE BIBLE CHURCH
$5,820RELIGION
MARY'S CRADLE - ST MARY'S CATHEDRAL
$5,750HUMAN SERVICES
ST MARY'S CATHEDRAL
$5,500RELIGION
HOPE HARBOR
$5,500HOUSING & SHELTER