About Us

Heartland United Way staff

Our Mission

Our mission is to improve lives and create possibilities for individuals and families across Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick Counties in central Nebraska.

At Heartland United Way, our work is rooted in integrity, compassion, and the belief that real change happens when we come together. Guided by these values, we unite people and resources to improve health and well-being, expand opportunities for youth, strengthen financial stability, and build community resiliency. Every decision we make and every action we take is centered on creating lasting impact—for individuals, families, and the communities we serve.

Compassion – We care deeply about people and communities. We listen, learn, and act with empathy.

Opportunity for All – We believe everyone deserves the chance to reach their full potential. We are committed to removing obstacles, expanding access, and creating environments where all people can thrive.

Collaboration – We believe we are stronger together. We build partnerships, unite resources, and mobilize communities for collective impact.
 

Integrity – We are transparent, accountable, and committed to doing what’s right—even when it’s not easy.

Innovation – We seek creative solutions and embrace new ideas that help us serve better and respond to emerging needs.


These values are the foundation of our mission—and the reason we remain focused on building stronger families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all.

The Heartland United Way has worked diligently to meet the needs of our communities since 1947, when it began as a combined campaign that supported just four partner agencies. In 1956, a permanent office was established and the organization became known as the Grand Island Community Chest. After the organization became a division of the national United Way organization in 1975, the name Grand Island United Way, Inc. was adopted.

Though the organization was originally created to serve the Grand Island community, the name was changed to Heartland United Way in 1993 and the organization expanded to serve the four-county area it still serves today including Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties. 

 

 

United Way Membership Certified Global Network Citizen 2024-2025

Heartland United Way’s Code of Ethics and Conduct (“Code”) requires directors, officers and employees to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of the Heartland United Way, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. 
It is the responsibility of all directors, officers and employees to comply with the Code and to report violations or suspected violations in accordance with this Whistleblower Policy. 
No director, officer or employee who in good faith reports a violation of the Code shall suffer harassment, retaliation or adverse employment consequence. An employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment. This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns within the Heartland United Way prior to seeking resolution outside the Organization. 
The Code addresses the Heartland United Way’s open door policy and suggests that employees share their questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints with someone who can address them properly. In most cases, an employee’s supervisor is in the best position to address an area of concern. However, if you are not comfortable speaking with your supervisor or you are not satisfied with your supervisor’s response, you are encouraged to speak with someone on the Executive Committee or anyone in management whom you are comfortable in approaching. Supervisors and managers are required to report suspected violations of the Code of Conduct to the Heartland United Way’s Board Treasurer, who has specific and exclusive responsibility to investigate all reported violations. For suspected fraud, or when you are not satisfied or uncomfortable with following the United Way’s open door policy, individuals should contact the Heartland United Way Board Treasurer directly. 
The Heartland United Way’s Compliance Officer (Board Treasurer) is responsible for investigating and resolving all reported complaints and allegations concerning violations of the Code and, at his/her discretion, shall advise the President of the Heartland United Way and/or the Finance committee. The Compliance Officer has direct access to the Finance committee of the board of directors and is required to report to the Finance committee at least annually on compliance activity. The Organization’s Compliance Officer is the chair of the Finance committee.  
The Finance committee of the board of directors shall address all reported concerns or complaints regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing. The Compliance Officer shall immediately notify the Finance & Executive committees of any such complaint and work with the committee until the matter is resolved. 
Anyone filing a complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation of the Code must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation of the Code. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense. 
Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant or may be submitted anonymously. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation. 
The Compliance Officer will notify the sender and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation within five business days. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation. 

United Way is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community, volunteers, and staff. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, national origin, religion, gender, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in any of our programs, activities, or employment practices. We respect and value the diversity of our community and strive to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Discrimination or harassment based on any of these factors is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. We are dedicated to promoting equality and diversity in all aspects of our organization and are committed to upholding this policy in everything we do.

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