With more funding sources uncertain for local nonprofits, everyone has a chance to keep vital services and projects in Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick Counties going through the 12th Annual Go Big GIVE.
In 2025, 167 nonprofits have signed up to Set Sail for Giving during one of central Nebraska’s biggest days of giving. While Go Big GIVE is held on May 1, donors don’t have to wait to contribute at GoBigGIVE.org. Go Big GIVE Pre-Give run April 21 through April 30.
Throughout Pre-Give there are opportunities to support animals, the arts, education, conservation, violence and addiction prevention, health care resources and more during Dine Out events and Trivia Nights. Hy-Vee in Grand Island will also allow customers to round up their purchase to the next dollar from April 21 through May 1. These ways to give will support all Go Big GIVE nonprofits.
Dine Out Events
April 21, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. - Wave Pizza, Grand Island 15
April 22, 4 – 9 p.m. – PepperJax, Grand Island
April 23, 4-8 p.m. - Freddy's, Grand Island 20
April 24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4:30-6:30 p.m. - Double V, Grand Island
April 25, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. -Balz, Grand Island
April 27, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. -Raising Cane's, Grand Island 15%
April 27, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. - Panda Express, Grand Island
April 28, 6-9 p.m. -Big Red Treats, Grand Island 15%
April 29, 4-8 p.m. -Pizza Hut, Diers Ave., Grand Island 15%
April 30, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. – Whitey’s, Grand Island
May 1, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. – Sonic, Diers Ave. & Locust St. locations in Grand Island 10%
May 1, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. - Carlos O'Kelly's, Grand Island 25%
G.I. Trivia will make it easy to donate to Go Big GIVE during three Grand Island events from 6:30-8:30 p.m.:
April 22, at Double V
April 24, at Wine Beer & Spirits
April 25, at Fonner Park
Participating nonprofits have also planned events. Click here to see a schedule.
Match-pool funds and incentive prizes allow donations to grow thanks to generous sponsors, including: Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, Heartland United Way, Hornady Manufacturing, Virgil Eihusen Foundation, Inc., S.N. "Bud" and Gloria Wolbach Foundation, and Lutz.
Over the past eleven years, Go Big GIVE has raised more than $10.6 million and supported over 200 nonprofits, thanks to sponsors and donors. Last year alone, the effort raised an incredible $1.5 million.
Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 1, when Go Big GIVE will once again inspire donors to make waves of generosity.
Together, let’s Set Sail for Giving and make the 12th year of Go Big GIVE one for the record books!