GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (April 15, 2025) Rural communities are getting help making an impact thanks to $31,800 in Heartland United Way Rural Community Impact Grants.
Twenty-eight nonprofit organizations in Hamilton, Howard, Merrick and rural Hall Counties will receive grants up to $1,500 in 2025.
These organizations provide programs or services that align with one of the following areas:
- Healthy Communities: Improving health and well-being for all
- Youth Opportunity: Helping young people realize their full potential
- Financial Security: Helping to build financial stability and strength
- Community Resiliency: Addressing urgent needs today for a better tomorrow
Grantees will receive checks starting April 16, 2025.
Hall County
- Building Blocks for Community Enrichment, Hope & Healing, $1,500
- Wood River Vision 2020 Inc. dba Stick Creek Kids Child Development Center, Playground, $1,300
Hamilton County
- Aurora Public Schools, Say Yes to the Prom Dress, $725
- Giltner Public Schools Foundation, Little Stingers Child Care, $1,200
- Hamilton Community Foundation, Hamilton County Inclusive Playground, $1,400
- Hamilton County 4-H Council, Hamilton County School Enrichment Program, $1,300
- Hamilton County 4-H Shooting Sports Club, $750
- Hamilton County Ministerial Association CHEER FUND, $1,500
- Hamilton County Youth Center, $1,300
- Opportune Acres, Adaptive Horse Show, $1,000
- TeamMates of Aurora, $1,000
- The Leadership Center, Summer Lunch Bunch Program, $1,500
Howard County
- CARE Team, Mental Health Mile/Comedian, $925
- Howard County Medical Center (HCMC) Foundation, Social Determinants of Health, $1,000
- Howard Greeley County Food Pantry, $1,500
- St. Paul Public Schools, Backpack Programs, $1,500
- TeamMates Mentoring of St. Paul, $1,000
Merrick County
- Grand Island Elks Lodge 604, Veterans Food Reach in Merrick County, $1,500
- Central City Public Library, Play to Learn, $1,250
- Clarks Public Library, Library Technology Update, $1,300
- Little Storm Childcare, Youth & Infant Support Initiative, $1,000
- Merrick County 4-H Council, Merrick County School Enrichment Programming - Connecting the Dots, $1,300
- Merrick County Child Development Center, School Age After School Program, $1,250
- Merrick County Sheriff K-9 Fund, Narcotics and Suspect Apprehension, $750
- Merrick Foundation, Bison After School Program, $1,000
- Palmer Child Care, $1,350
- Palmer FFA Alumni and Supporters, Fall Football Feed, $450
- Silver Creek Township Library, Children’s interactive Activities, $250
Heartland United Way's mission is to improve lives and create possibilities for people living in Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick Counties. This mission is achieved through advocacy, leadership, and support for nonprofit organizations that help individuals and families achieve financial security, youth opportunity, healthy communities and resiliency.