$30,000 Available to Rural Communities through Impact Grants

Rural Community Impact Grants 2024

January 22, 2025
Grand Island, Neb. – From treating kids with health disorders to keeping seniors fed, Rural Community Impact Grants are helping people thrive in Hamilton, Howard, Merrick Counties, and rural communities in Hall County.

The Heartland United Way is announcing the availability of at least $30,000 for local nonprofit organizations in 2025. 

Preference for funding will be given to organizations that 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

WHO CAN APPLY: Grantees must be qualified as public charities under IRS section 501(c)(3). Applications must be submitted through the grant application form available on the Heartland United Way website. Only one application will be accepted per organization. Applications will not be accepted for capital expenditures, buildings, fire departments, religious activities, conference or camp fees, scholarships or youth sports.

The application will be open from January 27, through February 28, 2025. The maximum grant awarded will be $1,500, which will be awarded in March. Applications can be found on the Heartland United Way website at www.heartlandunitedway.org/community-impact-grants beginning January 27.

All grant recipients will be required to complete a year-end report outlining program's results. If you have questions, contact the Heartland United Way office at 308-382-2675.

In 2024, 27 organizations were awarded grants.

  • TeamMates of Aurora received $1,500.
  • Hamilton County 4-H received $750 for INVENTURE Day.
  • The Community Center of Hamilton County was awarded $500 for home delivered meals.
  • Hamilton Youth Center received $1,000 for summer camps.
  • Hampton Public Schools received a $1,500 grant for its Early Learning Center.
  • GIPS Ombudsman Learning Center was awarded $1,500 for transportation for its students living in rural Hall and Hamilton Counties.
  • Merrick County Childcare Inc. was awarded $1,500 for educational supplies, program materials, and food.
  • The Central City Library will be awarded $1500 for its Read Along Adventures program. 
  • Merrick County 4-H received $750 for its INVENTURE Day.
  • Teen Reach Adventure Camp received $1,500. 
  • Merrick County Foundation was awarded $1,500 for its Bison After School Program.
  • Teammates of Central City received $1,500.
  • Silver Creek Township Library was awarded $500 for its educational programs.
  • Grand Island Elks Lodge 604 received $500 for food boxes distributed to Merrick County veteran.
  • Palmer Childcare received $1,500 for its food program.
  • Howard/Greeley County Food Pantry was awarded $1,500 for food and hygiene products. 
  • St. Paul Public Schools received $1,500 for its backpack food program.
  • St. Paul Early Childhood Foundation was awarded $1,200 for play materials.
  • The Care Team received $750 for its Mental Health Mile Project.
  • Howard County Medical Center Foundation was awarded $800 for its Pediatric Bowel and Bladder Disorders program.
  • Elba Public Schools received $500 to help keep students warm.
  • Project Hunger was awarded $1,500 for its Doniphan KindNEST Cupboard/Backpack program.
  • Hall County 4-H received $800 for its Project Kindness.
  • Cairo Community Foundation received $1,500 for Progressive Ag Safety Day.
  • Wood River Vision 2020 Inc. was awarded $1,000 for Stick Creek Kids Summer Art Camp.
  • Centura Educational Foundation received $1,500 for the Central Backpack Program.
  • Wood River Rural Schools was awarded $1,500 for an elementary handicap accessible playground.

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 gain access to financial stability, educational and health opportunities.