GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (May 14, 2026) Rural communities are getting help making an impact thanks to more than $34,500 in Heartland United Way Rural Community Impact Grants.
Thirty-one nonprofit organizations in Hamilton, Howard, Merrick and rural Hall Counties will receive grants up to $1,500 in 2026.
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 gathered in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick Counties to receive checks on May 14, 2026.
Hall County ($9,700 Total)
- Association for Child Abuse Prevention, Darkness to Light Training, $1,000
- Building Blocks for Community Enrichment, Hope & Healing Project, $1,500
- Centura Educational Foundation, Centura Backpack Program, $1,500
- Grand Island Elks Lodge 604, Food Relief for Veterans In Need, $1,200
- Grand Island Regional Medical Center Foundation, GIRMC CareConnect Rural Transportation Program, $1,000
- Hall County 4-H Council, 4-H Classroom Kits, $1,000
- Project Hunger, Cairo/Centura Milk and Egg Program, $1,500
-
Wood River Vision 2020 Inc. dba Stick Creek Kids Child Development Center, Summer Art and STEM Camp, $1,000
Hamilton County ($11,300 Total)
- Alice M Farr/Aurora Library Foundation, LEAP, $1,500
- Banisters Leadership Academy, Hamilton County Extended Academic Success Leadership Academy, $800
- Community Center of Hamilton County, Inc, Home Delivered Meals, $1,000
- Hamilton County Extension, Hamilton County School Enrichment Program, $1,000
- Hamilton County Ministerial Association CHEER FUND, $1,500
- Hamilton County Trails Committee, Phase 1 Trail Expansion, $1,000
- Hamilton County Youth Center, Little Changes create Big Impact - Summer 2026, $1,000
- Hampton Daycare Center, Inc., Helping out kids thrive and grow, $1,000
- Opportune Acres, Adaptive Horse Show, $1,000
- TeamMates of Aurora, $1,000
-
The Leadership Center, Summer Lunch Bunch Program, $1,500
Howard County ($5,800 Total)
- CARE Team, Mental Health Education and wellness through the mental health mile and educational opportunities, $800
- Central NE Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, Central NE FS4JK Farm Safety Day, $1,000
- Howard County Medical Center Foundation, Cardio Pump Set, $1,000
- Howard Greeley County Food Pantry, Lending a Helping Hand, $1,500
-
St. Paul Public Schools, Backpack Programs, $1,500
Merrick County ($7,734.61 Total)
- Central City Public Library, Tonies for Tots and More, $1,300
- Little Storm Childcare, Craft Center Upgrade, $1,000
- Merrick County Child Development Center, School Age After School Program, $1,200
- Merrick County Historical Museum, Projection Equipment, $300
- Merrick Foundation, Bison After School Program, $1,200
- Merrick Medical Center, Community Nutrition Support Groups, $1,184.61
- Platte PEER Group, Outdoor AED for Public Safety, $1,050
-
Timberlake Ranch Camp Inc., ReHab the obstacle course, $500
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.