GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (June 10, 2026) The sails may have come down on Go Big GIVE 2026, but one local nonprofit is enjoying an extra gust of wind weeks after the community-wide giving voyage.
During the final gathering of participating nonprofits on Wednesday, organizers announced the official fundraising total of $1,882,960 and awarded the final prize still floating in the harbor.
EPIC Discovery Center reeled in the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation Endowment Prize, earning a $10,000 permanent charitable fund that will help power its mission for years to come. While the principal remains safely anchored, a portion of the fund’s annual earnings can be used to support the organization or reinvested to help the fund continue to grow.
Go Big GIVE 2026 By the Numbers
The community once again charted an impressive course for generosity:
• $1,882,960 raised
• 4,285 donations
• 1,883 donors
• 165 participating nonprofits
• $2,886 raised through Support Them All donations
• 32% of donors supported more than one organization
• 10% were first-time donors
• 86 organizations raised more than they did last year
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, this year’s treasure chest included $126,500 in match pool funds and incentive prizes, helping participating nonprofits maximize their fundraising efforts.
Leading the fleet as Admiral’s Circle Sponsors were Hornady Manufacturing, Greater Grand Island Community Foundation and Heartland United Way.
Serving on the Captain’s Deck were S.N. “Bud” and Gloria Wolbach Foundation and Lutz.
Trusted First Mates helping guide the voyage included Virgil Eihusen Foundation, Inc., ALLO Fiber, Five Points Bank, Woodsonia Real Estate, Merrick Foundation and Hamilton Community Foundation.
Additional sponsors helping keep the ship steady and on course included AMGL, PC, Amur, Allen Capital Group, Bruning Bank, CHI St. Francis, Cornerstone Bank, Equitable Bank, Essential Screens, FNBO, Heritage Bank, Heritage Insurance, Home Federal Bank, Keystone Properties, Nova-Tech, Roe Automotive, Roe Chevrolet, Schuster Anderson Wealth Advisors, UNITY Eye Centers and Wortman Enterprises.
Sounding the harbor horn as 2026 Promotional Sponsors were GI Family Radio, Local4, The Grand Island Independent, Usher Media Group, Vision52 and Abante Marketing.
Go Big GIVE is a 24-hour day of giving that invites the community to set sail for generosity at GoBigGIVE.org. This year’s event was held May 7, with donors able to chart their course early through pre-giving beginning April 27.
The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation and Heartland United Way partner each year to navigate the event.
While the 2026 voyage has reached port, preparations are already underway for the next journey. Mark your calendars: the 14th Annual Go Big GIVE will launch on May 6, 2027. Until then, organizers extend a heartfelt thank you to every donor, sponsor and nonprofit who helped make this year’s voyage a success.
