From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, Heartland United Way is mobilizing communities to action so all can thrive in Nebraska's Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick Counties.
- Health & Wellbeing – Improving access to physical and mental health services for all.
- Financial Security - Helping individuals and families achieve economic independence.
- Youth Opportunity - Ensuring every child has the support to succeed in school and in life.
- Community Resiliency - Addressing urgent needs and building long-term solutions for vulnerable populations.
Our Programs
The Community Investment Process helps to ensure that the community-raised dollars are invested in local programs that change lives and align with Heartland United Way’s mission. Volunteers ensure the sound investment of funds by reviewing the programs the Heartland United Way invests in, evaluating each program, and make investment recommendations, which United Way’s Board of Directors approves. 20 Community Partners receive funding through this process.
From treating kids with health disorders close to home to keeping seniors fed, $30,000 in Rural Community Impact Grants is helping people thrive in Hamilton, Howard, Merrick Counties, and rural communities in Hall County.
Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library program in 1996 because she wanted to make sure that children have books in their homes, regardless of family income. This program sends one brand new, age-appropriate book in the mail each month to an enrolled child until their fifth birthday. In the Heartland United Way area 3,449 children received books in 2024.
People across our area face challenges every day and may not know how to find or access local programs that address them. That’s what 211 is all about: connecting our neighbors with nearby services that can help.
If you are looking for assistance in finding a food pantry, paying for a utility bill, accessing safe housing or shelter, receiving counseling services and more, speak with one of our helpline specialists today.
211 is available 24/7 by phone or text. Your call is free and confidential.
During the holiday season, Heartland United Way provides necessities, gift items, and food vouchers to individuals experiencing extraordinary needs through three programs – Holiday Toy Program, Holiday Adopt a Family Program, & Christmas Cheer. The Heartland United Way works closely with our community, local school social workers, United Way community partners, and the U.S. Marine Corps & their Toys for Tots program to make these programs possible.
Husker Harvest Days - the World's Largest Totally Irrigated Working Farm Show - plays host to a food drive that has collected 17,000 pounds of food. Donations are distributed to 21 local backpack programs, food pantries, and shelters.
Every scoop of ice cream helps Heartland United Way and our 20 community partners fund our work. Scoops Ice Cream Parlor is open outside the Cattle Barn at Fonner Park in Grand Island during the Nebraska State Fair and various other events.
2025 Schedule:
June 23-27, 1-4 p.m. - National Junior Shorthorn Show
July 12-16, 1-4 p.m. - American Dairy Goat Association National Show
August 22-September 1 - Nebraska State Fair
In the most recent year, Heartland United Way programs and partnerships impacted local lives more than 42,000 times.
Of the individuals we serve: 68% live at or below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), meaning they face significant barriers in meeting basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare.
An additional 29% fall between 101% and 150% of the FPL, often earning just above the threshold to qualify for many forms of assistance but still struggling to achieve financial security.
These figures reflect the critical importance of our work in supporting nearly all of our clients (97%) who are living in or near poverty.
We ensure that donor dollars stay local, supporting effective programs that respond directly to these needs. Our work is grounded in measurable outcomes, transparency, and collaboration—because United is the Way. When we come together to take action, we create stronger families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all.
