Blue Chevrons

Community Impact Grants

skirkley — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:24:50 +0000

Community Impact Grants

skirkley Wed, 01/21/2026 - 1:24pm

The long-standing tradition of rural Nebraskans helping one another is the foundation of the
Rural Community Impact Grants.

REAL IMPACT

VOLUNTEER

The Heartland United Way is announcing the availability of $30,000 for local nonprofit organizations to apply for grants. The nonprofit organizations must be located and providing programs in Hamilton, Howard, Merrick counties, or in the rural communities in Hall County.

Preference for funding will be given to organizations that provide programs or services that align with one or more 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

Deadline to apply is February 27, 2026.

MISSION

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 educational, economic and health opportunities.

GRANT TIMELINE

Application Open: January 26, 2026

Applications Due: February 27, 2026

Grant Awarded: April 2026

REQUIREMENTS

Grantees must be qualified as public charities under IRC 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, religious activities, conference or camp fees, scholarships, fire departments, buildings, or youth sports

AVERAGE GIVING

Average grant size: $250-1,500
Average number of grants per year: 21
Average total giving per year: $30,000
Maximum grant ask: $1,500

VOLUNTEER

If you are passionate about the well-being of our communities and want to help determine how these critical funds will be distributed, we would love to have you on board to help review grant applications.

Volunteer Role & Commitment:

Grant Review: You will be reviewing approximately 20-25 grant applications. The review process will take place on your own time beginning Monday, March 2.
In-Person Meeting: There will be a meeting on Friday, March 6, from 12:00-1:30 PM at the Heartland United Way office for a debrief and to finalize the grant allocation amounts.

If you are interested in volunteering to review the Rural Community Impact Grant applications, please fill out the form linked below by Friday, February 27.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

2025 AWARD RECIPIENT REQUIRED AGREEMENTS & REPORTS

A year-end progress report is required for funded projects that include stories and pictures highlighting the success of the program. Reports are due February 27th, 2026 or prior to your 2026 RCIG submission.
Progress Report Template for 2025 Grants Can be Downloaded Here.

If you have additional questions, please call the Heartland United Way office at (308) 382-2675 or email Rylee at rylee@heartlandunitedway.org.

Blue Chevrons

Contact

sysop — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 19:46:00 +0000

Contact

sysop Mon, 02/24/2025 - 1:46pm

To contact a representative from Heartland United Way, please complete the form below and select a category that best describes the nature of your inquiry. We will respond to your inquiry in 2-3 business days. You may also call or stop by our office during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Heartland United Way
1441 N Webb Road
Grand Island, NE 68803
Phone: (308) 382-2675
Fax: (308) 382-2679

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SIGN UP FOR OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

60%

Blue Chevrons

Donate

allyson — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 19:36:46 +0000

Donate

allyson Tue, 09/03/2024 - 2:36pm

Heartland United Way is a local, community impact and fundraising organization, that aims to improve lives and create possibilities for people in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick Counties. Heartland United Way achieves its mission through advocacy, leadership and support for nonprofit organizations that help individuals and families gain access to educational, economic and health opportunities.

Blue Chevrons

Our Impact

Nicolen — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:14:28 +0000

Our Impact

Nicolen Thu, 10/20/2011 - 3:14pm

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

Community Investment

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.

Rural Community Impact Grants

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's Imagination Library

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 3,442 children received books in 2025.

211 24-Hour Resource Hotline

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.

Holiday Programs

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 Food Drive

Husker Harvest Days - the World's Largest Totally Irrigated Working Farm Show - plays host to a food drive that collects thousands of pounds of food every year. Donations are distributed to local backpack programs, food pantries, and shelters.

Scoops Ice Cream Parlor

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.

2026 Schedule:
August 28-September 7 - Nebraska State Fair
More events coming soon!

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.

Blue Chevrons

Financial Security

sysop — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 05:02:00 +0000

Financial Security

sysop Tue, 10/26/2010 - 12:02am

Our goal is to cut the number of low-income families that are financially unstable in half.

There are a growing number of people in our community who are struggling to make ends meet. Heartland United Way agencies provide financial assistance and education to help families through crisis situations and to develop plans for moving forward. People in our communities have also increased their literacy, basic educational skills or English proficiency to improve their socioeconomic status.

Holiday Programs

Christmas Cheer

Christmas Cheer was established in 1910 to provide a helping hand to local families during the holidays. A volunteer board operated this program, and in 2024 the Heartland United Way started to carry on this tradition. This program provides a grocery voucher for a holiday meal to people in need in Hall County people.
Sign up for this programs begins in October.

Holiday Adopt a Family Program

The Adopt a Family program allows businesses, community members, and organizations to provide local families with food, necessity items, and gifts during the holidays. Families accepted into this program are experiencing extraordinary needs due to job loss, health issues, a house fire, or other major circumstances.

Individuals who wish to be a part of our Holiday Adopt a Family Program must get a referral and complete the online only application to be considered. Many area churches also help refer individuals to the programs. If you do not have an existing relationship with a local church or social worker at one of the qualified referral locations, call the Heartland United Way office at (308) 382-2675 for assistance.

Holiday Toy Drive

Heartland United Way works in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corp each year to offer the Heartland United Way Toy Drive & Toys for Tots Distribution. Children must be 12 years old or younger and reside with you in Hall, Hamilton, Howard, or Merrick Counties in Nebraska to be eligible for this program.
Parents whose children are accepted into the program will receive a letter/voucher to “shop” for their child’s gift from the donated items. The goal is to collect enough items so each child will receive one toy, a stuffed animal, and a book or game.

Applications open in October and close in early December.

Community Partners focused on Financial Security

How to Help

Blue Chevrons

Blue Chevrons

Community Impact Grants

The long-standing tradition of rural Nebraskans helping one another is the foundation of the
Rural Community Impact Grants.

REAL IMPACT

Deadline to apply is February 27, 2026.

2026 Rural Community Impact Grant Application

Status message

Thank you for your interest in United Way funding, unfortunately, your request is not eligible for Rural Community Impact Grant Funds.

Status message

2025 Rural Community Impact Grant recipients must submit their 2025 progress report before applying.

2025 AWARD RECIPIENT REQUIRED AGREEMENTS & REPORTS

2025 Recipients

2024 Recipients

Contact

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SIGN UP FOR OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Donate

Donate to Heartland United Way Campaign by Credit Card

Our Impact

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.

Our Programs

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.

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.

Husker Harvest Days - the World's Largest Totally Irrigated Working Farm Show - plays host to a food drive that collects thousands of pounds of food every year. Donations are distributed to local backpack programs, food pantries, and shelters.

In the most recent year, Heartland United Way programs and partnerships impacted local lives more than 42,000 times.

Financial Security

Our goal is to cut the number of low-income families that are financially unstable in half.

Heartland United Way Community Partners improved financial stability for 20,040 people.

737 people found a place to stay at emergency and transitional shelters.

1,081 families received food vouchers through the Christmas Cheer program.

654 people increased literacy, basic educational skills or English proficiency.

2,479 children received a gift for the holidays who would have otherwise gone without.

369 children learned to swim with no cost to families.

Applications open in October and close in early December.

Blue Chevrons

Community Impact Grants

The long-standing tradition of rural Nebraskans helping one another is the foundation of the Rural Community Impact Grants.

REAL IMPACT

Deadline to apply is February 27, 2026.

2026 Rural Community Impact Grant Application

Status message

Thank you for your interest in United Way funding, unfortunately, your request is not eligible for Rural Community Impact Grant Funds.

Status message

2025 Rural Community Impact Grant recipients must submit their 2025 progress report before applying.

2025 AWARD RECIPIENT REQUIRED AGREEMENTS & REPORTS

2025 Recipients

2024 Recipients

Contact

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SIGN UP FOR OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Donate

Donate to Heartland United Way Campaign by Credit Card

Our Impact

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.

Our Programs

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.

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.

Husker Harvest Days - the World's Largest Totally Irrigated Working Farm Show - plays host to a food drive that collects thousands of pounds of food every year. Donations are distributed to local backpack programs, food pantries, and shelters.

In the most recent year, Heartland United Way programs and partnerships impacted local lives more than 42,000 times.

Financial Security

Our goal is to cut the number of low-income families that are financially unstable in half.

Heartland United Way Community Partners improved financial stability for 20,040 people.

737 people found a place to stay at emergency and transitional shelters.

1,081 families received food vouchers through the Christmas Cheer program.

654 people increased literacy, basic educational skills or English proficiency.

2,479 children received a gift for the holidays who would have otherwise gone without.

369 children learned to swim with no cost to families.

Applications open in October and close in early December.

The long-standing tradition of rural Nebraskans helping one another is the foundation of the
Rural Community Impact Grants.

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.