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2018 Scholarship Application Now Open

The Grand Island Community Foundation (GICF) encourages students in pursuit of post-secondary education to complete the Foundation’s online application to apply for scholarships. The Community Foundation awarded 117 scholarships last year and expects to surpass that number this year. Each year scholarships are offered for both traditional and nontraditional college students. With one application form, students will be evaluated for 74 different scholarships through the Foundation. Online scholarship applications for the 2018-2019 academic year will be accepted December 1, 2017 through 4 p.m. February 15, 2018. Students should go to www.gicf.org and click on the scholarships tab to apply.

 The Foundation’s first permanent scholarship fund was established in 1985 by Jim Kahroff, who wanted to create a legacy in honor of his grandfather, George Cowton. Through the years many additional scholarship funds have been founded. “We deliver on the wishes and legacy of the Foundation’s many generous donors who recognize and believe in the infinite value and strength of an educated community. This belief is brought to life by providing support in the form of scholarships to both traditional and non-traditional students from all Grand Island high schools, Cairo, Doniphan-Trumbull, Loup City, and far beyond. Our online application allows students the ability to apply for over 70 scholarships by completing just one application, simplifying the process for the students,” said Melissa DeLaet, CEO of the Grand Island Community Foundation.

 GICF offers a variety of scholarships sure to fit about every student’s educational aspirations ranging from engineering, education, business, medical, arts, skilled trades, cosmetology and more – whether  four-year college, community college or trade school.  Two specific scholarships offered are for Hall County residents and students entering or already pursuing a healthcare profession such as dental, medical technology, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and radiology technology. Preference for these particular awards is given to students that have already been accepted into medical school or graduate school.

 New this year to Grand Island Community Foundation offerings is the Associated Staffing Skilled Trade Scholarship established by Brian McMahon. This fund was established to benefit graduating high school seniors or non-traditional students pursuing a certificate, diploma or associate degree in a skilled technical science field, such as welding, from an accredited trade school or community college in Nebraska.  Associated Staffing will award five scholarships in total this year. Recipients will be selected from five separate qualified applicant pools with one award distributed within each geographical trade area of Associated Staffing’s office locations throughout Nebraska.

The Foundation also has scholarships dedicated to specific area businesses. The Howard and Gladys Eakes Memorial Scholarship, Marvel and Joyce Hornady Memorial Scholarship, and Jim and Dee Price Family Scholarship (Border States Company) were each established to benefit direct dependents of employees and/or retirees of these organizations.

In addition the Grand Island Community Foundation offers scholarships for grade school and junior high students. The William Fowles Memorial Fund offers scholarships to boys and girls, ages 7– 17 years of age, who want to learn the game of golf. Bill loved golf and this scholarship fund helps youth with an interest in golf, but who may lack the resources to learn how to play. Scholarships are offered every summer for youth to participate in junior golf programs that not only teach golf, but also build character, self-confidence and skills. Another scholarship fund for junior and high school age youth is the Bob McFarland Fund. This fund, established because of Bob’s love of baseball, supports youth baseball in Grand Island by providing scholarships for little league baseball registration fees and uniform expenses for qualifying youth.

Each donor is able to specify the criteria for their scholarships. While some donors are allowed a minor role in the review process of their scholarship(s), others prefer that the Foundation review and select the scholarship recipients. Each scholarship application received is carefully evaluated against established qualifying criteria through a blind review process. The Grand Island Community Foundation is accredited by the National Standards Board for U.S. Community Foundations and supports Grand Island, Hall County and surrounding communities in Central Nebraska. Annually, the Foundation receives approximately 70 grant requests, reviews 300 scholarship applications, and assists hundreds of donors through individual funds, family funds, and community projects.

“For many of our donors, a scholarship is their way to leave their Legacy in our community and we are fortunate to have so many passionate individuals who believe in investing in the future of our community,” DeLaet said. The online scholarship applications become available December 1, 2017 and can be found by visiting www.gicf.org and clicking on the scholarships tab. The deadline for all applications will be 4pm on February 15, 2018.  If you have any questions or would like more information about scholarships, please contact Diana Kellogg at the Grand Island Community Foundation at 308-381-7767 or scholarships@gicf.org.

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The Grand Island Community Foundation was established in 1960, with the mission to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Central Nebraska and assist donors in realizing their charitable goals. Accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, the Foundation currently manages $18 million in assets and has helped establish hundreds of charitable funds over the past 55 years. Each year the Foundation serves hundreds of donors through individual, family and corporate legacy funds. To keep up with the latest happenings at the Foundation, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. The Grand Island Community Foundation is located in the Great Western Centre Building at 1811 West 2nd Street, Suite 365, Grand Island, Nebraska.