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Cronin Makes Estate Gift to GICF

The Grand Island Community Foundation recently received a gift of over $400,000 from the Frances J. “Fran” Cronin estate to establish the Impact Fund at the GICF.

“The Impact Fund will help to create stronger, more sustainable nonprofit organizations in the area through programs such as the Nonprofit Excellence Institute, targeted workshops and seminars, and capacity building grants. Through the generosity of Fran Cronin and her interest in supporting organizational development initiatives, nonprofits locally will reap the benefit of her impactful legacy gift for years and years to come,” said Melissa DeLaet, Chief Executive Officer of the GICF.

Born in Grand Island, Nebraska, Fran Cronin was the daughter of Clinton and Jane (Cleary) Cronin. She was raised in Grand Island and was a 1958 graduate of Grand Island Senior High. After attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics, Cronin went on to receive a Master’s in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Wisconsin and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Missouri. After receiving her doctorate she went to work for the Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. where she garnered numerous accolades for her contributions to the field of nutritional sciences. In retirement, she enjoyed volunteering, traveling, and spending time with her family. She passed away on March 31, 2015 at the age of 74.

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 $17.7 million in assets and has helped establish hundreds of charitable funds over the past 57 years. Each year the Foundation serves hundreds of donors through individual, family and corporate legacy funds. The Grand Island Community Foundation is located in the Great Western Centre Building at 1811 West 2nd Street, Suite 365, Grand Island, Nebraska. For general information, call 308-381-7767 or visit www.gicf.org.