The Grand Island Community Foundation recently awarded $64,924 to 11 area nonprofit organizations during its fall 2017 grant cycle.

Grant funds are made possible through both named funds established by area donors who wish to support community causes and projects. The Foundation also has established additional grantmaking funds to support the areas of arts and culture, basic needs, children and youth, community enrichment, health, and education.

“The grant process really allows the Foundation and the grant review team the opportunity to learn more about the important work being done by the nonprofits in our community and their needs as an organization. With a wide variety of projects and programs being funded this grant cycle, GICF is honored to partner with these organizations making a meaningful impact in Grand Island and Hall County,” said Melissa DeLaet, Chief Executive Officer.

Grants awarded include:

• Boys Town Central Nebraska - $5,000 for the renovation of the kitchen at the Grand Island location.
• Christmas Cheer - $5,000 to provide meal vouchers for families in need.
• Friendship House - $5,000 for renovations to the community rooms in their new counseling center.
• Grand Island Public Library - $3,000 to purchase equipment and furnishings for the new teen and makerspace rooms in the library.
• Heartland CASA - $1,500 for staff development training.
• Hope Harbor - $1,958 for implementation of the Circle of Security parenting class for shelter residents.
• Lutheran Family Services - $5,000 to support the At Ease program for veterans, active military members, and their families.
• Third City Clinic - $5,000 to obtain prescription medications and supplies for low income individuals.
• YMCA of Grand Island - $622 for the purchase of exercise equipment for seniors.
• Centura Educational Foundation - $19,956 to purchase tables and equipment for remodeled science classrooms and lab.
• Village of Cairo - $7,888 for construction of a ribbon garden in Veteran’s Memorial Park.

The above grants were funded through the following funds held at the GICF: Harold R. Dunlap Fund, Gene and Ellinor Reab Fund, Lloyd and Maybelle Wheeler Fund, Roger and Melodee Anderson Fund, Huwaldt Family Trust Fund, Bill and Marcia Lawton Fund, and GICF Grantmaking Funds.

GICF offers two competitive grant cycles per year with the next application deadline slated for May 1, 2018. For more information on eligibility and the grant application process visit www.gicf.org.

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. 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.