The Grand Island Community Foundation recently selected the recipients of their fall 2016 grant cycle. Six local nonprofit organizations will receive a combined total of $15,900 to assist with various community causes.

Through named funds established by donors who want to support a variety of community efforts and programs, grants are offered twice a year – May 1 and November 1. Additional grant funds were established by the Foundation to support the following fields of interest: arts and culture, basic needs, children and youth, community enrichment, health, and education.

 Grants awarded include:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters: $5,000 to support the organization’s mentorship programs.
• Christmas Cheer: $5,000 to provide food vouchers for area families in need.
• GRACE Foundation: $700 to assist in providing a Christmas meal and presents for an area cancer patient and their family.
• St. Paul’s Childcare and Preschool: $1,000 for the purchase of computers/software for classrooms.
• Stuhr Museum Foundation: $1,500 to complete phase 2 of the Hornady Family Arbor electrical expansion project.
• YMCA of Grand Island: $2,700 to support Operation Splash, a program dedicated to giving children swimming lessons who may otherwise not be able to due to financial or other reasons.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support such a diverse variety of programs and projects in our community. Grand Island and the surrounding area is fortunate to have many worthy causes that make the quality of life better for all residents,” said Melissa DeLaet, Grand Island Community Foundation CEO. “Grants to local nonprofit organizations are truly an investment in the betterment of the community for our family, friends, and neighbors.”