2025 Impact Report
Greater Grand Island
Community Foundation
2025 Impact Report
Greater Grand Island
Community Foundation
At the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, we believe generosity is more than a moment; it is a legacy in the making. In 2025, we witnessed those legacies bloom across our community in remarkable and meaningful ways.
Behind every number is a relationship. Behind every fund is a purpose. And behind every grant is a donor who chose to invest in the future of Grand Island. Whether honoring a loved one, supporting a lifelong passion, or strengthening organizations that serve our neighbors, our community continues to prove that when generosity is nurtured, it flourishes.
As you read this report, we invite you to see not just statistics, but stories of partnership, progress, and possibility. Together, we are cultivating legacies that will continue to bloom for generations to come.
Numbers unaudited
may be revised upon formal audit
In Litchfield and Doniphan, Karen Connick was known for her warmth, generosity, and her willingness to help whenever she was needed. She and her husband, Terry, were both steady supporters of their community — the kind of people who never hesitated to lend a hand.
Karen's life was cut tragically short in 2005. Yet even in loss, the seeds of generosity she planted continued to grow. Determined to ensure Karen's spirit of kindness would live on, Terry established the Karen A. Connick Memorial Scholarship Fund. With an initial endowment of $12,700, the fund was created to support graduating seniors from Doniphan-Trumbull High School as they take the next step towards higher education.
Over the past 20 years, that seed has flourished. Karen's family has continued to nurture the fund through ongoing contributions. Following Terry's passing in 2022, an additional $35,000 gift helped grow the endowment to $60,500. What began as two $500 scholarships has blossomed into two $1,000 scholarships each year, with the potential to grow even further in the future.
Since its creation, 0 have received support through the Karen A. Connick Memorial Scholarship Fund, each one carrying Karen's legacy forward.
For students like Morgan Leth, now studying elementary education at Central Community College, this scholarship is more than financial assistance. It's the chance to pursue a calling, focus on their future, and give back to their communities.
The true impact of this fund isn't just in dollars awarded — it's in doors opened, confidence built, futures shaped, and a spirit of generosity they modeled for their community. With every student supported, Karen's kindness lives on, continuing to inspire and strengthen the community she loved.
“Because of Go Big GIVE, we can expand access to education, provide critical learning resources, and support individuals on their journey toward personal and professional growth.”
Carlos BarcenasExecutive Director, Literacy Council of Grand Island
In 2025, Go Big GIVE once again demonstrated what is possible when a community rallies around a shared purpose. This 24-hour online giving event, powered by the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation and Heartland United Way, brought together donors, nonprofits, businesses, and advocates across Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick Counties in an inspiring show of collective generosity.
This year's event truly exceeded expectations. A record-breaking $2,007,344 was raised for 167 nonprofits — the largest total in the event's history. This milestone reflects more than dollars raised; it represents thousands of individual acts of generosity, each one strengthening the nonprofit organizations that serve our region. Since Go Big GIVE began 12 years ago, the event has generated $12,619,261 in support of more than 240 local nonprofits. Go Big GIVE was not simply a record-breaking day; it was a powerful reminder that collective generosity strengthens our communities today while building a more resilient future.
A $55,000 Discretionary Grant from the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation is helping bring a long-envisioned splash pad to life in Cairo's Rasmussen Park, creating a vibrant, accessible space for families to gather, play, and connect.
Funded through the Arthur E. Klinkacek Community Enrichment Fund and the Harold R. Dunlap Fund, with additional support from a fundholder, this project reflects the power of flexible philanthropy and GGICF's commitment to communities across Hall County.
Located alongside the pool and playground, the splash pad will offer a free, family-friendly amenity for residents of Cairo and surrounding rural areas. More than just a place to cool off, it represents a shared investment in quality of life and connection.
With a planned opening in summer 2026, the splash pad will become a welcoming hub for recreation and community pride for years to come.
For generations, the Huwaldt family has been deeply connected to the growth and spirit of Hall County. Their story is rooted in a strong work ethic, entrepreneurial drive, and a deep appreciation for the community that supported them along the way.
Larry Huwaldt's connection to Grand Island traces back to his grandfather, Ed Huwaldt, who served as president of Commercial National Bank in the 1950s and 60s. During his leadership, the bank played an important role in supporting the local economy and helping businesses grow. Larry's father, Lawrence, later partnered with Marshall to help start Five Points Bank — an institution that continues to play an important role in the community today.
The family was also involved in several hospitality businesses that welcomed visitors to Grand Island. In the 1940s, Lawrence helped operate the Conoco Motel, Restaurant, and Filling Station along Highway 30, then the main route through town. He later helped develop the Midtown Holiday Inn and the Interstate Holiday Inn. By the early 1970s, Larry joined the family business at the Midtown Holiday Inn.
That appreciation led Larry and his father to establish the Huwaldt Family Trust Fund at the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation — creating a permanent source of support for local needs. One key partner is Project Hunger, where the Huwaldt's family support helps ensure consistent access to food. Their contributions strengthen programs like Food for Thought, which provides backpacks of food for students to take home on weekends.
Since 2018, these combined efforts have contributed more than $0 towards essentials like food, shelter, and clothing — directly improving the quality of life for many families.
“Grand Island has been very good to the Huwaldt family. We wanted to find a way to give something back to the community that supported us. Our goal is simple — to help those who are less fortunate and support the organizations that serve them.”
Larry Huwaldt
For two decades, the Kim West Dinsdale Excellence in Teaching Award has honored the extraordinary educators who shape the future of Hall County, not only through academic achievement but through compassion, mentorship, and meaningful connection with students.
In 2025, Caitlin Stump of Grand Island Central Catholic received the award for truly embodying its values. Caitlin's approach to education extends far beyond lesson plans and curriculum; she meets each child where they are, understanding and recognizing their unique strengths and challenges. She creates an environment where students feel seen, valued, and capable.
To recognize her outstanding dedication, Caitlin was surprised during a school-wide ceremony and was presented with a $5,000 award. As part of the program's 20th anniversary celebration, she was also given the opportunity to experience philanthropy firsthand by directing an additional $2,500 to Hall County nonprofits. Caitlin selected the GRACE Cancer Foundation and the Grand Island Central Catholic Foundation as the recipients.
For 20 years, the Kim West Dinsdale Excellence in Teaching Award has affirmed a simple but powerful truth: when we invest in educators, we invest in the future. And through teachers like Caitlin Stump, that future is bright.
“Philanthropy has always been part of our family's values — it's about using what we've been given to strengthen the place we love. Grand Island's success is our success, and we're grateful to play a small part in its future.”
Jason Hornady
In 2025, the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation proudly hosted its bi-annual Gift of a Legacy event, a celebration of generosity and enduring community impact. This year, the Legacy Award was presented to the Hornady family in recognition of their lasting leadership and steadfast commitment to Hall County.
“The Hornady family truly embodies what legacy means. Their vision for community and their belief in building something that lasts inspire others to think about how their own legacies can help shape our shared future.”
Melissa DeLaet · CEOThe Hornady family's philanthropy reflects both heart and intention. Through the Hornady Family Scholarship Fund, they have invested in the academic dreams of local students, awarding more than $0 in scholarships since 2016.
Their impact extends well beyond scholarships. The Hornady family has championed initiatives that enhance the quality of life and create spaces where community thrives, including the All Aboard for Stolley Park campaign, the YWCA Childcare expansion, Heartland Shooting Park, and the Marval Hornady Pavilion. They have also provided meaningful support to organizations such as the Central Nebraska Humane Society and the Merrick County K-9 Unit. Their encouragement of emerging leaders through supporting the Youth Philanthropy Board reflects a belief that generosity is something to be modeled.
In 2026, we are moving Beyond Giving — beyond individual acts of generosity and toward deeper partnerships, bold ideas, and lasting transformation. Together, we will continue shaping a community where philanthropy does more than respond to needs; it shapes what is possible.
The blooms of today are only the beginning.
