For decades, generous donors have partnered with the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation to create permanent charitable funds that continue supporting the causes they care about year after year. Whether investing in local arts organizations or helping students pursue higher education, these funds are creating opportunities that extend far beyond the original gift.

Supporting Arts & Culture

Established in 2006, the Ralph & Patricia Kelly Arts Fund was created to strengthen arts and culture programs throughout Hall County. Twenty years later, the endowed field-of-interest fund has awarded more than $72,000 in grants to 60 nonprofits, helping enrich the community through  programming including Cairo Area Children’s Theater, Grand Island Concert Association’s Omaha Symphony Holiday Show, and The Mural Project located in Downtown Grand Island.

Opening Doors Through Education

Scholarships are one of the most personal ways donor can invest in the future of their community. Two long-standing endowed scholarship funds have helped make higher education more accessible for local students.

Established in 1986 through the will of W.J. Arrasmith, the Alda J. Gunn Scholarship Fund supports African American Grand Island Senior High graduates pursuing post-secondary education, with preference given to students demonstrating financial need. Since its creation, the fund has awarded an estimated $45,000 in scholarships to 40 students, helping recipients take the next step toward achieving their educational and career goals.

That same year, Jim and Norma Merrick established the Jim & Norma Merrick Scholarship Fund to support traditional and non-traditional students attending Central Community College- Grand Island Campus. Focused on technical and skilled-trade programs, including automotive technology, welding, electrical technology, manufacturing technology, and other career-focused fields, the fund has awarded more than $55,000 in scholarships to 65 students, helping to build a skilled workforce and open doors to rewarding careers.  

A Legacy that Continues

These three endowed funds tell different stories, but they share a common purpose: creating lasting opportunities for Hall County.

Whether supporting local nonprofits that enrich community life or helping students pursue education and career training, each fund reflects the lasting generosity of donors who chose to invest in the future.

Today, decades after they were established, these funds continue to make grants, award scholarships, and change lives—demonstrating the enduring power of charitable giving and the legacy an endowed fund can create.