Community Stories

Friends of Grand Island Parks

Grand Island, NE
When proposed budget cuts threatened the city’s parks, Friends of Grand Island Parks came to the rescue.

Planting that seed of support initially seemed daunting.

“It was pretty overwhelming,” Vikki Deuel said.

Thankfully, the Community Foundation’s expertise made it easier to put the group’s ideas into action. Establishing a fund under the foundation, eliminating the need for a separate 501(c)(3).

“Melissa and her group have been wonderful cheerleaders,” Deuel said.

The Friends even received a $5,000 grant from the Duane D. Curtin Fund during Go Big Give. Their first goal is revitalizing the Stolley Park gardens and adding a Celebration Circle and Pavilion.