The Discretionary Grant Program at the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation supports projects, programs, and events that strengthen the quality of life in the Grand Island area. Designed with flexibility in mind, this program allows the Foundation to respond to bold ideas, emerging needs, and innovative opportunities while also helping organizations leverage additional funding from other sources.

Discretionary Grants are typically more than $10,000, may cover up to one-third of a total project, and can be awarded as multi-year commitments depending on the size and scope of the request. Applicants should have at least 60% of project funding secured before applying and should have a strong, established relationship with GGICF. Funding levels vary annually based on available resources.

This program is invitation-only. Requests are considered on a rolling, case-by-case basis beginning with a Letter of Intent (LOI). Please contact Sara, GGICF Program Officer, for more information at info@gicf.org or 308.381.7767.

Grant Eligibility 

Greater Grand Island Community Foundation awards grants to both private and public organizations. In order to be eligible for a grant, the organization must be classified as follows: 

• Organizations classified as 501(c)(3) charitable organizations by the Internal Revenue Service are in good standing, have good financial health, and are well-managed. 501(c)(3) private foundations may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

• Governmental agencies for public purposes are deemed to be an effective means to address a priority issue. The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation does not issue funding for the general operating support of a governmental program. 
• Greater Grand Island Community Foundation will consider granting to public, charter, and private/parochial Pre-K-12 schools and post-secondary educational institutions when the request is deemed to be an effective means to address a priority issue, particularly when the issue addresses the needs of a substantial or underserved portion of the community.  
• Greater Grand Island Community Foundation does not issue funding for the general operating support of a school system, school, or school program. Requests will only be considered if they are unique and community-oriented or for pilot programs with the potential to be sustainable and replicable.  
• Organizations may only apply once per 12-month period  
• If prior funding has been received, all assigned follow-ups, including a final grant report, must be completed and accepted prior to applying for additional funding in any Greater Grand Island grant award 
• Greater Grand Island Community Foundation serves the greater Grand Island area. Except when extraordinary circumstances apply, only programs and projects in Hall County will be considered for support 
• Greater Grand Island Community Foundation will consider supporting speaker costs for community education events when those events are determined to be closely aligned with, or have an immediate impact on, a Foundation priority. Educational events that also serve to raise funds for the organizing agency may be considered, but will be given greater scrutiny  
• Have a healthy preexisting relationship with GGICF, except under extraordinary circumstances 
• Have at least 60% of funding secured, except under extraordinary circumstances 
• Grants are for up to 1/3 of the total project/program cost, except under extraordinary circumstances 

Ineligiblity

Grants for the following purposes are not permissible: 

• To individuals 
• Religious or political purposes 
• Endowments or annual fund drives 
• Capital investments that are not directly related to program delivery, service to clients, or organizational capacity-building 
• Fundraising event sponsorships or creation of collateral materials for fundraising events  
• Programs that create an indefinite, long-term commitment by Greater Grand Island Community Foundation 
• Incomplete requests 

Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria are utilized by the Discretionary Grant Sub-Committee when evaluating proposals and making funding recommendations to the Board of Trustees:  

• Submitted application and materials 
• 2030 Vision 
• Current evaluation rubric 
• Knowledge of the organization 
• Prior funding 

Preference

Preference will be given to programs that meet one or more of the following criteria: 

• Align with 2030 Vision 
• Align with the current evaluation rubric