Donors make a splash during 13th Annual Go Big GIVE

GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (May 7, 2026) Donors proved just how far a wave of generosity can travel, raising a preliminary $1,873,810 for 165 nonprofit organizations serving Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties during this year’s Go Big GIVE.

From taping a superintendent to the wall to promises of a shaved head if a fundraising goal was met, nonprofits found creative ways to gain support for their cause.

Go Big GIVE is a 24-hour online giving event encouraging everyone to set sail for giving at GoBigGIVE.org. Held on May 7, donors were able to pre-give their gift starting on April 27.

One of the day’s biggest splashes came from EPIC Discovery Center, which used Go Big GIVE to announce the long-awaited project will officially open its doors June 5.

“Go Big GIVE is one of our favorite days. It’s a day of giving and it’s a day of community and it’s a day for everyone to come together and focus on nonprofits who do so much,” said Alison Larson, EPIC Discovery Center executive director. “The donors come out in full force and the support is amazing and we wouldn’t be here without it, so thank you.”

Thanks to generous community support, sponsors helped stock the treasure chest with $126,500 in match pool funds and incentive prizes this year. Leading the fleet as Admiral’s Circle sponsors were Hornady Manufacturing, Greater Grand Island Community Foundation and Heartland United Way, along with Captain’s Deck sponsors including S.N. 'Bud' and Gloria Wolbach Foundation and Lutz.

Sponsors serving as trusted First Mates included Virgil Eihusen Foundation, Inc., ALLO Fiber, Five Points Bank, Woodsonia Real Estate, Merrick Foundation and Hamilton Community Foundation.
Other sponsors helping keep Go Big GIVE afloat included AMGL, PC, Allen Capital Group, Bruning Bank, CHI St. Francis, Cornerstone Bank, Equitable Bank, Essential Screens, FNBO, Heritage Bank, Heritage Insurance, Home Federal Bank, Keystone Properties, Nova-Tech, Roe Automotive, Roe Chevrolet, Schuster Anderson Wealth Advisors, UNITY Eye Centers and Wortman Enterprises.
Sounding the harbor horn as 2026 Promotional Sponsors are GI Family Radio, Local4, The Grand Island Independent, Usher Media Group, Vision52 and Abante Marketing.

Nonprofits awarded a bounty can be found online at www.GoBigGIVE.org, with additional prizes expected once final totals are fully tallied.

Heartland United Way and Greater Grand Island Community Foundation extend their deepest gratitude to the generous sponsors and donors whose support helped keep the tide of generosity rolling for 165 participating nonprofit organizations. Together, this community proved that when we all row in the same direction, the impact creates waves far beyond a single day of giving.

Other Facts:
4,263 Donations
1,873 Donors