May 1st is the 12th Annual Go Big GIVE UPDATE

Listen to an interview with Karly Behrendt below.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars are expected to be raised for causes in Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick Counties during one of central Nebraska’s largest giving days.

Go Big GIVE sets sail for giving on May 1. Donors have been able to donate through Pre-Give since April 21.

Match-pool funds and incentive prizes allow donations to grow thanks to Admiral’s Circle sponsors Hornady Manufacturing, Greater Grand Island Community Foundation and Heartland United Way and generous Captain’s Deck sponsors, including: Virgil Eihusen Foundation, Inc., S.N. "Bud" and Gloria Wolbach Foundation, and Lutz. 

Sponsors giving at the First Mate level include: Five Points Bank, Woodsonia Real Estate, Merrick Foundation and Hamilton Community Foundation.  Other sponsors keeping Go Big GIVE afloat include ALLO, AMGL, PC, Roe Automotive Inc., Schuster Anderson Wealth Advisors, Walmart, AMUR, Associated Staffing Inc, Bruning Bank, CHI Health St. Francis, Equitable Bank, Essential Screens, FNBO, Heritage Bank, Home Federal Bank, Nebraska State Fair, Nova-Tech Inc., UNITY Eye Center, and Wortman Enterprises. 

Sounding the horn is our 2025 Cheer Squad Sponsors: NRG Media, GI Family Radio, Local 4 and The Grand Island Independent.

Fun Facts
167 nonprofits participating in 2025.
15 are new participants.
$251,984 raised in first year (2014).
More than $10.6 million raised for over 200 nonprofits since 2014.
$1,517,477 raised last year.
Areas benefiting
Animal Welfare
Arts & Culture
Community Improvement
Education 
Environment & Parks
Health & Safety
Human Services 
Recreation & Fitness
Youth Development

The Go Big GIVE team can be found at this year’s Headquarters at the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation (1811 W. 2nd Street, Grand Island).