Rural programs to receive more than $31,000 in grants

Rural communities are getting help making an impact thanks to $31,800 in Heartland United Way Rural Community Impact Grants. Twenty-eight nonprofit organizations in Hamilton, Howard, Merrick and rural Hall Counties will receive grants up to $1,500 in 2025.

These organizations provide programs or services that align with one of the following areas:
Healthy Communities: Improving health and well-being for all
Youth Opportunity: Helping young people realize their full potential
Financial Security: Helping to build financial stability and strength 
Community Resiliency: Addressing urgent needs today for a better tomorrow
Grantees will receive checks starting April 16, 2025. 

Hall County
Building Blocks for Community Enrichment, Hope & Healing, $1,500
Wood River Vision 2020 Inc. dba Stick Creek Kids Child Development Center, Playground, $1,300

Hamilton County
Aurora Public Schools, Say Yes to the Prom Dress, $725
Giltner Public Schools Foundation, Little Stingers Child Care, $1,200
Hamilton Community Foundation, Hamilton County Inclusive Playground, $1,400
Hamilton County 4-H Council, Hamilton County School Enrichment Program, $1,300
Hamilton County 4-H Shooting Sports Club, $750
Hamilton County Ministerial Association CHEER FUND, $1,500
Hamilton County Youth Center, $1,300
Opportune Acres, Adaptive Horse Show, $1,000
TeamMates of Aurora, $1,000
The Leadership Center, Summer Lunch Bunch Program, $1,500

Howard County
CARE Team, Mental Health Mile/Comedian, $925
Howard County Medical Center (HCMC) Foundation, Social Determinants of Health, $1,000
Howard Greeley County Food Pantry, $1,500
St. Paul Public Schools, Backpack Programs, $1,500
TeamMates Mentoring of St. Paul, $1,000

Merrick County
Grand Island Elks Lodge 604, Veterans Food Reach in Merrick County, $1,500
Central City Public Library, Play to Learn, $1,250
Clarks Public Library, Library Technology Update, $1,300
Little Storm Childcare, Youth & Infant Support Initiative, $1,000
Merrick County 4-H Council, Merrick County School Enrichment Programming - Connecting the Dots, $1,300
Merrick County Child Development Center, School Age After School Program, $1,250
Merrick County Sheriff K-9 Fund, Narcotics and Suspect Apprehension, $750
Merrick Foundation, Bison After School Program, $1,000
Palmer Child Care, $1,350
Palmer FFA Alumni and Supporters, Fall Football Feed, $450
Silver Creek Township Library, Children’s interactive Activities, $250

Heartland United Way's mission is to improve lives and create possibilities for people living in Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick Counties. This mission is achieved through advocacy, leadership, and support for nonprofit organizations that help individuals and families achieve financial security, youth opportunity, healthy communities and resiliency.