Rural programs to receive more than $34,000 in grants

GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (May 12, 2026) Rural communities are getting help making an impact thanks to more than $34,500 in Heartland United Way Rural Community Impact Grants.

Thirty-one nonprofit organizations in Hamilton, Howard, Merrick, and rural Hall Counties will receive grants up to $1,500 in 2026.

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 May 14, 2026.
These nonprofit organizations as well as the media are invited to attend check presentations on Thursday, May 14:

9:00 am | Hamilton County Youth Center
10:15 am | Central City Public Library
12:00 pm | Howard County Medical Center
2:00 pm | Heartland United Way

Hall County
Association for Child Abuse Prevention, Darkness to Light Training, $1,000
Building Blocks for Community Enrichment, Hope & Healing Project, $1,500
Centura Educational Foundation, Centura Backpack Program, $1,500
Grand Island Elks Lodge 604, Food Relief for Veterans In Need, $1,200
Grand Island Regional Medical Center Foundation, GIRMC CareConnect Rural Transportation Program, $1,000
Hall County 4-H Council, 4-H Classroom Kits, $1,000
Project Hunger, Cairo/Centura Milk and Egg Program, $1,500
Wood River Vision 2020 Inc. dba Stick Creek Kids Child Development Center, Summer Art and STEM Camp, $1,000

Hamilton County
Alice M Farr/Aurora Library Foundation, LEAP, $1,500
Banisters Leadership Academy, Hamilton County Extended Academic Success Leadership Academy, $800
Community Center of Hamilton County, Inc, Home Delivered Meals, $1,000
Hamilton County Extension, Hamilton County School Enrichment Program, $1,000
Hamilton County Ministerial Association CHEER FUND, $1,500
Hamilton County Trails Committee, Phase 1 Trail Expansion, $1,000
Hamilton County Youth Center, Little Changes create Big Impact - Summer 2026, $1,000
Hampton Daycare Center, Inc., Helping out kids thrive and grow, $1,000
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 Education and wellness through the mental health mile and educational opportunities, $800
Central NE Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, Central NE FS4JK Farm Safety Day, $1,000
Howard County Medical Center Foundation, Cardio Pump Set, $1,000
Howard Greeley County Food Pantry, Lending a Helping Hand, $1,500
St. Paul Public Schools, Backpack Programs, $1,500

Merrick County
Central City Public Library, Tonies for Tots and More, $1,300
Little Storm Childcare, Craft Center Upgrade, $1,000
Merrick County Child Development Center, School Age After School Program, $1,200
Merrick County Historical Museum, Projection Equipment, $300
Merrick Foundation, Bison After School Program, $1,200
Merrick Medical Center, Community Nutrition Support Groups, $1,184.61
Platte PEER Group, Outdoor AED for Public Safety, $1,050
Timberlake Ranch Camp Inc., ReHab the obstacle course, $500

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.