GGICF: Discretionary Grant

GGICF: Discretionary Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Greater Grand Island Community Foundation
Amount: More than US $10,000
Last Updated: March 01, 2026

Summary

The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation offers a Discretionary Grant program aimed at enhancing the quality of life in the Grand Island area. This program supports innovative projects, programs, and events that align with the foundation's funding initiatives. Grants usually exceed $10,000 and can be multi-year awards. Interested applicants may need to submit a Letter of Intent for screening before gaining access to the online application process.

Overview

NOTE: This program is invitation-only. Requests are considered on a rolling, case-by-case basis beginning with a Letter of Intent (LOI). Our Mission Empowering people to turn their passion into purpose by creating legacies that strengthen the future of the communities we serve. Our History E.J. Wolbach passed away in 1959, leaving a bequest in his will to establish a community foundation. The Grand Island Foundation was formed on September 12, 1960, with Helen Connell serving as the first president. In 1985, Richard E. Spelts, Jr. began volunteering his time, talents, and resources to serve as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Spelts recognized the need for a full-time director and hired the Foundation's first paid executive director on May 1, 1997. "Community" has been added to the Foundation's name as it continues to serve Grand Island and the greater Hall County area. In 2020 “Greater” was added to the Foundations name to reflect the wide range of communities in Central Nebraska that we touch. Discretionary Grants If you are interested in learning more about the Discretionary Grant Application please contact the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation. After a short discussion, if your request fits with GGICF’s funding initiatives you will be invited to complete a letter of intent provided to you by a link. If GGICF feels that the request is in alignment with our impact areas you will then receive a code to complete the online application. If you are interested in acquiring more information, please reach out to info@gicf.org. Greater Grand Island Community Foundation offers a discretionary grant program for projects, programs, and events that improve the quality of life in the Grand Island area. Requests are accepted on a case-by-case basis following the successful screening of a Letter of Intent. The size and number of grants awarded each year are directly related to the amount of money available each year for distribution. The Discretionary Grant program is developed to provide flexibility for Greater Grand Island Community Foundation to address bold ideas, emerging needs, and innovative programs and can be used to leverage dollars from other funding sources. Discretionary Grants are typically more than $10,000, can represent up to 1/3 of a request, and may be multi-year awards depending on the size and scope of the request.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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.Governmental agencies for public purposes are deemed to be an effective means to address a priority issue. 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.  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

Ineligibility

Grants for the following purposes are not permissible: To individualsReligious 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