The largest grant award, $55,000, supports the Village of Cairo’s new splash pad, an anticipated addition to Rasmussen Park, (Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND — The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation (GGICF) has announced its Fall 2025 grant awards, directing significant investments toward projects that strengthen families, enhance safety, and expand opportunities across Hall County.
The largest award—$55,000—supports the Village of Cairo’s new splash pad, a highly anticipated addition to Rasmussen Park.
Located beside Cairo’s pool and playground, the splash pad will provide a free, family-friendly space for play and connection for Cairo residents and surrounding communities. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with the goal of opening by July 2026.
“When the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation and the Cairo Community Foundation work hand-in-hand, that’s when real progress happens. A lot of projects like this simply wouldn’t exist without support from larger foundations that filter down to the local level.
This is how we get things done — and how we get things done together.” Said Cairo Community Board Chair, Gordy Sorensen.
Beyond Cairo, this year’s grants address core needs facing families across Hall County. GGICF invested in housing stability through support for Legal Aid of Nebraska’s Housing Justice Project, which ensures low-income tenants have access to free civil legal services that prevent eviction, enforce safe housing conditions, and protect vital housing benefits.
To strengthen community safety and mental health response, grants to Crossroads Mission Avenue and Lutheran Family Services will support a security system upgrade at the Grand Island men’s shelter and provide training and technology for the Grand Island Co-Responder Program—helping law enforcement and mental health professionals respond more effectively during crises.
Food security remains a central priority. A $10,000 grant to Project Hunger will help continue the Food for Thought School Backpack Program, which discreetly sends food home with students to support families facing weekend and holiday hunger.
Other investments focus on opportunity, education, and community connection. The Foundation awarded grants to the Multicultural Coalition’s Computer Lab, offering digital literacy and workforce support; Big Brothers Big Sisters, strengthening internal leadership and governance; Legal Aid of Nebraska, upgrading technology for secure and efficient client service; the Nature Conservancy, furnishing the new Platte River Prairies Education Center; and the Grand Island Music Series, expanding free outdoor concerts.
Together, these grants reflect GGICF’s commitment to improving quality of life across Hall County—from basic needs to recreation, arts, safety, and long-term organizational strength.
“These grants are a clear example of Vision 2030 in action, and they’re possible because of both restricted and unrestricted donor support. Field of Interest funds help us go deep in areas like food security, conservation, and cultural enrichment, while unrestricted gifts give us the flexibility to respond to emerging needs and invest in projects—like Cairo’s new splash pad—that strengthen quality of life across Hall County,” says Melissa DeLaet, GGICF CEO.
To learn more about investing in our community or applying for grants, visit https://www.gicf.org/grants or call the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation at (308) 381-7767.
