Rural Community Impact Grants

The Rural Community Impact Grants are an initiative of the Heartland United Way aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations that serve the rural communities of Nebraska. These grants build on the region’s tradition of mutual aid and neighborly support. With a total pool of $30,000 available annually, the program targets nonprofit organizations operating within Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick counties, as well as rural communities within Hall County. The goal is to uplift and empower these areas through meaningful community-driven programming. The Heartland United Way's mission is to improve lives and expand opportunities for residents in the aforementioned counties. It does so by advocating for equitable access to health, education, and economic stability. The Rural Community Impact Grants (RCIG) embody this mission by funding organizations that contribute to healthier communities, youth development, financial empowerment, and overall community resiliency. Eligible projects should align with at least one of these priority areas, and preference will be given to those clearly demonstrating such alignment. To qualify, organizations must be classified as public charities under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Additional restrictions apply—applicants may not request funding for capital expenses, religious activities, youth sports, camp or conference fees, fire departments, or scholarships. Organizations must also ensure they are not proposing projects for implementation within the city of Grand Island, which falls outside the geographic scope of this program. The 2026 grant cycle opens for applications on January 26, 2026. All submissions are due by February 27, 2026. Only one application per organization is allowed, and applications must be completed through the official Heartland United Way grant form available on its website. Grant awards will be announced in March 2026. Selected grantees will be expected to submit a year-end progress report, including stories and images demonstrating the impact of their funded projects. This report must be submitted by February 27, 2026, or before any subsequent RCIG application. Award amounts range from $250 to a maximum of $1,500. The average grant size typically falls within this range, and approximately 21 grants are awarded annually. In 2025, recipients included schools, food pantries, child care centers, and mental health programs. These awards have supported a wide variety of community enrichment activities, from adaptive horse shows to youth mentorship programs. Prospective applicants seeking clarification or additional information are encouraged to contact the Heartland United Way office directly. Inquiries can be directed via phone at (308) 382-2675 or by email to Rylee at [email protected].