Our Mission
The GIPS Foundation partners with our community to build support and empowers the GIPS Family to thrive and dream big.
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The GIPS Foundation is thrilled to launch the Innovation Tank, an exciting new grant program designed to bring your most creative teaching ideas to life! We have doubled our investment potential, offering grants from $3,000 up to $5,000 to fund bold, impactful projects that align with our district's strategic goals. If you have an innovative vision to transform student learning, we want to help you fund it, refine it, and pitch it to our panel of "Sharks" this fall.
Dive In: Learn More & Apply Today! -
Harvest Tickets Available Now!Get ready for the best night of the season! Tickets are officially on sale for Harvest on Thursday, September 24, at Riverside Golf Club, and we would love for you to join us.
We are planning a warm, inspiring evening with our wonderful speakers and honorees, exciting live and silent auctions, and the fast-paced fun of the dessert dash.
Grab your favorite people, bring your sweet tooth, and come grow with us as we support our GIPS students! Seats go quickly, so tap the link below to reserve yours today.
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Join a team dedicated to supporting our local schools and making a difference in our community. As our part-time Programs Assistant, you will work behind the scenes to help us deliver life-changing scholarships, fund innovative classroom projects, and celebrate our incredible educators.
If you are looking for a supportive workplace culture where your daily work directly uplifts local students and teachers, we would love to welcome you to our team!
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Hard Work - 2026 scholarship recipient
"This scholarship means so much to me because it recognizes the hard work and dedication I have put into my education. It shows me that all my hard work is paying off and that this effort is truly worth it."
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Building Confidence - 2026 scholarship recipient
"Beyond the financial support, this scholarship represents an opportunity for me to become the best version of myself. It gives me the confidence to take chances I may not have considered before."
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Pursue Dreams - 2026 scholarship recipient
"Receiving this scholarship means that I can begin to pursue my dreams. One of my biggest goals in life is crossing the stage as a nurse and making my family proud. I want to make a change in my family and break generation barriers."
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For the 2025-26 school year, 7 grants totaling $9,059 was awarded through the Classroom Grant process. These 7 grants benefited GIPS 2,385 students.$9,059
Welcome to the July 2026 edition of Rise, the voice of Grand Island Senior High alumni and friends. We show up every other month in over 11,000 in-boxes bringing you news, views, and memories of GISH. This is Issue #4 of our eleventh year of publishing the only consistent connection for alumni and friends of Grand Island Senior High.
At the GIPS Foundation, the mission extends beyond supporting students—it is also deeply committed to empowering the educators and staff who shape their success. This year, the GIPS Foundation is proud to invest in the continued growth and excellence of the district’s professionals by awarding three Professional Development Grants.
At Knickrehm Elementary, science is moving out of the textbook and into the soil. Thanks to the collaborative vision of educators Chelsi Christensen and Amanda Julesgard, thirty students are embarking on a hands-on journey to become stewards of the environment through the Milkweed Planting Project.
This initiative was recognized by the Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) Foundation, which provided a $500 Classroom Grant to bring the vision to life. Each year, the Foundation celebrates dedicated teachers by supporting their most innovative ideas—special projects that move beyond the chalkboard to offer students real-world experiences.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Your generosity makes a world of difference for our students at Grand Island Public Schools and to the GIPS Foundation. Remember that time a GIPS senior couldn’t afford their cap and gown? Or when a middle schooler needed new sports shoes? Thanks to your support, we were there to help.
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It is encouraging to be a part of a district that supports my growth as an educator.Tristen Gardner, GISH
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We are so thankful for the opportunities that GIPSF and all of the generous donors have offered us.Leah, GISH student
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The GIPS Foundation sure knows how to make teachers feel appreciated!Michelle Thorne, Wasmer Elementary
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Every dollar, every gift, brings us closer to a brighter future for our students.
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Supporting the whole student is important to any students' success.Valerie Porto, GIPSF Board
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Impacting someone's life is an INCREDIBLE FEELING
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You are a part of our SUCCESS
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I give to the GIPS Foundation so that all students have the opportunity to expand their horizons.Jacqueline Proctor, Walnut Middle
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ScholarshipsSupporting students in achieving their dreams and goals.
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GIPS Foundation's work ensures that every student has the support they need to learn, grow, and succeed.Jacob Morrow, Westridge Middle
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Donations allow staff to receive Classroom Grants, which provide unique and beneficial opportunities.Gina Harpham, Barr Middle
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Compassion GrantsThese funds ensure students have all the resources for success - year after year.
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It just means a lot that people recognize my passion and the joy I get from helping kids learn.Tyler Madison, Walnut Middle
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Classroom Grants
Empowering teachers to ignite innovative learning experiences.
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GIPS Foundation hears about a need in our school district and they help find ways to meet that need for our students.Beth Schott, Knickrehm Elementary
