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! -
Save the Date: Harvest 2026!Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 24, 2026, for our annual Harvest fundraiser! It’s going to be an incredible evening of community, celebration, and giving back as we come together to support the students and staff of Grand Island Public Schools. Get ready for an inspiring guest speaker, our high-energy Dessert Dash, and both live and silent auctions packed with amazing items. We will also be shining a special spotlight on the incredible individuals who champion the Foundation’s mission. More details and ticket information will be coming over the summer, but for now, be sure to clear your schedule for an unforgettable night!
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The Bill & Bea Southard Endowed Fund is stepping up to ensure that no student misses out on learning opportunities just because of their finances. Read more.
The GIPS Foundation has several Compassion Grants to ensure students have all the resources for success.
See all Compassion Grants.
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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
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.
Welcome to the May 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 #3 of our eleventh year of publishing the only consistent connection for alumni and friends of Grand Island Senior High.
Imagine standing on your school playground, releasing a small balloon, and watching it catch the wind until it disappears into the blue. Now, imagine that same balloon traveling thousands of miles, crossing vast oceans and continents, all while funneling data back to you from the very edge of space. For the students at Walnut Middle School, this isn't a scene from a sci-fi novel—it is a real-world experience taking place in the classroom.
Thanks to the GIPS Foundation Classroom Grant and the Janeth Davis Memorial Grant, teachers Benjamin Marten and Tyler Madison have launched the "Circumnavigate the Globe" project. Together, they’ve transformed traditional science lessons into a global adventure that proves the sky isn't the limit.
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
