The Harvest Heroes Compassion Grant is a dedicated initiative of the GIPS Foundation, designed to build support and empower the GIPS Family to thrive and dream big. Ultimately, the grant ensures that every member of the GIPS Family remains deeply connected to their school and community, encouraging an environment where they are empowered to overcome all odds and pursue their biggest dreams.
Eligibility and Purpose:
By providing essential resources to both staff and students, this grant serves as a vital bridge to success for those facing physical, emotional, or educational hurdles. It is specifically designed to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of achievement, offering hope and opportunity to those who cannot afford necessary services.
Guidelines:
- Requests shall be made using the online Harvest Heroes Compassion Grant application .
- Students must be attending a school in the Grand Island Public School District.
- Students must be referred by a GIPS Staff Member and the form must be approved by the building Principal. Staff must be currently employed by Grand Island Public Schools.
- The request shall be for a student's or staff's physical, emotional, or educational need, or or something that would help the student succeed in class, or connect the student or staff to success.
- If other scholarships or opportunities exist, the student or staff member must have made an effort to acquire assistance through those sources prior to applying to the Harvest Heroes Compassion Grant.
- The fund is not intended to be a duplication of social service programs. Social Service funds include, WIC, Medicaid, SSDI, CHIP, Third City Clinic, United Way and Utility Assistance Funds and any other government funds that would duplicate the requested services.
- This fund will not assist with delinquent payments or debt obligations for students, staff or families.
- Requests not eligible for fund assistance are as follows: utilities, rent payments, mortgage payments, medical prescriptions, car insurance or homeowners insurance, home or car repairs.
Grant Awards:
- A Review Committee appointed by the GIPS Foundation Board of Directors will meet as necessary to review requests. The committee's decision will be final.
- Grants will be made payable to institutions, organizations, etc. on behalf of the student or staff.
- Grants will not be paid directly to the individuals.
- Once the award is made, the staff member must process the request through the Foundation Office for payment, unless otherwise directed by Foundation Staff.
Donations:
- Donations to the Harvest Heroes Compassion Grant will be tax-deductible.
- Donations to the Harvest Heroes Compassion Grant may be made at any time by any donor.
- Per IRS guidelines, donations to the fund shall be general in nature with no specific designated recipient.
Application Procedure:
Complete the grant application. Grants will be awarded throughout the year as funds are available.
