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Our Mission

The GIPS Foundation partners with our community to build support and empowers the GIPS Family to thrive and dream big. 

  • Dreaming of your next step after high school, but worried about the cost? Whether you're aiming for a university, a community college, or a trade school, scholarships can help you get there!

    We offer over 200 scholarships designed to support students like you.
    Take a look.

  • TheGIPS Foundation is all about making a difference in students’ lives. By supporting our Foundation, you’re investing in the dreams of our students. Be a part of the success of our students and their future while making a lasting impact on our community.
    Find out more.

  • 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.


  • "I encourage all teachers to apply for Classroom Grants. “Let Your Creativity Glow” was only one of the many grants during my career. It reached our SECA-Social Emotional Creative Arts class in 2024 and continues today during the annual art show each year! Thank you for the opportunities!!"

    - Colette Sorensen, former Shoemaker Elementary Teacher

  • To the Class of 2025, we awarded 182 scholarships, totaling over $693,000! That's a powerful investment in our student's future.
    To the Class of 2025, we awarded 182 scholarships, totaling over $693,000! That's a powerful investment in our student's future.

    $693,823

  • For the 2024-2025 school year, 14 grants totaling $12,091 was awarded through the Classroom Grant process. These 14 Classroom Grants benefited GIPS 6,346 students.
    For the 2024-2025 school year, 14 grants totaling $12,091 was awarded through the Classroom Grant process. These 14 Classroom Grants benefited GIPS 6,346 students.

    $12,091

January 15, 2026
byGeorge Ayoub

Welcome to the January 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 #6 of our tenth year of publishing the only consistent connection for alumni and friends of Grand Island Senior High.

January 14, 2026

The Bill and Bea Southard Endowed Fund is breaking down financial barriers and fueling opportunities for Walnut Middle School students. Thanks to the fund, 3 members of the Walnut DC Diplomats are pursuing their HAM amateur radio licenses.

January 8, 2026

The GIPS Foundation is offering Major Saver digital cards through participating elementary schools. Students will receive their sales information packets on January 8 and 9 and sell the $15 discount cards until January 23. Profits from the Major Saver cards directly support the participating schools. Grand Island Public Schools has received over $221,000 in proceeds from these sales since 2016.

students

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Every year, 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.

  • It is encouraging to be a part of a district that supports my growth as an educator.
    It is encouraging to be a part of a district that supports my growth as an educator.

    Tristen Gardner, GISH

  • We are so thankful for the opportunities that GIPSF and all of the generous donors have offered us.
    We are so thankful for the opportunities that GIPSF and all of the generous donors have offered us.

    Leah, GISH student

  • The GIPS Foundation sure knows how to make teachers feel appreciated!
    The GIPS Foundation sure knows how to make teachers feel appreciated!

    Michelle Thorne, Wasmer Elementary

  • Every dollar, every gift, brings us closer to a brighter future for our students.
  • Supporting the whole student is important to any students' success.
    Supporting the whole student is important to any students' success.

    Valerie Porto, GIPSF Board

  • Impacting someone's life is an INCREDIBLE FEELING
  • You are a part of our SUCCESS
  • I give to the GIPS Foundation so that all students have the opportunity to expand their horizons.
    I give to the GIPS Foundation so that all students have the opportunity to expand their horizons.

    Jacqueline Proctor, Walnut Middle

  • Scholarships
    Scholarships

    Supporting students in achieving their dreams and goals.

  • GIPS Foundation's work ensures that every student has the support they need to learn, grow, and succeed.
    GIPS Foundation's work ensures that every student has the support they need to learn, grow, and succeed.

    Jacob Morrow, Westridge Middle

  • Donations allow staff to receive Classroom Grants, which provide unique and beneficial opportunities.
    Donations allow staff to receive Classroom Grants, which provide unique and beneficial opportunities.

    Gina Harpham, Barr Middle

  • Compassion Grants
    Compassion Grants

    These funds ensure students have all the resources for success - year after year.

  • It just means a lot that people recognize my passion and the joy I get from helping kids learn.
    It just means a lot that people recognize my passion and the joy I get from helping kids learn.

    Tyler Madison, Walnut Middle

  • Classroom Grants
    Classroom Grants

    Empowering teachers to ignite innovative learning experiences.

  • GIPS Foundation hears about a need in our school district and they help find ways to meet that need for our students.
    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

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