Local Action Against Trafficking

The Stop Trafficking on the Plains (STOP) Fund at the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation supports projects that aim to eliminate human trafficking in Central Nebraska, with a focus on Hall County. Grants of up to $5,000 are awarded based on project scope and available funds, with priority given to initiatives that prevent trafficking through education and prevention, strengthen judicial efforts, and provide supportive services that promote healing and treatment for survivors.

Grant Eligibility

The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation awards STOP Fund grants to both private and public organizations. To be eligible for a grant, organizations must fit within the following parameters:

• Organizations classified as 501(c)(3) charitable organizations by the Internal Revenue Service and in good standing. 501(c)(3) private foundations may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

• Governmental agencies for capital expenditures and/or capital improvements
• Organizations may only receive one award per 12-month period
• Organizations denied funding may reapply for a different program or project in the same 12-month period, but not for the same project/program
• If prior funding has been received, all assigned follow-ups with due dates before the grant award date must be completed and accepted prior to applying for additional funding in any Greater Grand Island Community Foundation grant program
• The STOP Fund serves the Greater Grand Island area, including Hall, Hamilton, Howard, Merrick, and Adams counties. Preference will be given to Hall County.
• Request must fall within at least one of the categories listed
• All applicants must meet with Foundation staff to discuss their proposed project/program prior to starting the application

Ineligibility

Grants for the following purposes are not eligible:

• To individuals
• Religious or political purposes
• Endowments, capital campaigns, or annual fund drives
• Fundraising event sponsorships or creation of fundraising event collateral materials
• Programs that create an indefinite, long-term commitment by Greater Grand Island Community Foundation
• Request for additional funding for projects/programs that have already been approved and funded
• For ongoing projects and programs, applicants must address funding for maintenance and operations
• Incomplete requests

Funding Requests

Requests must fit into at least one of the following categories:

• Education and Prevention - These grants should focus on preventing new victims through education and increased awareness of trafficking.
  
• Justice - Protocols, screening tools, creating and enforcing laws that prosecute, incarcerate, and/or deter criminals and protect victims.
  
• Support/Treatment - Restoration, rehabilitation, and healing trauma from trafficking. Basic needs: housing, medical, counseling, social, or cognitive therapy. Programs to help address substance abuse.

Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria are utilized by the Distribution Committee when evaluating proposals and making funding recommendations to the Board of Trustees:

• Submitted application and materials
• Current evaluation rubric
• Knowledge of the organization
• Prior funding

Preferences

Preference will be given to programs that:

• Align with the current evaluation rubric

Have questions or ready to start an application? Reach out to Sara, Program Officer, at 308.381.7767 or info@gicf.org.