Former Grant Recipients

Among other organization and entities, the following have received grant funding through the Sandhills Area Foundation: Heart City Theater, Cody Playground, Valentine Wrestling Club, Valentine Children and Families Coalition, Valentine Friends of the Library, Sparks Cemetery, Cherry County 4-H Leadership Program, Thedford Volunteer Fire Department, Valentine Community Schools Mental Health Team, Mullen Rural Fire Protection Department, Valentine Rotary, Cherry County Citizenship Washington Focus group, BIONIC (Believe It Or Not I Care) team at VHS, Valentine Community Schools gym floor project, Cody-Kilgore High School High Jump Pit, Centennial Hall, Frederick Peak Golf Course, Badger Boosters, Valentine Youth Activities, Veteran Memorial Project.

2025-2026 Grant Recipients

The Sandhills Area Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 community grant awards, celebrating a new year of local projects and partnerships that will benefit residents across Cherry County. This year’s grants will support the Valentine Teammates Chapter, Cody Cowboy Grit, the Valentine Chamber of Commerce, the Valentine Community Schools Music Department, American Legion Post 90, Valentine Children and Families Coalition, and the Cherry County Convention Center.

“These organizations are doing inspiring work every day, and the Foundation is honored to stand alongside them,” said SAF President Kim Marlatt. “From mentoring youth and uplifting local music and sports programs, to supporting businesses and child care, community events, and gathering spaces, these grants help strengthen the places we call home.”

The Foundation received an unprecedented number of grant applications for 2026, highlighting both the creativity and dedication of local groups and the growing needs in the region. Because there were fewer funds available than last year, not every request could be met or funded at the desired level; however, the Foundation views the strong response as a sign of vibrant community energy and commitment.

The Sandhills Area Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to all applicants for their efforts to improve community life, and to the generous donors whose gifts make these grants possible. Community members are invited to continue supporting this work by contributing to the Foundation and helping ensure that even more projects can be funded in future years.

For more information about the Sandhills Area Foundation, the 2026 grant recipients, or ways to give, please contact the Foundation office or visit sandhillsareafoundation.com

Ryan Orrock, representing Cody Cowboy Grit accepts a grant award check from SAF Executive Director Carolyn Moore.

Carolyn Moore, SAF Executive Director presents a grant award check to Jenny Moore, Executive Director of the Valentine Chamber of Commerce. Also pictured: Chamber of Commerce Board members Makayla Lamprect, Zane Limbach, Matt Benzing, Rebecca Childers, and Nadeane Allard.

Team Mates Valentine Chapter leader Angela Jordan holds a grant award check presented by SAF Board members Talia Benson (left) and Monty Neiffer (right).

SAF Board member Talia Benson presents a grant award check to American Legion Post #90 member Kent Lopez (middle), while Don Nelsen (far left) and Monty Neiffer, (far right) look on.

SAF Board Member Talia Benson presents a grant award check to Tourism Board member Sara Ferguson (middle) as Tourism Executive Director Regina Osburn (far left), and Tourism Board members Kim Epke, Rich Mercure, and SAF Board member Monty Neiffer look on,

Angie Jordan, representing VCS Music Department on behalf of Bethany Springer holds a grant award check while SAF Board Members Monty Neiffer and Talia Benson look on.

SAF Board Member Talia Benson presents a grant award check to Jill Austin, Valentine Children and Families Coalition director, (middle) whilc Valentine Child Care Director Andrea Eggert (far left) and Monty Neiffer, SAF Board member look on.

2024-2025 Grant Recipients

2024 Grant Recipients include the Cherry County 4H Foundation Leadership Program, Valentine Book Club i/c/o Friends of the Valentine Library, Sparks Cemetery, Thedford Volunteer Rescue Squad, Valentine Children and Families Coalition, Valentine Wrestling Club, Cody Cowboy GRIT, and the Heart City Theater Group. A total of $93,000 was awarded to these organiztions, thanks to the regualr SAF allocation and a portion of the Michael Davenport estate gift received in July of this year. Grants were awarded at the Annual Sandhills Area Foundation fundraising event on November 9th, 2024. Read the full press release below.

Pictured here are recipients of the Sandhills Area Foundation 2024-25 grant cycle awards (l to r):

Shirley Hanna, representing the Thedford Volunteer Rescue Squad, Ginny Lee, representing the Valentine Book Club i/c/o the Friends of the Valentine Library; Ron Brown, representing the Sparks Cemetery Board, Jill Austin, representing the Valentine Children and Families Coalition, Joni Titus, representing the Valentine Wrestling Club, Jamian Simmons, representing the CODY Cowboy GRIT organization, and Danielle Arganbright, representing the Heart City Theater Group (not pictured, a representative from the Cherry County 4-H Leadership Group).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sandhills Area Foundation Awards $93,000 in Grants at Annual Fundraiser VALENTINE, NE – November 11, 2024 - The Sandhills Area Foundation (SAF) demonstrated its commitment to community development by awarding $93,000 in grants to various local organizations during its annual fundraiser held on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Casino Night, which took place at the Cherry County Fairgrounds in Valentine, Nebraska, also saw impressive fundraising results, with preliminary figures indicating approximately $30,000 raised through auction proceeds and chips buy-ins. Grant Awards The foundation, known for its dedication to investing in the Sandhills of Cherry County, distributed funds to support a diverse range of community initiatives. Their purpose is to provide funds and encourage community involvement and service projects for charitable, educational and social purposes; youth programs; or those facilities operated by agencies and charitable and educational organizations serving the health, educational and social needs of the residents of the area, and those with broad community support within the Sandhills. The organizations receiving funding and their corresponding award amounts are: Cherry County 4-H Leadership Program $ 500 Friends of the Valentine Library/Valentine Book Club $ 1,000 Sparks Cemetary Board $ 2,000 Thedford Volunteer Rescue Squad $ 5,000 Valentine Children and Families Coalition $ 5,000 Valentine Wrestling Club $ 14,200 Cody Cowboy GRIT $ 15,300 Heart City Theater $ 50,000 Carolyn Moore, Executive Director of the Sandhills Area Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the impact of these grants: "These funds will directly benefit our area community, and this larger than usual amount was made possible due to our regular allocation of grant monies together with a portion of the gift from the estate of Michael Davenport, which was received in July. We're thrilled to support local organizations that align with our mission of investing in the Sandhills of Cherry County to meet the present and future needs of Cherry County, and our purpose to provide funding for social, civic, and educational projects that encourage community involvement and promote charitable giving.” More information can be found on the website. Fundraising Success This year’s annual event not only served as a platform for grant distribution but also as a successful fundraiser for the foundation. The preliminary tally of $30,000 raised through auction items and chips buy-ins demonstrates the community's strong support for SAF's mission. “We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity shown by our community, including everyone who donated items for our auctions, sponsored our tables, bid and/or won auction items, everyone who attended our function, and everyone who supported us in any of the myriad of other ways, including publicity, volunteering their time, talent, or treasure, and assisting at our event" Moore added. "These contributions will allow us to continue our work in supporting education, encouraging growth, and sustaining generosity throughout Cherry County." About Sandhills Area Foundation The Sandhills Area Foundation is a public charity dedicated to investing in the Sandhills of Cherry County. Since its inception in 1998, SAF has awarded over $932,000 in scholarships and has consistently provided substantial grants to area organizations totaling just under $600,000. The foundation operates on an annual grant cycle, with applications typically due by September 30th each year. For more information about the Sandhills Area Foundation, its grant programs, or how to get involved, please contact: Carolyn Moore Executive Director, Sandhills Area Foundation Phone: 402-322-0031 Email: sandhillsareafoundation@gmail.com

Grants

SAF has one grant cycle per year, and the application deadline is September 30, 2025 for the 2025-2026 grant cycle. The grant committee will evaluate each application and award funds in December, 2025.

Guidelines:

1. Only organizations in, or organizations serving residents in, Cherry County, NE are eligible.

2. Grants will not be awarded to individuals, for religious or political purposes or to organizations that operate for profit.

3. SAF prefers to partially fund projects rather than be the the sole source of funding.

4. Nonprofit organizations that support youth programs and demonstrate broad community support will be given priority consideration

5. All grant applications will be reviewed by the Grant Committee and will be awarded on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis.

6. Grant recipients are encouraged to purchase goods and services in Cherry County, if practical.

7. Grant recipients are required to provide a final report indicating disposition of funds and status of project within one year following the payment of grant

8. Grant recipients are required to display signage, at the site of the project, recognizing SAF support.

9. Grant recipients must be available for media coverage and check presentation.

10. SAF intends to periodically visit, request information or monitor a project.

11. Inquiries about the grant application process and completed grant applications must be emailed to sandhillsareafoundation@gmail.com.

12. Grant applicants are specifically granting permission to SAF to use the likeness, voice and words of any grant recipient representative in television, radio, films, newspapers, magazines and other media, and in any form not heretofore described, for the purpose of advertising or communicating the purposes and activities of SAF and appealing for funds to support such activities.

Grant Application

To apply for a grant, click on the link and download the application to your computer. Complete the application, print, sign and return the form to the foundation.

Email Completed Forms to sandhillsareafoundation@gmail.com