When the cheering fades, your generosity becomes the lifeline.
Your Gift Does More Than Help - It Restores Hope
When an athlete is competing, support systems surround them athletic trainers, teammates, coaches, and routines that keep life structured. But after college, that network can disappear quickly. For many former Nebraska collegiate athletes, the injuries and medical challenges do not end when the final whistle blows. Medical bills pile up, rehab stretches on, and the stress can become overwhelming.
That’s where the Nebraska Greats Foundation (NGF) steps in and where donor dollars become real, tangible relief.
NGF exists to provide medical and emergency financial assistance to current and former Nebraska collegiate letter-winners, men and women, from across the state’s colleges and universities.
What Donor Dollars Actually Do
It’s easy to say “your donation makes a difference,” but NGF can point to exactly how it happens.
Every dollar granted is a lifeline helping cover medical expenses, treatments, rehabilitation, and even day-to-day needs during a crisis.
In 2025 alone, NGF announced a record-breaking year: over $371,000 in financial support distributed reaching more recipients than ever before.
Recipient Stories: The People Behind the Impact
The most powerful measure of impact isn’t a number it’s a person. Below are just a few examples of how donations have changed lives.
Hannah Tillison (Soccer, Midland) “I would not have been able to pay my medical bills.”
Hannah joined Midland University and quickly became a strong addition to the team — but early in the 2022 season she suffered a fractured ankle and later hip injuries. The medical procedures that followed added a heavy financial burden and stress.
NGF was able to step in so Hannah could offset medical bills and focus on recovery instead of expenses. Hannah shared:
“Without the Nebraska Greats Foundation helping me, I would not have been able to pay my medical bills. They were instrumental in navigating me through this process. Now, my medical bills have been taken care of. Thank you … for helping me through these difficult life circumstances.”
Read Hannah’s story: https://nebraskagreatsfoundation.org/our-schools/midland-university/recipient-stories.html/title/hannah-tillison
Paul Kastl (Football, UNL) “I had nowhere else to turn.”
Paul lived his dream playing Husker Football but years later, lingering injuries caught up with him. As medical bills started piling up, he found himself in a position many former athletes know too well: needing help, but unsure where to find it.
Paul said: “I had nowhere else to turn. My insurance wasn’t adequate. The Nebraska Greats really helped me out. Can’t thank them enough.”
Anthony Branch (Football, UNL) “The Nebraska Greats Foundation saved my life.”
Anthony Branch, a former Husker walk-on, faced kidney disease and needed a transplant. NGF didn’t just contribute financially, the Foundation put its community network to work to help find a suitable donor.
Anthony’s words say it all: “The Nebraska Greats Foundation saved my life. I had no idea that when committing to the University of Nebraska back in high school, the people of Nebraska were committing to me for the rest of my life.”
Peter Coniglio (Football, UNO) Recovery After a Stroke
Former UNO football star Peter Coniglio’s life changed dramatically after a stroke. Everyday tasks became obstacles walking, seeing, and using his dominant hand. NGF support helped make those challenges safer and more manageable.
Peter shared: “My stroke has been life-changing … Sports taught me to persevere and compete; I continue to persevere and compete to get better daily. The Nebraska Greats have made daily challengessafer and easier. Thank you!”
Sky Thompson (Hockey, Midland) “Stress was lifted.”
Sky Thompson suffered a severe concussion that required an extended hospital stay. As an international athlete, her insurance coverage left major gaps. NGF covered outstanding expenses so she could keep moving forward.
Sky said: “Upon receiving this grant from Nebraska Greats Foundation, stress was lifted. This grant gives me the opportunity to continue my education and hockey career without the added stress of bills from an unfortunate injury.”
See more recipient stories: Past Recipients
How NGF Creates Impact (And How the Process Works)
NGF’s model is simple and effective:
Identify the need: Former and current Nebraska collegiate letter-winners can apply or be referred for help.
Review and verify: NGF works to confirm the situation and ensure the grant addresses a real medical or emergency hardship.
Provide direct relief: Support is often applied to medical bills, treatment-related expenses, recovery needs, or accessibility improvements.
Wrap support in community: Athletes aren’t just recipients they become part of the NGF family and Nebraska’s broader legacy of taking care of its own.
If you know an athlete who may qualify or if you’re a former athlete in need you can apply or refer someone here: APPLY HERE
Why This Matters for Nebraska
Nebraska sports unite communities. Many athletes remain in the state after graduation, building families, careers, and contributing to local towns. When hardship hits, supporting these athletes isn’t just charity, it’s community stewardship. NGF’s impact isn’t only financial. It preserves dignity, reduces stress, and helps former athletes keep moving forward.
Help Us Take Care of Our Own
Your gift is more than a donation, it’s a lifeline.When you give to the Nebraska Greats Foundation, you help ensure that no Nebraska Great is left behind when life presents its toughest battles. Whether it’s covering medical bills, helping an athlete regain independence, or supporting recovery through the stress of hardship, you make the comeback possible.
Donate or get involved today: DONATE NOW!
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