(KMZA)--The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is awarding 28-thousand dollars in fall grants to eight local projects.

The grants continue the foundation’s 2026 theme, “Think Outside the Box,” and will support schools, libraries, health care and community organizations across Nemaha County.

Sabetha Community Hospital will receive 2-thousand 250 dollars for its AED Readiness Project, which will place automated external defibrillators in the hospital’s therapy departments.

Nemaha County Community Health Services will receive 15-hundred dollars to expand its Little Nest Family Resource Bank with diapers, wipes and other hygiene and baby-care supplies.

The Wetmore Public Library is receiving 2-thousand dollars for a new circulation desk with additional storage.

The Bern Community Support Foundation will receive 7-thousand 250 dollars for a fireworks firing system to improve safety during its annual Fourth of July celebration.

Centralia Schools will receive two 3-thousand-dollar grants. One will fund a new greenhouse, while the other will purchase an audiometer to test students’ hearing.

The CNB Underprivileged Children Fund is helping local children with the everyday essentials that they need. The Kids Kloset will receive $5,000 for clothing, shoes, toiletries, hygiene products and school supplies. Nemaha Central School will receive $4,000 for coats, hats, gloves, backpacks and other items.

The STEP Foundation awards grants twice a year. The next application deadline is January 15th, 2027.