From an a cappella group to stargazing clubs, more than 40 registered student organizations at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are receiving a share of $150,000 in Abbott-funded grants — the latest step in the university’s effort to boost campus well-being using the inaugural $1 million Big Ten “We Give Blood” prize.
The new grant program, launched this fall by Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement, supports emotional, physical and social well-being while easing the financial burden of hosting events, traveling and fundraising.
“We are constantly getting questions from students about how to raise money — and it’s hard,” said Veronica Riepe, director of SLICE. “This program provides a pot of money that student groups can access directly. It reduces the stress of figuring out how to pay for opportunities that benefit their members and the wider community.”
The well-being grants are the second major investment of Nebraska’s Abbott prize — a $1 million award earned by winning the Big Ten's 2024 blood-donation challenge.
The university is using the prize to bolster student wellness through multiple projects, including hiring a full-time well-being coordinator focused on financial literacy; launching an Abbott Access fund to eliminate small financial barriers; supporting the student-led RSO programs; and awarding student health and well-being grants for research projects.
In this round of RSO funding, 45 projects have been funded, representing 44 organizations. The awards range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Some funding has already supported travel costs, events, supplies and equipment.
“Many of these student groups are fueled purely by passion and commitment,” Riepe said. “This funding allows them to bring their big ideas to life — whether that’s creating inclusive events, showcasing talent or making positive impacts in communities.”
To qualify, student groups submitted proposals that outlined goals, itemized budgets and described how their projects aligned with one of the university’s well-being pillars. All recipients were required to attend an orientation and follow university event planning procedures.
“They have to pick a well-being category and defend it,” Riepe said. “That process of thinking it through, planning logistics and articulating impact — that’s where the real student development happens.”
One grant is allowing the Horticulture Club to launch a self-serve plant stand on East Campus, a project designed to promote mindfulness and social connection. Another group, the all-women’s a cappella group Boots and Cats, is using its grant to professionally record music. And, as part of the university’s fall break, the Innocents Society is traveling to members’ hometowns to bond and lead community service projects.
“These awards are giving our students the chance to dream a little bigger and do a little more than they normally would be able to accomplish,” Riepe said. “And, they are being incredibly responsible with how they are using the funds — making sure the outcomes benefit others. It’s exciting to see.”
The full list of Recognized Student Organizations receiving Abbott funding includes (student group, project title, award total):
- Agricultural Economics Graduate Student Association, “Graduate Student Well-Being and Professional Development Series,” $2,790
- American Institute of Architecture Students, “Beaux Arts Ball,” $2,233
- Asian Student Union, “Tea, Art and Connection: An Asian Wellness Gathering,” $700
- Association of Students of the University of Nebraska, “ASUN in the Sun, Protect the Red, Game Day Glow,” $1,910
- Astronomy and Stargazing Club, “Stargazing Night at Branched Oak Observatory,” $1,250
- Astronomy and Stargazing Club, “Stargazing Night at Hyde Observatory at Holmes Park,” $1,250
- Biomedical Engineering Society, “Blood, Brain and Beyond: BMES High School Outreach,” $1,950
- Campus Red Cross, “Impact Incentivized: A System to Celebrate Student Lifesavers,” $968
- College of Business Student Advisory Board, “Fall 2025 De-Stress Fest,” $5,432
- College of Dentistry Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association, “Oral Hygiene Outreach Event,” $6,401
- CornHacks Organizer Committee, “CornHacks,” $2,832
- Criminal Justice Student Association, “Criminal Justice Student Association Field Day,” $2,490
- Cycling Club, “2025 UNL Cycling Club Bike-a-thon,” $985
- Dance Marathon, “Mr. Dance Marathon and HuskerThon,” $7,500
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, “Black Excellence Festival: Celebrating Higher Education, Health and Heritage,” $7,000
- Fellowship of African Christian Students, “Uplift Huskers — Pilot launch for Husker Wellbeing Circle,” $3,500
- Fellowship of Catholic University Students, “SEEK Scholarships,” $7,500
- Horticulture Club, “Little Free Plant,” $1,000
- Husker Bass Anglers, “Casting to Make a Difference,” $7,500
- Husker Catholic, “Koinona, Chrismas Formal and Spring Formal,” $7,500
- Innocent’s Society, “Innocents Volunteering Across Nebraska,” $3,595
- Interfraternity Council, “IFC Man Ninja Warrior Competition,” $3,500
- Middle Eastern and North African Student Association, “SWANA Festival,” $3,872
- Minority Pre-Health Association, “Stop the Bleed Course event,” $975
- National Pan-Hellenic Council, “NPHC Field Day,” $3,232
- National Society of Black Engineers, “Mind and Motion” and “NSBE Professional Development and Community Engagement,” $6,368
- Nebraska Food for Health Center’s Trainee Council, “Fun Friday Activity: Microbiome Art,” $550
- Nepalese Students Association, “Himalayan Home: Fostering Nepali Student Well-being and Community at UNL,” $6,094
- Out of the Darkness UNL, “Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk,” $3,545
- Pickleball Club UNL, “Campus Pickleball Social,” $2,900
- Presentation Club, “Creative Expression Month,” $594
- University of Nebraska Boots and Cats, “Boots and Cats ICCA Showcase,” $1,825
- UNL Associate Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, “Gamma Gala,” $4,000
- UNL Climbing Club, “Developing Climbing Confidence and Community Along the Dells of the Sioux,” $2,042
- UNL Curling Club, “Huskers Learn to Curl,” $1,450
- UNL Dodgeball Club, “NCDA Dodgeball Nationals,” $2,520
- UNL Fast Pitch Softball Club, “2016 Swing Into Spring Club Softball Tournament,” $7,500
- UNL Feminism Club, “HOPE Kits,” $2,500
- UNL Figure Skating Club, “Aggieland Classic Competition,” $2,566
- UNL Film Club, “Film Club Public Movie Showings,” $3,770
- UNL Hosa-Future Health Professionals, “Nebraska HOSA State Leadership Conference,” $6,043
- UNL Running Club, “NIRCA Regional Cross Country Meet,” $4,000
- Women’s Hockey Club, “Youth Girls Ice Hockey Clinic,” $5,541
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, “Zeta Zen Day,” $3,158.
