Allamakee County Community Foundation announces more than $130,000 in community support

Local nonprofits and charitable groups will see $130,770 in payouts this year from endowment funds hosted by the Allamakee County Community Foundation. These annual distributions support their ongoing work to improve quality of life across the county.

“Endowments provide annual funding that allows organizations to realize their missions and meet local needs – forever,” said Betty Steege, Foundation coordinator. “The Community Foundation partners with donors and nonprofits to improve quality of life for everyone in our county.” 

Endowment funds held by the Community Foundation are invested permanently, and the earnings will provide annual funding to address Allamakee County’s greatest challenges for generations to come. Nonprofit leaders look to the Foundation to hold their organizations’ endowments because the reliable funding helps them respond to emerging needs, sustain the good work they do, and plan for the future.

“The Alice Hermeier Endowment Fund, established by Alice’s brother Dr. Richard Hermeier, has had a profound impact on mental health initiatives in Allamakee County,” says fund representative Linda DeBuhr. Annual distributions from that fund have supported mental health first aid training for school and hospital staff, free rides to medical appointments on a community transport service, virtual counseling sessions through Veteran’s Memorial Hospital and Clinic, and resilience education for students and caregivers. 

Nonprofits and community members can create endowment funds at the Foundation to benefit charitable causes or make donations to existing funds. Gifts of all sizes make a difference, and those who give $50 or more to an endowment fund at the Community Foundation are eligible for the generous Endow Iowa 25% State Tax Credit. Learn more and see a full list of options for charitable giving at dbqfoundation.org/accf.