Allamakee County Community Foundation awards $100K to support area nonprofits
The Allamakee County Community Foundation awarded $100,000 to area nonprofits April 18 at its annual grant award celebration at the Empty Nest Winery in Waukon.
At the event, Board Chair Anthony Gericke announced grant awards totaling $100,000 to the following organizations:
- Allamakee County Agricultural Society/Fair Board
Rabbit and Poultry Exhibit Barn - City of Harpers Ferry – Volunteer Fire Department
Firefighter Gear Compliance - City of New Albin – Fire Department
Funding for new equipment - City of Waukon - Wellness Center
Tennis Courts, Pickle Ball Court, and Ice Rink - Helping Services for Youth & Families
Youth Mentoring at Helping Services - Iowa College Access Network
The project plans to jumpstart the FAFSA process by eliminating barriers such as transportation and access for potential college bound students in Allamakee County. - Lasing Fire Department
Rescue Truck Communication System Replacement - NAMI Northeast Iowa
Mental Health Services Expansion in Allamakee County - Northeast Iowa Community College Foundation
Allamakee County STEAM Summer Camp - Northeast Iowa Food Bank
Funding will offer food assistance for families in Allamakee County - The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society DBA Good Samaritan Society - Postville
Funding will provide additional fitness equipment for community members - Veterans Memorial Hospital
Funding for Community CPR Training - Vision to Learn
Vision Screenings in Allamakee County - Waukon Area Fire Protection District
New Equipment - YMCA of Northeast Iowa
Pool Updates
The ACCF receives funds each year from the Iowa Department of Economic Development County Endowment Program. Seventy-five percent of the money received is granted out each year. The other twenty-five percent is maintained in a permanent endowment with the income to be distributed in future years.
Foundation Coordinator Betty Steege remarked that this program might not be available forever, encouraging people to consider permanent endowment funds.
"Endowments are like a perpetual source of grant dollars for your organization," said Steege. "Every year these funds pay out to support the missions of causes in our community. Our goal is that someday these endowment funds will pay back far more than what we get from the state of Iowa."
This year, Steege's goal was realized. ACCF announced more than $110,000 in agency and donor-advised endowment payouts to more than 20 local nonprofits in 2018.
"Endowments form a reliable source of funding for nonprofits," said Steege. "They help them respond to emerging needs as well as plan for the future and sustain the good work they do."
Donors who give to endowments through a community foundation may also benefit from the Endow Iowa 25% State Tax Credit in addition to federal charitable income tax deductions.
As an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, ACCF also works with its host to strengthen nonprofits by offering a variety of training programs and networking opportunities that build capacities and organizational structures. ACCF regularly evaluates nonprofits to assure donors and the Foundation that funds produce the maximum benefit for improving lives.
For more information on the ACCF, visit www.dbqfoundation.org/accf or call 563.586.2046.