Allamakee County Community Foundation awards $82,000 to local nonprofits through grant program

The Allamakee County Community Foundation (ACCF) awarded grants to 11 local nonprofits on April 19 at the Empty Nest Winery in Waukon.

The theme at this year's event was, "Thanks to you."

"Last year we celebrated how we were stronger together, and this year we're building off that by saying 'thanks to you,'" said Board Chair, Anthony Gericke at the reception. "Thank you for your gifts of time and talent."

Gericke announced grant awards totaling $82,436 to the following nonprofits and programs at the celebration:

$20,000 to the Harpers Ferry Boosters Inc for Harpers Ferry Family Splash Zone

$10,000 to the City of Harpers Ferry Volunteer Fire Department for updating personal firefighter protection equipment

$20,000 to the Waukon Lions Club for Waukon City Park concession stand, restrooms, skate warming and storage building

$10,000 to the Lansing Fire Department for new firefighter turnout gear

$1,021 to the Waukon Works for ISU C2C - Waukon Community Design

$1,000 to the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission for bike safety in Allamakee County

$1,200 to the Northeast Iowa Community College Foundation for Allamakee County summer STEM camp

$3,250 to Main Street Matters in Lansing for Educational Signage in Historic District

$6,500 to the American Legion Post 722 for Bingo Machine

$5,500 to the City of Lansing/New Albin Police Department for new equipment

$3,965 to the City of New Albin Fire Department for Safety, Security, and Communication upgrades for New Albin Fire Department

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 some day, these endowment funds will pay back far more than what we get from the state of Iowa."

And Steege's goal is getting closer. This year the ACCF authorized $75,920 in agency and donor-advised endowment payouts to more than 20 local nonprofits.

"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 also benefit from the Endow Iowa 25% State Tax Credit in addition to federal charitable income tax deductions.

For more information, visit www.dbqfoundation.org/accf or call Betty Steege, Foundation Coordinator at 563-586-2046.