Building a strong foundation in Allamakee County

For nearly 20 years, the Allamakee County Community Foundation has been making a difference for nonprofits, schools and community projects in Allamakee County. Ray and Edna Whalen have been part of these efforts since the beginning. 

With an early gift to the young Community Foundation in 2005, the Whalens began a tradition of annual giving that continues today. Many of the couple’s gifts have supported the Foundation’s own endowment, which provides grant support to nonprofits tackling critical needs today, tomorrow and forever.  

Ray and Edna also give to endowments set up by individuals and organizations that are hosted by the Foundation. These funds support specific causes like academic achievement, health care, emergency response and community services. 

“I’m happy to donate every year, because there are different options to impact community causes,” says Ray. “When you make a gift to a fund at the Foundation, you know it will stay local and be put to good use.”

The Whalens also see the impact the Foundation makes in their New Albin community. Grants to the fire department, the New Albin Improvement League, and many others have totaled over $126,000 since 2007. 

“New Albin is a close community. We get along and help each other out,” says Ray. “Edna and I have always been happy to be able to give back.”