Community Foundation of Jackson County celebrates milestones
The Community Foundation of Jackson County has reached two significant milestones in its long history of building stronger communities through leadership, grantmaking and inspiring giving.
Since affiliating with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque in 2012, the Community Foundation of Jackson County has awarded over $5.2 million in grants to area nonprofits. This grantmaking has been made possible by generous donors who’ve helped the Community Foundation build over $10 million in assets held for the benefit of nonprofits, scholarship programs and community initiatives. More than 75% of the Community Foundation’s assets are endowed, which means they are permanently held, will grow in perpetuity, and the interest will pay out annually, forever.
“Our board has many points of pride, including a strong community presence, engaged members, asset growth, grantmaking and youth programs, and our relationships with Executive Director Mary Jo Gothard and the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque,” said 2019 Board Chair Lucy Zeimet. “We created a new strategic plan to build on those strengths and help our communities become even greater in months and years ahead.”
In addition to supporting endowment funds for donors and nonprofits, the Community Foundation of Jackson County also holds its own endowments. These are used to help fund community initiatives through partnerships with generous community members like Steve and Elaine Kahler and the North Family Foundation.
The Kahlers started their own fund for Vision To Learn, a program that since the 2015-16 school year has provided more than 450 children in Jackson County with free eye exams. Over 280 pairs of prescription glasses have been given to students who need them in four school districts. In 2019, the Community Foundation board stepped up to provide a grant from its own funds to supplement the program.
The North Family Foundation has partnered with the Community Foundation to provide funding for the Jackson County Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, which celebrated three years of success last fall. The initiative addresses issues of academic achievement through its free Summer Adventure program, StoryWalks® and partnerships with groups like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
The Community Foundation of Jackson County also fosters a group of youth philanthropists called PBnJ and supports local high school graduates with approximately $125,000 in scholarships each year.
“Over the years, our board members have worked hard to develop relationships with generous community members and nonprofits in order to better meet the needs of families and children in our county,” said Mary Jo Gothard, executive director for the Community Foundation. “Since affiliating with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, our assets have doubled — allowing our impact to grow, as well.”
That impact includes support for projects that are making Jackson County a better place for all residents, such as Together We Build: Jackson County Fair and Extension Outreach Center, Springbrook EMS program, and the Grant Wood Mississippi River Region project.
Donations made to endowed funds at the Community Foundation are invested and pay out annually, forever, to support local nonprofits and community initiatives. Between 2000 and 2049, $3.2 billion is expected to transfer from one generation to the next through probate estates in Jackson County. If just 5% of that transfer were endowed at the Community Foundation, $160 million would be permanently secured for future generations. Figuring a 4.25% payout, $6.8 million would be available every year to improve the quality of life in Jackson County.
To join the growth of the Community Foundation of Jackson County and be a part securing our region’s future for today, tomorrow and forever, contact Mary Jo Gothard at maryjo@dbqfoundation.org or 563-652-4179.