Delaware County nonprofits receive $204,800! 

Foundation for the Future of Delaware County endowment funds grant out largest amount ever. 

Local nonprofits are receiving critical funding this month as endowment funds hosted by the Foundation for the Future of Delaware County grant out the largest amount in the Foundation’s history – $204,800. 

“The Foundation is here for our county now and forever, and the organizations receiving these payouts are our partners. They help us understand the needs of our communities and drive lasting change to ensure all people can thrive,” says Amanda Diers, Foundation executive director. “Endowments provide a sustainable source of funding that allows organizations to realize their missions, embark on new initiatives to meet local needs, and do their best work to support communities.”  

Community foundations are charitable organizations that leverage philanthropy to create systemic change, benefitting their communities and improving the lives of people in their geographic region. Nonprofit organizations and community members can create endowment funds at the Foundation to benefit charitable causes. These funds are invested and pay out annually to designated causes, providing a reliable source of income to sustain organizations’ operations forever.   

For example, in 2003, Ann Wilson Grant started a scholarship in memory of her husband, Micheal. Twenty years later, the endowment fund in his name continues to award an annual scholarship to a local student. 

“When you lose a loved one, you want to memorialize them. It really helped me,” says Ann. “Each year, we knew people would be thinking of him – and we are always excited to find out who is receiving the scholarship because in a small town, we usually know the family. It’s astounding that our gift has been paying it forward for 20 years.” 

Local generosity makes this possible. Endowment funds held by the Foundation are invested permanently, and the earnings from that investment provide annual funding to address our region’s greatest needs for generations to come.   

The Foundation also has its own endowment funds, and it leverages payouts to award annual grants. Gifts of all sizes make a difference, and people who give $50 or more to an endowment fund at the Community Foundation are eligible for the generous Endow Iowa 25% state tax credit. 

The Foundation offers many opportunities to improve quality of life by addressing an array of local issues. To learn more about how you can establish a fund or make a gift that impacts your community, contact Diers at 563-880-3816.