Dyersville Area Community Foundation receives grant to strengthen connections

Nonprofits face more challenges than ever amid the pandemic, and the Dyersville Area Community Foundation is no different. Building strong leadership and relationships is crucial to these organizations achieving their goals and navigating difficult times.

A new grant from the Iowa Council of Foundations will help the Community Foundation build relationships between board members and in the community. 

“It is important for our Foundation to enhance connections within the community so we can continue to ensure a strong future for our area,” said Grover. “It is equally important to have present, active leaders in our board members, and to invest in those relationships so that our board members feel valued and appreciated.”

The project was inspired by the work of Susan Howlett, author of Boards on Fire, who led a session during the recent Iowa Council of Foundations’ Connect Community Foundations Conference. Howlett’s presentation detailed strategies for helping board members feel valued while making meetings impactful. 

The Foundation has adapted this learning to focus on fostering connections between board members and strengthening connections with community members. When it is safe to meet in person, a portion of each board meeting will be dedicated to friendly conversation while members enjoy snacks and take the time to write personal notes to community members. The Foundation has developed two simple fact sheets to highlight its work, which will accompany the personal messages.

“This project is about building relationships with our neighbors,” said Grover. “We want to get to know our board members personally, recognizing their skills and passions. We also want to ensure our community understands how we work to meet its greatest needs.”

To learn more, contact Grover at 319-269-6432 or email dacf@dbqfoundation.org.