Eglseder Fund Continues to Give Back
When Dustin Eglseder passed away from osteosarcoma at the age of 23, his family wanted a way to keep his memory alive for generations to come.
“There were so many things that were important to him,” says sister Amy Clefisch. “When we discovered the opportunity to start this memorial fund through the Foundation, it was exactly what we were looking for. It was a way to have his legacy live on in those places in the community that meant the most to him.”
Nearly 10 years after a tragic loss, memories of Dustin—a smiling Cubs fan; a tan, skinny, little kid who spent all waking hours possible at the Guttenberg swimming pool; and an impassioned show choir member—continue to live on through the Dustin Eglseder Memorial Endowment Fund for Guttenberg Youth at the Clayton County Foundation for the Future (CCFF).
Every year, the Eglseder family awards grants to any initiative that benefits Guttenberg youth, whether it be sports, music, recreation or something else. This year, dollars from the Eglseder Endowment supported the Wave of the Future Campaign, a capital campaign to build a new community pool in Guttenberg, something Dustin, a former lifeguard and avid swimmer, would be proud of.
“I knew right away that it's something our family would want to be heavily involved in because the swimming pool provided us with such great activities growing up,” says Amy. “The community rallied around our family while he was sick and we felt that this is our way to pay it forward.”
In 2017, CCFF endowments like the Eglseder Endowment paid out more than $129,000 to Clayton County nonprofits. These funds are invested and pay out 5% annual to support local causes forever. Gifts to endowment funds may also qualify for the Endow Iowa 25% State Tax Credit.
To learn more about the Dustin Eglseder Endowment for Guttenberg Youth and other funds at the Foundation, visit www.dbqfondation.org/ccff.
How do I establish a memorial fund?
- Contact the Community Foundation at 563.588.2700 or by email at office@dbqfoundation.org to talk with someone about establishing a memorial endowment.
- Think about and select the name of your endowment. The endowment name can be used to direct gifts in the loved one’s obituary, i.e., “Please direct memorials to the Jane Smith Memorial Endowment at the Clayton County Foundation for the Future, 226 N. Bluff St., Guttenberg, IA 52052.”
- Name a family representative or representatives who will decide how the annual endowment payout is to be directed.
Other ways to remember your loved one
The Community Foundation is dedicated to helping our communities with several existing endowments. Memorial gifts to these funds help build a stronger future for our area and allow you to leave a legacy for future generations. Funds are listed at www.dbqfoundation.org/ccff.
The Clayton County Foundation for the Future is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque.