Energize Clinton reaches campaign milestone
The Energize Clinton campaign has reached an exciting milestone thanks to more than $27,000 in generous year‑end gifts from the Rotary Club of Clinton. With this support, Energize Clinton has officially surpassed its first major fundraising goal of $150,000 within the Small-town Dreams Initiative. This achievement unlocks the next stage of the Endowment Challenge Grant program, supported by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD), which hosts the River Bluff Community Foundation.
The Small-town Dreams Initiative is funded by an anonymous donor—a successful entrepreneur who grew up in eastern Iowa and holds a deep appreciation for small‑town life. Clinton is one of just 15 communities selected from more than 70 served by CFGD, reflecting the community’s strong leadership and commitment to long‑term progress.
Phase One Complete
Phase One was guided by the Energize Clinton Leadership Team: Alethea Cahoy, Jon Thoms, Dave Pillars, Tara VanDerLeest, Cheryl Frey, Julie Dunn, and Dennis Lauver.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Clinton Rotary for their support in helping the Energize Clinton group soar past its initial $150,000 milestone,” said Alethea Cahoy. “It is an achievement that has officially unlocked a $15,000 granting gift and a $25,000 endowment gift to benefit our community for years to come.”
A committee is now being formed to determine how this first $15,000 grant will be awarded. The group will use insights from the Energize Clinton Community Heart & Soul process to establish criteria, review opportunities, and select the project that will receive the inaugural grant.
Phase Two Launches with a $100,000 Challenge
With Phase Two—the community phase—now underway, businesses, organizations, and families are being invited to help raise an additional $225,000.
In a significant boost to the campaign’s momentum, a local family has stepped forward with an additional $100,000 matching gift, effectively doubling the impact of every dollar donated by the community to ensure the final $450,000 goal is met. Their contribution is an all‑or‑nothing match: the full amount will be unlocked only if the community meets the match by April 1. “We grew up in Clinton and want to help ensure there is funding available to help revitalize Clinton,” the couple shared. “We believe in the Clinton community and its future and feel fortunate to be able to make this gift—it is very important to us.”
Successfully completing this challenge will bring the campaign total to $450,000. This endowment will generate $20,000–$25,000 annually to jumpstart and fund projects that strengthen Clinton for generations to come. The Small-town Dreams Initiative also includes a second $10,000 cash grant to launch a project that meets an immediate community need.
“The support we have seen has been phenomenal,” said Cheryl Frey, a dedicated campaign volunteer. “We know this endowment will be a permanent legacy for this hometown we all love.”
Dennis Lauver added, “I am involved because I know this annual payout will be a great help to project planners and will also leverage state and federal grants for Energize Clinton to continue to do great things.”
How to Support Energize Clinton
Community members are invited to join the excitement and support the fund. To learn more or make a charitable gift, visit dbqfoundation.org/giving-center/energize-clinton or contact campaign coordinator Alethea Cahoy at 563-321-0317 to connect with a member of the leadership team.
Gifts may be made by cash, check, or credit card. For those seeking to make a larger impact, the fund also accepts complex gifts such as grain, appreciated stock, life insurance, real estate, and IRA charitable rollovers.
BONUS TAX CREDIT: Gifts of $50 or more may be eligible for the 25% Endow Iowa State Tax Credit.