Grand Mound looks to a brighter future

Grand Mound Community Impact Endowment meets $100,000 goal

A 2021 gift from Grand Mound resident Don Burzlaff to the Grand Mound Community Impact Endowment sparked new excitement around the fund, leading to a matching gift and ultimately the endowment surpassingg a $100,000 balance – all for the betterment of Grand Mound.

The gift inspired action. Don Kent, who started a campaign to launch the fund in 2012, offered to match up to $10,000 in any new contributions in hopes of reaching $100,000 before year-end. 

Dennis Campbell, another founding donor, began a campaign to spread the word about the new goal and matching challenge. The fund balance when 2021 began was just over $40,000. By the end of the year, 17 gifts had been made by community members bringing the fund balance over $105,000. This milestone was met just 10 years after the fund’s launch, a remarkable accomplishment for a small community like Grand Mound. 

“We had a fantastic 2021, surpassing all of our expectations. It’s wonderful testament to the community’s support and pride in their hometown,” says Campbell. “We appreciate the efforts of our community-minded volunteers to keep this fund at the forefront of people’s minds, and we look forward to using the proceeds to invest in our community.”

The endowment pays out annually to provide grants to Grand Mound nonprofits and community projects, improving quality of life for all who live there. Recipients have included the local community center, historical museum, ball park and depot restoration.   

“We are working with Home Town Pride to encourage projects in town to improve quality of life for our residents,” says Steve Kent, a member of the fund’s advisory board. “Funds are limited in City budgets, so every dollar we can provide helps.”

The Grand Mound Community Impact Endowment is a fund held by the LincolnWay Community Foundation. The Community Foundation is committed to building stronger communities throughout rural Clinton County and stays abreast of emerging needs, administering grants and connecting with donors to address those needs. “The Foundation has had such a positive impact on so many communities and organizations that will last forever,” says Kent. To learn more about how the Foundation can help you make an impact in your community, visit dbqfoundation.org/lwcf. 

“We are so excited about the growth we have had in the Grand Mound fund this year,” says Kent. “I think this growth spurt will energize us to keep moving forward. $200,000 is our next goal!!” Learn more and make your gift at dbqfoundation.org/grandmound.