Jackson County nonprofits awarded $146,000 in grants during milestone year

The Community Foundation of Jackson County recognized the hard work of 37 local nonprofits and charitable organizations this month, awarding them nearly $146,000 from its annual grant cycle during an event at Innovate 120.

The annual event was not only a celebration of nonprofits serving Jackson County but also a celebration of the Foundation itself, which turned 40 years old this year.

“With us tonight are many donors, fundholders and partners that have helped build trusting, meaningful relationships and have inspired giving among people who, like us, care deeply about Jackson County,” Executive Director Lori Loch told the crowd of 100 supporters. “We thank you for all you do and your continued support and partnership.”

This year’s grants — which represent the largest total payout in the Foundation’s history — will help tackle critical issues, including food assistance, child care, education and emergency response.

This year’s grant recipients are:

• Andrew Volunteer Firemen Inc
• Bellevue Ball Association
• City of Baldwin
• City of Maquoketa
• Dolly Parton Imagination Library Jackson County
• Easton Valley School District
• Family Resources
• First Presbyterian Church
• Fraternal Order of Eagles #3866
• Friends of Bellevue State Park
• Friends of Jackson County Conservation
• Hills and Dales Child Development Center
• Innovate 120
• Jackson County Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
• Jackson County Economic Alliance
• Jackson County Veterans Memorial Park Inc
• Maquoketa Art Experience
• Maquoketa Community School District
• Marquette Catholic Schools
• Miles American Legion
• Miles Mavericks 4H Club
• National Society Of The Daughters Of The American Revolution
• Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging Inc.
• PBnJ (Youth Philanthropy Board in Jackson County)
• Preston Fire Company
• River Hawk Assistance Program
• Sabula Community Club
• Spragueville Community Center
• YWCA Clinton
• Food pantries
  • Bellevue Bread Basket
  • Bellevue Community Cupboard
  • Bernard Food Pantry (Resources Unite)
  • Calvary Lutheran Church – Sabula
  • Lost Nation Food Center
  • Maquoketa Community Cupboard
  • St John's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Manna Center)

Leaders noted the growth in the Foundation’s grantmaking capacity over the past four decades. In its first year, the Foundation made just two awards: one to the City of Baldwin for playground equipment and a multiyear commitment to the Maquoketa Library.

That growth is thanks to the support of dedicated community members and the continued strength of the Foundation’s permanent endowment, which pays out each year for grantmaking.

“Forty years ago, a few local leaders met for a brown bag lunch to discuss the impact a local community foundation could have on our communities,” said Foundation Board President Ann Burns. “From that meeting, the Foundation was born and began with $3,000. Now today, it has grown to almost $13 million in assets, all for the benefit of our community.”

The Foundation offers many opportunities to improve quality of life by addressing an array of local issues, both through grantmaking and community leadership. To learn more about how you can establish a fund or make a gift that impacts your community, contact Lori Loch at 563-588-2700 or email lori@dbqfoundation.org.