Jackson County nonprofits awarded $166,000
The Community Foundation of Jackson County recently celebrated 32 local nonprofits and charitable organizations, awarding them $166,000 from its annual grant cycle during an event at the Together We Build outreach center in Maquoketa.
The annual event celebrated donors, fundholders and partners whose support has helped ignite generosity across the community. The grants will help tackle critical issues, including food insecurity, youth needs and emergency response.
“We’re proud to honor the organizations that make Jackson County a place where everyone has the opportunities and resources they need to thrive,” says Lori Loch, the Foundation’s executive director.
This year’s grant recipients and the projects they received funding for are:
- Jackson County Campaign for Grade-Level Reading: Summer Adventure 2026
- Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Jackson County: Monthly Book Distribution
- Vision to Learn: Vision Care for Maquoketa High School Students
- Youth Philanthropy Board in Jackson County: Grantmaking Experience
- Easton Valley Community School District: Marching Riverhawks Instruments
- Maquoketa Art Experience: Maquoketa Area Children’s Choir Festival
- Innovate 120: Youth Summer Science Camp
- Friends of the Preston Public Library: The Arts on Display Project
- Jackson County Agricultural Extension: 4-H Dollar Barn
- Inspiration Stables: Indoor Arena/Facility
- Bellevue Area Centennial Lions Club: Digital Community Announcement Signs
- La Motte Area Advancement: La Motte Multi-Use Court/Park
- Friends of Jackson County Conservation: Prairie Creek Enhancement Project
- Miles Community Improvement Club: Community Splash Pad
- Maquoketa Betterment: Maquoketa Greenspace
- Maquoketa YMCA / City of Maquoketa: Splashpad and YMCA Addition
- Community Ambulance Service of Preston: LifePak Defibrillator
- Andrew Volunteer Firemen: Bunker Gear for Andrew Fire Department
- Jackson County Economic Alliance: Economic Development Collaboration Initiative
- Jackson County Hospital Foundation: Ambulance Monitor/Defibrillator
- Calvary Lutheran Church: Mobile Food Pantry Distribution
- St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church: Preston Manna Center
- Maquoketa Community Schools: Backpack Program for 2025-’26 School Year
- Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging: NEI3A Jackson County Senior Meals
- First Presbyterian Church: Bellevue Community Cupboard - Calcium for Kids
- River Hawk Assistance Program: Backpack Program for 2025-’26 School Year
- Maquoketa Community Cupboard: Food Insecurity
- Speak Out Against Suicide: Jackson County Connections
- Families Helping Families of Iowa: Shoe Vouchers Program
- YWCA Empowerment Center: Happy Homes & Dignity Program
- Area Substance Abuse Council: ASAC Prevention Healthy Youth Program
- Family Resources: Transportation Support to Survivors of Violence
The Foundation also lifted up the Jackson County Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, which is commemorating a decade of impact. The Foundation has supported the Campaign since 2015.
“A child’s first eight years are the best time to foster positive development, support academic achievement and prepare them for a lifetime of success,” says campaign coordinator Joanne Evans. “We take a holistic approach to children’s well-being with a keen focus on a key predictor of school success: Reading proficiency by the end of third grade.”
Approximately 36.5% of third-graders in Jackson County do not meet this benchmark, and children from low-income families are even further behind. Nearly half – 44% – of Jackson County students across all grade levels and districts are considered low-income, as they qualify for free and reduced price lunch.
That’s where the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading comes in.
“Our work is informed by the National Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and focuses on three areas that serve as the foundation of academic achievement,” says Evans. The three areas of focus are:
- Summer learning: Providing learning opportunities to reduce learning loss that occurs over summer break.
- School attendance: Supporting regular school attendance to improve academic success.
- Reading readiness and access to books: Providing children with access to books so they develop strong vocabulary and reading skills.
The Community Foundation of Jackson County offers many opportunities to improve quality of life by addressing an array of local issues. To learn more about how you can establish a fund or make a gift that impacts your community, contact Executive Director Lori Loch at 563-588-2700 or visit dbqfoundation.org/cfjc.