Jackson County nonprofits receive $468,140! 

Community Foundation of Jackson County endowment funds grant out largest amount ever. 

Local nonprofits are receiving critical funding this month as endowment funds hosted by the Community Foundation of Jackson County grant out a record amount in the Foundation’s history – $468,140. 

“The Community Foundation is here for our county now and forever, and the organizations receiving these payouts are our partners. They help us understand the needs of our communities and drive lasting change to ensure all people can thrive,” says Lori Loch, Foundation executive director. “Endowments provide a sustainable source of funding that allows organizations to realize their missions, embark on new initiatives to meet local needs, and do their best work to support communities.”  

Community foundations are charitable organizations that leverage philanthropy to create systemic change, benefitting their communities and improving the lives of people in their geographic region. Nonprofit organizations and community members can create endowment funds at the Community Foundation to benefit charitable causes. These funds are invested and pay out annually to designated causes, providing a reliable source of income to sustain organizations’ operations forever.   

For example, grants from the Maquoketa Education Foundation provide integral classroom support for teachers and youth. “When I was introduced to the Maquoketa Education Fund Grant opportunity, I thought it was almost too good to be true,” says preschool teacher Liz Wawro. “I spend a lot of my own money on my classroom, but there's no way I could afford big ticket items out of my own pocket.”

The classroom items Wawro received thanks to the annual payout are likely to last for her entire teaching career. “I feel so incredibly fortunate to live in a community that understands the importance of supporting teachers, making a positive impact for students for many years to come,” she says.

Local generosity makes this possible. Endowment funds held by the Foundation are invested permanently, and the earnings from that investment provide annual funding to address our region’s greatest needs for generations to come.   

The Foundation also has its own endowment funds, and it leverages payouts to award annual grants. Gifts of all sizes make a difference, and people who give $50 or more to an endowment fund at the Community Foundation are eligible for the generous Endow Iowa 25% state tax credit. 

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.