LincolnWay Community Foundation announces nearly $90,000 in community support

The LincolnWay Community Foundation will distribute up to $89,740 this year from endowment funds held for the benefit of local nonprofits and charitable groups working to improve quality of life across the county.

“Endowments provide a sustainable source of funding that allows organizations to realize their missions and embark on successful initiatives to meet local needs,” says Pat Henricksen, executive director. “We partner with donors and nonprofits to transform generosity into actions that improve quality of life in our county for everyone.” 

Community foundations are forever: Endowment funds held by the LincolnWay Community Foundation are invested permanently, and the earnings from that investment provide annual funding to address our region’s greatest challenges for generations to come. Nonprofit leaders look to the Foundation to hold their organizations’ endowments because the reliable source of annual funding helps them respond to emerging needs, sustain the good work they do, and plan for the future.

Nonprofits and community members can create endowment funds at the Foundation to benefit charitable causes, or make donations to existing funds. Gifts of all sizes make a difference, and those who give $50 or more to an endowment fund at the Foundation are eligible for the generous Endow Iowa 25% state tax credit. Learn more and see a full list of options for charitable giving at dbqfoundation.org/lwcf.

The Foundation leverages its own endowment to provide annual grants. In 2020, the Foundation awarded $16,500 to local nonprofits. In addition to these grants, the Foundation coordinates community initiatives, learning about needs and bringing together leaders to find solutions to today’s challenges. 

But what about tomorrow’s challenges? What needs and opportunities will arise? What critical work will be needed to improve the quality of life? What can we do now to help assure that future needs are met?

“The Forever LincolnWay Fund was created ensure the Foundation will be there to answer these questions for generations to come. It presents an opportunity for each of us to invest in the Foundation and thus the success of our communities,” says Henricksen. “As an endowment, it will continue growing forever, and the flexible dollars it will provide can help address critical and emerging needs.” To learn more, visit dbqfoundation.org/foreverlw. 

“Endowment funds offer a tangible option for families and community members to make an impact in their communities,” says Henricksen. “Thanks to generous donors and committed nonprofits, we are able to continue to provide this necessary support for the future of our communities.” 

For more information, visit dbqfoundation.org/lwcf.