PBnJ grants awarded in Jackson County

JACKSON COUNTY, Iowa—Local members of the Philanthropy Board in Jackson County (PBnJ) are pleased to announce the recipients of group’s 2020 grants. PBnJ grants help youth-serving organizations strengthen and grow their programs. Though unable to hold the scheduled awards ceremony due to the pandemic, grants totaling $2,550 were made to:

Bellevue Community School District — $250

Bellevue BIG

Hospice of Jackson County — $250

Books for grieving children

Jackson County Conservation — $300

Outdoor recreation equipment

Jackson County Campaign for Grade-Level Reading — $250

Books to keep

Jackson County Fair Association — $500

Kids day educational grounds act

Maquoketa Community School District, Cardinal Elementary — $500

Certified professional therapy dogs 

Marquette Catholic Schools — $500

Community greenhouse

PBnJ’s mission as a youth leadership organization is to empower community members to improve the quality of life where they live through giving and leadership. Through its grantmaking process, PBnJ strives to engage and empower young people throughout the community.

“This group of students was created to teach youth about the philanthropic model. They are a junior version of the Community Foundation of Jackson County’s board,” says Mary Jo Gothard, executive director of the Community Foundation. PBnJ is made up of 26 students from all four high schools in Jackson County, and is overseen by the Community Foundation as well as Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Students learn about philanthropy, grant writing, community service and how to assess community needs, while also studying Jackson County nonprofits.