Preserving Our Natural Wonders

In the northeast corner of Iowa, just off the Great River Road, sits the newly completed Driftless Education and Visitor Center.

The center acts as a gateway to the natural wonder of the Driftless Area and stands as a testament to the generosity of Northeast Iowans and the power of collaboration.  

Just a few short years ago, the first plans for the center were funded by a grant from the Allamakee County Community Foundation.

“The funds that we received from the Foundation were used as a springboard for us to apply for additional grants,” says Jim Janett director of the Allamakee County Conservation Board. 

With help from the Community Foundation, the Conservation Board was able to leverage more than $2 million in additional grant funding for the center and gain nonprofit status. Over 700 individuals donated more than $800,000 towards the project.  

“You can reach seemingly unobtainable goals by working together with the Community Foundation,” says Jim. “We look forward in continuing that relationship in the future.” 

Jim continues to look towards the future for the center. The conservation board created an endowment fund at the Community Foundation to provide a reliable and sustainable source of funding which will support building maintenance and new educational programs in the coming years. In 2017, endowments paid out more than $83,000 to Allamakee County nonprofits through agency and donor-advised funds. Gifts to endowment funds at the Community Foundation may be eligible for the 25% Endow Iowa State Tax Credit. 

“It really is a success story for the Allamakee County Community Foundation,” adds Jim. “It’s been a wonderful working relationship.”