Record endowment payouts in Allamakee County!

Nonprofits across our region are receiving critical funding this month thanks to more than $156,000 in grants from the endowment funds hosted by the Allamakee County Community Foundation.

“The Foundation is here for our community now and forever, and the organizations receiving these grants are our partners. They help us understand local needs and drive lasting change to ensure all people can thrive,” says Betty Steege, the Foundation's 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.” 

The family of funds hosted by the Foundation will grant a total of $156,990 – dollars that organizations can rely on annually for operations, community projects, and many other aspects of their work.

“The Mental Health Today endowment payouts allow us to provide trainings and resources for schools, transportation to counseling sessions, community workshops on suicide prevention, talk times, and more,” says Rachelle Howe, who convenes a working group on Allamakee County mental health. “It is our hope to reduce the stigma of mental illnesses and suicide.”

“Our organization's endowment provides critical funding,” says name, title. “Endowment income allows us flexibility to cover operating costs while providing sustainable annual support that helps us to plan for the future knowing we’ll have those resources as part of our funding mix.”

The endowment funds held by the Foundation award grants every spring. This year’s total amount represents a 7% – or $10,000 – increase over last year.

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

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 Community Foundation also has its own endowment fund, and it leverages payouts to award competitive grants each year. Gifts of all sizes make a difference, and people who give $50 or more to an endowment fund at the Foundation this year are eligible for the generous Endow Iowa 25% state tax credit. To make your gift to an endowment fund, visit dbqfoundation.org/accf. 

The Allamakee County Community Foundation 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 Steege at 563-586-2046.