Celebrating 20 Years of Impact
In 2025, the River Bluff Community Foundation proudly marks 20 years of service, stewardship, and strategic investment in the Clinton and Camanche area. Since its founding in 2005, the Foundation has championed the power of endowments to create lasting change, reinvesting more than $700,000 into local nonprofits, schools, civic projects and community initiatives.
This milestone is more than a number. It’s a testament to the generosity of donors, the vision of our founders, and the enduring strength of a community that believes in building for the future.
At the heart of River Bluff’s mission is the concept of endowment giving, a powerful tool that allows donors to create and support permanent funds whose earnings address causes they care about year after year. Unlike one-time gifts, endowments are structured to grow over time, generating annual returns that ensure a stable and sustainable source of funding year after year.
”Endowments are the ultimate legacy gift,” said Tara VanDerLeest, the Community Foundation’s board president. “They allow donors to support the community forever. Whether it’s a scholarship, support for the arts, a local food pantry, or nonprofit agency, endowments ensure that the impact doesn’t fade—it continues well into the future.”
River Bluff manages 27 endowed funds, each tailored to the passions and priorities of its donors. Some support education, others the arts, human services, or community development. All share a common goal: Strengthen the Clinton and Camanche area through thoughtful, long-term investment.
Over the past two decades, endowments held by the Foundation have distributed more than $700,000 in grants and scholarships to local organizations and initiatives in Clinton and Camanche. These funds have helped:
- Expand early childhood education
- Support food security and housing programs
- Strengthen local nonprofits
- Enhance the arts
- Provide scholarships to students pursuing higher education
“Each dollar reinvested in our communities represents a story,” said Alethea Cahoy, the foundation’s executive director. “It’s a child who learned through play, a family who found shelter, a student who accessed higher learning opportunities, a show that went on, and more. We are proud to be part of a community that understands the value of planting seeds for the future.”
The Foundation was established by a group of visionary leaders who saw the need for a local organization that could ensure the charitable programs of the Clinton and Camanche area were supported now and in the future. As an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, River Bluff benefits from professional investment management, administrative support, and access to regional expertise while maintaining local control over its funds and priorities.
Over the years, the Foundation has grown not only in assets but also in community partnerships. It has become a trusted partner for donors, nonprofits and civic leaders alike. Its board of directors includes respected community members who bring diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to service.
“We’ve always believed that philanthropy should reflect the heart of the community,” said founding board member Carol Machael. “River Bluff is about neighbors helping neighbors and making sure that our values live on through the causes that we support.”
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Foundation will host a special event this fall honoring donors, grantees, and community partners. The celebration will highlight stories of impact, recognition of key contributors, and a look ahead to the next 20 years.
“We want to celebrate the people who made this possible,” said Cahoy. “From the first donors who believed in our mission, to the organizations that turn grants into action, this is their legacy. Together we are building a stronger, more resilient community one investment at a time.”
The River Bluff Community Foundation invites all residents to be part of the next chapter. You can get involved by:
- Starting or contributing to an endowment
- Volunteering to serve on the advisory board
- Sharing stories of local impact
The River Bluff 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 Alethea Cahoy, executive director of the River Bluff Community Foundation at 563-321-0317 or rbcf@dbqfoundation.org.