Area nonprofit organizations awarded nearly $130,000 as Allamakee County Community Foundation celebrates 20 years of local impact

Celebrating two decades of impact in local communities, the Allamakee County Community Foundation (ACCF) awarded $129,499 in grant funding during its annual Awards Reception held in Harpers Ferry in late April. In addition to the awarding of that grant funding to area nonprofit organizations, the ACCF also celebrated its 20th year of existence during the annual event.

Thanks to this year’s grants, nonprofits will be able to serve the community in many ways, such as providing meals to seniors, offering summer camps to kids, ensuring first responders are equipped to do their jobs, and increasing access to childcare, among many others. The Foundation awarded grants to:
• The Learning Tree Childcare Center for its capital campaign;
• City of New Albin Fire and Rescue for a vital signs monitor;
• Harpers Ferry Volunteer Fire Department for personal firefighter protection equipment;
• Friends of the Yellow River State Forest for an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant fishing hole;
• Veterans Memorial Healthcare Foundation for a Pain Management Clinic table;
• Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission Housing, Inc. for the Big Four Fair Educational Dairy Barn;
• Lansing Fire Department for ventilation fans;
• Lansing Iowa Food Trust for A Lift for L.I.F.T. project;
• Northeast Iowa Wellness & Recreation Center for replacement of a pool lift chair;
• Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging Inc. for the Allamakee County Congregate and Home Delivered Meals Program;
• City of Harpers Ferry for a ballpark playground project;
• St. Paul Lutheran Church for the Postville Community Meals program;
• Postville Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. for a positive pressure ventilation fan;
• Northeast Iowa Community College Foundation for NICC Waukon Center Summer Camps & Youth Makerspace Classroom;
• Upper Iowa Audubon Society for an Allamakee County birding guide;
• Scouting America, Northeast Iowa Council for a ScoutReach project in Allamakee County;
• St. Patrick’s Church, Waukon for playground safety.

The Foundation’s grants are historically made possible because of funds received each year from the State of Iowa County Endowment Program. In addition, several projects this year were awarded funding thanks to the Jim & Margo Sweeney Family Foundation for Allamakee Forever and the Linny Emrich Family Endowment. The Foundation’s own endowment, the Allamakee Forever Fund, also provided grant support.

Many of the Foundation’s original board members attended the grant event. Executive Director Betty Steege acknowledged them and asked whether they’d foreseen the impact of their actions 20 years ago. Today, the Foundation holds over $4 million in funds that pay out annually - forever - to support community projects, nonprofits, and solutions to emerging challenges. Since inception, that family of funds has distributed $1.87 million. Through its annual grant cycle, the Foundation has provided another $1.84 million to communities and nonprofits.

The Foundation board also honored outgoing board president Brent Beyer, who has reached his term limit after serving nine years. Marshall Lyons of Waukon has joined the board in his place.

The Community Foundation offers many opportunities to improve quality of life by addressing an array of local issues. To learn more about how to establish a fund or make a gift that impacts the local community, contact Executive Director Betty Steege at 563-586-2046.

The Allamakee County Community Foundation was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. Now 20 years ago, the founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that local communities’ charitable programs were supported - now, and in the future. The Foundation works with many individuals, families, businesses and organizations to establish endowment funds that will provide grant awards for years to come. To learn more about the Foundation and its work, visit dbqfoundation.org/accf.