OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Mahaska County Community Foundation (MCCF) announces it is awarding more than $120,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations for 2024. The grants, available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Mahaska County, aim to support a variety of community improvement projects.

The MCCF recently awarded grants to a variety of projects aimed at enhancing the whole Mahaska County community.

• Mahaska County Conservation was granted $25,000 for a new playground at the Environmental Learning Center.

• The City of Leighton received $20,000 to expand and improve their community center.

• The City of New Sharon received $20,000 to support Eastside Park improvements.

• Friends of the Auditorium received $13,000 to support technology upgrades of the light and sound equipment at the George Daily Auditorium.

• The Oskaloosa Community School District received $10,000 for equipment for Spirit Cafe.

• The Mahaska County YMCA received $8,000 to enhance 24/7 access to fitness opportunities.

• The Eddyville Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Southern Iowa Fair, received $9,150 to improve the 4H and FFA Sale Ring.

• Mahaska FutureView was awarded $7,500 to support marketing and communications for the community.

• The Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation was awarded $6,350 for new mural paintings on the trail tunnels along the recreational trail.

• Fine Arts & Cultural Events of Mahaska County was granted $1,000 for safety equipment for the sculpture studio.

These grants, totaling over $120,000, exemplify MCCF’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and resilient Mahaska County.

“We have two types of grants,” said MCCF board member Madonna Bowie. “One is our standard grant, typically under $20,000, and the other is a city challenge grant that can be up to $25,000 for specific improvement projects.” The challenge grant must have a city or county partner signing on to the project.

One of the most significant grants this year is a $25,000 award to the Environmental Learning Center for a new playground. “The playground at the Conservation Center is a big deal,” Bowie noted. “It’s a project that has garnered a lot of community support and additional funding from other local entities.”

Another notable recipient is the town of Leighton, which received $20,000 to expand its community center. “They’re making a patio and a pergola to create a more user-friendly space for the community,” Bowie explained.

The MCCF grants are part of a broader effort to support community projects across Mahaska County. These grants are funded through state gambling collections allocated to counties without casinos. “The funds need to be used in a nonprofit way to benefit the county,” said Bowie. “We look at the impact on the community, the support the project has, and the creativity of the initiative.”

Partnership is a cornerstone of the Mahaska County Community Foundation (MCCF) and its grant evaluation process. “One of the things we look at with the George Daily Trust and MCCF is how much support there is in the community,” said Bowie. Projects backed by organizations like the Golden Goose Club, which has substantial community involvement and financial contributions, gain significant leverage with MCCF in grant considerations. This broad-based support, including in-kind donations and contributions from multiple entities, demonstrates a project’s viability and community impact. Bowie emphasized that this collaborative approach not only strengthens grant applications but also maximizes the positive effects on Mahaska County. “When we evaluate if the Golden Goose Club supported it, there’s your leverage,” she noted, underscoring the importance of combined efforts in community development.

Bowie emphasized the importance of community involvement in the foundation’s work. “If anyone is interested in becoming part of the board or donating, they can contact any of the board members listed on our website,” she said. “This is a wonderful way to leave a donation that continually benefits the community.”

Looking to the future, the Mahaska County Community Foundation (MCCF) encourages community members to consider the lasting impact of charitable giving. By donating to the MCCF through the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, benefactors can not only support local nonprofits but also enjoy significant tax benefits such as the Endow Iowa Tax Credit. This allows donors to establish funds that provide ongoing financial support to causes they care about, ensuring their contributions continue to benefit the community for generations to come. “When you put it into the foundation, you’re using the interest, you’re using the earnings, and it’s perpetual,” explained Bowie, emphasizing the enduring nature of these gifts.

The MCCF also highlights the importance of legacy and personalized giving. Estate planning with the MCCF can ensure that your philanthropic goals are met even after your lifetime, with flexible options to adjust your beneficiaries as needed. This proactive approach allows donors to leave a meaningful legacy while supporting the community’s long-term needs. “Our legacy funds provide you with the flexibility and simplicity to include your fund as a beneficiary of your will, trust, or retirement assets,” Bowie says. By engaging in thoughtful estate planning and leveraging available tax benefits, community members can make a profound and lasting difference for the future of Mahaska County.