Our Strategic Plan: Making More Possible Across Our Region

At the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA), we believe stronger communities are built when everyone has access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. Our new strategic plan clarifies how we focus our work to maximize impact and ensure lasting positive change across the region. Guided by the principle of “make more possible,” this plan aligns our efforts with the needs of our communities, our donors, our partners, and our volunteers.

Our Impact Priorities

Opportunity and Access: Creating communities where everyone can reach their potential. This includes advancing economic mobility, removing barriers for marginalized communities, and supporting initiatives that foster inclusive, welcoming environments.
Health and Safety: Ensuring neighbors have the resources and support to live secure, stable, and healthy lives. Our focus areas include basic needs, emergency response, and health programs that expand access to mental and physical well-being.
Vibrant Communities: Building places where people want to live, work, and play. Investments support arts and culture, public space improvements, recreational opportunities, and economic development that strengthens neighborhoods.
Youth Empowerment: Nurturing the potential of young people to grow, lead, and create lasting change. This includes scholarships, mentorship and skill-building programs, quality education initiatives, and access to sustainable childcare.

View full details of our impact priorities here.

Full Strategic Plan

For a detailed view of our strategies, goals, and action steps for each priority, you can view or download the complete CFNEIA Strategic Plan here.

Why This Matters

By partnering with nonprofits, volunteers, donors, and community leaders, CFNEIA ensures that every initiative is informed by local needs and designed for lasting impact. Together, we are making more possible—opening doors, building resilience, and creating stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities throughout our 20-county region in Iowa.

Orville L. and Harriett Schmitz Scholarship Fund

Buchanan County Community Foundation Awards $158,553.51 in 2025 Grants to 16 Organizations

The Buchanan County Community Foundation (BCCF) held its grant awards celebration at the Independence Library on July 31, announcing the distribution of $158,553.51 to 16 projects of organizations serving Buchanan County through its 2025 grant cycle.

The 2025 grant recipient organizations, project the grant will fund, and grant amount are listed below by funding area.

Community Betterment

City of Fairbank – Veterans Park Shelter Upgrade – $20,000.00
City of Independence – Fire Department - Extrication Equipment – $10,000.00
City of Lamont – Scout Park Revitalization – $10,000.00
City of Winthrop – Fire Department - Jaws of Life Replacement – $20,000.00
Hazleton Veterans Park – Veterans Park Improvement – $10,000.00
Winthrop Commercial and Community Club – Storage Space – $4,000.00

Education & Youth Development

Independence Community School District – High School - Library Update – $6,500.00
Jesup Community School District – High School - Hope Squad – $3,500.00
Jesup Community School District – Jesup ELC Playground – $20,000.00
Northeast Iowa Workforce Development Board – Work Task Kits for Career-Connected Learning – $5,891.50

Environment & Animal Welfare

Wildthunder Wildlife & Animal Rehabilitation & Sanctuary – Dog Building/Dog Yard – $3,000.00

Human Service

Independence Area Food Pantry – Food for Neighbors – $10,000.00
Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity – Critical Home Repairs – $15,000.00
Northeast Iowa Food Bank – Feeding Communities – $12,000.00
Operation Threshold, Inc. – Buchanan County Crisis Assistance Program – $7,162.01
Riverview Center, Inc. – Helping Survivors of Trauma Heal and Thrive – $1,500.00

Grants were recommended by the Buchanan County Community Foundation’s governing committee, composed of volunteers committed to improving the well-being of Buchanan County residents. The 2025 governing committee includes: Whitney Benter, Nate Clayberg, Mary Donlea, Jean Gallmeyer, James Gilliespie, Denise Lehman, Rob Ratchford, Valerie Stanford, and Melissa Trumbauer. BCCF funds established by generous donors contributing to the discretionary grant process include the Edna Mae and Don Adams Community Impact Fund.

Special recognition was given to Denise Lehman for her service as she transitions off the committee.

BCCF is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, which provides administrative investment, and technical support to enhance the local foundation’s impact. The 2026 BCCF grant cycle opens March 1, 2026, with a deadline of April 15, 2026. Application guidelines and materials can be found at www.buchananccf.org.

Our Strategic Plan: Making More Possible Across Our Region

Orville L. and Harriett Schmitz Scholarship Fund

Buchanan County Community Foundation Awards $158,553.51 in 2025 Grants to 16 Organizations

Buchanan County Impact Now Fund

Lloyd Louis Bergfeld Scholarship Fund

Fairbank Community Alliance Fund

Independence Area Food Pantry Endowment Fund - Quasi

The Steve Brown Art Center Fund

Ellen Gaffney Scholarship Fund

Littleton Cemetery Association Quasi Endowment Fund