Carrying Forward a Legacy of Generosity: The McMullin Family Endowment
Honoring a Legacy of Giving
The McMullin Family Endowment was created to celebrate and honor the charitable legacy of Roger and Mary McMullin. Lifelong volunteers and supporters of local charities, Roger and Mary dedicated their lives to uplifting their community, particularly through efforts aimed at eliminating hunger and poverty.
This fund continues their commitment by supporting residents and organizations in Worth County, ensuring that their spirit of generosity lives on for generations to come.
A Legacy Rooted in Worth County
Roger McMullin, the son of Norvel and Ruth McMullin and a proud native of Hanlontown, Iowa, graduated from Hanlontown High School in 1954, Waldorf College in 1956, and the University of Iowa in 1958. A talented journalist and award-winning photographer, Roger carried a deep connection to his roots in Worth County throughout his life.
“Roger was proud of his roots in Worth County, and this fund is designed to support the community he loved,” said Sarah Swinford, daughter of Roger and Mary.
“Our parents were always quietly volunteering and supporting local charities and their church, and we are delighted to be able to create a lasting legacy to honor their years of service,” mentioned Rachel McMullin, daughter of Roger and Mary.
Through the McMullin Family Endowment, Roger and Mary’s legacy of compassion, service, and generosity will continue to make a difference in Worth County for years to come.
Online gifts can be made to the McMullin Family Endowment Fund at CFNEIA.org/donations/mcmullin-family-endowment. For more information on this fund, contact the Worth County Community Foundation at 319-287-9106.
Jaspers Family Foundation Fund of Worth County Distributes $50,598 to Local Nonprofit Organizations
The Jaspers Family Foundation Fund of Worth County held its 2024 grant awards celebration at the Worth County Extension Office on January 16, announcing the distribution of $50,598 to 11 projects of organizations serving Worth County through its 2024 grant cycle.
“The Jaspers family’s generosity and legacy live on through this fund and the impacts it is creating by supporting nonprofits working to make a difference in Worth County communities,” said Terry Gaumer, charitable advisor with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.
Grant recipient organization, project the grant will fund, and grant amount is listed below by funding area.
Arts & Culture:
- Bolan Schoolhouse & Cultural Center – Historic House Accessibility - $7,000
- Worth County Historical Society – Building Updates - $3,020
Community Betterment
- Worth County ISU Extension – Rising Star Interns Project - $8,000
Education & Youth Development
- City of Northwood – Park & Rec, Baseball/Softball Equipment - $4,096
- North Central Iowa Ag in the Classroom – Bringing the Farm to the Classroom in Worth County - $9,223
Environment & Animal Welfare
- N-Compass, Inc. – Iowa Project AWARE 2025 - $2,000
Health
- Lutheran Retirement Home – Adjustable Height Beds and Mattresses - $5,000
Human Service
- Crisis Intervention Service – Technology Update & Access - $1,259
- Elderbridge Agency on Aging – Client Assistance - $5,000
- Families Helping Families of Iowa – Hope for Children in Foster Care Worth County - $1,000
- Food Bank of Iowa – Feeding Worth County - $5,000
The establishment of the Jaspers Family Foundation Fund of Worth County with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa was made possible by the Jaspers Family. Maynard and Marjory Jaspers were long-time successful business owners in Worth County. They had three sons with no heirs. At his death, Donald Jaspers donated the proceeds from the combined estates of the Jaspers Family to provide charitable support for Worth County. These grants would not be possible without the family’s generosity and vision for a stronger Worth County.
Grants from the Jaspers Family Foundation Fund of Worth County with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities in Worth County. Grant selections are made in an effort to create a better quality of life for people in Worth County. The Worth County Community Foundation committee, consisting of local volunteers, reviews the applications from charitable organizations serving their community. More information about this grant opportunity can be found at www.cfneia.org/jaspersfamilyfoundationfund.
Jaspers Family Foundation of Worth County Grants
Grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities in Worth County. Tax-exempt organizations classified as other than 501(c)(3) are also eligible, if and only if, the project is deemed charitable; please contact our office to discuss the project’s eligibility prior to submitting a proposal. Grants selections are made in an effort to create a better quality of life for people in Worth County. A local committee reviews the applications from charitable organizations serving their community. This grant opportunity was formerly available under the Worth County Community Foundation.
The establishment of the Jaspers Family Foundation Fund of Worth County with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa was made possible by the Jaspers Family. Maynard and Marjory Jaspers were long-time successful business owners in Worth County. They had three sons with no heirs. At his death, Donald Jaspers donated the proceeds from the combined estates of the Jaspers Family to provide charitable support for Worth County.
Jaspers Family Foundation Fund of Worth County Distributes $46,073 to Local Organizations
The Jaspers Family Foundation Fund of Worth County held its 2023 grant awards celebration at the Worth County Extension Office on January 11, announcing the distribution of $46,073 to 9 projects of organizations serving Worth County through its 2023 grant cycle.
“The Jaspers family’s generosity and legacy live on through this fund and the impacts it is creating by supporting nonprofits working to make a difference in Worth County communities,” said Terry Gaumer, affiliate charitable impact director with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.
Grant recipient organization, project the grant will fund and grant amount is listed below by funding area.
Arts & Culture:
- Worth County Historical Society – Log Cabin Roof - $4,225
- Art Farm Iowa – Rural Art in Rural Space/ISU Collaboration - $5,000
Community Betterment:
- City of Northwood – Flags for Central Avenue - $2,744
- City of Hanlontown – Public Safety Near City Park - $3,418
Education & Youth Development:
- Worth County ISU Extension – 4-H Washington D.C. Citizenship - $5,000
- North Central Iowa Ag in the Classroom – Connecting Youth to Agriculture in Worth County - $5,000
Health
- Lutheran Retirement Home – Specialized Wheelchairs & Dignity Commode Chairs - $10,686
Human Service
- Elderbridge Agency on Aging – Congregate and Home-Delivered meals - $5,000
- Food Bank of Iowa – Feeding Worth County - $5,000
Grants from the Jaspers Family Foundation Fund of Worth County with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities in Worth County. Grant selections are made in an effort to create a better quality of life for people in Worth County. The Worth County Community Foundation committee, consisting of local volunteers, reviews the applications from charitable organizations serving their community. More information about this grant opportunity can be found at www.cfneia.org/jaspersfamilyfoundationfund.
The establishment of the Jaspers Family Foundation Fund of Worth County with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa was made possible by the Jaspers Family. Maynard and Marjory Jaspers were long-time successful business owners in Worth County. They had three sons with no heirs. At his death, Donald Jaspers donated the proceeds from the combined estates of the Jaspers Family to provide charitable support for Worth County.
Worth County Community Foundation Distributes Over $38,580 to Local Nonprofit Organizations
The Worth County Community Foundation (WCCF) held its 2021 grant awards celebration at the Joice Community Center on January 11, announcing the distribution of $38,580 to eight projects of organizations serving Worth County through its 2021 grant cycle.
“The Worth County Community Foundation is proud to support these nonprofit projects and programs that are working to make transformational impacts in Worth County. We appreciate all our nonprofits do for our communities,” said Lucy Heiken, chair of the WCCF governing committee.
Grant recipient organization, project the grant will fund, and grant amount are listed below by funding areas.
Arts & Culture
- Northwood Lions Club, Christmas Lighting Project, $5,000
Community Betterment
- City of Fertile, Foot Bridge, Arbor and Memorial Landscaping, $5,500
- City of Joice, Park Repair and Enhancements, $6,500
- City of Northwood, Flower Baskets for Downtown Central Avenue, $5,000
- Northwood Volunteer Fire Company, Turnout Gear, $5,462
Education & Youth Development
- North Central Iowa Ag in the Classroom, Agriculture Education for Worth County Schools, $5,000
- United Way of North Central Iowa, Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) for Worth County, $2,118
Human Service
- Food Bank of Iowa, Feeding Worth County, $4,000
Decisions on grant awards are determined by a local committee, which consists of volunteers from Worth County. Committee members include: Merlin Bartz, Craig Benjegerdes, Keven Bruesewitz, Ron Davidson, Lucy Heiken, Linda Johnson Prestholt, Pat Muehl (ex-officio), Chad Nelson, Cindy Peters and Mark Thoma.
Grants are awarded through WCCF’s competitive grant process to projects in the program areas of: arts and culture, community betterment, education and youth development, environment and animal welfare, health, and human service. Grant applicants must be a 501(c)(3) designated organization or government entity serving Worth County in order to be considered for funding. The 2022 grant cycle opens July 1 with an application deadline of September 30. The grant guidelines and application can be found at www.worthccf.org.
The establishment of the Worth County Community Foundation was made possible by the Jaspers Family. Maynard and Marjory Jaspers were long time successful business owners in Worth County. They had three sons with no heirs. At his death, Donald Jaspers donated the proceeds from combined estates of the Jaspers Family to provide charitable support for Worth County. Four funds have been named in honor of the Jaspers Family which have laid the foundation for and encourage charitable giving in the community.
Individuals can start their own fund with the Foundation that will impact the community and the causes they care about forever. Learn about starting your own fund at www.cfneia.org/giving/fund-types or contact Terry Gaumer, affiliate development director, at 319-243-1354 or tgaumer@cfneia.org.
Worth County Community Foundation Distributes Over $87,000 to Local Nonprofit Organizations
The Worth County Community Foundation (WCCF) has granted $87,227.10 to 17 projects of organizations serving Worth County through its 2020 grant cycle.
“The Worth County Community Foundation’s mission is to connect resources to enrich our communities and we are proud to be able to support the projects of these deserving nonprofits as they help make Worth County communities better places for all people,” said Lucy Heiken, chair of the WCCF governing committee.
Grant recipient organization, project the grant will fund, and grant amount are listed below by funding areas.
Community Betterment
- City of Fertile, Fertile Garden Club - Banners and Brackets, $3,000
- City of Joice, Library - Book Shelving Project, $10,000
- City of Kensett, Library - Computers Update, $3,700
- TUNE - Total United Northwood Effort, The Timbers - Northwood's Event Center, $5,000
Education
- Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, Show Love Campaign, $1,000
- Lake Mills Family Center, Three-Year-Old Preschool, $1,000
- North Central Iowa Ag in the Classroom, Ag Education in Worth County, $5,000
- Worth County ISU Extension, Workroom Equipment and Building Sign, $8,000
Health
- City of Northwood, Water Plant Upgrade - SCADA Monitoring & Remote Access System, $10,000
- Lutheran Retirement Home, COVID-19 Visitation Walls, $3,162
- N-K Booster Club, Vikings Activity Center, $9,177.10
Historic Preservation
- Bolan Schoolhouse & Cultural Center, Grandma Sina's House, $5,000
Human Service
- 43 North Iowa, Virtual Services Project, $1,845
- Elderbridge Agency on Aging, Client Assistance, $8,000
- Iowa Legal Aid, Stabilizing Low-Income Families in Worth County During the COVID-19 Pandemic & Economic Crisis, $3,000
- Serenity Acres, Port-A-Potty, Hand Washing Station, and General Operating Expenses, $4,017
- Worth County, Sheriff's Reserve Unit - Protective Equipment Purchase, $6,326
Decisions on grant awards are determined by a local committee, which consists of volunteers from Worth County. Committee members include: Merlin Bartz, Craig Benjegerdes, Keven Bruesewitz, Ronald Davidson, Lucy Heiken (chair), Linda Johnson Prestholt, Pat Muehl (ex-officio), Chad Nelson, Cindy Peters, John Tenold and Mark Thoma.
Grants are awarded through WCCF’s competitive grant process to projects in the program areas of: art and culture, community betterment, education, environment, health, historic preservation and human service. Grant applicants must be a 501(c)(3) designated organization or government entity serving Worth County in order to be considered for funding. The 2021 grant cycle opens July 1 with an application deadline of September 30. The grant guidelines and application can be found at www.worthccf.org.
The Worth County Community Foundation grant cycle has been made possible by the Jaspers Family Foundation Fund. Maynard and Marjory Jaspers were long time successful business owners in Worth County. They had three sons with no heirs. At his death, Donald Jaspers donated the proceeds from combined estates of the Jaspers Family to provide charitable support for Worth County. Now, the funds have grown, allowing the Worth County Community Foundation to begin granting to area programs.
Worth County Community Foundation Distributes More Than $48,000 to Local Organizations at Grant Celebration
The Worth County Community Foundation (WCCF) held its 2019 grant celebration at Fertile City Hall on January 9, where $48,813 in grants were distributed to 13 projects of organizations serving Worth County.
“The impact these dollars will make in Worth County is important to highlight,” said Lucy Heiken, WCCF Committee Chair. “One application in particular stood out this year. A devastating fire in September 2018 destroyed the library, city hall, and community center in the City of Joice. The Worth County Community Foundation felt it was essential to grant $15,000, more than what was initially requested, to the city’s reconstruction project. Strengthening and creating more vibrant communities is at the core of what we do, and the committee wanted to support the City of Joice as much as possible with their rebuild efforts.”
Grant recipient organization, project the grant will fund, and grant amount are listed below by funding areas.
Art and Culture
- Worth County ISU Extension, 4-H Arena Canopy Feasibility Study, $2,125
Community Betterment
- City of Fertile, Fertile Garden Club - Golf Cart and Water Tank Sprayer, $3,471
- City of Joice, Library, City Hall and Community Center Reconstruction Project, $15,000
Education
- Lake Mills Family Center, Preschool Materials, $1,500
- North Central Iowa Ag in the Classroom, Ag Education for Youth in Worth County, $2,500
- North Iowa Area Community College Foundation, NIACC Health Education Lab Renovations and Improved Patient Care Stations, $3,000
- Northwood-Kensett Community School District, 6th Grade Garden Project, $1,200
Health
- Elderbridge Agency on Aging, Material Aid, $5,000
- N-K Booster Club, Viking Activity Center, $2,500
Historic Preservation
- Bolan Schoolhouse & Cultural Center, Grandma Sina's House, $1,500
Human Service
- Crisis Intervention Service, Violence Prevention, $1,000
- Northwood Senior Citizens Center, Northwood Senior Center Interior, $6,000
- Serenity Acres, Port-A-Potty and Hand Washing Station, $4,017
Decisions on grant awards are determined by a local committee, which consists of volunteers from Worth County. Committee members include: Merlin Bartz, Craig Benjegerdes, Keven Bruesewitz, Ronald Davidson, Lucy Heiken (chair), Linda Johnson Prestholt, Pat Muehl (ex-officio), Chad Nelson, Cindy Peters, John Tenold and Mark Thoma.
Grants are awarded through WCCF’s competitive grant process to projects in the program areas of: art and culture, community betterment, education, environment, health, historic preservation, and human service. Grant applicants must be a 501(c)(3) designated organization or government entity serving Worth County in order to be considered for funding. The 2020 grant cycle opens July 1 with an application deadline of September 30. The grant guidelines and application can be found at worthccf.org.
Worth County Community Foundation Distributes $25,750 to Local Organizations
The Worth County Community Foundation announced $25,750 in grant funding to 11 projects of organizations serving Worth County as part of its 2018 grant cycle.
Grant recipient organization, project the grant will fund, and grant amount are listed below by funding areas.
Art and Culture
- Lake Mills Music Boosters, Getting in Tune and MacBook Pro, $1,000
Community Betterment
- Worth County Extension, Worth County Top of Iowa Trail Project, $1,000
Education
- Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, GoldieBlox STEM Curricula for Worth County Girl Scouts, $2,500
- North Central Iowa Ag in the Classroom, Ag Education for Worth County Schools, $2,500
- North Iowa Area Community College Foundation, SimMan ALS, $3,000
Health
- Elderbridge Agency on Aging, Vehicle Project, $4,000
Historic Preservation
- City of Northwood, Sunset Rest Cemetery Stone Restoration Project, $2,500
- Winnebago Historical Society, Shingle Farm House, $2,000
Human Service
- Crisis Intervention Service, Human Trafficking Program, $3,000
- Lake Mills Family Center, Gym Floor, $2,500
- NIVC Services, Supported Employment and Awareness, $1,750