The Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation (CGCCF) held its grant awards celebration at the Mason City Schools FEMA Room on July 14, announcing the distribution of $143,644.80 to 14 projects of organizations serving Cerro Gordo County through its 2026 grant cycle.

The 2026 grant recipient organizations, project the grant will fund, and grant amount are listed below by impact priority.

Health & Safety

• City of Swaledale – Fire Department: Fire Suppression Unit – $10,000.00
• Food Bank of Iowa – Feeding Cerro Gordo Children – $10,000.00
• Friends of the Family – Barrier Removal Fund – $10,000.00
• Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa – Tools to Build a Better Community – $7,462.00
• North Iowa Detachment #859 Marine Corp League – Toys-for-Tots Cargo Van Replacement – $13,935.66
• Rockwell-Swaledale Emergency Medical Team – AutoVent Ventilator – $7,099.99
• The Community Kitchen of North Iowa, Inc. – Commercial Refrigerator – $5,200.00
• Thornton Volunteer Fire Association – Truck Reflective Striping & Air Pack Masks – $7,697.15

Opportunity & Access

• Mason City Community Schools – Workforce Readiness-HS Career Pathway Students – $10,000.00

Youth Empowerment

• Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa – Camp Tanglefoot Waterfront Paddling Equipment – $7,500.00
• Mason City Family YMCA – Gym Upgrade – $15,000.00
• Mason City Instrumental Music Boosters Foundation – Tubas for Middle School – $12,000.00

Vibrant Community

• City of Thornton – Generator Project – $12,750.00
• West Fork Community School District – Booster Club - West Fork All-Weather Track – $15,000.00

Grants were recommended by the Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation’s governing committee, composed of volunteers committed to improving the well-being of Cerro Gordo County residents. The 2026 governing committee includes: Molly Anderegg, Nicklos Andersen, Lori Brandt, Bridgette Exman Dunn, Teresa Goyette, Dennis Lee,  and Terry Schumaker.

CGCCF funds established by generous donors contributing to the discretionary grant process include the Clear Lake/Ventura Area Community Impact Fund.

CGCCF 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 2027 CGCCF grant cycle opens March 1, 2027, with a deadline of April 15, 2027. Application guidelines and materials can be found at www.cerrogordoccf.org.