The Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation (CGCCF) held its grant awards celebration at the Mason City Schools FEMA Room on July 22, announcing the distribution of $148,914.57 to 10 projects of organizations serving Cerro Gordo 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. 

Arts & Culture 

• City of Mason City – MacNider Museum - Safety & Aesthetic Improvements – $5,000.00 

• Mason City Community Theatre – Automation of Handicapped Accessible Doors – $8,000.00 

Community Betterment 

• City of Mason City – SOG Team - Peltor Headsets – $5,080.80 

• City of Swaledale – Fire Department - Nozzles & Hoses – $8,714.75 

Education & Youth Development 

• Greater Iowa Youth for Christ – GIYFC Transportation – $10,000.00 

• Mason City Community Schools – Industrial Tech - CNC Plasma Table – $9,980.00 

Environment & Animal Welfare 

• N-Compass, Inc. – Iowa Project AWARE 2025 – $8,239.02 

Human Service 

• 43 North Iowa – Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) Initiative – $20,000.00 

• Freedom Inn His Grace Ministry – Building Updates – $39,100.00 

• Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa – Building Community through Homeownership – $34,800.00 

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 2025 governing committee includes: Molly Anderegg, Nicklos Andersen, Lori Brandt, Bridgette Exman Dunn, Dennis Lee, Terry Schumaker, Alan Steckman, and Margo Underwood. Special recognition was given to Margo Underwood for her service as she transitions off the committee. 

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 2026 CGCCF grant cycle opens March 1, 2026, with a deadline of April 15, 2026. Application guidelines and materials can be found at www.cerrogordoccf.org.