The Fayette County Community Foundation (FCCF) announced $121,151 in grant funding to 22 projects of organizations serving Fayette County as part of its 2020 grant cycle.

The grant decisions were determined prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on communities and nonprofits. Nonprofits receiving grants may choose to shift funding to general operating support in response to this public health and economic crisis. The Community Foundation will discuss decisions with nonprofits on a one-on-one basis.

“The Fayette County Community Foundation is proud to partner with these nonprofits who are making a difference in our local communities,” said Vicki Rowland, chair of the FCCF governing committee. “While the Community Foundation is not able to hold its annual award celebration at this time due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus, grant checks will be mailed and we look forward to seeing the impacts in Fayette County.”

Grant recipient organization, project the grant will fund, and grant amount are listed below by funding areas.

Art and Culture

• The Grand Theatre of Oelwein, Flooring for the Theater, $9,490

Community Betterment

• City of Hawkeye, American Legion Post 312 - Building Repair Project: Phase 2 - Interior Repair, $10,000
• City of Maynard, Evolvis XL Radar Speed Signs, $2,660
• City of Oelwein, Parks and Recreation Department - Park Electrical Improvements, $10,000
• City of Wadena, Library - Computer Upgrade/Window Replacement, $2,062
• City of Wadena, Park Committee - Lighting Project, $8,000
• Northeast Iowa RC&D, River Bluffs Scenic Byway: Engaging Visitors with a Promotional Banner and New Maps, $2,060

Education

• Iowa College Access Network, Life After High School - Building Iowa's Future Workforce, $1,500
• Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, Inspiring Future Leaders of Fayette County, $2,015

Environment

• Fayette County, Conservation: Turkey River Recreational Corridor Trail Amenity & Interpretive Project, $10,000
• Take a Kid Outdoors (TAKO), TAKO - Fayette County 2020 Youth Events, $1,350

Health

• NAMI Northeast Iowa, Fayette County 2020 Outreach, $2,000
• North Fayette Valley Community Coalition, Hidden in Plain Sight: We Can't Stop What We Don't Know, $4,200

Historic Preservation

• Elgin Historical Society, Elgin Historical Museum Electrical Renovation, $5,133
• St. Lucas Historical Society, Storm Windows and Frame Restoration at Museum, $10,000
• Waucoma Historical Society, The Brannon Homestead Roof Renovation, $6,729

Human Service

• City of West Union, Police Department - K9 Program, $10,000
• Friends of the Family, Homeless Services, $4,000
• Otter Creek Valor Quilters, West Union Quilt of Valor Project, $1,537
• Parent Share and Support, Operation New Computers, $2,625
• Riverview Center, Fayette County Sexual Assault Crisis Response Toolkit, $5,790
• Valley Preschool, Daycare Facility Construction, $10,000

Decisions on grant awards are determined by a local committee, which consists of volunteers from Fayette County. Committee members include: Janell Bradley, Erica Bushaw, Bill Clark, Susan Franzen, Ken Hemesath, Rita Losh, Dr. Rich Patrick, Vicki Rowland, Rick Scheffel, Barb Schoenjahn and Jamie Tafolla.

Grants are awarded through Fayette County Community Foundation’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 Fayette County in order to be considered for funding. The 2021 grant cycle opens September 15, 2020 with an application deadline of December 31. The grant guidelines and application will be posted prior to the cycle opening at www.fayetteccf.org.