The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa has announced the two grand prize winners of its Good Things Happening photo contest.

Randy Darst’s photo, wcfsymphony Live at RiverLoop Amphitheater, was the first place winner, and Daniel Luepke’s photo titled, Green Iowa Americorp Gardening with YMCA Kids, received second place. Darst received a $5,000 grant which he awarded to wcfsymphony and Luepke received a $2,000 grant which he awarded to Green Iowa Americorp for Black Hawk County programming.

The Good Things Happening photo contest was a six-week contest that encouraged people to submit photos of the good things they saw happening in Black Hawk County to the Community Foundation. Ten winners were selected each week and each winner selected a nonprofit to receive a $100 microgrant. Over 300 photos were submitted, and $13,000 in grants were awarded to Black Hawk County nonprofits, including the grand prize grants, through the contest.

“The photos submitted to the Good Things Happening photo contest were truly inspiring,” said Englin. “They are a testament to all the great things people in our communities are doing to make them better and stronger for everyone. We want to thank those who participated for allowing us to show through pictures some of what makes Black Hawk County great.”

Pictured: Randy Darst's grand prize winning entry.