The Howard County Community Foundation (HCCF) held its 2025 Grant Award Celebration at the Lime Springs Community Center on January 5, 2026, announcing the distribution of $143,857.87 to 20 organizations serving Howard County through its 2025 grant cycle.

Grant recipients, organizations, funded projects, and award amounts are listed below by program area.

Arts & Culture

• Norman Borlaug Heritage Foundation – Borlaug Houses: Handicap Access – $7,500

Community Betterment

• City of Chester – Chester Lime Springs Community Center Air Exchange – $4,000
• City of Chester Fire Department – Vehicle Extraction Equipment – $15,000
• City of Elma Memorial Hall Board – Courtyard Project – $15,000
• City of Lime Springs Fire Department – Hurst Extraction Tools – $15,000
• City of Lime Springs Park & Recreation Board – Ball Field Lights – $15,000
• Cresco Wildlife Club – Club Expansion – $5,000
• Firefighters of Elma – Hydraulic Operated Pump – $14,500
• Notre Dame Church and School (Cresco) – Safe & Secure Space – $15,000
• Protivin Firefighters Inc. – Wildland and Urban Rescue Gear 2025 – $1,500
• Riceville Community Foundation, Inc. – Wheelchair & Swings for City Park – $4,500
• The BRIDGE Organization – Tossed & Found: New Furnace & Air Conditioner – $4,075.69

Education & Youth Development

• City of Chester – Chester Softball: Equipment – $1,000
• CRICCET – Howard County Childcare Solutions Coalition – $9,709.74
• Howard County Child Care Association (Kessel Kids) – Classroom Furnishings – $4,945
• Spring Ahead Learning Center – Center Updates – $2,577

Health

• American Red Cross – Blood Services – Riceville Blood Drives – $1,000

Human Service

• Riceville Community Foundation, Inc. – 2025 Assistance for Riceville Low-Income People – $4,000
• Riceville Food Pantry – Chicken for Food Pantry – $2,000
• Riverview Center, Inc. – Howard County Crisis Response Toolkit – $2,550

“We are deeply inspired by the vision and commitment these organizations bring to Howard County,” said Amanda Keller, Chair of the Howard County Community Foundation. “Each grant awarded tonight represents not just financial support, but a belief in creating meaningful, long-term impact for our residents. We are grateful to our committee, donors, and community partners for investing in a stronger tomorrow for all who live here.”

Grant decisions are made by a local volunteer committee composed of residents throughout Howard County. The 2025 Howard County Community Foundation Governing Committee includes Rosalie Christensen, Amanda Keller, Jeff Korsmo, Chas Malek, Debbie Oulman, Judy Strike, Alvin Voyna, Bruce Weigel, Bart Wilson, and James Zajicek. HCCF funds established by generous donors contributing to the discretionary grant process are the Shirley Bigalk Davis Memorial Endowment Fund, James, Dorothy, and Judy Strike Family Endowment Fund, and the Judy Strike Business Education Enrichment Endowment Fund.

Grants are awarded through HCCF’s competitive grant process. Eligible applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or government entity serving Howard County. The 2026 grant cycle opens September 1 with an application deadline of October 15. Grant guidelines and applications can be found at www.howardccf.org.

Photo Courtesy of Dan Evans with the Cresco Times Plain Dealer.