Volunteer Q&A with Lexie Hach, Grundy County Community Foundation
Q: What’s one project or organization you've granted to that surprised you in a good way?
Lexie: One project that comes to mind was a Mental Health First Aid initiative we funded last year. I’m always impressed when organizations come together with a shared vision and a well-executed plan, and this partnership was a great example of that. Grundy County ISU Extension, Grundy County Public Health, and Grundy County Emergency Management collaborated to bring Mental Health First Aid training to teachers, EMS, law enforcement, and others across the county.
Mental health continues to be a growing concern, and this project created meaningful access for a wide range of adult learners. Seeing multiple organizations align their strengths to meet a community need made this grant especially memorable.
Q: How has your time volunteering on the committee helped you better understand your community?
Lexie: My six years on the committee have given me a much deeper understanding of our community’s needs, and how those needs evolve or stay consistent over time. Basic human needs are always present in funding requests, but we also see shifts based on state and national grant trends, which influence what local organizations pursue. There’s been a growing emphasis on community preservation projects as well, initiatives that strengthen quality of life, attract new residents or visitors, and support long-term retention.
I’ve also gained a greater appreciation for how many applicants are volunteers themselves. Seeing the amount of work it takes for organizations to sustain their programs has given me a clearer picture of the dedication behind each request and the collective effort that keeps our community strong.
Q: Have you seen a grant come “full circle” in your community? What did that look like?
Lexie: Yes, I’ve seen several grants come full circle, and it’s very rewarding. Building and renovation projects like library updates, new playground equipment, pool bathhouse improvements, and restoration efforts stand out because they strengthen shared spaces and benefit the entire county.
I’ve also seen meaningful impact from projects focused on social and basic needs. Initiatives that provide food, social service support, and direct assistance to those who need it most. Whether improving community spaces or meeting essential needs, watching these projects come to life is a powerful reminder of what local funding can accomplish and why the GCCF is here.
"What makes our county unique to me is the strong sense of community woven into everything we do. In a rural place, people don’t just live here, they invest in each other."
Lexie Hach
Q: What makes your county unique or special to you?
Lexie: What makes our county unique to me is the strong sense of community woven into everything we do. In a rural place, people don’t just live here, they invest in each other. You see it in the volunteers who keep organizations running, the partnerships that form around shared needs, and the way local projects come to life because people genuinely care about strengthening the place they call home.
Our county also has a deep commitment to preserving what makes it special while still thinking about the future. From restoration and quality-of-life projects to efforts that support attraction and retention. There’s a balance of tradition, creativity, and resilience that you don’t find everywhere.
Being part of a community where people show up, work together, and take pride in making things better is what makes this place feel unique to me.
Q: Where do you see the most opportunity for growth or positive change in your county?
Lexie: As rural communities continue to experience population shifts, I see real opportunity for growth in projects that support attraction and retention. Vibrant, welcoming communities matter, and funding efforts that enhance quality of life, from restoration and preservation to unique local amenities, can make a meaningful difference.
Communities have a chance to think creatively about what sets them apart, what draws people in, and what encourages them to stay. Projects that highlight a community’s uniqueness while serving the greater good of the county are where I see the greatest potential for positive change.
"If you want to make a real impact and better understand the place you call home, volunteering is a wonderful way to do it."
Lexie Hach
Q: What would you tell other people who might think about becoming a volunteer committee member?
Lexie: Volunteering is a great way to serve your community and BUILD your community. My time on the committee has helped me form meaningful relationships with fellow members, learn from their perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of what our community truly needs. It’s also a powerful way to connect with the people who live here and see firsthand how much dedication goes into sustaining local organizations.
There’s something especially rewarding about knowing that the dollars stay right here in our county and that you get to play a small part in bringing important projects to life. If you want to make a real impact and better understand the place you call home, volunteering is a wonderful way to do it.
Q: Why do you think community foundations are important for towns like yours?
Lexie: Community foundations are essential for towns like ours because they keep funding local and focused on real community needs. They support projects that might not qualify for larger grants, ensuring important ideas don’t get overlooked. And because the grant reviewers live, work, and play here, they truly understand the challenges and opportunities in our county. That local insight makes the funding more responsive, relevant, and impactful.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of serving on the committee?
Lexie: The most rewarding part of serving on the committee has been watching our group grow and evolve. When I joined, my first two years were during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the committee had almost completely turned over. We were navigating new territory and rebuilding at the same time, not by anyone’s fault, just the reality of a pandemic and several members terming off at once.
Seeing the committee strengthen over time, not just in numbers but in how we approach the review process, has been incredibly meaningful. Being asked to “pilot test” new ideas and having a committee that jumps in with a genuine “we’re in” has been energizing.
And of course, seeing the projects we fund come to life, and knowing the impact they’ll have on our community is deeply rewarding. I’m proud of how far the committee has come and proud of the projects that have grown alongside us.
Q: What skills or perspectives have you gained through this experience?
Lexie: Through this experience, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for giving grace. Many applicants aren’t professional grant writers, and it’s important to keep that in mind when reviewing proposals. Staying open-minded helps you recognize creative projects that serve the community in different ways.
I’ve also learned the value of listening with intent. Our GCCF committee includes members who serve on multiple boards and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Those differences make the committee stronger and reinforce why it’s so important to seek out diverse voices.
Most of all, I’ve learned that curiosity is an asset, asking questions, seeking clarity, and striving to understand ultimately leads to better decisions and better outcomes for the community.
Q: What does “giving back” mean to you and why is it important to you to invest your time in your community? How does volunteering with the foundation fit into your life personally or professionally?
Lexie: To me, “giving back” means investing time and energy into the place that shapes your daily life. It’s about strengthening the community you call home and supporting the people and organizations that make it work. Serving on the foundation has been a meaningful way to do that. It allows me to contribute to projects that directly benefit our county and to ensure local dollars stay local.
Volunteering with the foundation also fits naturally into both my personal and professional life. Personally, it’s helped me build relationships, understand our community’s needs more deeply, and appreciate the dedication of the many volunteers who keep local organizations running. Professionally, it aligns with my commitment to public health, systems thinking, and community engagement. Listening with intent, valuing diverse perspectives, and staying curious are skills I use every day, and this committee experience has strengthened all of them.
Being part of a group that works together to bring meaningful projects to life is incredibly rewarding. It’s a way to contribute to long-term community vitality while continuing to grow alongside the people who share that same commitment.
