Nominations are being accepted until May 2, 2013 for the Youth Initiative Award. Email bbaker.cfgm@machlink.com to receive Nominations materials.

Click on Youth Initiatives to the right for more information.

Gifts to the following permanent endowments qualify for the 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit:

Cares & Shares Endowment

Dianne R. Dalbey Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Diversity Service Center of Iowa, The

Domestic Violence Shelter Endowment Fund

Family Resources, Inc. Endowment Fund

Flickinger Learning Center Organization Endowment
.
Flickinger Learning Center Scholarship Acorn Fund

Flickinger Learning Center Organization Endowment

Francis and Patricia Carroll Scholarship Fund

George Millett Endowment Fund
.
Great River Tennis Association Endowment Fund

Jefferson Ramsey Scholarship Endowment

Leah L. Maurer Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Maurice A. and Donna J. Reed Advised Endowment

MCSA Organization Endowment Fund

Muscatine Arboretum Association Endowment

Muscatine Band Boosters Endowment

Muscatine County Arts Council Endowment Fund

Muscatine Cultural Alliance Endowment Funds

Old Barn Maintenance Acorn Endowment

Pat and Jim Powers Endowment

Strengthening Families Endowment Fund

Ray Hockersmith Endowment Fund

Robert A. Werner Endowment

Senior Resources Endowment

Stanley, Lande & Hunter Community Fund

W. Liberty Park Endowment Fund

West Liberty Dream Catchers Fund

Youth Sports Foundation Endowment

Zoo Garden at Weed Park Endowment

Click on the tab Funds for descriptions of the endowments or call 563-264-3863.

The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine awarded $33,367 in grants to fifteen Muscatine County nonprofit charitable organizations in a ceremony on Wednesday, May 30th at Musco Sports Lighting in Muscatine.

First click on Grant Application in the right-hand column. Then read through the following information to help you in completing your application.

Descriptive Name for Project:
Keep the name short and to the point. You may name it just for the purposes of this application. Examples: Community-wide Children’s’ Opera, Workshop to Strengthen Families, Buy Shelves for New Facility, Mentor Program for Latch-key Children, Start-up Funds for New Community Event

Number of Muscatine Co. Residents Benefitting:
Use a number. Closely estimate the number who will benefit directly through this project. You may also include a larger audience of those who receive some benefit, but split the two numbers apart and explain. Do not use the number served by the entire organization nor the number of total Muscatine County residents..

Describe the people who will be served:
The Community Foundation has different funds/pools of money which serve different groups of people according to donors' wishes. The more descriptive you are, the more potential we have to match you with funding. Examples: Those with mental or physical disabilities, ethnic backgrounds, economically disadvantaged, under-served groups, seniors, youth, etc.

Circle or place an X by the Appropriate Categorize(ies): Arts/culture/heritage Education Environment Health Human Services
Start-up/seed money – Is this a new project or organization? Will you use this grant to help raise other funds?
On-going – If this project is already in place and/or will continue, explain what is new or different in the narrative section
Capital - Will you purchase equipment being used for more than one year? Are you adding or enhancing the facility?
Match for other funds - include in the narrative who and how this grant will help you secure other funds

Describe the project in 100 words or less. DO NOT MANIPULATE THE SPACING ON THE 1ST PAGE COVER SHEET. Include what the request is for, who will benefit, and specifically how this grant money will be used.
Example: Area nonprofits devote a large portion of their budgets to purchasing supplies in order to serve their clients. State budget cuts and dwindling donor support during difficult economic times put a strain on those working to address community needs. We will facilitate a project to distribute free supplies. Twenty-four nonprofit organizations will benefit. Thye will serve 2400 low income residents throughout Muscatine County. Your grant will be used for truck rental, gas, and one-half of the national membership fees. Our staff will administer the project and volunteers will distribute the supplies five times this year.

Provide a budget describing all funding sources including the names of other granting organizations to which you are applying. Designate which sources are secured and which are anticipated. Then provide a breakdown of expenses into categories. For the purpose of this grant request, income should equal expense.

Income
$1,500 Community Foundation Grant
1,000 Fundraiser 3K Race(secured)
500 State Bank of Iowa (anticipated)
$3,000 TOTAL INCOME

Expense
$1,000 Membership Fee
1,000 Truck Rental
600 Gas
200 Storage unit
200 Printing & postage
$3,000 TOTAL EXPLENSES

Provide more detail about the project by answering the questions below in the order listed. You may use up to one additional page. THE TOTAL APPLICATION SHOULD BE 3 PAGES OR LESS.
You should use the numbered questions as a header and type in as little or as much as you need before answering the next question.
1) Narrative description of project and what do you want to accomplish?
2) What problem are you addressing or how will your project enhance the quality of life?
3) Who will benefit and how?
4) How will you go about solving the problem or making life better?
5) What are the anticipated outcomes? What impact will the project have?
6) Other important information you would like us to know including partnering groups.

“Jumpstart”
A matching grant program to help nonprofits establish new sustainable endowments

Philosophy
The Program philosophy is to provide opportunities to ensure that area community organizations will continue to be strong today and well into the future through endowments within the Community Foundation.

Organization Endowment
An organization endowment serves as a long-term resource for stability, growth and an annual revenue stream that can be used for the success of the organization’s mission and purpose such as programs, services, maintenance, facilities and operations.

Program Purpose
Provide monetary matching awards to community organizations wishing to establish a new organization endowment within the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. The match will serve as an incentive for the organization’s donors to contribute to the long-term health and vitality of the organization.

Eligibility
Open to nonprofit charitable organizations and qualified educational and religious institutions that serve Muscatine County residents and are, or will become, incorporated in Iowa and want to establish a new organization endowment at the Community Foundation.

Process
Application - Organizations will make application by email followed by a signed submission by February 15, 2013 using the application form and process established by the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. Guidelines and applications are available by emailing cfgm@machlink.com. In the application you will need to address the following: Why do you want an endowment for your agency/organization? Describe any past local fundraising efforts for operations. Describe up to two past fundraising efforts for program, project or services undertaken in the last five years. Describe your plans to raise money for an agency/organization endowment including an income budget. Submit the most recently completed annual financial report.
Review - A committee comprised of Community Foundation Executive Committee members, a Professional Advisors representative and an Investment Committee representative will review, rate, discuss, select and recommend recipients from eligible applicants.
Criteria for Selection – Applications will be rated on applicant’s plan for raising money for the endowment, likelihood for success in endowment building and importance of organization to Muscatine County as conveyed through application. Special circumstances of organizations applying as well as program outcomes may also be considered.
Awarding - Awards will be made March 19, 2013 following Board approval. Awarding ceremony is scheduled for March 27, 2013.

Funding is made possible through the County Endowment Fund Program and Community Foundation Partners in Philanthropy.

Grants will be awarded in two amounts: $2,500 or $5,000. This is a matching grant program where the Community Foundation matches $1 for every $3 proposed by the organization within limits. For example:

$2,500 grant from the Community Foundation requires you to raise $7,500 by 12/31/13.
$5,000 grant from the Community Foundation requires you to raise $15,000 12/31/13.

Organization’s Match - No more than one third (1/3) of the organization’s match can be from existing sources such as budgets, bank accounts, donor pledges, federal or state grants, etc. Two thirds (2/3) must be raised specifically for endowment.

Endow Iowa Tax Credit
Gifts to endowments at the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine are eligible for a 25% State tax credit in addition to any federal tax benefits for which donors may qualify.

Restrictions - Organizations have until December 31, 2013 to raise their proposed amount. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of grant award. However, funds raised by the organization will stay in the organization endowment where they can build over time in support of the organization.
Matching grants are not available for existing organization endowments at this time. This is a pilot program and future grant programming is dependent upon future need and funding sources.

Agreement - Organizations awarded grants through the Jumpstart program will be required to review procedures and policies governing Endowments and the Community Foundation. Additionally, a signed endowment fund agreement and a minimum beginning balance of $1,000 are required upon accepting the award.

Policies & Procedures
The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine is confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U. S. Community Foundations and is qualified by the Iowa Department of Economic Development. This document is not intended to be contractual. All current policies and procedures take precedence over this document.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2011
Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Pearl Plaza, 208 W. Second Street
Muscatine, IA 52761

Call 563-264-3863 for tickets!
$50 each. Reservations Required.

Updated 12-2-11



Start your holiday homes tour in the John & Joni Axel home. This two-story is as interesting as the owners themselves. Joni is an attorney and John the owner of ESI Environmental Services. Check out the beautiful dining table decorated with a WOW centerpiece that you could take home if you are the lucky bidder. There are so many beautiful things to look at. You may want to make a return trip to Pearl Plaza to shop for some of the same items at Just Because.

Next stop is Elly Lloyd's home. This generous one-bedroom loft will be decked out in lovely Holdiay decor thanks to our local Feather Your Nest home furnishings store. Elly's personality shines through in her home. Family is important and lovely family heirlooms complement the brick walls and high ceilings.

“Down, please.” Take the elevator down one story for a complimentary wine tasting at Wine-Nutz lounge and wine experience. Pair each of eight specially selected wines with cheeses from Hy-Vee. Did we just tickle your appetite? No problem, stop in the Community Foundation office to sample the goodies at the Button Factory Woodfire Grille food station.

Some thoughtful donors have given several nice wines for auction items. See these and a handmade wine cork wreath in Wine-Nutz.


Everything is so lovely! You'll wish your holiday table could look as good as those on display right outside Wine-Nutz. Creative designer Lori Jensen is working her magic with decorations, centerpiece and even the plates which you can bid on at auction. Or take your chance on the raffle to win the festive centerpiece and brunch for eight compliments of Button Factory Woodfire Grille. And, there’s more!

Main floor features our grand auction. Take care of your holiday shopping or bid on things for yourself. Keep an eye on your bid while sampling yummy morsels and desserts from Elly's Tea & Coffee House. Dab that chocolate off your chin so you can pose for a photo with your sweetie next to the holiday carriage. Our guests will receive a souvenir digital photo to keep the holidays alive all year.

Just how will I get me sweetie there? Aren't the home tours traditionally for women? A new feature this year is the Man Cave with big screen TV tuned to the football game and a Golden Tee arcade game to be auctioned that night. You won't miss out on the fun, though. Port City Underground is baking their famous pizzas to taste and pouring samples of beers for all who enter the Man Cave.

There's so much to do at "A Gift to Your Community - A Holiday Event" and it's included in the ticket price. Four floors of fabulous! Don't worry, you won't miss a thing. The Hall Tree Boutique is featuring a strolling fashion show so no matter where you are, you'll find that just right outfit to keep YOU fabulous.


Watch this site for more information and to learn about our generus donors.

$41,661 Awarded by Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine

The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine awarded $41,661 in grants to fifteen Muscatine County nonprofit charitable organizations in a ceremony on July 28 in Pearl Plaza, Muscatine. Following the check presentation, the Community Foundation's landlords Ann and Tom Meeker were recognized for their behind-the-scenes support of the Community Foundation.

Grants were funded through the Community Foundation’s Muscatine’s County Endowment Re-granting Program. This program is funded through the Iowa Department of Economic Development and made available only to accredited, qualified community foundations like the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine.

• Youth Sports Foundation- $5,500 Scholarships, equipment, coaches’ training and background checks
• Wilton Public Library - $5,000 Replace outdated server to provide better service for patrons
• West Liberty School District - $4,000 to educate students on nutritional meal choices and grow their own food
• Senior Resources- $3,500 web site enhancement and re-launch
• Ag Learning Center- $3,000 support Ag students at the Agricultural Learning Center
• Junior Achievement of the Heartland- $2,500 for success programs in middle schools, restricted to Muscatine County
• Musc. Historic Preservation Comm. - $2,100 Fields survey for historic districts
• Great River Days, Inc- $2,000 to showcase local talent
• Muscatine Orchestra Boosters- $2,000 to provide orchestra instruments for students with financial need
• Muscatine School Foundation- $2,000 to be matched for four $1,000 scholarships
• Muscatine County Art Council- $1,600 for Eagles & Ivories
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters- $1,440 to conduct volunteer recruitment campaign
• Muscatine County CARES- $1,260 Provide Betty Bag for Children removed form their homes
• Muscatine Symphony Orchestra- $1,150 for Masterworks Concert II Project
• Community Foundation - $4,611 for programs and services

Front row left to right: Sarah Lande (board member), Jennai’ Rusch, Sharon Bowers, Krista Regennitter, Diana Broderson, Susan Cory, Holly Brugman,

2nd row left to right: Barbara Sabbath (committee member), Jane Reischauer, Lynn Stiles, Jessica Blanchard, Samantha Jones, Joel Edge

Back row left to right: Bob Jensen and Keith Porter (board members), Sean Harder, Richard Sessler, Todd Poci, Rob Schmidt, Tim Nelsen (board member) Chuck Van Hecke, Dave Ales

The Granting Committee of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine is comprised of board representatives and community members who review and evaluate grant applications and make recommendations to the board of directors. The Community Foundation is a community-wide, county-wide charitable organization actively working to improve the quality of life in Muscatine County through philanthropy. The Community Foundation’s work is supported in part by all Partners in Philanthropy and program sponsor Musco Sports Lighting.

For more information about applying for grants or establishing your own fund for granting purposes, call Judi Holdorf at 563-264-3863 or visit our website at www.communityfoundation.org. The next grant deadline is September 15, 2011 at noon.

--End--

The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine awarded $20,315 in grants to ten Muscatine County nonprofit charitable organizations in an awarding ceremony hosted by First National Bank on Thursday, April 28, 2011.

Nine grants were funded through the Community Foundation’s Muscatine’s County Endowment Re-granting Program. Grant monies are funded through the Iowa Department of Economic Development and made available only to accredited, qualified community foundations like the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. The Community Foundation wishes to thank Musco Sports Lighting as our Keystone Partner in Philanthropy for sponsoring our work in the Re-granting program.

Award recipients gather around the "big check" held by Community Foundation Board members Barbara Sabbath, Tim Nelson and Keith Porter.

Those receiving grants were:

• Flickinger Learning Center and Leadership Muscatine - $4,000 to renovate downstairs to expand space for learning and recreational activities
• Montpelier Volunteer Fire Dept.- $3,875 to provide smoke detectors to area homeowners and “File of Life” packets to at-risk residents
• Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa - $3,500 for Anti-Bullying Program Series for Muscatine County Underserved Girls-Grades K-5
• City of Muscatine Parks & Recreation - $3,500 for the renovation of Weed Park Rose Garden
• Muscatine Chamber of Commerce Foundation - $1,400 for publicity for PatriArt Week and Civil War reenactment
• Senior Resources- $1,000 to provide gas cards to assist volunteer drivers
• Young Professionals Network- $1,000 to support YPN’s participation in the Revelry by the River music festival at PatriArt Week
• Great River Tennis Association - $1,000 for equipment purchases for youth
• Muscatine Volunteer Solutions and United Way of Muscatine - $540 to purchase software to create an online volunteer center that will connect to other Iowa centers

The George Millett Endowment Fund benefits mental illnesses and/or developmentally disabled residents of Muscatine County helping to assist them with benefits they would not otherwise have. One grant was awarded from the Millett Fund for $500 for assistive equipment for a student with cognitive learning disorder.

The Granting Committee of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine is comprised of board representatives and community members who review and evaluate grant applications and make recommendations to the board of directors. The Community Foundation is a community-wide, county-wide charitable organization actively working to improve the quality of life in Muscatine County through philanthropy.

All Partners in Philanthropy help fund the programs, services and operations of the Community Foundation.

For more information about applying for grants or establishing your own fund for granting purposes, call Judi Holdorf at 563-264-3863 or visit our website at www.communityfoundation.org. The next grant deadline is Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at noon.

Grants were awarded to 18 area organizations recently at Musco Lighting, our partner in philanthropy and granting program sponsor. The grants from the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine are made available by the Muscatine County Endowment Re-granting Program. Grants awarded in January:



Bethany for Children & Families - $500 to replace aging computers in the agency's Muscatine office with laptop computers
Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre - $500 to remount a production into a community puppet and dance performance
Muscatine County Arts Council - $850 for the People's Choice Awards for Muscatine Mosaic III Project
Letts Library & Community Center - $1000 for funding of furniture in the new building
McKinley Elementary School - $1000 to purchase xylophones
Musser Public Library - $1000 for the Mexican Folkloric Dance Co. and programing for "The Story of Chocolate"
Muscatine History & Industry Center - $1200 for security system upgrade and complete a web content management system
Weed Park Zoo Garden - $1500 to assist with the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the Zoo Garden
Muscatine Boxing Team - $1500 to purchase a self-contained boxing ring for the new facility
Muscatine Community Y - $2000 to replace the stationary pool lift with a portable lift
Civil War Memorial - $2500 for the Muscatine County Civil War Memorial
Muscatine Center for Non-Profits - $2500 to fund the priority needs for the Non-profit Center
Family Resources - New Beginnings - $2500 to assist 2 families with relocating and housing-related support
West Liberty Community Schools - $5000 to construct a multifunctional safe room that doubles as a weight/wrestling room
Muscatine County Housing Cluster - $5000 for housing-related support to low income residents of Muscatine County
Special Olympics of Muscatine - $2188 for one-year support for a part-time staff person

Grant from the George Millett Fund for those with mental disabilities for benefits they would not otherwise have:
Special Olympics of Muscatine - $1438 for one-year support for a part-time staff person

Grant from the Lois Walters Endowment Fund to encourage volunteers & volunteerism:
Chamber/Leadership Muscatine - $200 for a partial scholarship for a nonprofit organization employee to participate in the Leadership Muscatine Program

The Granting Committee of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine is comprised of board representatives and community members who review and evaluate the grant applications. The Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval. For more information about applying for a grant or establishing your own fund for granting purposes, call Judi Holdorf or Linda Bachus at 563-264-3863.