At its second annual grant celebration event, the Fremont County Community Foundation honored 25 nonprofit organizations and community projects that received grants throughout the past year. These honorees included grant recipients from both Spring and Fall 2022 grant cycles who were awarded a collective sum of $165,550.

Throughout 2022, the Foundation received a total of 42 grant applications from community organizations, with more than $360,000 requested. As a part of its two grant cycles, the Fremont County Community Foundation awarded $165,550 to 32 of these 42 applications.

“In 2022, we’ve been able to fund a wide array of projects and programs,” said Board Chair Darynn Ruiz. “Grants were awarded to support construction and renovation, recreational opportunities, and many more projects that will have a positive effect on our community members—both young and old. We’re proud of the impact of the Foundation, and we’re glad to have this opportunity to celebrate the important work of these organizations throughout Fremont County.”

Each year, the Fremont County Community Foundation holds two grant cycles with the objective of funding projects that will have a lasting impact in the county.

“Since the Foundation was established in 1998, it has infused more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships to support organizations and individuals across our county,” said Iowa Foundations Director Sunni Kamp. “This speaks to the generous, philanthropic spirit of our communities. With the support of our donors, charitable funds allocated through the community foundation, and our participation in the County Endowment Fund Program, we can continue to invest valuable resources back into projects and initiatives across Fremont County.”

“Since the Foundation was established in 1998, it has infused more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships to support organizations and individuals across the county,” said Iowa Foundations Director Sunni Kamp. “This speaks to the generous, philanthropic spirit of our communities. With the support of our donors, charitable funds allocated through the community foundation, and our participation in the County Endowment Fund Program, we can continue to invest valuable resources back into projects and initiatives throughout Fremont County.”

The Fremont County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation, which meets National Standards for Community Foundations, and is one of nine county members of the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa. Each year it receives funds from the State of Iowa County Endowment Fund Program for endowment building and grantmaking throughout the county. The spring cycle of grants is made possible through the County Endowment Fund Program and is funded by a percentage of the state’s commercial gaming tax revenue, which is distributed annually to participating community foundations associated with counties without a state-issued gaming license.

The Foundation’s fall grant cycle is made possible through the generosity of donors to the Fremont County Community Foundation. The Foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to create permanent and expendable funds that address changing, vital community needs and interests. Gifts to permanently endowed funds through the Fremont County Community Foundation may be eligible to receive a 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit.

Advisory board members of the Fremont County Community Foundation are Chair, Darynn Ruiz of Sidney; Vice Chair, Teri Emberton of Hamburg; Secretary/Treasurer, Staci Shearer of Farragut; Teresa Hardy of Randolph; Tim Inman of Randolph; and Mai Le of Thurman.

 

Spring 2022 Grant Recipients:

  • City of Farragut – $11,096.91, Hackett Field Renovation
  • City of Imogene – $7,290, Imogene Public Art
  • City of Randolph – $6,764, Community Storm Shelter, Restrooms, and Concessions
  • City of Sidney – $5,000, Rubber Mulch for City Playground
  • City of Thurman – $2,525, Park Equipment
  • Faith in Action Volunteers – $1,000, Community TVNR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) Program
  • Fremont County Fair Board – $8,862.09, Repair of Fair Grounds Building
  • George C. Grape Community Hospital – $7,800, Infection Control Kiosks
  • Hamburg Hometown Pride – $8,500, Equipment for Fundraising Opportunities
  • Knights Athletic Club – $14,400, Field Updates
  • Lakin Library & Envisioning Center – $3,000, Envisioning Garden
  • Percival Hometown Pride – $1,800, Playground and Tree Mulch
  • Randolph Hometown Pride – $25,000, Community Center Bathroom Remodel
  • Sidney Public Library – $2,000, New Computer Equipment and Software
  • Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Inc – $3,530, Sleep in Heavenly Peace Fremont County
  • Sons and Daughters of Imogene – $8,170, Irish Forest and Street Beautification
  • Tabor Hometown Pride – $4,500, Mural on Main Street VFW
  • Thurman Fire Department – $3,700.00 , Jaws of Life
  • Thurman Hometown Pride – $750, Thurman History Display
  • West Central Community Action – $2,799, Food Pantry Refrigerator

Fall 2022 Grant Recipients:

  • City of Tabor – $850, Tabor Park Playground Improvements 2022
  • City of Thurman – $2,500, Shelter Roof
  • Farragut Community Hometown Pride – $1,215, Additional Picnic Table
  • Fremont Mills Jr. Knights Football – $3,445, Football Helmets
  • George C. Grape Community Hospital – $8,250, Improving Health in Fremont County
  • Hamburg Community School District – $3,540, Charter School Construction Program and Vocal Music Program
  • Knights Athletic Club – $600, Field and Equipment Improvements
  • Lakin Library & Envisioning Center – $700, Storage Shed
  • Nishna Productions, Inc. – $1,700, Residential Generator
  • Percival Hometown Pride – $2,500, Park Improvement-Lawn Swing
  • Randolph Hometown Pride – $2,200, Town Updates
  • Thurman Fire Department – $4,500, Repair Pump in Fire Truck