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Table of Contents
Iowa Community Foundations Involved ......................................................3
History and Purpose ...................................................................................4
County Endowment Fund Grants ................................................................5
Statewide Statistics on the Program ..........................................................6
Terms to Know ...........................................................................................7
Individual County Summaries .....................................................................8
Iowa-based Community Foundations That Meet National Standards .........50
Casinos’ Nonprofit Organizations .............................................................51
Iowa Council of Foundations
The Iowa Council of Foundations (ICoF) was originally organized in 1998 as an informal
network of grantmakers across the state. Since that time, the organization has
engaged in numerous activities that promote philanthropy in Iowa. The mission of
the ICoF is to strengthen philanthropy and effective grantmaking, and does so through
education and networking opportunities. For a complete list of members and
information on joining, visit www.IowaCouncilofFoundations.org. For more information on the ICoF’s Iowa Community
Foundations Initiative, visit www.IowaCommunityFoundations.org.
Iowa Gaming Association
The IGA is an advocate for its members, which are a viable part of the state’s
economy and add value to the entertainment and tourism industry.
The IGA’s members are: Ameristar Casino – Council Bluffs; Argosy Casino –
Sioux City; Catfish Bend Casino – Burlington; Diamond Jo Casino – Dubuque;
Diamond Jo Worth Casino – Northwood; Grand Falls Casino Resort – Larchwood;
Harrah’s Casino Hotel – Council Bluffs; Horseshoe Casino & Bluffs Run Greyhound Park – Council Bluffs; Isle Casino
Hotel – Bettendorf; Isle Casino Hotel – Waterloo; Lady Luck Casino – Marquette; Mystique – Dubuque; Prairie Meadows
– Altoona; Riverside Casino and Golf Resort – Riverside; Rhythm City Casino – Davenport; Lakeside Hotel and Casino –
Osceola; Wild Rose Casino – Clinton; Wild Rose Casino – Emmetsburg.
A Catalyst for Philanthropic Partnerships
The numbers tell the story. More than 130 community foundations across Iowa are working to
make our state an even better place to live, work and raise their families. Through endowment
building, grantmaking and community leadership, their efforts are making a difference today
that will be felt throughout Iowa well into the future. Annually, over 1,500 community foundation
volunteers and staff commit themselves to this work, strengthening and supporting all facets of
community life through philanthropy.
The County Endowment Fund Program (created by the Iowa Legislature through a percentage
of the commercial casinos’ gaming tax revenues) is creating a strong community foundation
infrastructure in the 85 counties that do not hold a state-issued gaming license. This year
alone, the County Endowment Fund Program provided 2,214 grants for a total of more than
$7.75 million.
More than 130 community foundations. Over 1,500 volunteers. Over $7.75 million
distributed through 2,214 grants across 85 counties.
These numbers are very compelling, but we think they only tell part of the story. In business,
one of the most important ways to tell the story of your success is through numbers, all leading
up to the bottom line. Figures play a role in philanthropy also, but instead of dollars, the really
important numbers relate to people, places and opportunities. How many lives have been
impacted? How many communities have been strengthened for today – and the future?
How has our rural environment been protected? How many pieces of history have been
preserved? These are the cornerstone questions that frame what we believe matters most.
When we reflect on the true success of the County Endowment Fund Program, the collective
effort to be a catalyst for philanthropic partnerships is where we take the most pride. On the
following pages you will find highlights from this past year. In it, you’ll see lots of numbers –
numbers that tie back to how these grants have impacted nearly every citizen in several positive
ways. That is Iowa’s true bottom line!
We hope you enjoy seeing the report’s many meaningful grant projects and will share them with
others. We invite you to learn more about your local community foundation and encourage you to
become an influence by getting involved where and when you can. For good. For Iowa. Forever.
Laura Sauser Wes Ehrecke
President, Iowa Council of Foundations President & CEO, Iowa Gaming Association
*Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy; however, if an error has occurred please accept our apologies.