Community Foundation of Jackson County Awards $137,000 in Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Jackson County (CFJC) recently awarded $137,000 in scholarships to students at six local high schools. This year’s scholarship total is nearly $50,000 more than last year’s total of $87,145. Over 90 separate scholarships were awarded to 51 students with an average award amount of $1,500.

These scholarships are made possible by donors who establish endowment funds at the CFJC. As a community foundation, the CFJC is a charitable organization that administers funds to benefit its community and improve the lives of people in Jackson County. Nonprofit organizations and community members can create endowment funds at CFJC to benefit charitable causes. These funds are invested and pay out 5% annually to the designated causes or nonprofits. Any earnings beyond the 5% are reinvested.

Donors who give to endowments through a community foundation also benefit from the Endow Iowa 25% State Tax Credit in addition to federal charitable income tax deductions.
High schools with students that received scholarships include: Bellevue High School (three students); Easton Valley High School (11 students); Maquoketa High School (66 students); Marquette Catholic High School (five students); Midland High School (two students); and Northeast High School (five students).

The CFJC administers many scholarship funds with various criteria. Students may qualify and apply for more than one scholarship. Applications are available February 1 and are due April 1. For eligibility criteria and application instructions, visit www.jacksoncountyfoundation.org.