Jones County Community Foundation announces over $85,000 in community support

The Jones County Community Foundation will distribute up to $85,070 this year from endowment funds held for the benefit of local nonprofits and charitable groups working to improve quality of life across the county.

“Endowments provide a sustainable source of funding that allows organizations to realize their missions and embark on successful initiatives to meet local needs,” said Sherri Hunt, Foundation coordinator. “We partner with donors and nonprofits to transform generosity into actions that improve quality of life in our county for everyone.” 

Community foundations are forever: Endowment funds held by the Jones County Community Foundation are invested permanently, and the earnings from that investment provide annual funding to address Jones County’s greatest challenges for generations to come. Nonprofit leaders look to the Foundation to hold their organizations’ endowments because the reliable source of annual funding helps them respond to emerging needs, sustain the good work they do, and plan for the future.

The friends and family of Ray Schneider understand the power of endowment well — they established a fund as a living memorial and tribute to his life-long support of local youth activities, community events and sports teams. “Each year, the Raymond G. Schneider Living Endowment for Youth provides scholarships to graduating seniors to support their future education endeavors,” says Brian Manternach, lifelong friend of Ray. 

Nonprofits and community members can create endowment funds at the Foundation to benefit charitable causes, or make donations to existing funds. Gifts of all sizes make a difference, and those who give $50 or more to an endowment fund at the Foundation are eligible for the generous Endow Iowa 25% state tax credit. Learn more and see a full list of options for charitable giving at dbqfoundation.org/jccf. 

“Endowment funds offer a tangible option for families and community members to make an impact in their communities,” said Hunt. “Thanks to generous donors and committed nonprofits, we are able to continue to provide this necessary support for the future of Jones County.” 

“Long after I’m gone from this earth, my donations will be doing good for a lot of people. That’s the power of endowment,” says Charlie Becker, a community leader with a 40-year history of giving. “By supporting the Community Foundation, there’s no limit to what can happen. You can make a difference today, tomorrow and in the future. By pooling our resources, we can do big things.”

For more information, visit dbqfoundation.org/jccf.