River Bluff Community Foundation grants available to nonprofit partners
In 2017, the River Bluff Community Foundation gave a grant to Northend Outreach Ministry for a summer lunch program. The award served as a catalyst for the program’s success and has inspired the Community Foundation’s 2020 grantmaking cycle.
“Northend Outreach Ministry (NOM) began as a thought to provide a Thanksgiving basket to working residents with children at a local elementary school. Then we learned that the children would not be receiving breakfast and lunch during school holiday breaks,” explained Jane Harding, volunteer leader and coordinator for NOM. The faith community donated food and money to expand the program, providing boxed meals over school holidays to 30 families.
The program evolved again with the need for a summer lunch program for children living in Clinton’s north end. NOM volunteers began writing grants to renovate the kitchen of a former elementary school being used as the lunch distribution site. “We garnered a terrific bunch of volunteers. It takes many to run a program like this,” said Harding.
The River Bluff Community Foundation stepped up to help with a grant for $2,500. The award helped NOM upgrade its entire service: update the kitchen and dish room; repair the dishwasher; and purchase cooking equipment, serving trays, tables and sanitizing equipment.
“It became a wonderful place for us and our purpose, and for the community. Thankfully, the grant from the Community Foundation allowed us to continue our work,” said Harding. “Our hope is that other community groups will take on similar programs, as the need is there.”
The Community Foundation is now looking to partner with organizations doing just that. The foundation's advisory board seeks to award grants from its Impact Fund as seed money to advance ideas – allowing groups to focus on implementation and creating a greater positive impact in and for the community. If your group has an idea and is seeking seed money for implementation, consider submitting a letter of inquiry detailing your organization, its mission and vision. Email letters to rbcf@dbqfoundtion.org or mail them to River Bluff Community Foundation, PO Box 1152, Clinton, IA 52732 so they are received by Thursday, July 9.