Iowa Falls Times-Citize
02/20/08
By Sara Konrad NEWS EDITOR

HARDIN COUNTY
Three years after its creation, the Hardin County Community Endowment Foundation is more than just a toddler, wobbling on new legs. It is a bona fide foundation that has proven its commitment to communities throughout the county.

This month marks the third anniversary of the foundation, whose quest is to provide funds and assistance to Hardin County non-profit organizations while establishing a permanent endowment.

The formation of the HCCEF was made possible by state legislation that provides one-half of 1 percent of the state's commercial gaming tax revenue to support grants and endowment building efforts in the 85 counties that do not hold state-issued gaming licenses.

HCCEF Chair Carol Gilbert said when non-profit organizations apply for grants through the foundation, they can request up to $5,000, or 50 percent of their project's total cost.

The first HCCEF grants were handed out in 2006 and included funds for projects such as facility repair at the Greenbelt Humane Society, a native animal exhibit at Calkins Nature Area and the purchase of equipment for the Eldora Aquatic Center.

There were 23 grants awarded at the first ceremony.

Last year, with increased awareness of the foundation, came more requests. Twenty-four groups and organizations received funds ranging in amounts from $140 for an ISU Extension/4-H garden project to $4,000 for a bleacher improvement project and Hardin County emergency medical training.

In two years, the foundation has received requests for $260,000 in grants. It has awarded more than $105,800 to groups in every corner of the county.

Gilbert said the projects can fall into any of six categories, including arts and culture; health and human services; community betterment; recreation and environment; education; and youth development.

This year, the foundation received 42 grant applications, more than either of the first two years. Now, Gilbert said, the HCCEF board members are setting to work deciding who will get what.

But already, the foundation is looking ahead to next year, when the amount of money it receives from the state will increase from 0.5 percent of the state's gaming tax revenue, to 0.8 percent. Gilbert estimated that will mean the foundation could possibly grant over $103,000 in 2009, instead of the current $58,000. Coupled with donations to HCCEF unrestricted endowment, that means HCCEF can be a significant community partner on projects and programs that make a difference to our citizens in Hardin County communities.

"Now we're able to talk bigger projects," said Gilbert. "We want these projects to make a major impact on the county and in communities."

But beyond the grant awards that are so visible, Gilbert said she and the HCCEF board members want to remind the public that the foundation exists not only to dole money out, but also to take donations and invest them back into the communities.

"It's one of those gifts that keep on giving," Gilbert said.

An outright gift, given to the foundation, can be directed to the
foundation's permanent endowment, which is used annually to award grants. But, Gilbert said, for those people who want to give a little more, the foundation can establish a special fund.

A gift of $10,000 or more, Gilbert said, can be set up to go to a specific nonprofit organization, community or tax-exempt entity. The funds can be established by individuals or companies.

"Years down the road, that gift will continue to benefit the community," Gilbert said.

And for donors, Gilbert said gifts to the foundation enjoy maximum tax benefits, including an additional 20 percent Iowa tax credit.

In the coming months, Gilbert said HCCEF board members will go out into their communities and start conversations about ways that future funds can be used to benefit the citizens of Hardin County

"This foundation is for you. It's for everyone in Hardin County."

The 2008 grant awards ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8. A location will be announced later, but Gilbert said the keynote speaker will be Ashley Canney, director of the Greater Des Moines Affiliate.

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