Nicholas Hunt, Chair of the Cass County Community Foundation, has announced that grants amounting to a little more than $114,462 were awarded to Cass County nonprofit agencies. The following nonprofit organizations, which submitted applications to the Cass County Community Foundation by the February 1st deadline, were awarded grants by the Cass County Board of Directors:

Organization/Project/Award

• Anita Foundation: Anita Wellness Center treadmills $10,000
• Ann W. Wickman Child Development Center: Repaint and repair classrooms and bathrooms $6,000.
• Atlantic Lions Club: Refurbish historic 1875 schoolhouse located in Sunnyside Park, $3,000.
• Atlantic Parks & Recreation: Construct fishing ADA compliant fishing pier at Schildberg Recreation Area $10,715.
• Atlantic Rock Island Society: Zoned climate control in American Legion Memorial Building $8,000.
• Cass County Conservation: Stand Up Paddleboard Equipment $4,000.
• Cass County Fair Board: Replace walk-in food cooler at 4-H stand $9,000.
• Cass County Historical Society: Repairs to exterior of south wall, annex 2 $3,000.
• CASS Incorporated: Relias Learning Management Software $4,000.
• City of Anita: Hilltop Park playground equipment; $4,000.
• City of Lewis: Public Library Book Laminator & Cart $3,000.
• City of Massena: Public Library State Library Association e-book program subscription $747.
• Friends of the Griswold Public Library: Concrete pad in back, new water heater, new circuit breaker, panic bar $2,000.;
• Griswold Public Library: ADA Compliant Door $2,000.
• Griswold Rescue Department: Purchase a Stryker Power Cot $6,000.
• Griswold Volunteer Fire & Rescue: 2-Man Ice Rescue Team Kit $2,000.
• Lewis First Responders: Replace and upgrade pagers $3,000.
• Little Lambs Preschool: Playground Revitalization $3,000.
• Marne Firefighter & Rescue Association: Replace aging PPE/bunker gear
  $6,000.
• Nishna Valley Family YMCA: Building Refresh Project $10,000.
• Nishna Valley Trails: Construction to connect two existing trails between Atlantic & Audubon $15,000.

All grantees met the criteria as Cass County nonprofit agencies or organizations with charitable missions in the areas of civic, cultural, health, education and social services.  Only organizations providing services in Cass County were eligible. Cass County agency representatives received their checks on April 21st.  During brief check distribution activities, Hunt commended the nonprofit agencies for their individual efforts to provide a better quality of life for the residents of Cass County.

In a statement, Nicholas Hunt said “Our Advisory Board is pleased to direct $114,462.82 in grants to these important community efforts in Cass County. The Cass County Community Foundation is one of nine counties that are collectively known as the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa and meets or exceeds the Standards for Community Foundations as established by the Council on Foundations in Washington DC.”

The Cass County Community Foundation works with individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create permanent funds that address the changing, vital community needs and interests.  Donating to a permanently endowed fund helps your neighbors today AND you help build a stronger community tomorrow.   Not only that, you’ll be eligible to receive a 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit for each donation, in addition to any Federal tax benefits for which you may qualify.

For information about donating or establishing an individual foundation/fund, please contact any of the Board Members, or call Dennis Nissen, Iowa Foundations Director, at 800-794-3458.