Endowment Fund Seeking Applications for $25,000 Prize

SIGOURNEY – The Keokuk County Community Endowment Fund has opened applications for next year’s major grant, a yearly $25000 payment towards non-profits in the county. This year, this grant was awarded to the What Cheer Opera House and used to fund extensive building renovations. Other major grants given out in recent years include: $25000 to the City of Keota to build a new city pool in 2022; $25000 to Sigourney Ball for ball field improvements at Legion Park in 2021; $23000 to Keswick Fire Department to replace the tank on their tanker truck in 2020; and $17873.90 to the City of Sigourney for a new pool slide in 2019. Applications can be submitted via KCEndow.org. An intent to apply application must be submitted by May 31 to be considered.

Any organization in the county is encouraged to submit an application, although organizations that are not 501(c)3 or 170(c)1 must first be sponsored by another non-profit or government entity. According to KCCEF Director Connie McLaughlin, the project chosen is the one that will have the biggest positive impact on the community. “We want to know the history of the organization, how many people are being served, and what problem or community need is being addressed in the proposed project,” said McLaughlin. “We want to know about the expenses associated with carrying the project through to completion and how the project will impact the community once it is completed.”