Building Iowa’s communities through philanthropy

A new report from the Iowa Council of Foundations provides a snapshot of recent philanthropy across the state as a result of casino gaming revenue.
The Iowa Legislature approved this charitable giving because it has a positive impact throughout the state. Endow Iowa is a catalyst for philanthropy in every county and community.
Nonprofit groups and projects benefit in three ways:
• Grants by casinos - Iowa is the only state that requires casinos to give to local charities and community projects. For more than two decades, millions in grants have supported thousands of charitable requests in counties with casinos. The Worth County Development Authority awarded 51 grants in 2015 worth $4,473,165 for Education, Arts, Culture & Recreation, Community Development, Emergency Services, and Health & Human Services.
• County Endowment Fund Program - Since 2004, a portion of state gambling revenue has provided grants to nonprofits and charitable projects in counties that do not have casinos. In 2015, more than $10.62 million went to projects that enhance arts and culture, education, health care and human services, and our environment.
o   The Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation received 63 requests for $286,353.
o   The Chickasaw County Community Foundation received 51 requests for $259,286.
o   The Floyd County Community Foundation received 36 requests for $218,306.
o   The Howard County Community Foundation received 59 requests for $164,650.
o   The Foundation for the Enhancement of Mitchell County received 20 requests for $90,661.
o   The Winneshiek County Community Foundation received 42 requests for $198,970.
• Endow Iowa Tax Credits - Launched in 2004, these tax credits have gone to individuals, businesses and financial institutions that have invested $219 million in the philanthropy of community foundations through more than 25,000 donations.
To learn more about local community foundations or to view the full report on charitable giving through gaming revenue, go to http://iowagaming.org/support/upload/docs/Annual%20Report/Annual%20Repor....
UPCOMING PUBLIC FORUMS
Riceville Legislative Listening Post: March 19, 2016 @ 9:30 am at Riceville Public Library, 307 Woodland Ave, Riceville. More information
Cresco Listening Post: March 19, 2016 @ 11:00 am at Cresco Public Library, 320 N Elm St, Cresco. More information
Chickasaw County Legislative Forum: April 2, 2016 @ 9:00 am at Chickasaw County Farm Bureau, 506 W Milwaukee St, New Hampton. More information
This is a legislative update from Senator Mary Jo Wilhelm, representing Howard, Chickasaw, Mitchell, Floyd, Worth and portions of Cerro Gordo and Winneshiek counties. For newsletters, photos and further information, go to www.senate.iowa.gov/senator/wilhelm.
To contact Senator Wilhelm during the week, call the Senate Switchboard at 515-281-3371. Otherwise she can be reached at home at 563-547-4156. E-mail her at mary.jo.wilhelm@legis.iowa.gov.
Senator Wilhelm is an assistant majority leader, chair of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget and vice-chair of the Local Government Committee. She also serves on the Appropriations, Economic Growth, Education and Human Resources committees.

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204 N. Mill Street
Lake Mills, IA 50450

Office Number: (641) 592-4222
Fax Number: (641) 592-6397

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