SCICF awards donations to fire departments

South Central Iowa Community Foundation (SCICF) awards area fire departments with surprise donations. Every year, SCICF reviews grant applications that are submitted in the spring from organizations all over Union County. The granting dollars that are awarded come from a state-required distribution of gaming revenues.

They also have grant money available from the Union County Endowment Fund. This fund has been built with donations from community members throughout the county, grants and from gaming revenues from the state. This endowment was put in place to ensure a funding source to benefit charitable causes in Union County today, tomorrow and forever. SCICF manages, invests and protects these funds for the communities' current and future needs.

SCICF Union County Board meets monthly to discuss various needs within the communities. Last month, they recommended and were approved to present a $2,500 surprise grant to Afton, Lorimor and Creston Fire Departments.

Shannon Harper, development and program officer with SCICF said, “The fire departments were chosen by our board in appreciation for all they do to keep our communities safe during a crisis. Thank you is simply not enough, we all have to help where we can to keep our firefighters in gear that keeps them safe. These funds were awarded for the fire departments to use them where they have the greatest need.”

For more information about how to donate to the Union County Endowment Fund or to start your own named endowment fund within SCICF, contact a board member: Pennie Cheers, Judy Hopkins, Mary Seales, Don Sheridan or Kyle Wilson. Harper may also be contacted at 641-347-5080.