The Pocahontas County Foundation will soon receive a $122,952 state award and is accepting grant applications for these funds for projects in Pocahontas County.
The award comes from the County Endowment Fund, established by HF 2302 in the 2004 legislative session. This legislation provides financial support to encourage the creation and development of community foundations and civic philanthropy throughout the state. The award is given to Iowa counties without a gambling facility.
Under terms of the legislation, the Pocahontas County Foundation must direct 75 percent of the award to granting funds for nonprofits within Pocahontas County and 25 percent must be placed in the Foundation's permanent endowment. This allocation ratio provides the opportunity to assist local projects immediately, as well as help build an endowment for the future of the county. Since 2004, more than $400,000 in grants have been awarded to support more than 120 county projects.
Rolland Svoboda, chairman of the Pocahontas County Foundation, said "We are anxious to put this new state award to work. Our foundation has supported many important Pocahontas County projects. We also hope to encourage local interest and investment."
Grant applications are due Oct. 15. Applications are available at www.pocahontas-county.com/community/ or www.extension.iastate. edu/pocahontas/. Paper copies of the application are available at the Pocahontas County Extension office, 305 N. Main, Pocahontas.
Information is available from Nancy Jenson, Foundation secretary, at (712) 335-4297.