(Spencer)– A new non-profit organization in Clay county is off the ground.
During a press conference Monday, the new Clay County Community Foundation was introduced to the public.
The foundation has been in the works the last year. It’s goal is to increase philanthropy, or the giving to charities, within the county.
Dave Jacobson is President of the Foundation. He says the foundation is intended to promote growth in Clay county. He says we can no longer trust on funding from the federal, state or local governments to help local charities.
Jacobson says the foundation will contact former Spencer residents to see if they would be willing to donate, along with those who have left estates behind.
Kevin Robinson, the foundation’s Marketing Director, says the effort is based in part on last summer’s special session of the Iowa Legislature during which lawmakers approved House Bill 23-02. Robinson says that law states that half of one percent of the state’s gaming revenues will go back to the non-gaming counties in the state. He says it’s anticipated each county will receive between 50-thousand and 60-thousand dollars.
In addition, Robinson says they have the opportunity through the Iowa Council of Foundations to apply for one of six 25-thousand dollar grants its awarding. Not only do they need the 25-thousand dollar local match, but Robinson says they also need to show county-wide support.
Anyone wishing to donate toward the local match should contact Jacobson at (712) 262-2616.
Donations to the Clay County Community Foundation can be sent to P.O. Box 908; Spencer, Iowa…51301.
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