The annual County Endowment Fund Program through the Community Foundation of Marshall County (CFMC) was held Tuesday evening.

Ranging from $1,200 to $20,000, a total of $85,000 was given in a virtual ceremony. The Foundation received 24 letters from 12 organizations, requesting more then $400,000. During the last 16 years, the Foundation has awarded $1.4 million to 137 Marshall County organizations.

Jerrod Leffler, CFMC president said, “I am confident these grant awards will positively impact how the citizens of Marshall County live, learn, work and play.”

The Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded 10 grants totaling $68,000. Recipients and projects the money will pay for were:

• Friends of Riverside Cemetery – Derecho Monument Restoration

• Marshalltown Auditorium Foundation – Public Art at the Auditorium

• Marshalltown Federation of Women’s Clubs – Restoring the Binford House

• Marshalltown Softball Association – Softball Complex Dugout Repair

• Trees Forever – 2021 Tree Planting 

• State Center Fire and EMS, Inc. – Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses

• YSS of Marshall County – Restroom Remodel

• Central Iowa Sea Cadets – Community Emergency Response Training for Cadets

• Heart of Iowa Big Brothers & Big Sisters – Building Community Life Boats Program

• Fraternal Order of the Police – Shop with a Cop Program

Recipients of six Marshalltown High School Student Philanthropy group, totaling $9,000 were:

• Trees Forever – 2021 Tree Planting 

• The Bridge Home – Motel Room Vouchers for Homeless

• Marshalltown Youth Foundation – Financial assistance: youth activities

• Heart of Iowa Big Brothers & Big Sisters – Building Community Life Boats Program

• Marshalltown YMCA YWCA – Preschool Safety Seats

• YSS of Marshall County (STEP) – Equine Therapy

The West Marshall High School Student Philanthropy group, L.U.C.C. (Leaders Uplifting our Community with Charity) awarded six grants totaling $4,000. Recipients were:

• YSS of Marshall County – Fuel Cards for MPACT

• Child Abuse Prevention Services – Crisis Intervention Program

• Friends of Marshall County Conservation – Leonard & Mildred Play Hide and Seek Project

• Gutekunst Public Library – Geri-Fit Program for Seniors

• Central Iowa Sea Cadets – West Marshall Sea Cadets Program

• Heart of Iowa Big Brothers & Big Sisters – Reading is FUNdamental

The East Marshall High School Student Philanthropy Group, S.E.A.L. (Students Empowering And Leading) awarded five grants totaling $4,000. Grant recipients were:

• Child Abuse Prevention Services – Crisis Intervention Program

• Common Bonds Community–The Tallcorn – Essential Items for Residents

• Friends of Marshall County Conservation – Leonard & Mildred Play Hide and Seek Project

• Pioneer Heritage Library – Check Out Some Recreation Program

• Marshall County ISU Extension & Outreach – Gilman Youth Garden & Healthy Living Education

The event was the 16th anniversary of the County Endowment in which CFMC receives an annual distribution through the County Endowment Fund Program to support causes and organizations in Marshall County through grant making.

CFMC Executive Director Julie Hitchins recognized Betsy Macke and Matt Stalzer, board members who completed six-year terms on the board; as well as former CFMC directors Bettie Bolar and Dylan Does.