Foundation announces timeline for grant applications; Funds available to cap abandoned wells, cisterns; more

Foundation announces timeline for grant applications

The Grant Committee of the Greater Jefferson County Foundation has announced the time line to obtain grant applications began Tuesday, with the deadline for completion of the applications at 4 p.m. June 1.

The combination of both general grants and the special allotment from the pass through Endow Iowa Grant for non-gaming county funds will occur simultaneously this year. This is the only time grants will be awarded in 2012.

The grant applications for the year 2012 are now available. They may be obtained directly from the foundation office by stopping by or calling and leaving a message at 472-0758 or FAX at 472-0758. They also may be obtained from the foundations website at www.greaterjeffersoncountyfoundation.org. This is the recommended way to use the website and be able to print the official grant application for 2012.

The exact grant funding total has not yet been released, but the grant committee encourages all interested non-profit organizations to apply. The application deadline is June 1. The completed application form must be returned to the foundation by mail at P.O. Box 1325, Fairfield 52556 or by FAX at 472-0758 or email at gjcf0758@iowatelecom.net.

Grant applications will be reviewed on the following criteria: Benefit to residents of Jefferson County; number of residents who will be affected; grants are to be used only for capital expenditures, according to foundation board policy; some of the Endow Iowa grants will be for operational funding; and the past grants to the organization. The total amount of the annual grant disbursements customarily does not exceed the interest income generated by the foundation during the year that ended March 31.

Mel Allen, chairman of the capital grants committee, said, ?The Endow Iowa Grant funding has been a great boost to our foundation and allows us to assist even more deserving non-profit organizations in our county.?

Last year, there were 29 grants extended for a total funding of $139,233, which were used in the community. The total dollars available for the spring grant period of 2012 is anticipated to be in the range of $120,000. The funding is from the appreciated investments of the foundation along with the additional funding from the Endow Iowa Grant as a non-gaming county continues to add to the grant funds. The grant committee encourages all interested non-profit organizations to apply. Most grants will be for capital purchase only. Some of the Endow Iowa grants will be for operational funding.

The applications will be reviewed by the Foundation and the funding will be announced at a later date. Proof of your purchase for capital items is required within six-months of grant distribution.

Any additional questions should be directed to the attention of Barbara Kennedy, administrative assistant at the foundation office.

Funds available to cap abandoned wells, cisterns

Abandoned wells can be hazardous due to the fact that humans and animals can accidentally fall into them.

There is also a concern that contaminates can make their way into old wells and pollute ground water. Through a state grant homeowners can be reimbursed up to $400 per well plugging, $300 per cistern plugging, $600 per well reconstruction and well water testing is free.

There is $6,500 still available to be used, and the grant cycle ends June 30.

For more information contact Dan Miller at the Jefferson County Environmental Health Department, 472-2561.

Loebsack to attend art walk

Congressman Dave Loebsack is planning to attend the Fairfield 1st Fridays Art Walk today.

Loebsack is expected to arrive around 6 p.m. at Central Park. He plans to walk around to different galleries and meet with attendees.