Foundations kick off We GIVE 2024

GRINNELL — The Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation and the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation announced the kickoff of the We GIVE 2024 Campaign, last week.

We GIVE is a philanthropic initiative designed to address the immediate needs of residents, first responders, veterans, children and schools, the Foundations said in a press release.

The annual campaign connects donors with vital causes for a more resilient future for Poweshiek County.

The two foundations offer more than 100 funds for donors to support, including community-focused grant-making funds, designated endowed funds, scholarships, directed campaigns and many social support opportunities.

Donors that are passionate about food insecurity, housing challenges, supporting educators and students, preserving the environment, child care, mental health and recreation opportunities can find an impactful way to support their cause through the We Give campaign, the Foundations said.

For every dollar contributed to the CDAF Administrative Operating Fund, the board and staff will match it with an additional dollar, up to $100,000.

This matching opportunity directly supports CDAF’s 10 partner programs, which includes the Giving Gardens, Grinnell Area Mental Health Consortium-JPK Fund, Grinnell Food Coalition, Imagine Grinnell, P.O.W.E. R Kids, Poweshiek Housing Assistance Fund, S.H.E. Counts, Strong Foundation, Tiger Packs, and Vosburg Music Fund.

Glenn and Ginger Sterk will match every dollar contributed to the Dr. Kevin W. Sterk Elementary Student Needs Endowed Fund up to $2,000. The fund benefits local elementary school students.

An anonymous donor will match $2 for every $1 donated to six Brooklyn-focused community funds, including the Brooklyn Volunteer Fire Department and the East Poweshiek County Ambulance, up to a combined total of $50,000.

The Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation and the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation have served Poweshiek County for over six decades, connecting donors to causes that matter and driving community growth through philanthropy, they said.

Donors may specify which fund or project they wish to support when sending contributions to GPCF, P.O. Box 344, Grinnell, IA, 50112 or to CDAF, P.O. Box 284, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Donations can be given online at greaterpcf.org, ahrensfamilyfoundation.org. Donors may also contact Foundation offices at 641-236-5518.

GPCF and the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation partner through the Community Support Services program to provide back-office services for programs and donors.