Iowa County 100+ Who Care offers new approach to charitable giving

Iowa County 100+ Who Care is stepping into a new fundraising cycle with the aim of reaching its 100-member goal and refreshing the group’s approach to supporting charitable causes within the county.

Now in its fifth year, the nonprofit organization has 62 members — all residents of Iowa County. The group is striving to become not only more socially appealing but to make it easier for businesses and individuals to support its mission. Letters were mailed to business owners across the county early in March, explaining the program and inviting them to join.

The organization holds two gatherings a year for members. Members each donate $150 at each gathering for a total of $300 annually, then vote to choose a worthy cause in Iowa County to receive that cycle’s funds. All money stays within the county and recipients are chosen on the basis of their potential to benefit the largest number of citizens.

“We call them social giving events,” explained Grayson Jones, a member of the Iowa County 100+ board of directors. “Many of us deal with enough meetings in the workplace and calling them meetings isn’t going to generate a lot of excitement.”

Starting this year, the group will gather only twice, down from three times in previous years. The first event is Friday, May 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Fireside Winery

“We’ll meet in the spring and fall,” said Jones. “Summer is just too busy.”

The autumn date isn’t finalized yet but will be in October at the Victor Legion Hall.

This year, gatherings will be held on Friday evenings instead of Thursdays as in the past, will include entertainment and last longer. The later start time will allow attendees time after work to shift into a more relaxed mindset. Organizers hope this will encourage more people to view the events as a true social outing where they can relax and enjoy social interaction, not an obligatory after-work meeting. The main order of business at the social giving events will be to hear presentations from charities wishing to receive funding and a report from the organization that was selected at the previous gathering.

Also new this year is the option for members to sign up to have the annual fee of $300 (in two $150 amounts) debited from their bank account. This will enable donors to become a member even if they are not able to attend the two gatherings.

“Our goal is to get 100 people to give $300 and make a one-year commitment,” Jones said.

Also new this year is the method used to select recipients. Beginning with the spring application period, which closes April 7, Iowa County 100+ Who Care will accept grant request letters from charitable causes based in Iowa County. All request letters must include the name of the charitable entity, who or what is served by the entity, specifics of how the money will be used, the entity’s mission statement and contact information.

Three charities will be selected from applicants by a steering committee and be notified of their selection. They will be asked to give a presentation at the social giving event so those attending can become more familiar with what their organization has to offer.

The winner is selected by members’ votes. Criteria include location (the organization strives to ensure funds are spread throughout the county), need and “bang for the buck” (how much impact the donation will make).

Once a winner is selected, they are required to attend the next gathering and explain how their funding was utilized.

Started in 2019

The group launched in the fall of 2019. Its first donation, $6,200, was awarded to the Hope For All Foundation, a cancer support group based in Compass Memorial Healthcare, Marengo.

The coronavirus outbreak in early 2020 put the brakes on the group’s social giving events.

“The initial launch in 2019 was our first and last social giving event for a couple of years,” says Jones.

Since its inception, the group has donated $34,700 to seven different causes that benefit Iowa County. These include the Hope For All Foundation, Safe Haven of Iowa County, Give Till It Hurts, Rural Employment Alternatives, the Iowa County Food Bank, Tripp Foundation and Tater Tough Foundation.

Board members

Iowa County 100+ Who Care board members include Garrett Hlubek Dozark, Jessica Hlubek Dozark, Grayson Jones, Barry Goettsch, Lisa McGrath, Rona Wyant and Jake Weldon.

Comments: Melinda.Wichmann@southeastiowaunion.com