The Foundation of Cornerstone Communities (FCC) is pleased to announce that it applied and was approved for a $75,000 challenge grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Small Town Dreams Initiative in its mission to build the local endowment to $450,000.
The first phase of the campaign, the quiet phase, was to raise $150,000 using a two to one $2 local leaders: $1 challenge grant match. The first milestone was met with gifts and pledges secured over three years by the FCC Board, GMHC leadership and physicians, making the total raised, with the match, $225,000. To celebrate this milestone, the Foundation held a special event for its leadership donors in the courtyard of the Creativity Center on April 29. The celebration included recognition of the Foundation board of directors and comments from FCC Director Amy Speed, FCC Board Chair Dr. Robert Merrick, FCC Membership Chair MJ Smith, and the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Director Nancy VanMilligen.
A Strong Tomorrow Community Campaign
The Foundation of Cornerstone Communities is now launching the second community or public phase with a campaign called “A Strong Tomorrow” to raise an additional $225,000 to meet the challenge grant goal of $450,000.
The Foundation was created to remedy two serious challenges facing the future of our local rural healthcare; the decline in the populations served by GMHC and recruitment and retention of health care providers. The Foundation supports initiatives and projects that directly impact the everyday health and vitality of our communities, keeping them strong and attractive to future generations.
The staff of Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics share the common goal of protecting the future of local healthcare and are launching an internal giving campaign in efforts to raise $60,000 towards the community phase goal. GMHC staff have an opportunity to make a one-time donation or enroll in a three year giving campaign via payroll-deduct.
“We all love this community and this area that makes up the Cornerstone Communities,” said Tim Ahlers, GMHC CEO. “I can’t think of a better way to solidify our future than to support a Foundation that focuses on the health and vibrance of the very place we live and work.”
All businesses in the GMHC service area are invited to host a giving campaign for staff, whether it is a hosting jean’s day for a donation to the FCC, or a three-year campaign, all donations are appreciated to help reach the $225,000 community campaign goal. Please contact Amy Speed at amy.speed@guttenberghospital.org for more information.
If you value the future of local healthcare and believe in a healthy and vibrant today for all residents, we invite you to become a member of the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities with a pledge for an annual gift to the FCC Endowment, or one-time gift of any amount.
Grant Making
When the Leadership Phase goal was met the FCC was awarded an additional $10,000 for grant making. To date, the FCC has funded $35,000 in local projects that share the mission of keeping our communities healthy and strong. Projects include Edgewood Viking Loop Trail, Osborne Walking Path, Guttenberg pickleball courts, playground equipment, promotional video and City of Guttenberg vitality initiatives.
The FCC is pleased to offer grant application opportunies four times per year; each January, April, July and October. Do you have a project in your community that needs funding, or maybe a great idea or initiative that will enhance the health of your community? The Foundation will partner with visionary leaders in all communities served by GMHC on initiatives that align with the FCC mission of creating a healthy and vibrant today. Apply online.
Endowments are Forever
The FCC Endowment is held by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and is invested permanently. The earnings provide annual funding to sustain FCC grant making, securing the health and vitality of our communities for decades into the future.
Learn more from any board member, or by visiting the website: https://www.dbqfoundation.org/cornerstonecommunities or call 563-252-5516 or email amy.speed@guttenberghospital.org.
When you make an endowed gift to the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities, it will cost you far less thanks to the generous Endow Iowa 25% state tax credit. Gifts of $50 or more to endowed funds qualify for the Endow Iowa tax credit. Various gift types qualify for the tax credit, including charitable IRA rollovers, gifts of grain, gifts of stock and cash gifts.