The Winnebago County Community Foundation (WCCF) held its 2025 grant awards celebration on Wednesday, July 9, at the Winnebago Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall in Thompson, announcing the distribution of $147,618.23 to 13 local nonprofit organizations through its 2025 grant cycle. Grants were awarded to projects improving quality of life and creating long-term impact in Winnebago County communities.

Grants were presented by program area. A full list of funded projects is below:

Program Area: Arts & Culture

• Winnebago County Fair Association – Exhibit Hall Phase 3: Furnishings – $16,000.00

Program Area: Community Betterment

• City of Buffalo Center – Pool - Floor Replacement – $20,000.00
• City of Scarville – New Well – $10,000.00
• Friends of the Firemen – PPE/Firefighting Boots – $8,728.29
• Lake Mills Fire Fighters Association – 700 MHz System: Radio Communication – $5,000.00
• Scarville Firemen's Association – Firefighter Turnout Gear – $15,000.00
• Winnebago County EMS – Communication - Radios – $15,138.34

Program Area: Education & Youth Development

• Forest City Family YMCA – Promoting Growth through Play – $4,000.00
• Little Bison Childcare Center – Dishwasher – $5,751.60

Program Area: Health

• Forest City Ambulance Service – Stretcher Replacement Purchase – $15,000.00
• Timely Mission Nursing Home – Fire Alarm Panel – $25,000.00

Program Area: Human Service

• Family Alliance for Veterans of America (FAVA) – Veterans’ Food Pantry - Freezers – $3,000.00
• Food Bank of Iowa – Fighting Childhood Hunger in Winnebago County – $5,000.00

Grants were recommended by the Winnebago County Community Foundation’s governing committee, composed of volunteers committed to improving the well-being of Winnebago County residents. The 2025 governing committee includes: Lori Bierle, Loren Ehrich, Tina Henely, Meggon Jacobs, Brad Jones, Conner Kem, Jennifer Kramersmeier, Diane Price, Robert Sarver, and Ashley Throne.

WCCF is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, which provides administrative, investment, and technical support to enhance the local foundation’s impact. The 2026 WCCF grant cycle opens March 1, 2026, with a deadline of April 15, 2026. Application guidelines and materials can be found at www.winnebagoccf.org.