2012 O'Brien County Community Foundation Grants Awarded

June 13, 2012

O’BRIEN COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANTS

The O’Brien County Community Foundation (OBCCF) recently awarded 26 grants totaling $87,388 to nonprofit organizations and units of local government in support of projects throughout O’Brien County. Since the first grants were made in 2006, over $549,000 has been awarded. Funding for the grant program is a result of County Endowment Fund legislation (HF2302) passed in 2005 which provides that a percentage of state gambling revenues be distributed among all Iowa counties that do not have a gambling entity.

“We are pleased to have provided support for so many worthy projects over the years that have truly made a difference in O’Brien County communities,” stated Ann Carpenter, OBCCF Advisory Board Chair.

The following grants were recently awarded by the Community Foundation:

Arts and Culture

City of Hartley - $2,346

Funding to replace old dining room windows. This 1896 Victorian style house, known as the Patch-Eeton House, and its furnishings will be turned into a city museum and available for county and statewide tours when renovation work is completed.

City of Hartley - $2,500

Support for exterior repairs on the historic Hartley Cemetery Chapel building. The roof and eaves will be replaced and the stucco repaired to renovate the 97 year old building (American Gothic style architecture) and make it usable for residents and tours.

O’Brien County Historical Society - $5,000

Fiscal Sponsor is City of Primghar. For replacement of the roof on the Metcalf farmhouse before its historical contents are damaged. This is one of the 11 historical buildings in Heritage Park visited by area school children and 500+ annual visitors.

Sheldon Prairie Museum - $1,175

Funding to purchase a new energy efficient furnace to aid in preventing damage to historical artifacts in cold temperatures.

Civic and Community

City of Calumet - $3,000

Support for replacing the steps and front sidewalk of the Calumet’s Bank / City Office for safety reasons.

Cornerstone Senior Communities - $3,850

Funding toward the purchase of a portable accessibility lift for the Willoway pool. A new mandate from the Americans with Disabilities Act requires all class B public pools to install 2 forms of handicap / wheelchair accessibility.

General N. B. Baker Library - $2,750

For the purchase and installation of an automatic door opener to make the library handicap accessible and in compliance with ADA guidelines.

Hartley Emergency Ambulance Rescue Team - $5,000

Funding toward the purchase of a Stryker cot and power load system which can be used to hold up to 700 lbs. without manually lifting.

Hartley Fire Department - $2,500

For vehicle stabilization supports and signage for accident ahead in order to make the scene safer for volunteers at vehicle accidents.

O’Brien County Conservation Board - $7,960

Support for the purchase and installation of a climbing rock at Mill Creek Park playground to enhance the quality of outdoor recreation resources.

O’Brien County Fair Board - $2,471

Funding to replace old heavy tables with new tables for display exhibits and dining, and to purchase fire extinguishers for the fair grounds to protect the fair goers, exhibitors, animals and buildings.

Paullina Fire Department - $2,500

Funding to assist in the purchase of a new fire truck.

Sanborn Fire & Rescue Department - $5,000

For replacement of 25 year old hoses and nozzles to provide safe, reliable equipment for firefighters.

Sanborn Preservation Society - $5,640

For new doors to complete handicap accessibility project for the rescued Carnegie Library which is being repurposed into an event venue.

Education

Hartley Community Daycare - $3,000

Funding toward current needs which include replacement of water heater and windows/doors, radon testing, new cribs and the cleaning / re-coating of floors.

Kids Express Daycare - $4,000

For updating learning materials and equipment to maintain high quality child care and assist in early childhood development.

Kid Kampus Daycare - $2,325

Funding to purchase a new energy efficient furnace to provide dependable, safe heat for children and the staff at the daycare center.

Little Sioux Valley Conservation Association - $5,275

For the purchase of restoration parts for pioneer covered wagon and other items to enhance learning opportunities for school groups, civic organizations, and the general public at this hands-on exterior exhibit at the Prairie Heritage Center.

Primghar Public Library - $1,140

Support for the purchase of a new copier for the use of library patrons.

Sanborn Public Library - $3,000

Funding provided to scan and digitize 79 reels of microfilm of the Sanborn Pioneer dating from 1872 through 2005 in order to preserve history for future generations.

Sheldon Community Day Care - $2,100

For the purchase of an activity loft to provide safe indoor play and physical activity on a regular basis.

Environment

City of Archer - $1,096

For the purchase of a six-lid all steel dumpster for recycling to eliminate the unsightly stacking of materials outside the dumpster, reduce the amount of blown away items scattered throughout the community, and help keep recyclable items out of the landfill.

Health

Baum Harmon Mercy Hospital - $2,130

Funding for the acquisition of a keycard entry system for the Fitness Center.

Seasons Center for Community Mental Health - $4,000

Funds to put together bags for O’Brien County students in K-4th grade which will contain educational and behavioral health materials and activities to help promote positive mental health and community resources to support families.

Human Services

Community Memorial Health Center - $630

To ensure home delivered meals arrive at safe food temperatures, in user and environmentally friendly containers for Meals on Wheels consumers, funding provided for the purchase of thermal bags, and reusable trays and bowls.

Family Crisis Centers of Northwest Iowa - $7,000

Funding toward the purchase of furnishings for new emergency housing units for victims and their children of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

The OBCCF was formally established in 2005 through affiliation with the Siouxland Community Foundation and is governed by a local nine-member advisory board composed of representatives from each of the communities in O’Brien County: Archer, Calumet, Hartley, Paullina, Primghar, Sanborn, Sheldon, and Sutherland; as well as one county-at-large member.

The mission of the O’Brien County Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in the communities served by encouraging permanent charitable giving to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Contacts:

Ann Carpenter, Advisory Board Chair

O’Brien County Community Foundation (712) 324-1522

Debbie Hubbard, Executive Director

Siouxland Community Foundation (712) 293-3303