Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation announces 2026 Poweshiek County Alliance Grant Awards

      The Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation (GPCF) is proud to announce $250,845 in grants through the 2026 Poweshiek County Alliance (PCA) program, the largest single-year funding total in PCA's twenty-year history. Funds will support 43 projects that benefit residents of Brooklyn, Deep River, Grinnell, Guernsey, Hartwick, Malcom, Montezuma, Searsboro, and surrounding rural areas.
      PCA grants are available annually to nonprofits and public entities serving residents of Poweshiek County. For 2026, the PCA Grant Committee received 49 applications requesting a total of $345,892.73. After review, the 11-person committee allocated funding from five granting funds: Poweshiek County Alliance Fund, Poweshiek County Community Fund, Carl and Joann Orr Fund, Brooklyn Community Fund, and the Montezuma Community Fund.  
      The record-high granting year was due, in large part, to an estate gift to the Montezuma Community Fund from the Hazel Sig-Hester Charitable Remainder Trust.  A total of $28,225 was awarded to organizations or projects located in or directly serving Montezuma residents.  This additional funding directed at Montezuma-focused projects allowed the committee greater flexibility to grant to other communities through the unrestricted funds.  
    Of the 43 projects selected, 26 were fully funded, including eight that received the maximum award of $10,000, with another six projects receiving more than 80% of their request. 
     “Every year we are impressed by the scope of projects seeking support from PCA,” says Amy Blanchard, program manager at the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation. “What stands out about our review committee is their genuine understanding of what each proposal means, to both the organizations requesting support and the people who benefit from their efforts. It is inspiring to learn about and play a role in supporting so many organizations committed to strengthening our communities.”
     Of the 43 projects selected, 26 were fully funded, including eight that received the maximum award of $10,000, with another six projects receiving more than 80% of their request. 
     The greater Grinnell community will benefit from 11 projects that were awarded a combined $64,278 to enhance a wide range of services and spaces. The Ahrens Park Foundation has been awarded $10,000 for infrastructure improvements to repair and modernize frequently used restrooms. Grinnell Farm to Table secured $10,000 to purchase locally sourced food for Poweshiek County food pantries. The Grinnell Fire Department received $8,418 to equip the department with a new battery-powered positive pressure ventilation fan and a truck mounting bracket. 
    The Grinnell Area Arts Council was granted $5,000 to support expansion of the Stew Makerspace in downtown Grinnell. Mayflower Homes will use $4,500 from PCA funds to launch a new Certified Nurse Assistant training program aimed at strengthening the local healthcare workforce. An additional $4,000 will go to the United Church of Christ Congregational Suds of Love Program to offset increasing participation of the laundry services outreach. Treasured By God Ministries Food Pantry, located in Gilman but serving many Grinnell residents, was granted $2,000 to help meet rising demand and operational expenses.
     Several projects will also expand educational opportunities for children and families. Four Oaks Family and Children’s Services will use $4,985 to open doors for more children in need of foster care while supporting current foster families in the county. UCC Community Preschool requested $6,428 to update furniture and introduce sensory tools for children. The Grinnell Community Early Learning Center secured $5,647 to add new shelving and educational materials for classrooms. Additionally, the Grinnell College Museum of Art will use $3,300 for their Read It/See It/Make It/Eat It: Storytime Art in the Park summer learning program. 
    In Brooklyn, seven projects received a combined $50,812, bringing meaningful improvements to community resources. The BGM PIE Program was awarded $10,000 to create an inclusive play area that ensures all students can participate fully in outdoor activities. The Brooklyn Community Food Bank secured $10,000 to address the growing demand for food assistance. Bear Creek Kids Campus will use $8,900 to make safety improvements to their outdoor play area and install a portable sink to meet cleanliness guidelines. The BGM Bear Closet was allocated $1,500 to continue providing essential items such as meals, winter clothing, and hygiene products to students. 
     The funding from PCA will also introduce new events and amenities for the Brooklyn community. A $10,000 grant will support the American Legion Francis Gallagher Post 294’s effort to bring The Wall That Heals, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to Brooklyn from July 30th through August 2nd. The Brooklyn Public Library received $7,912 to digitally archive historical editions of the Brooklyn Chronicle, dating back to 1886. The Brooklyn Ruritan Club secured $2,500 to support their efforts to install two pickleball courts at the BGM Community School Sports Complex for people across the county to enjoy.
       In Malcom, three projects were awarded a total of $23,329.75. The Malcom Food Pantry received $10,000 to expand access to food and household necessities. The Malcom American Legion Davis/Story Post #733 secured $8,500 to purchase new tables and chairs for their facility that hosts many community events. The Malcom Volunteer Fire Department was allocated $4,829.75 to purchase new Streamlight helmet lights, improving visibility in hazardous conditions. 
     Montezuma projects received a combined $22,525 across five initiatives. The Montezuma Public Library was awarded $4,000 to expand programming and supplies for families throughout Poweshiek County. Montezuma Community Development secured $4,000 for new signage to encourage increased traffic to downtown businesses. The Friends of the Montezuma Public Library received $3,200 to purchase a 3D printer, enabling new public programming opportunities.
   Additional investments will enhance safety services in Montezuma. The Montezuma Fire Department secured $9,747 for new equipment, including a tarp, fire suppression blanket, scene lighting equipment, and a battery-operated pressure fan. The Montezuma Ambulance Service received $1,578 for a child restraint tool to improve the safe transport of infants and children. 
     In Hartwick, five projects received $15,356 to improve public spaces and services. The City of Hartwick was awarded $5,876 to bring electricity to the park pavilion. Two projects will benefit HLV students with the HLV Music Boosters securing $1,720 to refurbish the HLV stage floor and the HLV Parents Helping Teachers receiving $1,260 towards decals designed to enhance the school’s environment and spirit.  Hartwick Fun Day organizers received $2,000 to bring in live entertainment for their annual event and the Hartwick Fire Department secured $4,500 to purchase a hose testing machine and swivel unloading chute. 
     In Deep River, two projects received $13,500 to enhance public spaces and safety. The community center was granted $8,500 for the installation of a new heating system. The Deep River Fire Department secured $5,000 to support the ongoing construction of a wildland truck and tanker. 
    Searsboro residents will benefit from $12,000 awarded across two initiatives. The Searsboro Community Fire Department and EMS Agency received $8,000 for the maintenance of an ambulance truck to ensure readiness for emergency response. The City of Searsboro secured $4,000 for its 150th Anniversary Celebration on September 12, a family-friendly, county-wide event featuring a variety of activities, food, and entertainment. 
     In Guernsey, the town was awarded $2,400 for its city park project. The dollars granted will be used to add new park benches, swings, and replace several trees to create a fun and safe environment for all ages to gather. 
    Seven grants totaling $46,645 will strengthen services, resources, and arts and culture for residents across the county.  The ISU Poweshiek County Extension Office secured $10,000 to provide hands-on educational opportunities that promote leadership, and lifelong learning. Read 2 Lead was awarded $4,000 to expand its Dolly Parton Imagination Library program and increase outreach to families. 
    The Claude W and Dolly Ahrens Foundation (CDAF) received $10,000 to continue the Poweshiek Housing Assistance Fund to assist residents facing housing insecurity or homelessness. Unity Point Health – Grinnell Regional Medical Center secured $9,445 to purchase a wireless fetal monitor to help support the growing obstetrics unit. The Poweshiek County Historical and Genealogical Society was awarded $3,200 for updated tables and chairs to accommodate their increasing meeting attendance. The Northeast Iowa Food Bank received $5,000 to continue providing nutritious food and grocery products for those in need. The East Poweshiek Co. Ambulance Service secured $5,000 to purchase three mass casualty incident supply packs for emergency response. 
     “Poweshiek County Alliance is committed to the sustainability and vitality of all our communities in the county.  I think that is evident in the scope of the 43 projects supported this year,” said Blanchard. 
PCA Committee Members included Alicia Blankenfeld, Rusty Clayton, Tim Douglas, Ashlyn Hammen, Derek Kriegel, Cassie LaKose, Allison Maurer, Shelly Port-Steffen, Brenda Strong, Traci Taylor, and Mindy Tokle. 
     Organizations with 501(c)(3) designation, governmental entities, and public schools are eligible for grant assistance. The 2027 grant application period opens in December 2026. Organizations may contact GPCF at 641-236-5518 for information. A complete list of grants is available at www.greaterpcf.org.
     The Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation assists donors in supporting local charitable organizations. Individuals wishing to support any of the funds may contact Blanchard or Nicole Brua-Behrens, Executive Director at GPCF, mail checks to GPCF, P.O. Box 344, Grinnell, IA 50112, or donate online at www.greaterpcf.org.