Sibley, Iowa — Over $91,000 has been given to non-profit groups throughout Osceola County at the annual Community Foundation of Osceola County grant ceremony, held Thursday night in Sibley.
Twenty-nine grants were presented at the Sibley Senior Center. Foundation officials say that since it was established over eleven years ago, more than $888,000 has been reinvested in the county by local charitable organizations to fund projects in the arts, recreation, health, community service, environmental improvement and a variety of other community development areas.
Annual funding for the CFOC was secured from the Iowa Legislature to encourage improvement projects in communities that do not have a gaming facility located in their county.
Osceola County Economic Development Director Mike Earll says that through the grant program, residents of Osceola County also have the opportunity to help the grant endowment grow. Gifts can be accepted from community-minded individuals that will allow the foundation to present additional cash awards for the improvement of life in Osceola County. He says that those interested in contributing to the endowment fund can be assured that their resources can facilitate projects and address immediate community and non-profit needs.
This year, 38 applications were received requesting over $116,556.11. Given the limited resources available, the review committee was only able to fund 29 of the 38 requests. Those proposals not funded in 2017 are encouraged to apply during the next grant cycle later this year.
Receiving $3,500 grants were:
- Ocheyedan American Legion Auxiliary
Restore and remodel Ocheyedan Town Hall.
- Days of Olde/ Ocheyedan Community Builders
Repair and replace windows in Ocheyedan Town Hall.
- Westerner’s/Those Crazy Goat Kids 4-H Club
Construct antique farm machinery display at Hawkeye Point.
- Ocheyedan American Legion Wood Miller Post
Provide electric power to Ocheyedan Cemetery.
- Sibley-Ocheyedan Band Boosters
Purchase high school Concert Band attire.
- Osceola County Livestock Show
Repair Goewey Township Country School at the fairgrounds. Including new windows, painting and siding.
- Ashton Avenue of Flags
Replace main flag pole at Ashton Cemetery.
- Ashton American Legion Post #290
Remodel stage area in the Ashton Community Center.
- Ocheyedan Volunteer Fire Department
Purchase new member fire safety gear and smoke detectors.
- Osceola Communities Express
Purchase of van for Community Ride Service.
- Hawkeye Point Foundation
Install a swing set and construct a safety zone at the Hawkeye Point Campground.
- Melvin American Legion Post #470
Replace kitchen cupboards in the Melvin Legion/Community Building.
- Ocheyedan Economic Development Corporation
Professional cleaning and painting of the Ocheyedan Town Hall..
- Ocheyedan Indians 4-H Club
Purchase and install new steel banners for Ocheyedan’s Main Street.
- Melvin Legion Auxiliary
Purchase new range, refrigerator, microwave and entrance carpet in Melvin Legion/Community Building.
- Osceola Community Health Services
Upgrade Lifeline Equipment used by Osceola County residents.
- Osceola County Conservation Board
Purchase and erect Willow Creek Park entrance signage.
- Ashton Town & Country Organization
Assist with Ashton Park electrical upgrades.
- Osceola County Freedom Rock
Purchase statue for fallen Veterans at the Osceola County Freedom Rock in Ashton.
OTHER AWARDS:
- Melvin Fire Department
Purchase of a “Cutquick” saw and equipment for rescue efforts. $2,640.65
- Bright Beginnings of Osceola County
Purchase rockers, computer, printer, kitchen equipment, CD Players and safety equipment. $2,591.06
- Sibley Recreation Department
Purchase bleachers for Sibley’s Central Park. $2,500
- Ocheyedan Township Cemetery
Repair and restoration of historic cemetery monuments. $2,125.63
- Melvin Public Library
Repair and replace brick facing and handicap accessible ramp in front of Melvin Library. $2,110
- Ocheyedan Senior Center
Purchase new stove for Senior Activity Center, $1,000
- Ocheyedan Catfish Club
Resurface the Little League Softball Back Diamond in Ocheyedan. $3,000
- Ashton Public Library
Purchase of new desktop computers for patron use. $3,000
- S-O Science Club’s S.T.E.M. Program
Purchase mobile S.T.E.M. Learning Center for science students. $3,250
- Ocheyedan Public Library
Reupholster Reading Corner furniture and computer chair replacement. $2,500
