A total of $101,687.05 was distributed during the evening with Meals on Wheels and the Career Ag Academy taking home the largest amounts, each awarded $10,000 each.

Organizations which received funding include:

• JADE: $1,000 for Main Street Jewell Lightpole Banners.

• Kendall Young Library: $1,000 for Reading on the Move.

• Montgomery Memorial Library: $1,209 for 1926-1976 South Hamilton Newspaper Online.

• Webster City Community Theatre: $1,400 for creation of Over the Speed Limit Players.

• Upper Des Moines Opportunity: $1,500 for Safe and Warm: Carbon Monoxide/Gas Detectors.

• Legacy Learning Boone River Valley: $1,650 for Hamilton County Conservation Partnership.

• Hamilton County Conservation: $1,942.40 for Soft Hiking Trail Signage.

• Stratford Public Library: $5,000 for roof replacement.

• Jane Young House Foundation: $6,000 for preserving safe entry ways.

• City of Randall: $6,500 for Randall North Park Projects.

• Webster City Meals on Wheels: $10,000 for covering WC MOW deficit and maintaining sustainability.

• Career Ag Academy: $10,000 for Classroom to Career: Modern AV technology for agricultural education.

LIFT WC was given a Challenge grant for $150,000 in 2023, and the group received its final $50,000 payment from this year’s grant allocation.

EHCF is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. Through EHCF, the foundation provides an avenue for charitable giving for both local philanthropists and organizations, enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

“The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation’s Annual Grant Program began in 2005 and provides funding each year to support nonprofit organizations and community initiatives throughout Hamilton County,” said Developmen Director Darcy Swon.

“Because Hamilton County does not have a gaming facility, the Foundation receives an annual allocation of gaming revenue from the State of Iowa through the County Endowment Fund Program,” she continued, “These funds are distributed to counties without gaming facilities to support charitable projects that enhance quality of life and strengthen communities.”

Each year, local nonprofits and community groups are invited to apply for these grant funds, and awards are made to projects that serve residents and improve communities across Hamilton County.

Those who are chosen for the grants must meet the following requirements. They must be a 501c3 organization, civic organization, school or church, an organization with a fiscal sponsor or a 170c1 governmental entity.

Grants cannot exceed 40% of the total project budget. Only one grant can be active at a time. Incomplete projects cannot apply for a new cycle of grants. They also must agree to a site visit and recognize the funding provided by EHCF through various media sources.

“We had three grants that were either not funded or were ineligible to receive funds,” said Swon. “A total of 15 applications this year.”

Tiffany Larson, EHCF Youth in Philanthropy program chair, introduced the 2026 committee members, consisting of students from South Hamilton Community School District and Webster City Community School District.

Youth in Philanthropy committee members from South Hamilton Community School District included: seniors Brooklyn Doolittle, Kyra Leahy, Kayley Zanker; and Hailey Johnson, junior. Committee members from the Webster City Community School District are: seniors Hailey Brim, Marissa Miller, Trey Tesdahl, and junior Mylie Keller.

Larson shared that the students review all the grant applications and are responsible for awarding 10% of the available grant funds each year. In addition, students will receive a $250 scholarship for each year they participate in the program for a maximum scholarship of $500.

The 2026 EHCF grant review committee members included Trudy Anderson, Travis Barrick, Jackie Reiter, Darcy Runestad, Brian Holt, Leah Maass, Erin Hoversten-Majewski, Ryan Rupiper, and Sarah Trueblood.

For more information on the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation grant program and other resources, contact Swon at 515-835-0437 or via email at dswon@enhancehamiltoncounty.org.