The Ottumwa Legacy Foundation announced that the Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund has awarded $150,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations in Wapello County bringing the total to $5,478,179 since the program was created in 2011. This fund is awarded to 501c3 nonprofits in Wapello County and is part of the $34 million the Legacy Foundation has distributed since its inception.
The Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund supports many nonprofits in Wapello County, and Cycle 38 grant recipients are no exception. 10 local nonprofits were awarded $150,000 this cycle alone.
The following organizations received grant awards:
- Iowa Special Olympics Inc: $10,000 for Ottumwa Bulldogs Special Olympics team
- Wapello County 4-H Foundation Inc: $2,500 for ¡Salir Adelante! Pathways for Our Future program that will develop college and career readiness among LatinX families in Wapello County
- Wapello County Trails Council: $30,000 for Oxbow Trail Project Phase 1 includes from the intersection of Richmond Avenue and Ferry Street, running parallel to Ferry/Wapello Street (north) into the Ottumwa Park.
- Main Street Ottumwa: $7,000 for window clings for empty properties
- Ecumenical Lord’s Cupboard: $10,000 for food reserves
- Ottumwa Community School District – Bulldog Action Group $7,998 for transportation for low-income families
- Midwest Little League dba Ottumwa Little League: $30,000 for ground improvements including new batting cage fencing and netting, relocating the press box from National Field to American Field, and new pitching machines.
- American Home Finding Association: $22,797 for the Corinthians House window project
- Eldon Public Library: $5,000 for newspaper digitization project
- Eldon Depot Committee Inc: $24,705 for Museum Roof Replacement and Foundation Repair
The Legacy Foundation says it is always looking to support new and innovative ideas and efforts that can have measurable impacts on the residents and communities in Wapello County. All Local nonprofits are encouraged to submit applications to Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund. The next online Bright Ideas application cycle opens on June 1, 2024. To learn more about all grant programs available visit www.ottumwalegacy.org.
