Celebrating 20 Years of Granting

Dickinson County Endowment Fund Accepting 2025 Applications

Giving back to the community in thousands of ways is at the heart of the Dickinson County Endowment Fund’s (DCEF) mission. Every year, approximately $110,000 is awarded to I.R.S. 501(c)(3) ‘tax exempt’ organizations and 170(b) ‘unit of government’ organizations that encourage philanthropy and provide financial assistance for programs and projects that benefit residents in Dickinson County. These grants promote economic vitality and enhance the quality of life in areas such as conservation and economic development to r

ecreation and youth services.

“It’s such a great way to keep up with the great work that our many non-profits are doing from year to year. Although it is our most labor-intense annual effort, the grant review process is also exciting and culminates with a Celebration presentation of funds in September,” said DCEF’s Council Advisor Ann Ditsworth.

In 2024, the DCEF Advisory Council received and reviewed 30 applications, ultimately providing 23 grant awards totaling $110,842. For instance, $10,000 was awarded to the Dickinson County Humane Society that purchased a van to transport animals and to help with outreach in the county. Another $1,000 was given to the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club for free children’s fishing clinics and $15,512 went to Lakes Regional Healthcare’s Ambulance for a Xpedition Powered Stair Chair.

“We love helping our community with the extra things, whether it’s $500 or $15,000,” said Megan Helgeson, DCEF Advisory Council Member. “It’s helping an organization in need continue to do good things—a little nudge and a little extra help.”

The DCEF was established in 2005 after the Iowa Legislature passed Bill HF2303, which allowed the state to annually distribute gaming revenues to non-gaming counties. Additional DCEF resources come from private donations, gifts and requests from within the Iowa Great Lakes.

The nine-member volunteer advisory council of countywide leaders meets quarterly. The grant application is available beginning May 1, with completed applications due by June 30. Applications must include information on community need and its benefit, project budget, applicant group’s ability to complete the project and any sources identified for partnerships or matching funds.

This year’s Grant Awards celebration will be extra special, as the organization will not only celebrate 2025 award winners but also 20 years of grant-making.

“It is our 20th Anniversary, and we are going to look back at all the project success and good things that have taken place these last years,” Helgeson added.

To apply for a 2025 grant and meet the specified requirements, go to dcefund.org. Completed applications can be mailed to P.O. Box 558, Milford IA 51351 or dropped off at the Milford Library.

“Our desire since the begining, was to broadly and positively impact the communities, citizens and guests of Dickinson County through financial support to our non-profit organizations and their community betterment efforts,” Ditsworth shared. “This is why year after year, our council is inspired by the passion for ‘continual improvement’ shown by our communities, nonprofits and school districts!”

Ditsworth has been involved for many years and it’s difficult for her to select a favorite project but the aspect she has enjoyed the most is how the DCEF has helped all areas of the county. “Our projects have been large and small and located in each city and school district throughout Dickinson County,” she said.

In 20 years, the DCEF has collaborated with over 100 Dickinson County nonprofit organizations by awarding grants for 439 projects and positively impacted every community in the county. Each school district has benefited from DCEF grants and through 2024, 71 awards amounting to $233,851 have been given.

“It's exciting that through 2024, DCEF has provided funding support totaling $1,829,003 with projects ranging from small to large—$500 to $20,000,” Ditsworth added.

Looking through the projects over the years, it’s easy to see how DCEF has been a huge blessing to so many aspects of Dickinson County—twenty years of grant-making has impacted thousands!

To make a donation, visit dcefund.org or contact Ann at info@dcefung.org.