The Legacy Foundation is pleased to announce awards totaling over $150,000 to Fall 2025 Cycle Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund grant recipients. Recent grant money awarded will help nonprofits enhance safety and accessibility, strengthen support systems for vulnerable youth and families, improve community health and wellness, expand educational opportunities, and enrich our local arts scene.
At the Legacy Foundation, we are excited to watch our nonprofits continue to grow and help improve many aspects of the community. Since the first Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund grant cycle in 2011, the Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund has awarded $6,206,579 to 129 nonprofit organizations that serve Wapello County.
The most recent Wapello County nonprofit organizations to receive BICEF grants are:
- Agency Community Church to support the purchase and installation of a vertical lift, ensuring all community members can safely access programs and services regardless of mobility challenges.
- American Home Finding Association for creation of 3 new bedrooms at the Agency Youth Shelter, providing safe refuge and stability for more young people during their most vulnerable moments.
- First Resources Corp for staff training and development, empowering team members with the skills and knowledge to better serve families & clients in need.
- Food Bank of Iowa for warehouse equipment: scissor lift and floor scrubber, enhancing operational efficiency to get nutritious food to hungry families faster.
- Four Oaks Family & Children’s Services to support Foster & Kinship Families in Wapello County, removing barriers and providing resources so more children can find loving, stable homes.
- IHCC Development Corporation for equipment for the new Student Wellness Center, investing in the physical and mental health of students as they pursue their educational goals.
- Pathfinders RC&D for Homesteaders of Iowa Food Security and Rural Entrepreneurship, cultivating self-sufficiency and economic opportunity in our rural communities.
- Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra for SEISO Artist in Residence and April Concert Series, bringing world-class musical experiences that inspire and unite our community.
The Legacy Foundation believes in the power of partnership and innovation to create lasting changes in Wapello County. Through strategic grantmaking and community collaboration, we’re investing in the people and organizations that make our community stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. Every grant represents not just funding, but a shared commitment to building a brighter future for all residents of Wapello County.
We highly encourage all local nonprofits to submit applications to the Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund and Legacy Youth Alliance. The next online Bright Ideas application cycle opens on February 1st, 2026; the next Legacy Youth Alliance application cycle opens January 1st, 2026.
