The Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation will open up its responsive grant-making for the 2014 year beginning February 1st. Since its inception in 2011, the Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund program has awarded over a million dollars in grants to 55 different non-profit organizations in Wapello County. Funded projects have encompassed the areas of arts & culture, education, health, public safety, social services, animal welfare, housing & shelter, youth development, recreation & sports and community vitality. Up to $150,000 in grant awards have been allocated for this round.

Applicants and grantees will notice several changes this year, including an upgraded grants system and access to a nonprofit assessment tool. “In the new year we are continuing to look at ways that we can assist our local non-profits,” stated Kelly Genners, Legacy Foundation director of community leadership and grant-making. “Moving forward, our partners can expect some exciting changes in the area of capacity building – in other words, what additional ways can we help strengthen these organizations so that they can better fulfill their missions?”

Applying organizations must be an IRS designated 501(c)3 not-for-profit providing services in Wapello County. Grant requests are allowable up to $30,000. Applicants must complete and submit the online application by midnight on February 28, 2014 to be eligible for consideration. Qualifying organizations that have further questions can contact Kelly Genners at (641) 455-5260 for more information.