The Ottumwa Legacy Foundation proudly announces that the Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund has awarded $150,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations in Wapello County bringing the total to $5,911,179 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 41 grant recipients are no exception. Eight local nonprofits were awarded $150,000 this cycle alone.
The following organizations received grant awards:
- Camp Invention – Ottumwa: 2025 Camp Invention scholarships
- Iowa Legal Aid: Housing stability project
- Wapello County 4-H Exposition: New building for small animal projects
- YMCA of Ottumwa: Aquatic and gym area HVAC
- Eddyville Community Foundation for EBF Schools Rocket Rampage Robotics: Operation robotics K12 Vex Robotics Kits
- Hospice Serving Wapello & Davis: Community event room improvements
- Bridge View Center Inc: Flying Eagle public art metal sculpture
- Friends of the Eddyville Public Library: Relocation of children’s section
At the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation, we recognize and embrace the critical role that we can play in the community as a catalyst for positive change. We are doing this by initiating and advancing promising ideas, making grants, convening conversations, promoting collaboration, providing sound information, and celebrating success.
We are always looking to support new and innovative ideas and efforts that can have measurable impacts on the residents and communities in Wapello County. We highly encourage all local nonprofits to submit applications to Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund. The next online Bright Ideas application cycle opens on June 1 ,2025. To learn more about all grant programs available visit our website www.ottumwalegacy.org.
