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Summer 2014 Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund Grant Recipients Announced

The Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation is proud to announce the names of their newest Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund partners as thirteen grants were recently awarded to local non-profit organizations totaling over $172,000.  “We were able to award more dollars this cycle thanks to a generous $20,000 donation from Cargill Meat Solutions,” stated Kelly Genners, director of community leadership & grant-making for the Legacy Foundation.   “We are fortunate to have  partners like Cargill who are willing to invest in the valuable work of our non-profit community.”

The following lists the organizations and their funded project amounts:

American Red Cross – Funding for implementation and development of program to increase the number of certified and trained babysitters and those with FA/CPR/AED training: $10,000

Bridge View Center  – Financial support for design and printing of City marketing materials to be used for recruitment, welcoming visitors and new residents and economic development:  $4,500

Bridge View Center – Grant to be used for permanent display of Michael Lemberger artwork in Grand Lobby: $13,000

Buena Vista University – Support of telepresence technology at Ottumwa site to improve availability of quality bachelor’s degree and graduate programs: $12,160

Eldon Fire and Rescue – Funding to purchase thermal imaging cameras: $8,800

IHCC Development Corp.  – Grant to be used to replace masking curtains and rigging at St. Johns Auditorium:  $20,000

Iowa Justice For Our Neighbors – Financial support to provide legal assistance to the immigrant population in our community: $10,000

Milestones Area on Aging – Funding for the purchase of a van to transport food to seniors at local nutritional service centers and home delivered meals: $30,000

Ottumwa Noon Lions Club – Purchase of a specialty digital camera to perform eye screenings for children enrolled by AEA and registered in daycares and preschools in the area: $9,895

Seton Catholic School – Funding to support educational initiatives for elementary students through after-school program: $15,512

Seton Catholic School – Funding to support the sustainment of quality preschool programs and activities in a safe and caring environment: $15,000

Wapello County Geneological Society – Funding to purchase a copier and microfilm reader: 5,900

Wapello County Historical Society – Grant to upgrade and replace lighting in the Wapello County Historical Museum: $18,100

The last cycle of the year will be open to accept online applications from September 15th – October 15th  with award decisions announced mid-November.  Eligible applicants must be a 501(c)3 organization. Over the past 3 years, the Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund has awarded 115 grants totaling over $1.3 million dollars.  These grants have assisted 62 different non-profit organizations in Wapello County.  For more information about the program contact Kelly Genners at kgenners@orlf.org.

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