Jul 07 2010
Community Foundation issues largest grant for disaster recovery
IOWA CITY – The Community Foundation of Johnson County (CFJC) awarded its single largest grant since forming 10 years ago. United Way of Johnson County received $110,000 for disaster recovery.
In June, the Community Foundation issued the first of four payments that will be made in 2010. The award represents retroactive funding for programmatic costs associated with United Way’s coordination of 2008 Flood recovery efforts, and funding to develop and coordinate a county-wide Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) Coalition and the Emergency Volunteer Center.
This year, United Way brought all of the functions under one program, the Disaster Community Impact Program. The COAD Coalition and the Emergency Volunteer Center will ensure continuous communication, planning, preparedness and disaster response across all community sectors.
Mike Stoffregen, executive director of the Community Foundation, says the grant recognizes United Way leadership during the flood recovery and the continuing need for programming related to disaster recovery. “United Way is working to build a stronger community by connecting people and resources during a disaster. The Disaster Community Impact Program will continue its proactive efforts to build a stronger community and improve lives in Johnson County.”
Before, during and immediately following the 2008 Flood, Johnson County Emergency Management called on United Way to assume the role of coordinating disaster preparedness, community-wide capacity building, planning, relief, response and recovery with more than 20 agencies participating and assisting flood victims.
Christine Scheetz, president and CEO of United Way, says United Way greatly appreciates the Community Foundation’s financial support and on-going partnership. “The Disaster Community Impact Program will continue to evolve in response to and anticipation of needs and requests from local government, the business community, faith-based organizations, Johnson County Emergency Management and our nonprofit human service partners.”
The Community Foundation of Johnson County is the preferred vehicle to build a stronger community through philanthropy. Founded in 2000, the Community Foundation's permanent community endowment is built with gifts from local individuals, families, businesses and organizations committed to a strong future for Johnson County. This past year the Foundation distributed nearly $540,000 to area nonprofits. Since forming, CFJC raised $6.3 million in assets, $4.25 million in planned gifts and distributed more than $2.55 million to projects throughout Johnson County. For Good . . . For Ever.
