The Greene County Community Foundation is in the middle of their fund drive for 2016.

The Community Foundation was created in 2005 with the goal of providing funds that will benefit the entire county for generations to come.  Funds that are donated are split into two categories: local projects for non-profit groups and increasing their endowment fund.  The endowment fund allows the Community Foundation to access up to five percent to add on top of what they give away for local projects.

Since the organization started in 2005 with $32,500, the endowment has grown to over $635,000.  President Tim Heisterkamp says they will use most of the donations for their endowment fund to continue to make that account grow.

With the advent of Wild Rose Jefferson, the Community Foundation will no longer receive non-gaming revenues from the state.  However, the non-profit gaming license holder, Grow Greene County Gaming Corporation, has made a commitment to give at least $130,000 to the Community Foundation to give to local projects in the spring.

The Community Foundation is a non-profit organization and all donations can be itemized for federal income tax deductions.  Donations can also qualify for state tax credits through the Endow Iowa tax credit program.

Donations are needed by October 31st to take advantage of tax deductions available this year.  Contributions can be mailed to the Greene County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 85, Jefferson, Iowa 50129 or dropped off at Home State Bank.