Nearly $40,000 granted to Shelby County community projects
SHELBY COUNTY — The Shelby County Community Foundation has awarded $39,531 in grants to local nonprofit organizations and community projects as part of its Fall 2025 grant cycle.
Eight organizations received funding after meeting eligibility requirements as Shelby County nonprofits or groups with charitable missions addressing local needs in civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. Of the awards distributed, 62.5% supported human services, 12.5% supported education, 25% supported public/society benefit, and 12.5% supported health.
Fall 2025 Grant Recipients:
Shelby County EMS Ambulance Service — Hamilton T1 60-SD ventilator and mounting system; $4,431
Kids in the Village — 2025 furnishings and safety upgrades; $3,917
Elk Horn Fire Department — Fire truck lighting; $5,000
Earling Fire & Rescue Department — SCBA replacement; $10,187
Shelby County Community Outreach, Inc. — Hero’s Attic renovation project; $4,000
Shelby Fire & Rescue — EV emergency plug and fire blankets, MSA G1 face masks; $3,632
Petersen Family Wellness — Exercise class equipment; $4,569
Loess Hills Agriculture in the Classroom — Loess Hills Ag in the Classroom program; $3,795
The Shelby County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation and participates in the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa. It receives annual funding from the State of Iowa County Endowment Fund Program, which supports endowment building and grantmaking in counties without state-issued gaming licenses. This grant cycle was made possible through that program, funded by a portion of state commercial gaming tax revenue.
The foundation partners with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to create both permanent and expendable funds that respond to evolving community needs. Donations to permanently endowed funds may qualify for a 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit.
Advisory board members include Max Powers, Jodee Dixon, Daniel Fischer, Jill Mages, Jill Schaben, and Rich Wiig.
For information on donations or establishing a fund, contact Sunni Kamp, Southwest Iowa Foundations Director, at 800-794-3458 or sunni@omahafoundation.org
