Hardin County Community Endowment Foundation

08/31/2026

A Visit to the Union Public Library! 📚☕🧩

The HCCEF Affiliate Advisory Board held their August meeting at the Union Public Library, making it a perfect opportunity to visit one of the library’s recent grant projects: new wall shelving.

Peg Clemons, a member of the library board, was on hand to explain the project. In the first photo, you can see the imprint left by the shelving that previously occupied the space. Removing it opened up the area and created a welcoming spot for coffee, puzzles, and time together.

This project is a wonderful example of how community support can make a meaningful difference in our local spaces.

Years ago, Jo Bates was instrumental in establishing an endowment for the Union Public Library. Today, the library board receives a distribution from that endowment every year.

Every year. Forever!!! ❤️

What a lasting legacy and a wonderful gift to the community!

08/25/2026

Women Joining Women: Growing a Vision for Hardin County
Great things happen when passionate people come together!
It all began with a Women Joining Women luncheon at The Lodge in Steamboat Rock on April 30. Connie Isaacson, founder of Isaacson Consulting and a former Hubbard resident, shared inspiring ideas about how women can make a greater impact through philanthropy.
That conversation sparked an exciting idea—and led to the formation of a focus group dedicated to exploring the creation of an endowment fund to support women and children throughout Hardin County.
At the first focus group meeting on July 13, the Hardin County Community Endowment Foundation offered two $250 awards in a drawing for those attending. Congratulations to:
• Lori Smuck, representing MICA, supporting the purchase of personal hygiene products
• Angi Herter, representing the Iowa Falls school nurse’s fund
At our second focus group meeting on August 3, the conversation continued as we took the next step in identifying needs and opportunities to help women and children in Hardin County. Topics included financial literacy, resources currently available in our communities, and how a future HCCEF fund could help address unmet needs.
The brainstorming sessions have been filled with thoughtful ideas, shared experiences, and a common vision for making a lasting difference.
Thank you to all of the incredible women who have shared their time, experiences and ideas. We are excited about the possibilities ahead!
Together, we can create something that makes a difference for generations to come.
If you’d like to join the cause, please contact Tam Elerding, HCCEF Program Director, 641-373-1379 (call/text) or [email protected]. Next meeting is Monday, September 14, 6:00 p.m. at Adams Celebration of Life in Owasa (the middle of Hardin County!)

08/23/2026

If your organization prioritises education, food security, health, or recreation, consider applying for assistance from the Church Women United Thrift Store of Iowa Falls. The next grant funding will be in September.

Applications must be postmarked no later than Friday, August 28.

Applications in writing should include details about the organization and the purpose for which the money is requested.

Mail to: Church Women United
825 Brooks Road
Iowa Falls, IA. 50126
For more information, call 641-648-4709.

07/27/2026

We are excited to announce!

**Press Release**

The New Providence Hardware building has been purchased by New Providence Pride and Progress. New Providence Hardware and Images by Mosch will continue operating in their current storefronts as tenants.

Founded in 2014, New Providence Pride and Progress is dedicated to enhancing the community through physical improvements, historic preservation, and thoughtful renovation. The two storefronts, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, were constructed in 1911 and remain a defining feature of Main Street.
As funding and resources become available, New Providence Pride and Progress plans to complete the structural improvements needed to preserve and enhance these historic buildings, ensuring they remain a vital part of the community for generations to come. The purchase also lends support to these Main Street businesses allowing them to focus on their businesses and not have to expend time, energy and resources on the buildings.

The purchase also comes full circle historically. Following the devastating Main Street fire of December 1910, the New Providence Building Association constructed these three buildings—including the Soda Fountain—in 1911 to help rebuild the community. More than a century later, community ownership once again will help preserve these historic landmarks and continue their legacy as an important part of New Providence's downtown!

07/23/2026

The Hardin County Farm Museum's Threshing and Power Show is this Saturday, July 25, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 203 N. Washington Street, Eldora, with a special program at 10:00 a.m.
The Hardin County Community Endowment Foundation is proud to have awarded a grant to help repair the Museum's historic 1934 barn—preserving an important piece of Hardin County's agricultural heritage for future generations.
Come enjoy a day of tractors, threshing demonstrations, engines, great food, music and family-friendly activities while celebrating the rich history of agriculture in Hardin County. Admission is free!

07/20/2026

Rich and Marion Patterson wrote a nice article about their recent visit to Iowa Falls and Hardin County for the The Gazette.

Calkins Nature Area
Scenic City Empress Boat Club
Iowa Falls Chamber Main Street
Iowa Falls Historical Society 2026
Winding Pathways

Find the link to the article in the comments. ⬇️

07/14/2026

Great things happen when passionate people come together!

The Hardin County Community Endowment Foundation recently hosted a brainstorming session with an incredible group of women from across Hardin County to begin exploring the creation of an endowment fund dedicated to supporting women and children in our community.

The discussion was filled with thoughtful ideas, shared experiences, and a common vision for making a lasting difference for generations to come. Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate and share your ideas for strengthening our communities. We look forward to the exciting possibilities ahead! We welcome your participation at our next scheduled meeting on Monday, August 3rd, 6:00 p.m. at Adams Celebration of Life, 25631 Hwy D35, Iowa Falls (in Owasa-central location for Hardin County)

For more information contact Tam Elerding, HCCEF Program Director, 641-373-1379 call/text or [email protected]

07/14/2026

Our very own Church Women United Thrift Store!!!

At the Church Women United Thrift Store in Iowa Falls, these stories extend beyond where an item came from or where it might go.

07/13/2026

Visit to the Hardin County Fair on Friday. Hardin County 4H Dog Project - Equipment for Dog Showing - and there were several dogs!!! I missed taking photo of Hardin County Agricultural Society - replace grandstand fence project. Heading west from fairgrounds, I saw Matt Kuecker starting on new playground installation for Eldora Children's Center. It will be exciting to see the progress!!!