Greene County Community Foundation

01/19/2026

2025 Grant Recipient: Jefferson Public Library

We've made some improvements at the Library! The fluorescent lights were upgraded to LED in the youth department, and in the basement. These improvements are made possible by a grant from the Greene County Community Foundation, with matching funds from the City.

01/12/2026

2025 Grant Recipient: Greene County Fair Association-Permanent exhibitor backdrop
This project goal was to create at structure that exhibitors can stand in front of and be proud of what they've accomplished. We want our photo opportunity to reflect the dedication and hard work that the exhibitors put into their projects. Additionally, we aim to bring the photo area up to the same standards as the rest of our structures. The association has worked hard over the years to constantly update our buildings and having this permanent structure would help showcase those efforts. A majority of our social media photos involve the exhibitors with their projects. We want a structure that matches our high standards, this permanent structure has the ability to make a lasting impression on generations to come.

01/05/2026

2025 Grant Recipient: Churdan Fire and Rescue

Churdan Fire and Rescue was able to purchase new PPE/Bunker gear for all their members.

01/02/2026

PRESS RELEASE
January 2, 2026

Applications for the 2026 grant cycle of the Greene County Community Foundation are being accepted until February 13th, 2026.

The Foundation will once again consider grant applications for up to $35,000. Any project over that amount must be considered through Grow Greene County. Over the past 20 years, Greene County Community Foundation has awarded over $2.6 million in grants to non-profit organizations and governmental entities. On April 6, 2025, the Greene County Community Foundation (GCCF) distributed grants to 21 projects totaling $251,409

To apply, visit our website listed below, download or complete an application online. Completed applications must be submitted digitally via email by February 13th, 2026, at 4 PM CST. Grants can also be mailed to the Greene County Community Foundation, PO Box 85, Jefferson, IA 50129, or dropped off at Journey Financial, LLC’s office at 121 E. Lincolnway St. in Jefferson, during normal business hours. If hand-delivering on February 13th, 2026, applications must be delivered by 4:00 PM. Again, we encourage digital submission via email but will accept hard copies. Persons who need more information can call the Journey Financial Office at 515-386-2570.

Website: http://forgreenecounty.org/
Email: [email protected]

The Greene County Community Foundation (GCCF) was established on January 31, 2005 to serve and enhance the quality of life in Greene County. The foundation will be permanently endowed and will accept and is actively seeking donations, major gifts and bequests, all of which will be tax deductible. Th...

12/31/2025

12/08/2025

2025 Grant Recipient: Food Bank of Iowa

12/01/2025

2025 Grant Recipient City of Grand Junction: The impact of this project is more for the City of Grand Junction than for Greene County, but it does have an impact on the county by affecting the look as you enter from the east. Since Grand Junction is the first community that travelers see as they enter the County from the east, we want to be able to keep our community areas mowed and maintained to the best of our ability as this starts a great impression that will hopefully entice them to return or at least take notice of the rest of the county. As for the impact on the city, it has had a tremendous impact, as we have had no down time with mower repairs.

11/30/2025

https://www.bayardnewsgazette.com/thescrantonjournal/paton-churdan-takes-virtual-learning-to-a-whole-new-level/article_581f59cc-b79e-46d7-847e-4e13549eaf6d.html

The Paton-Churdan Community School District has taken virtual learning to a whole new level.

11/24/2025

2025 Grant Recipient Paton Churdan Schools Technology Team:
Receiving a class set of VR headsets has significantly enriched teaching and learning across the school. By bringing immersive 3D experiences into the classroom, students have been able to explore places and concepts they might otherwise never encounter.

For example:
-Students studying Antarctica were able to “travel” there through a virtual field trip, walking through 3D landscapes and observing wildlife in realistic simulations.
-A government class explored 3D models of important government buildings around the world, helping them visualize and better understand global political structures.
-Another group toured a virtual Globe Theater, giving them valuable context before beginning their Shakespeare unit.

These VR experiences have dramatically increased engagement and excitement around class content. Students are eager to learn and more likely to remember what they've studied. The headsets also ensure all students regardless of background-- have access to meaningful, high-quality learning experiences.

Overall, the VR sets have become a powerful tool for enhancing lessons, sparking curiosity, and making learning memorable across grade levels and subjects.

11/17/2025

2025 Grant Recipient Jefferson Parks & Recreation Department: This project will have a lasting impact on the City of Jefferson for a long time. This structure is suitable for ages 2-12. This Washington Park project enhances community well-being by providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging space for children and families to gather, play, and build relationships.
This playground will promote public health by encouraging outdoor physical activity among children, which supports physical and mental development. It also strengthens community ties by serving as a central gathering place for families and neighbors.
For our organization, this project represents our mission to support youth and families in our area through programs and infrastructure that enrich daily life. This project also demonstrates our responsiveness to local needs and our ability to deliver impactful projects.
Overall, this playground is more than just equipment, it's an investment in the health, unity, and future of Greene County.