The Sioux County Community Foundation has awarded more than $114,000 in grants to support projects and programs across the county.
The grants were distributed on May 5 during a presentation at the Community Center in Hospers. Officials say the latest round pushes the foundation’s total giving to more than $2 million since its first grants were awarded in 2006.
Countywide impact
Foundation leaders say the milestone reflects the long-term impact of local giving.
“This is more than a milestone. It represents the impact countywide since the foundation’s inception,” explains Advisory Board Chair Maggie Landegent. “Every grant goes to real organizations making real change right here, meeting needs and enhancing quality of life across the county.”
Grant recipients and amounts
•City of Alton — Tree Replacement Project — $5,000
•City of Hull — Community Building Doors — $7,000
•City of Rock Valley — Pickleball Courts — $7,500
•First Steps Academy — Infant–Preschool Classroom Project — $4,000
•Foster SQUAD — Care Kits — $1,800
•Granville Fire and EMS Association — Fire/Rescue UTV Side-by-Side — $8,000
•Hope Food Pantry — Walk-In Cooler — $6,000
•Hospers Firefighters Association Inc. — Scene Safety Lighting Upgrade — $8,000
•Midwest Honor Flight (IA & SD) — 2026 Sioux County Veterans — $5,000
•NW Iowa Baby Shower — Baby Shower 2026 — $2,500
•Orange City Public Library — Books as Medicine — $3,000
•Rock Valley Community School District — 3D Printer for TAG Program — $1,200
•Sheldon Fire Company — Live Fire Training System — $8,000
•Sioux County Agriculture & Expo Center — Pavilion Accessibility Project — $7,500
•Sioux County Emergency Management — Emergency Management Drone — $8,000
•Sioux County Library Association — Digital Lending Expansion — $10,000
•Sioux County Sheriff’s Office — Operator XR VR Simulator — $8,000
•Wee Care Inc. — Fire Panel — $10,000
•Whispers of Love, Hope & Joy, Inc. — Network for New Beginnings — $4,000
How funding works
The foundation operates through an affiliation with the Siouxland Community Foundation and is guided by a 12-member advisory board representing communities across Sioux County.
Funding comes through the state’s County Endowment Fund Program, which is supported by a portion of Iowa’s commercial gaming tax revenue. The program is designed to ensure communities without casinos still benefit from that revenue.
Under the program:
•75% of funds are used for local grants each year
•25% is placed into a permanent endowment to support future needs
Mission
Foundation leaders say the goal is to encourage charitable giving while improving the quality of life across Sioux County.
