Officials with the City of Stanton report a Stanton Community Foundation (SCF) has been established to benefit the community’s economic vitality by identifying, developing, and then funding projects which will grow and sustain our community. Jenna Ramsey, Stanton Community Development Director, say funds from the SCF can be both long range and very short range – as needs become available.

Anyone can leave a financial gift and a lasting legacy, and potentially receive tax benefits by contributing to the fund, Ramsey says. “SCF establishes a manner for residents, alumni, former residents, really anyone to contribute and leave a lasting legacy that will benefit the community of Stanton for years to come,” she said.

Ramsey said the Stanton Community Foundation has its tax ID and have applied to the IRS for recognition as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity. A contribution to the Stanton Community Foundation is a way you can make a difference today, tomorrow and long into the future. There are already some short-term needs in the community stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Ramsey – which contributed to the timing of the SCF announcement.

She said “Large or small, your contribution or pledge will have a lasting impact on the community of Stanton. Stanton Community Foundation currently is accepting only cash donations but may expand to other possibilities in the future.” And, while donations are accepted for projects at any time, there are two key projects going on now which were crucial for the timing of the foundation announcement. The first is the COVID-19 Relief Fund now set up through the foundation.

Ramsey said “Approximately $1,343 was raised for those severely affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic. More is needed. These funds will go to the Stanton Covenant Church and Mamrelund Lutheran Church food pantries as well as begin a fund for people to apply for help during this time.”

The other project now underway is the Stanton Downtown Façade Renovation. “The City of Stanton received a personal donation of $20,000 last December to kick off this massive project. Fundraising efforts will continue throughout 2020,” according to Ramsey.

Donations to Stanton Community Foundation may be dropped off or mailed to Great Western Bank at 401 Broad Avenue, Stanton, Iowa 51573. For more information, contact Jenna Ramsey at (712) 829-7340 or jramsey@fmtcnet.com.