Muscatine’s Community Foundation celebrates 25 years

Linda Cook
·2 min read

The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2024, a news release says.

Since 1999, the Community Foundation has been a partner in philanthropy working to unite people, ideas, and resources to address community challenges and create opportunities. Dick Maeglin brought the idea to the community, and under the initial direction of Elaine Terrill, who was instrumental in its development, along with founders John Beckey, Hal Green, Mike Johannsen, Rosa Mendoza, Jim Nepple, Paul Ostrem, Mark Paton, Rick Simpson, Mike Spangler, Jim Trosen, and Katrina Wisniewski.

From left are past board chairs Keith Porter, Diana Gradert, William Koellner, Jim Nepple, John Beckey, and Bob Jensen. (Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine)
From left are past board chairs Keith Porter, Diana Gradert, William Koellner, Jim Nepple, John Beckey, and Bob Jensen. (Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine)

Together, with donors and the collaboration of partners, the Community Foundation has:

  • Granted more than $47 million to support vital charitable programs and projects locally, nationally, and internationally

  • Awarded more than $4 million in scholarships to help ensure the future success of students.

  • Managed over 260 funds for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to invest in the community and support the causes they care about.

  • Forged community partnerships to collaboratively address the county’s most pressing issues such as housing, health, education, and racial justice.

“Our founders’ vision set the Community Foundation on a path to serve as a catalyst for community building. We are grateful to the board members who have provided leadership, volunteers who have carved time and offered guidance, and donors who have invested their personal and corporate resources to strengthen our community in countless moments and ways,” said Charla Schafer, president, Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. “We are excited and poised to watch this community partnership continue to unfold, growing in impact and further strengthening our community, neighbors, and children.”

To commemorate this milestone, the Community Foundation is collecting stories to recognize those who have made a significant impact and contributed to its success throughout its history. To share a story or memory to recognize a special Community Foundation contributor, volunteer, or partner, contact Lynsey Krusie at lkrusie@givinggreater.org or visit here.

The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine  is a county-wide charitable organization actively working to improve the quality of life in Muscatine County through philanthropy.

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