The Elkader Future Fund is now accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the community and improve quality of life for residents and visitors.

Championed by a team of local leaders, the Elkader Future Fund is part of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque’s Small-town Dreams Initiative, which challenges participating towns to raise matching funds locally in order to receive funds to start an endowment. By the end of the campaign, the goal is for communities to have built up an endowment that will grow in perpetuity and pay out annually for grantmaking.

“An individual stepped forward and said they will give these communities $100,000 if they can raise $350,000, so you’ll have a $450,000 trust for the future,” explained Keith Garms, convener of the Elkader Future Fund. “We now have approximately $500,000 in that trust. And people can always add to it.”

Along with Garms, the Elkader Future Fund Advisory Board includes recorder Emily Yaddoff, secretary Sara Hertrampf and members Justin Vorwald, Dr. Ken Zichal, Jennifer Cowsert, Kay Moser, Eli Garms and Dave Gibney.

The group has already been using funds for several years to complete projects in Elkader, according to Garms. This includes the safety enhancement crosswalk light at Bridge Street, sunshade structures at the Elkader Swimming Pool and outdoor musical instruments at Founders’ Park and the Elkader Public Library.

“It’s been very successful,” Garms said.

As a permanent endowment, the Elkader Future Fund will continue to give back to the community for years to come. Each year, a portion of the fund will be available to support projects that enhance parks, recreation, arts and culture, safety and community spaces.

“Now we’re taking applications for future projects,” said Garms. “We’re asking for ideas—little things that make the community better that we don’t want the taxpayers to get stuck with. Then our board will meet and decide.”

Grant applications are available at Elkader City Hall or by contacting a member of the Elkader Future Fund Advisory Board. More information can also be found on the “Elkader Future Fund” Facebook page and at dbqfoundation.org/giving-center/elkader-future-fund.