HC Community Foundation Awards $143,857.87

LIME SPRINGS - The Howard County Community Foundation (HCCF) held its 2025 Grant Award Celebration at the Lime Springs Community Center on January 5, 2026, announcing the distribution of $143,857.87 to 20 organizations serving Howard County through its 2025 grant cycle. 

Grant recipients, organizations, funded projects, and award amounts are listed below by program area.

Arts & Culture

• Norman Borlaug Heritage Foundation – Borlaug Houses: Handicap Access – $7,500

Community Betterment

• City of Chester – Chester Lime Springs Community Center Air Exchange – $4,000

• City of Chester Fire Department – Vehicle Extraction Equipment – $15,000

• City of Elma Memorial Hall Board – Courtyard Project – $15,000

• City of Lime Springs Fire Department – Hurst Extraction Tools – $15,000

• City of Lime Springs Park & Recreation Board – Ball Field Lights – $15,000

• Cresco Wildlife Club – Club Expansion – $5,000

• Firefighters of Elma – Hydraulic Operated Pump – $14,500

• Notre Dame Church and School (Cresco) – Safe & Secure Space – $15,000

• Protivin Firefighters Inc. – Wildland and Urban Rescue Gear 2025 – $1,500

• Riceville Community Foundation, Inc. – Wheelchair & Swings for City Park – $4,500

• The BRIDGE Organization – Tossed & Found: New Furnace & Air Conditioner – $4,075.69

Education & Youth 

Development

• City of Chester – Chester Softball: Equipment – $1,000

• CRICCET – Howard County Childcare Solutions Coalition – $9,709.74

• Howard County Child Care Association (Kessel Kids) – Classroom Furnishings – $4,945

• Spring Ahead Learning Center – Center Updates – $2,577

Health

• American Red Cross – Blood Services – Riceville Blood Drives – $1,000

Human Service

• Riceville Community Foundation, Inc. – 2025 Assistance for Riceville Low-Income People – $4,000

• Riceville Food Pantry – Chicken for Food Pantry – $2,000

• Riverview Center, Inc. – Howard County Crisis Response Toolkit – $2,550

“We are deeply inspired by the vision and commitment these organizations bring to Howard County,” said Amanda Keller, Chair of the Howard County Community Foundation.