‘Revitalize Southwest Iowa’ providing millions to Montgomery County

The Charles E. Lakin Foundation is dedicated to revitalizing our communities by directing $165 million towards enhancing local housing, childcare, and educational causes through the Community Foundation for Western Iowa.
The program will have 23 anchor cities, Red Oak is the first anchor community, and includes Coburg and Elliott. Those communities will receive $19.8 million in funding, Stanton will receive $2.25 million in funding, and Villisca is the final anchor community, including Grant. Those two communities will receive $4 million in funding. The total amount in funding for Montgomery County is a $26,050,000. Other communities receiving funding are Essex, which will receive $2.4 million and Emerson and Henderson, which will receive $1.8 million.
Each community will have an annual infusion of cash, starting next year, Dostal said, with 5% of the endowment expected to be given in grants to nonprofits and organizations in the communities each year, while additional gifts and investment revenue continue to grow the resources into the future.
Additionally, the dollars are available to lend toward larger projects that would be expected to pay back the funds.
Montgomery County Development Corporation executive director Steve Adams said the Lakin funds will have a big impact on the area.
“Lakin has really focused in on some primary areas to include childcare, housing, amenities and jobs. Stanton has shown their vision remarkably well in the new $4.2 million dollar Child Resource Center along with the plans they have for new housing in the Valhalla Subdivision and new job potential in the Technology Park,” commented Adams. “As we move forward envisioning for the other communities, it will be essential to determine where the greatest area of need will be. Other communities should begin the process of developing working groups so we can begin coordinating how this generous donation can be used to best improve Montgomery County. We look forward to working with the Lakin Foundation and the Community Foundation of Western Iowa in the years to come.”
Stanton economic development coordinator Jenna Ramsey also expressed her appreciation for the funding.
“The Charles E. Lakin Foundation has been an advocate and champion in Southwest Iowa for many years. The legacy that Charles and Florence leave will extend for generations to come,” Ramsey said.
Lakin officials say they envision a future where every child, family, and educator benefits from a nurturing environment. Collaborating with designated local nonprofits ensures these Field of Interest Funds fuel meaningful development and opportunities, and aim to build a vibrant, sustainable region, creating a legacy of prosperity and opportunity. Together, they’re shaping a Southwest Iowa where everyone has the foundation to succeed.
• Since 1900, Southwest Iowa’s population has declined by 17%, while East Central Nebraska’s has grown by 380%.
• The “Revitalizing Southwest Iowa” initiative will allow the Charles E. Lakin Foundation to fulfill its mission of nurturing sustainable, prosperous futures for communities within Southwest Iowa.
• Through a philanthropic partnership with the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, this transformative $165 million donation will benefit 51 small towns across Southwest Iowa in the following six counties: Pottawattamie, Mills, Montgomery, Fremont, Page, and Cass.
• The Charles E. Lakin Foundation’s investment to revitalize southwest Iowa will primarily focus on housing, childcare, and community resilience and will create a lasting legacy of positive socio-economic transformation across the region.
Monies will be managed by the Community Foundation for Western Iowa. As the organization provides institutional money management, the community funds will continue in perpetuity, money will remain in southwest Iowa, and they will enforce the Lakin Foundation’s requirements.
Officials of the Lakin Foundation also issued a statement on the things that make communities in Southwest Iowa worth saving.
“In the heart of America, nestled in and among the Loess Hills of Southwest Iowa, lie 75 small towns that are more than just dots on a map. These towns are the guardians of a rich tapestry of history and culture that have shaped not just a region but the very narrative of our nation. They are living museums where every building, street, and face tells a story of the past, connecting us to our collective heritage.
They present unique opportunities for sustainable living and community-driven development. They are the testing grounds for new economic and social organization models that could offer solutions to global challenges.
Strategically, these towns hold significance due to their location and resources. Their revitalization could harness these advantages for broader economic and strategic benefits, ensuring every part of our country, including its rural heartlands, receives attention and investment. No matter where they live, every citizen deserves access to opportunities, essential services, and a quality of life that allows them to thrive.
Many of these towns have untapped potential in tourism, capable of attracting visitors and preserving the town’s heritage while being significant economic drivers. They play a crucial role in food production, and supporting these areas is integral to maintaining and enhancing food security.
What’s more, small towns offer a unique cultural landscape. They are characterized by strong community ties, a slower pace of life, and a deep connection to nature. These aspects resonate with those seeking an alternative to urban life, allowing this distinct way of life to continue.
Environmentally, smaller communities often have a smaller footprint than larger cities. They promote sustainability and reduce the strain on our planet’s resources. Revitalizing these towns can help protect natural landscapes and prevent urban sprawl.
The current economic situation of these towns might seem bleak, but the potential for revival is strong. By investing in housing, childcare centers, local entrepreneurship, and strategic amenities, these towns can become vibrant innovation hubs, attracting new businesses and residents. This revitalization can not only benefit the towns themselves but also contribute to the overall economic health of the region.
The social fabric and values inherent in these towns are their lifeblood. Neighbors support each other, creating strong social networks that are hard to replicate in larger cities. Preserving these communities allows these values to flourish, offering a sense of belonging and responsibility.
The decline of these towns comes at a high human cost. The loss of businesses and schools and the fracturing of families have a profound emotional toll. Furthermore, this decline exacerbates issues like rural poverty and isolation, with detrimental effects on health and well-being. Investing in these communities can reverse these trends, creating opportunities and improving lives.
Lastly, these small towns are not just a local concern; they hold national significance. They represent the backbone of rural America, a sector crucial to food production, natural resource management, and cultural heritage. Their decline is a national issue, and by saving these towns, we preserve a vital part of the American identity, ensuring our nation’s continued strength and diversity.
In sum, the small cities in Southwest Iowa are more than just quaint relics of a bygone era. They are vibrant, essential pieces of our country’s tapestry, deserving of preservation and investment. They hold the keys to our past and the seeds for our future, making them worth saving and imperative to our nation’s health and heritage.”