Fairfield First Fund   

 
  1. Support Entrepreneurial Development Systems

  2. Matching funds for Individual Development Accounts (IDA’s)

  3. Invests in local businesses

  4. Supports the next generation civic and social entrepreneurs

  5. Matching grants for artists, musicians, film makers and theater groups

Our long-term strategy is to create a culture of legacy giving where Fairfield residents treat Fairfield Iowa  as one of their children to sustain our favorite projects, as well as new ones, including but not limited to the following:

Fairfield Art Walk

Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts

Fairfield Volunteer Center

Jefferson County Trails Council

Fairfield Summer Band in the Park - celebrating 50 years

Fairfield Entrepreneurs Association

Fairfield Musicians Club

Fairfield Free University

TEDxFairfield

Live on the Square

KRUU - LP 101.1

ICON Gallery

Fairfield Art Association

Maze of Murals and Art on Barns

We are in the midst of the greatest wealth transfer in the history of mankind and want to create a culture of legacy giving. Jefferson County ranks No. 1 in Iowa in per capita giving but we can be smarter in planning for the future by creating permanent endowments to provide for 1,000 years of progress and sustainability for Fairfield.

Only a certified community foundation can provide a 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit in addition to a tax-deductible charitable contribution. We are affiliating with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines to provide this benefit.  The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines’ mission is to act as an umbrella organizations who don’t wish to invest the effort or money to become a certified foundation. They also provide professional investment expertise to preserve and grow the endowment. We have worked with them in past as a fiscal agent for a major grant from the Northwest Area Foundation and can vouch for their credibility and professionalism.

At this point we are considered an acorn fund and when our assets reach $10,000 we can begin grant making.

We think this new fund will create a positive carryover effect to giving to MUM, the Greater Jefferson County Community Foundation and hundreds of other local foundations and non-profits. Many have asked whether we could we set up an endowment to support scholarships for MSAE, MUM, IA course and Pandit projects. The answer is yes.

To contribute online one time or on a monthly basis, go here. Designate the Fairfield First Fund.

Thank you for your support.


Burt Chojnowski, Fund Advisor

P.O. Box 1176

Fairfield, IA  52556


641.919.2163