Community Foundation of Marshall County Announces Major Impact Award
Marshalltown, Iowa, November 24, 2019: The Community Foundation of Marshall County is pleased to announce the Central Iowa Fair Association will be receiving a $20,000 Major Impact Grant for the renovation of their Activity Building. The County Endowment Fund Program provided funding for this grant.

“The Board of Directors of the Community Foundation recognized that this project will positively impact a wide cross section of the citizens of Marshall County” said Community Foundation Executive Director Julie Hitchins.

The Activity Building was built in the 1960’s when the Fair moved from Main Street to its current location on Olive Street. There have not been any substantial updates or renovations to the building since it was built.

In the past few years the Central Iowa Fair Association (CIFA) Board has seen an increased rental demand for the Activity Building which accommodates 200-300 people as similar venues were closed. The CIFA Board engaged the Iowa State Design Lab to complete a feasibility study to ensure the project has a clear direction and plan. The Iowa State Design Lab team gathered information on similar venues in terms of size, cost, benefits and provided four different renovation plans. The CIFA Board has selected a plan and has segmented the renovation into four phases. Once the renovations are complete rental income will provide funding to maintenance activities.

Mike Duffy, Central Iowa Fair Board President had this to say, “We are honored to receive this Major Impact Award from the Community Foundation. We recognize the need to update this building to accommodate our community. This award along with our other fundraising efforts will push this project forward.”

If you have any questions, you can contact Julie Hitchins, Community Foundation of Marshall County Executive Director, at director@cfmarshallco.org. www.cfmarshallco.org

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The mission of the Community Foundation of Marshall County is to improve the quality of life in Marshall County by building charitable endowments and by addressing critical needs of our communities in partnership with nonprofit organizations and donors. The Community Foundation of Marshall County is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, a community foundation that is confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.