The Benton County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, is pleased to announce the establishment of two funds totaling more than $84,000 from Marlyn and Ann Jorgensen of Garrison, Iowa. A Designated Fund was established to benefit the Benton County Conservation Foundation, and the Benton County Community Foundation Unrestricted Fund, and also to benefit the Vinton-Shellsburg Dollars for Scholars to provide financial assistance to graduates who continue their education in Agriculture or Education. A Donor Advised Fund was also established, allowing the Jorgensen family to remain actively involved in suggesting uses for the fund, targeting the issues they most care about in Benton County.

“Education is important to both of us, not only for our family, but for all. With the scholarship, our aim is to help a high school student interested in agriculture and/or teaching to attend college. In addition, since we have lived in Benton County most of our lives, we have a commitment to agriculture and preserving natural places, thus the contribution to the Benton County Nature Center is our effort to preserve the natural places of Benton County for all of our children,” said Ann and Marlyn.

By establishing the funds with the Community Foundation, the Jorgensen’s qualified for the maximum deductions allowed for charitable contributions. Because a portion of the funds donated were designated for an endowment fund, the Jorgensen’s were eligible to receive a 25% state tax credit through the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program, in addition to the normal federal deductions for charitable giving, on those gifts. Iowa legislation supporting charitable gifts to community foundations has greatly increased the amounts of charitable gifts, resulting in more impact for the charitable programs and projects in Iowa.

The couple met while attending Iowa State University and married in February 1961. They moved back to Ann’s childhood home in Garrison and have remained there ever since; raising four children: Chris, Pete, Tim and Jenn during more than 50 years of marriage.

The longtime farmers currently have 1,200 acres of farmland and raise corn and soybeans. They have also taken a lot of interest in leading and volunteering in their community and with the State and National Government. Ann was a member of a number of State Boards in Iowa. As a member of the Iowa Board of Regents, her interest in education was expanded. She also served on economic development boards and currently is a member of The Nature Conservancy board in Iowa.

With Marlyn’s agricultural background, he served on the Iowa Farm Bureau Board and became president of the American Soybean Association board.

“We have been very fortunate during our lifetime. We have been given the opportunity to serve in leadership positions, both in the local and national community as well as State and National Governments. If we all do our part our country will continue to be strong. It is each of us contributing in our own way,” said Ann.

The Benton County Community Foundation is a local, non-profit, charitable affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. The Community Foundation strives to build stronger, healthier communities in Benton County through personalized endowment building service and effective grant making.

For more information about the Benton County Community Foundation and how you can give to or create your own fund, visit the foundation website at www.bentonccf.org or contact our administrative office at 319-287-9106.