Donations to Jones Soil and Water Endowment Fund sought

CONSERVATION CONVERSATION

   This is a great time to consider a donation to an endowment fund, and the Jones Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) board is encouraging anyone, especially farmers bringing in grain, to make a donation now.

     If you are someone who appreciates and respects our natural resources, know that your donation today will continue supporting conservation efforts in Jones County forever.

     Three years ago, the commissioners of the Jones SWCD established an endowment fund through an agreement with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque as part of the Jones County Community Foundation. The fund allows donors to make a contribution that will give perpetually. This is a forever fund, which means the principle is never touched. Only the earnings are allowed to be used to help fund operations and activities that promote the conservation and enhancement of Jones County’s natural resources.

     Grain can be donated upon delivery to many grain buyers in the area. By simply stating that you would like a certain number of bushels or a certain dollar amount donated to the Jones SWCD fund, local co-ops can easily arrange the donation.

     When you make a donation to a tax-exempt organization, you can write the amount off of your taxes. The benefit of donating to an endowment fund is that you may receive an additional 25 percent credit through the Endow Iowa State Tax Credit program. The combination can save you up to 60 percent on your donation costs, depending upon your individual tax situation. For example, if you donate $100 to the fund, it may cost you as little as $40.

     To make a monetary contribution, you should write a check out to the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and write “Jones SWCD Endowment Fund” in the check memo. The check can be dropped off at the SWCD office at 300 Chamber Drive in Anamosa, or sent directly to: Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, Attn: Amy Manternach, 700 Locust Street, Suite 195,

Dubuque, IA 52001.

     Other types of donations, such as property, bonds, estates and life insurance can also be easily arranged.

     The Jones SWCD works with state, federal and private partners to improve water quality, soil conservation and wildlife habitat on private and public lands. For more information on the endowment fund, stop by our office in the USDA Service Center at 300 Chamber Drive in Anamosa, visit us at www.jonesswcd.org, or give us a call at 319-462-3196, ext. 3