PAST NEWS

CCJ Receives Grant Award from Story County Community Foundation

SCCF logo

CCJ was awarded a $5,655 grant from the Story County Community Foundation! The funding will be used for installing a new phone system which will be critical to absorbing the growth of the organization. The number of clients CCJ is serving has doubled in the last four years, and while this growth has been exciting, it has created some stress on the current outdated phone system and staff functioning. Currently, an estimaed 900 calls are made or received each business week on a multiple-line phone system that is outdated, non-repairable, and not replaceable. With this grant, CCJ is now able to purchase a new phone system for the front desk and each workstation at the agency, allowing for greater efficiency in meeting the demands of our growing organization. Thank you to the Story County Community Foundation for their generous grant, and for valuing the work we do at CCJ! For more information about the Story County Community Foundation, please visit the Story County Community Foundation web site.

CCJ Creates Endowment Fund

Endowment Signing

The Center for Creative Justice (CCJ) has initiated an endowment fund under the auspices of the Story County Community Foundation (SCCF). This endowment opens doors for donors to CCJ providing them the opportunity to give and help the Story County community. This endowment benefits CCJ with a permanent endowment that will maintain assets and provide future investment distributions. It provides a permanent source for agency capital, helping to provide financial security for the future of CCJ. The endowment fund was created under the umbrella of the Story County Community Foundation (SCCF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines (CFGDM). This relationship with SCCF benefits CCJ in that all fund administrative duties are handled by CFGDM, but CCJ has a visible presence for donors. CCJ donors reap all tax benefits of the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program. The Iowa Legislature created the Endow Iowa program in 2003 to encourage individuals, businesses and organizations to make lasting investments in local communities through charitable giving. Since 2003, more than $50 million has been invested through Endow Iowa to improve residents' lives. Endow Iowa provides state taxpayers a strong return on investment: for every $1 of tax credit that the state offers, community foundations receive $5 to support efforts that enhance the quality of life in Iowa communities. CCJ has created two funds under the umbrella of SCCF to allow donors options and flexibility. The two options provide slightly different tax incentives for the donor.

  1. The Center for Creative Justice Endowment Fund. An endowed fund is established with the requirement that the principal is left intact and invested for perpetuity. Earnings are used to make grants addressing community needs. This endowment fund allows the donor the full Endow Iowa tax credit of 25%. This is a 25% reduction in the amount of taxes a person owes through a direct subtraction from a tax bill. Donors may NOT receive an additional standard state tax deduction for their gift, but do receive the standard federal tax deduction. Gifts through Endow Iowa cost donors less. For example, a $1,000 gift could cost as little as $400 (assuming a 35% tax bracket).
    Donors contributing through the Endow Iowa option will receive an acknowledgement letter from SCCF and the Endow Iowa tax credit application. This application returned to SCCF will be forwarded to the State. Donors will receive the Endow Iowa Tax Credit letter from the Iowa Department of Economic Development with the tax credit identification number to use for tax purposes.
  2. The Center for Creative Justice Agency Fund. This fund is not a true endowment fund in that it is not permanent and CCJ may draw from the principal of this fund if needed. The fund does continue to be invested collecting returns. Donors to this fund receive the standard state and federal deductions. Donors will NOT receive the 25% Endow Iowa tax credit.

To donate to either of these funds go to the Story County Community Foundation web site. Click on Donate Now to donate online or to print a form to mail in. Select either the Center for Creative Justice Endowment Fund or Agency Fund realizing the tax implications.

If you have any questions about donating to CCJ, contact Mark Kubik, 515-292-3820