(Estherville)--The Emmet County Community Foundation announced its 2026 Grant Awards Wednesday during a special ceremony at the Estherville VFW. Terry Gaumer, Charitable Advisor with the Northeast Iowa Community Foundation, says over $144,000 in grants were awarded to 18 local nonprofits and government entities. Gaumer says she was pleased with this year’s applications.

Gaumer says the grant awards were divided into four categories.

Another category is youth empowerment. Gaumer says the Emmet County Community Foundation was able to fund over 60-percent of the applications received.

Gaumer also highlighted a new program called Five for the Future.

For more information on the Five for the Future program, visit cfneia.org or emmetccf.org. This year’s grant recipients include the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office for a search and rescue drone, the Food Bank of Iowa for childhood hunger programs, Tiny Treasures Community Daycare Center for a nature based playground, the Emmet County Historical Society for exterior lighting on the main building and new signage, and the Friends of the Ringsted Library for a new air conditioner and furnace. 

Other grant awards:

City of Armstrong – AED for city swimming pool

Wallingford Fire Department – Fire Suppression Equipment

Estherville Fire Department – Radio upgrades

Family Crises Centers – Wages and client services

Hope Haven – Work station for clients

Upper Des Moines Opportunity – redo back parking lot.

Emmet County Extension Office – Youth Development

North Union School District – Fiberlink for shop classes

Armstrong Betterment Club – New Swings for City Park

Estherville Lincoln Central School District(2) – Donation to bleacher project and new audio-visual equipment for Regional Wellness Center

Ringsted Community Improvement – handicapped accessible ramp.