CFCI has been around for more than 35 years. So what is it and how does it operate?
Clarion Foundation for Community Improvement (CFCI) was started in 1985 as a financial vehicle to enhance the lives of the Clarion community. Sherri O’Brien, Secretary-Treasurer, said, “Our mission statement says to provide support for the betterment of our community and the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows School District. We are a 501c3 (tax exempt) organization. If a project fits our mission statement, groups which do not have the tax exemption, can use CFCI as its vehicle. She has served in that position for the past dozen years. Dave Johnson currently serves as its president.
Over the years, numerous fundraisers have taken advantage of their offer. Some are short-term, smaller projects. Others may be for an extended period of time. CFCI was used for the swimming pool renovation, new scoreboards for school facilities, band uniforms, and the school elementary playground upgrades. “Most recently funds were collected for the mural project on Central Avenue West,” said O’Brien.
The remodeling of the Clarion Theatre was a major project. As was Heartland Museum and the Clarion Public Library. Library board member Belva German said, “The library fund drive was over $2 million with pledges being received for more than five years. It was a major help for us.” As the steward of the funds, German would make the weekly trek to pick up any checks which were given. They were recorded and deposited to the CFCI account. Money was then passed on to the library to pay its renovation and addition bills.
O’Brien said, “We do not manage any projects. We only receive and dispense the funds.”
Some of the projects are ongoing. “Any money we receive for Clarion Pride, the ‘Leader in Me’ school program, or the back pack program helps those things thrive.”
When the Clarion Theatre experienced problems with its movie projector recently, community members became concerned. “There was never any organized fund drive to offset money needed to purchase a new projector,” said LeAnn Johnson, theatre manager, “But people wanted to help us. If checks were made out to the theatre, money was not tax deductible. If gifts were made to CFCI, they were.”
Most familiar is the CGD annual school scholarships for graduating seniors. “Money is given to students without application,” said O’Brien. “Any senior with a 3.5 GPA or better, attending a college or university in the fall or a senior with a 1.75 GPA or better, attending a vocational or technical school, also in the fall, receives a $200 scholarship. Usually about 60 – 75% of the students fall into that category. In this year’s graduating class, 43 students received the scholarships ($8600 to the class of 2021). Monies to fund the annual scholarships come from generous community donors. Contributions to the scholarship program are always welcome.” Donors are recognized in the Wright County Monitor each year. Over parts of 3 ½ decades, each year between $8,000 – $10,000 has been awarded to graduating seniors!
Anyone wanting more information on CFCI, to make a donation, or to possibly use CFCI to help with a community fundraising project, contact O’Brien at First State Bank, 714 Central Avenue East, -515-532-2210, or sherrio@fsbwc.com .
O’Brien is pleased to be part of the community foundation with the foresight to begin CFCI a number of decades ago. “The idea of something that would support our school and our community this way has been a help to so many groups over the years,” she said. “I am happy to be part of this work and to help make such positive things happen locally.”
