The foundation is granting $100,000 to the City of Marshalltown for the renovation of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum and up to $100,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Iowa for their Marshalltown Hammers Back project. The grant awards are from the first 2019 funding cycle for the Rebuild Marshalltown Fund.

“These grant awardees both exemplify the purpose of the Rebuild Marshalltown Fund which is to assist with the long term recovery effort. I am excited to see their progress in the rebuild effort,” said Community Foundation Executive Director Julie Hitchins.

Built nearly 90 years ago, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum was a memorial to Marshalltown residents who had fought in and/or lost their lives in the Civil War, Spanish War and World War I. It has served numerous functions for the community over the years. Although it sustained significant damage from the July 19 tornado, the structure was deemed sound. The goal of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum Renovation is to create a public space for recreational and community uses as well as preserving an enduring memorial to the veterans of Marshalltown.

In the first two weeks following the tornado, approximately 400 Habitat for Humanity of Iowa volunteers assisted home owners to secure their homes. Nine months later, it’s estimated that 245 housing units still have unmet needs. Habitat for Humanity of Iowa’s 2019 goals include: repairing 100 homes, completing 50 neighborhood beautification/landscape projects, providing 75 individuals with homeowner education and raising $1 million to fund construction activities.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO - The Community Foundation of Marshall County announced $200,000 in Rebuild Marshalltown grant awards on Thursday. The Vets Memorial Coliseum and Habitat for Humanity can each receive up to $100,000.

The Rebuild Marshalltown Fund will accept letters of intent for two additional 2019 funding cycles on July 1 and Oct. 1. Please visit the Community Foundation of Marshall County’s website at www.cfmarshallco.org for more specific information on the letter of intent process.

“The Community Foundation of Marshall County thanks the over 240 donors from 24 different states that have contributed to the Rebuild Marshalltown Fund,” said fund co-chairs Heidi Dalal and Steve Troskey.

Contributions to the Rebuild Marshalltown Fund can be made online at www.cfmarshallco.org/rebuild-marshalltown-fund/ or checks can be mailed to the Community Foundation of Marshall County, 11 N. First Ave., Marshalltown, Iowa 50158.

Contact Hitchins with questions at director@cfmarshallco.org or visit www.cfmarshallco.org.