March 23,2026
(Shenandoah) — Vision Shenandoah officials say it’s another step forward in assisting the community with various projects.
Officials with the Charles E. Lakin Foundation recently granted the organization formal fund status. Dr. Margaret Brady is Vision Shenandoah’s executive director. Speaking on KMA’s “Morning Line” program Monday morning, Brady says the designation is a major milestone for the organization.
“That means for Shenandoah, Vision Shenandoah is the group that works with the Charles E. Lakin Foundation directly, and to help great things happen in this community,” said Brady, “and we’re super-excited about this process. They’re working through some details with their lawyers on how all that might look, and we’re excited about hearing in the next couple of weeks exactly how the funds are going to be available, and what the grant process is.”
Shenandoah is one of 51 communities in the region selected to share $165 million as part of the foundation’s Revitalize Southwest Iowa Initiative. Brady says the designation sets the process for future funding for Vision Shenandoah’s proposed projects, such as the Shenandoah Fieldhouse project planned for construction in 2029.
“So, the way this works is, in the first quarter of ’27, after we have been the fund adviser for a year,” she said, “there will be grant funds available to be used by the community, where the primary money can be used, but it needs to be repaid into the principle, the grant funds we’ll be able to use–and that’s about $800,000 per year that we’ll be able to use for fun projects in the community that are nonprofit projects that don’t need to repaid.”
Brady says the designation will help address some of Vision Shenandoah’s main objectives, such as housing projects.
“The main money that you use it for is things that can be paid back like housing,” said Brady. “So, we are already working on some rehab housing projects. We’ve got two properties we’ve acquired that need a makeover. So, we’re working on putting requests for bids out. So, if you’re a contractor, and you’re interested in bidding on these projects, reach out to me so that you’re on my email list.”
Lakin Foundation officials awarded $16.35 million in seed money in 2025 for ventures helping the community grow and improve. Only $800,000 per year is allocated in each community involved in the initiative for projects.
Provided by KMA: https://www.kmaland.com/news/vision-shenandoah-gains-formal-fund-adviser-status/article_fea3c133-b5aa-405f-b703-2e58d74a880d.html
