Since 1970, low-income persons living in Clinton and Scott counties and older persons living in Clinton, Scott and Muscatine counties have been turning to HELP Legal Assistance for high quality legal services. HELP is a legal aid law firm that serves thousands of individuals who look for professional guidance and representation within the justice system. When planning for its future, HELP turned to the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend for direction. 

“The creation of an endowment fund has long been a dream of the organization and its board of directors,” said Janelle Swanberg, HELP executive director. “Our dream became a reality when long-time board member, Patricia Rhodes Cepican, passed away in January 2004 and gave a portion of her estate to HELP.”

Patricia believed very deeply in the organization’s mission and toward the end of her life, HELP was going through some very difficult budgetary times that resulted in the loss of two attorneys. Patricia’s gift enabled HELP to protect itself from having to experience these hardships again.

“The Community Foundation’s process for establishing a fund was very appealing to us because of its ease and simplicity,” said Janelle. “We know the endowment will enhance HELP’s ability to provide quality legal services to low-income persons far into the future.”

HELP board member, Gary Lane, has been actively involved in the organization for 37 years. He says HELP plans to become more engaged in forming community alliances and developing a solid network of community support. One step the organization took toward achieving this goal was participating in the Community Foundation’s $150,000 Challenge Matching Program. HELP received the $5,000 match from this program by successfully raising $10,000 for their endowment.

“This challenge was a good way for us to get our feet wet and obtain experience with this kind of fundraising,” Gary said. “In the past, most of HELP’s fundraising efforts were primarily focused on securing immediate funding.”

HELP looks forward to growing their endowment to provide cushion in lean years and to diversify their funding sources. Gary predicts HELP’s endowment will fun an additional staff person in years to come, strengthening the organization’s services to low income and senior clients.

Organization Funds

An Organization Endowment fund at the Community Foundation is a permanent source of support in perpetuity. Unlike annual fund donations, which are vital to day-to-day operations, gifts toward the Endowment benefit the organization and the people it serves, forever.