June 9, 2020
Des Moines, IA — The Wellmark Foundation has notified two South Dakota organizations they will receive Matching Assets to Community Health (MATCH) grants, contingent upon securing the required dollar-for-dollar match. To ensure community support for these projects, organizations have until Sept. 4 to secure their matching funds. Each of these grantees are planning projects that can help individuals, families and communities achieve better health through built environment initiatives that encourage physical activity.
"The Wellmark Foundation is delighted by the amount of community input and support that was clearly expressed in the applications," said Becky Wampler Bland, The Wellmark Foundation executive director. "Each of these projects will provide great options for physical activity within their community that will enhance the quality of life and the overall well-being of their citizens."
The organizations selected to receive a Wellmark Foundation 2020 Large MATCH grant include:
Burke School District 26-2, $80,000
Burke School Playground
As a result of a tornado in August 2019, the Burke School District suffered significant damage including the loss of much of their playground. The beloved grove and grassy area along with the majority of the playground equipment was destroyed. Students are also no longer able to play on the black top area due to the bus loading and unloading area being relocated. This project will provide students and the entire community with a safe place to play and be active.
Willow Lake Area Advancement, $97,500
Dive Right In
Willow Lake Area Advancement, the local economic development and community improvement non-profit for southern Clark County, has rallied stakeholders for the "Dive Right In" project, that will make major updates to the inner workings and outer surfaces of the swimming pool, and address the lingering issues that are making maintenance difficult. In addition to providing funds to line the pool to create a safe surface and to stop water loss, to update the pipes and filtration system, and to resurface the decking, this project will address the problem of the high water table around the swimming pool. These are long-term fixes that will address major issues and allow the pool to be sustainable into the future.
Since 2011, The Wellmark Foundation has provided more than $11 million in grant funding to communities across Iowa and South Dakota. View previous Wellmark Foundation MATCH grant recipients.
