WEST DES MOINES, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aureon, a renowned leader in business connectivity and technology solutions, announces today the first and second quarter recipients of its Community Development Grant program. Launched at the beginning of this year, the program supports community projects in areas served by Aureon, providing up to $20,000 in grants each quarter. In the first half of 2024, a total of $30,000 was awarded to nine outstanding projects.
Recipients and Grant Allocations:
Union County Development Association (Creston, IA)
Grant Amount: $5,000
The grant supports the City of Creston’s Uptown Project, specifically aiding in the development of a cohesive brand identity for the Uptown District, including logo creation and wayfinding design. "The Aureon grant is instrumental in helping us create a unified brand for the Uptown District," said Mindy Stalker, UCDA Executive Director. "This will serve as a cornerstone for our community's revitalization efforts."
Tama Toledo Chamber of Commerce (Tama, IA)
Grant Amount: $5,000
The "Jolly Lights at the Heights" event, an annual holiday light display that promotes local businesses and stimulates economic activity, will be supported by the funds. "We are thrilled to receive this grant from Aureon. The 'Jolly Lights at the Heights' event not only brings festive cheer to our community but also plays a crucial role in supporting our local businesses," said Katherine Ollendieck, Executive Director of the Tama Toledo Chamber of Commerce.
Dyersville Child Care Center (Dyersville, IA)
Grant Amount: $5,000
The purchase of toddler feeding equipment for the new Michael and Jean Knepper Child Care Center will be supported by the amount awarded. The center, set to open in Dyersville’s 20 West Industrial Park, will provide 250 childcare spaces, addressing a critical need for quality childcare in the community.
DMACC Newton Campus Legacy Plaza Greenspace (Newton, IA)
Grant Amount: $5,000
Aureon's grant will aid in the landscaping efforts of the Legacy Plaza Greenspace, a five-acre community gathering space on the former Maytag headquarters campus. The greenspace will serve as an outdoor classroom for DMACC students and a hub for community activities.
Southwestern Community College (Creston and Osceola, IA)
Grant Amount: $5,000
The grant is divided into two projects: $2,500 for installing a new Electronic Access Control system at the Creston campus and $2,500 for purchasing new training equipment for the Applied Engineering Technology program at the Osceola campus.
Chariton Valley Regional Housing Trust Fund (Albia, IA)
Grant Amount: $5,000
This funding supports affordable housing initiatives in Albia and surrounding counties. The grant contributes to the Trust Fund's efforts to secure a $23,000 pledge goal for each county, which will be matched 4:1 by the Iowa Finance Authority.
The Aureon Community Development Grant program, launched on January 1, 2024, aims to support public and private non-profit agencies in their efforts to enhance local communities. Grants ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 are awarded each quarter and can be used to purchase tangible items for charitable causes or cover soft costs that advance community projects. Up to $20,000 is available each quarter to be distributed across various initiatives that contribute to community development and improvement.
"Aureon deeply cares about the communities we serve, and we're genuinely passionate about making a difference. We're proud to have launched this program at the start of 2024, providing nonprofit organizations with the opportunity to secure the funding they truly need to continue their vital work," shared Carey Stover, Chief Experience Officer at Aureon.
Applications for the third quarter of 2024 are now open. Organizations in Aureon's service areas are encouraged to submit their proposals by September 30, 2024. To learn more about the program visit www.aureon.com/about/community.
About Aureon:
Aureon provides business enhancing services through connectivity, technology solutions, and contact center services, improving productivity and efficiency, backed by robust, scalable offerings to meet diverse business needs. A suite of services including unified communications, internet, data center, cloud, business continuity and security, are supported by strong customer focus and dependable network infrastructure. Over three decades of expertise, and a dedicated Iowa-based customer support team, enables Aureon to closely align with client goals, fostering efficient and advanced technological environments. Our exceptional service, combined with a commitment to community and client success, solidifies Aureon's position as a premier technology solutions provider in the Midwest. Recognized with accolades like the 2023 Best of the West awards, Aureon's influence spans from its West Des Moines headquarters nationwide, exemplifying a legacy of excellence in technology and community development.
