The Community Foundation of Johnson County has joined forces with 130 foundations across Iowa to celebrate charitable giving in honor of Community Foundation Week, which lasts until Nov. 18.

Iowa Community Foundations help meet a variety of communities’ current needs including those related to education, arts and culture, health, and environmental education.

The local foundation has given more than $2.6 million to charitable projects throughout Johnson County since its start in 2000.

Much of that money comes from Endow Iowa, a program created by the Iowa Legislature in 2003. Under the program, for every $1 of tax credit the state offers, community foundations use $5 to enhance life in towns across Iowa.

— by Alyssa Cashman