Front Row: Alison Fraser, Mary Jo Allen, Ann Young, Joni Kelley. 2nd Row: Bianca Myers, Jerry Kirkpatrick, Jon Schmidt, Jeff Young, Bill Buss. 3rd Row: Matt Thompson, Justin Zaputil, Mike Craver. Photo courtesy of IHCC

Cline Foundation Completes $1 Million Grant to Indian Hills Community College

The Morgan E. Cline Foundation recently completed the final payment for their $1 million grant to Indian Hills Community College for construction of the new Centerville campus.

Cline board members met at the college with IHCC President, Matt Thompson, Joni Kelley, Executive Dean of Centerville Campus and Executive Dean of Advancement Bianca Myers to make the presentation in front of the wing named in honor of Morgan Cline.

The gift represents the foundation’s first major multi-year grant into one of our community’s most important assets that will have a lasting impact for many years to come.

Matt Thompson, President of IHCC said, "We are extremely grateful to the Morgan E. Cline Foundation for their generous $1 Million gift to the Irma W. Winslow Education Center on the Indian Hills Centerville Campus. Their early investment in the project inspired community confidence that played a vital role in the passage of the $28 Million bond referendum and helped launch a capitol campaign that raised an additional $14 Million in private and public support. This gift is a lasting investment in our students, our workforce, and the future of Southern Iowa."

With the completion of this pledge fulfilled, Alison Fraser, Executive Director of the Cline Foundation said that grant applications to non-profits will be accepted during the normal grant cycle starting in August 2026.

Cline Foundation Board Members, John Schmidt, Bill Buss, Mike Craver, Ann Young and CEO Alison Fraser present a check for $80,000 to YMCA board and staff, Sarah Lind, Nicole Clapp, Ed Shirley, Sheree Lange, Mike Armstrong and Janell Armstrong.

Morgan E. Cline Foundation Awards Grant for Important YMCA Expansion

The Morgan Cline Charitable Foundation recently presented a grant of $80,000 to the Rathbun Lake Area YMCA for the construction of a new addition. The funds are being used specifically to increase the square footage of the new exercise and weight room. Several trustees of the foundation and their executive Alison Fraser met with members of the YMCA Board and staff to make the presentation.

Sarah Lind, YMCA Board Vice Chairperson said the generosity of the Morgan Cline Foundation helps make it possible for the Y to expand in a way that will serve generations to come. “This project is more than a renovation, it’s a commitment to the health, growth, and vitality of southern Iowa. We are grateful for their partnership and the positive impact it will have on the community,” she added.

The Cline Foundation considers the YMCA to be an integral part of the community and understands it is one local non-profit that does not have a permanent funding source relying on private donations and membership to stay in operations. The ongoing maintenance and equipment needs of a recreation center with an indoor pool is expensive. The Cline Foundation understands the needs for maintaining a quality facility and over the years previously awarded multiple grants to the Y totaling $150,000 to replace the boiler, replace the hot tub and replace dehumidification and HVAC systems in the pool area.

Bill Buss, Chairperson of the Cline Foundation who has also been involved with economic development in Appanoose County for many years, considers the YMCA to be an important asset in the community for both current and new residents. “The YMCA is one of the first places, prospective companies want to see when they come to town because it is an attractive draw and adds to the quality of life for their employees and families. It definitely factors into their decision of whether to relocate here and gives us a big edge over other communities our size, not to mention the value it already has for our community’s youth, adults and families,” he said.

The Morgan E. Cline Foundation was established by Morgan Cline and funded by the remainder of his estate to perpetuate his charitable philanthropy through grant making to eligible Appanoose County non-profit organizations. The foundation is a private 501 c 3 nonprofit corporation. Since its inception in 2017, it’s invested $5.5 million in grants and donations, historic preservation and business operations in Centerville and Appanoose County. The foundation also operates The Continental Hotel and Lucile’s Restaurant as part of its mission which would not be possible without the foundations substantial investment in this invaluable cornerstone of Centerville’s historic square district.

What we support

Morgan Cline's legacy of charity

The Morgan E. Cline Foundation focuses on two areas:

Continued sustainable operation of The Continental Hotel, a historic building and social enterprise established by Morgan Cline during his life.
Charitable grant making and technical support.

What is a social enterprise?

A social enterprise is an organization that achieves social good through traditional business practices. In addition to their individual contributions supporting seniors, entrepreneurs, and cultural opportunities, our social enterprise preserves an important historic building and supports the social and economic infrastructure of Appanoose County.

Charitable grants

We award two types of competitive grants to organizations doing charitable work in four key areas in and around Appanoose County, Iowa.

We also, as strategic opportunities arise, actively seek opportunities to accomplish goals we believe are key to a viable and thriving Appanoose County. As appropriate, we may also invite selected partners to apply for funding for multi-year gifts to accomplish these goals.

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