Sunflower Awarded Rural Innovation Grant of $50,000
Sunflower Child Development and Discovery Center’s project continues to make progress. This week, Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority announced Sunflower was awarded $50,000 from the Rural Innovation Grant program. The Rural Innovation Grant program aims to support creative ideas that address current issues and challenges faced by rural communities associated with the themes of community investment, growth and connection. The funds awarded to Sunflower will be used to create an interactive children’s exhibit in the Discovery Center to help children understand Iowa agriculture, agricultural concepts, activities, and ag-focused careers through active play. The goal is to educate and inspire local families and visiting children of all ages and backgrounds, so they understand and consider pursuing an agriculturally focused career in Iowa and thus contribute to the vibrancy of rural Iowa.
“We are excited to include this type of exhibit in the new Discovery Center. We are so grateful for our partners at the Farm Bureau offices across Northeast Iowa for starting this exhibit off with their pledge. We understand the importance of agriculture in Iowa’s economy, and what better way to learn about food resources than through play? We cannot wait to have our team get started working with various partners to help design and really bring this exhibit to life.” stated Stephanie Fromm, Executive Director of Winneshiek County Development and Tourism.
Sunflower officials have announced that the new Sunflower Child Development and Discovery Center project will break ground in October, and will host a groundbreaking ceremony on October 18th at 5:30pm. Sunflower would like to invite all current and former Sunflower families, donors and community members to celebrate at this event.
Sunflower has been supported by more than 250 private individuals and businesses. Sunflower hopes to continue to close the gap on their fundraising before the center opens. Funds raised will be put towards special exhibits and play structures in the Discovery Center that will be accessible to the public. For more information about donating towards the project or to learn more, please visit www.DecorahDiscovery.org.
