$400,000 Grant Awarded to American Civil Liberties Union Foundation

The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine is proud to announce a $400,000 multi-year grant to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Foundation, supporting their strategic work to defend and protect the most vulnerable populations in the United States and expand access to fundamental freedoms.

This significant grant is made possible through the Richard H. and Mary Jo Stanley Equity and Inclusion Support Fund, a legacy fund established to uplift and advance local, national, and international efforts that promote human and civil rights, racial and gender equity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, women’s reproductive rights, and the dismantling of institutional racism and sexism.

“Dick and Mary Jo were world citizens with a deep commitment to improving the lives of both our local and global neighbors,” said Charla Schafer, President of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. “Carrying forward their philanthropic vision is a privilege we hold in the highest regard. Dick and Mary Jo’s legacy will continue to champion the causes they cared so deeply about—today and for generations to come.”

The ACLU Foundation’s work spans across impact litigation, public education, and mobilization aimed at realizing the promise of the United States Constitution for all. This grant will help advance the ACLU’s national initiatives while ensuring that the values of equality and justice continue to grow and resonate throughout our communities.

“We are very pleased to be selected for the Richard H. and Mary Jo Stanley Equity and Inclusion Support Grant. The ACLU will proudly continue our work to counteract historical discrimination and unequal access to opportunities. We appreciate that the Community Foundation has recognized these efforts,” said Louise Melling, ACLU Deputy Legal Director and Director of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Center for Liberty.

The Richard H. and Mary Jo Stanley Equity and Inclusion Support Fund was created through a legacy gift from long-time community leaders and advocates Richard and Mary Jo Stanley. The fund is designated to support qualifying organizations working to build a more inclusive and equitable society for all.