Okoboji Foundation Community Needs Grants

The Okoboji Foundation’s Community Needs Grants program supports capital projects that serve the Iowa Great Lakes region, with awards ranging from $500 to $24,999. This grant division is designed to fund infrastructure, equipment, or other durable physical property improvements that have long-term value and public impact. The Foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the livability, cultural vitality, environmental health, and recreational opportunities within local communities, aiming to foster a region where residents and visitors alike can thrive. These grants are reviewed initially by the Foundation’s Youth In Philanthropy (YIP) committee, a student-led group that evaluates proposals under $25,000. Projects not selected by YIP may receive additional review by the Foundation’s Grants Committee. This dual-review structure encourages youth engagement in community development while ensuring broader oversight and alignment with Foundation goals. Unlike Leadership Grants, which involve more extensive scrutiny and potential presentations, Community Needs Grants are typically decided through this streamlined two-tiered process. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Additionally, groups that do not meet these criteria may apply through a qualified fiscal sponsor—either a nonprofit or government body. All applicants must be current with federal and state reporting requirements and cannot have outstanding grant obligations with the Okoboji Foundation. Public schools, as governmental bodies, are eligible to apply, though their applications—regardless of grant size—are evaluated exclusively by the Foundation’s Grants Committee and must clearly demonstrate community-wide benefit. The application process is entirely online, and applicants are encouraged to download and complete the PDF or Word version of the form before submitting responses in a single online session. Applications must include both an organizational budget and a detailed project budget to be considered complete. The deadline for submission is March 1, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. Late, incomplete, or hard copy submissions will not be accepted. Any edits to a submitted application must be coordinated with Foundation staff prior to the deadline. Funded projects must be completed within one year of award notification, and reimbursement is provided upon submission of receipts matching the awarded amount. To acknowledge support, grantees are required to install professional signage on funded property or structures, using the official Okoboji Foundation style guide and logo. The Foundation does not fund operational expenses, marketing, school uniforms, short-term projects, or any previously completed initiatives. The Community Needs Grants program is an annual funding opportunity. Based on the March 1, 2026 deadline, the next cycle is anticipated in March 2027. The program supports a recurring investment in infrastructure that aligns with the Foundation’s mission to improve the Iowa Great Lakes area through sustainable, accessible, and visible capital improvements.

Highlight long-term visibility and impact; ensure regional community benefit; follow signage guidelines.