Iowa County Community Foundation Grants

The Iowa County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, offers a grant program designed to improve the quality of life in Iowa County, Iowa. Established by and for the residents of Iowa County, the foundation supports both endowed and unrestricted funds to serve charitable programs and community-driven initiatives. The grant program is part of a broader regional effort to support impactful, locally focused work through a structure of affiliated community foundations under the CFNEIA umbrella. This grant opportunity targets a broad range of charitable projects aligned with four key impact priority areas: Opportunity and Access, Health and Safety, Vibrant Communities, and Youth Empowerment. Funding is intended to support organizations working to develop communities that people want to live in while also addressing the needs of rural areas across Iowa County. High priority is placed on proposals that demonstrate significant community need, leverage other financial or in-kind resources, avoid duplication of services, and propose sustainable outcomes. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities serving Iowa County residents. Tax-exempt organizations that are not classified as 501(c)(3) may also apply if their projects are deemed charitable; such applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation to confirm eligibility. Organizations that do not meet these requirements may apply through a fiscal sponsor that is either a 501(c)(3) or government entity. Fiscal sponsors must align closely with the project and accept financial and legal responsibility for the grant funds. Ineligible activities include religious programming that involves worship, instruction, or proselytization, as well as any activity promoting a specific religious doctrine. The 2026 grant cycle opens on March 1, 2026, and applications must be submitted by April 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central Time. Applications must be submitted online through the CFNEIA grant management system, and applicants are required to use a specific budget template provided in the application portal. All requests must be for a minimum of $2,500. Only one application may be submitted per organization, with limited exceptions for government entities and fiscal sponsors submitting on behalf of more than one project. All submissions must include bids or cost estimates for materials, labor, or equipment, and applications including salaries must demonstrate a clear programmatic connection. Applications are evaluated based on organizational capacity, feasibility, community need and outcomes, and financial details including matching resources. Applications will be reviewed by a local committee of community volunteers representing Iowa County. Funding recommendations will be made to the CFNEIA board of directors. Final award notifications will be sent in mid-June 2026, and awards will be presented in July during a community event. Grantees are encouraged to involve staff, board members, and volunteers in this celebration. Funded organizations are required to sign a Terms of Grant agreement and submit a final grant report by July 31, 2027, detailing the use and outcomes of the grant. Extensions may be considered if the project timeline requires it. For guidance and assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact Shanda Hansen, Director of Affiliate Impact, at 319-243-1357 or [email protected]. Questions related to eligibility or the grant application portal should be directed to Dotti Thompson, Grant and Scholarship Manager, at 319-243-1358 or [email protected]. First-time applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to staff prior to applying to ensure alignment with grant priorities and strengthen their proposals.

Strong applications demonstrate broad community support, leverage in-kind resources, align with Foundation priorities, and show organizational capacity. Avoid proposals for religious programming.