Boone County Community Foundation Community Grant Program

The Boone County Community Foundation (BCCF), established in 2005, serves as a vital philanthropic resource supporting community betterment initiatives throughout Boone County, Iowa. Operating as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, BCCF leverages centralized professional services while maintaining its local identity and community-driven focus. The Foundation was created by individuals committed to assessing county-wide needs, developing financial resources through charitable giving, and managing community grantmaking with an emphasis on local collaboration and impact. Each year, the BCCF oversees a grant cycle to distribute funds for projects aligned with its areas of emphasis: arts and culture, community development, education, environmental protection, health, historic preservation, and human services. These grants are available exclusively to tax-exempt organizations serving Boone County, Iowa, including those with 501(c)(3) status or qualifying governmental entities under IRS Section 170(c)(1). For entities without a qualifying tax status, applications may be submitted through a fiscal sponsor who assumes legal and financial responsibility. The grant program features a structured tiered funding approach: Simple Grants for requests up to $3,000, Standard Grants for requests between $3,001 and $15,000, and Impact Grants for those exceeding $15,001. Proposals must clearly define project goals, timelines, budgets, and community benefit. The application process requires submission of a completed application, including narrative responses, budget documentation, and verification of tax-exempt status or fiscal sponsorship. Only one application per project is accepted, and the application must not exceed 10 pages. Applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on February 6, 2026. The evaluation process follows a structured timeline, including internal board review, scoring, and recommendation approval by the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation Executive Committee. Notification to applicants is scheduled for March 27, 2026, with an awards ceremony planned for April 16, 2026. Grantees are required to complete their projects and submit a final evaluation report, including proof of expenditures, by November 1, 2026. Extensions may be granted upon request using the foundation's official form. Grants are reviewed based on four equally weighted criteria: completeness of application and organizational background, the proposed benefit to Boone County residents, collaborative partnerships and match funding, and clarity of need and responsiveness. These criteria ensure an equitable and strategic allocation of funds, reinforcing the Foundation’s mission to enrich the lives of Boone County residents through sustainable, impactful local projects. For questions, applicants may contact Rich Wrage at [email protected].