Audubon County Community Foundation Grant Program

The Audubon County Community Foundation, established in 1997 as an affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation, supports projects that improve the quality of life in Audubon County, Iowa. Its primary mission is to fund initiatives that address community needs in the areas of civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. The foundation seeks to support projects that leave a lasting impact and strengthen the local community infrastructure. Funding decisions are guided by an advisory committee composed of community leaders, ensuring that grants respond to local priorities and opportunities. Applications are accepted twice annually, with separate spring and fall cycles. For the fall 2025 cycle, applications open on July 15, 2025, and close on September 1, 2025. Applications are submitted exclusively through the online grant portal, which uses a Grants Lifecycle Management (GLM) system. Late or incomplete applications are not considered. Notifications of decisions for the fall cycle are made in late October or early November, with funded projects required to be completed and funds fully expended by May 31 of the following year. For the spring cycle, applications close on February 1, with decisions announced in late March or early April, and funds must be spent by December 31 of the award year. Eligibility for funding is limited to organizations that are federally recognized 501(c)(3) public charities or municipal entities operating within Audubon County. An Iowa nonprofit designation without federal recognition is insufficient. Organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply using a qualified fiscal sponsor, such as a county or city government, provided a sponsorship agreement form is completed. In such cases, awarded funds are disbursed to the fiscal sponsor, which assumes responsibility for managing and distributing the grant. Common applicants requiring fiscal sponsors include libraries, fire departments, county extension offices, conservation boards, and fair boards. Funding is available for both capital and program support. Capital support includes items of permanence such as building projects, renovations, or equipment purchases. Program support is available for specific, time-bound initiatives with clear objectives and costs. While operating support is considered a lower priority, it may be approved under special circumstances that strengthen an organization’s capacity to fulfill its mission. Conversely, applications for fundraising events, consumables such as food or T-shirts, training fees, operational expenses, or endowment campaigns are generally not funded. Religious organizations, veteran groups, social clubs, and similar entities may be considered only when fiscally sponsored. Applications require detailed information, including organization and fiscal sponsor details, financial statements, a project description, sustainability plans, measurable outcomes, and an itemized project budget. Applicants must clearly state the total project cost, the dollar amount requested, and how the funds will be allocated. The review process emphasizes proposals that demonstrate a clear community benefit, address emerging or existing needs, maximize available resources, and provide a sustainability plan. Advisory boards may request additional documentation, site visits, or clarifications during the review process. Applicants and interested organizations are encouraged to review the grant program fact sheet before applying, as it provides detailed eligibility, FAQs, and instructions. All applications submitted become the property of the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa and may be used for promotional or educational purposes. For questions, applicants may contact Sunni Kamp, Southwest Iowa Foundations Director, at sunni@omahafoundation.org or 402-933-4188. Additional assistance is available through the Omaha Community Foundation office at 402-342-3458 or info@omahafoundation.org.

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