Quality of Life in O’Brien County in Iowa

The O’Brien County Community Foundation (OBCCF) is an affiliate fund of the Siouxland Community Foundation, established to support charitable giving within O’Brien County, Iowa. OBCCF enables individuals, families, businesses, and governmental entities to contribute funds that are carefully invested to provide grants benefiting public charities and municipalities. The foundation's mission is to enhance the quality of life in O’Brien County by encouraging permanent charitable giving to support both current and future community needs. An Advisory Committee, consisting of representatives from various communities in O’Brien County, oversees fundraising and grant-making efforts. The OBCCF grant program is designed to address emerging and ongoing needs in the county by funding projects in several focus areas: arts and culture, civic improvements, education, environmental conservation, health initiatives, and human services. Examples of eligible projects include improving access to arts and cultural activities, enhancing community services such as emergency response and recreational facilities, supporting educational programs from early childhood to adult learning, conservation efforts, public health initiatives, and social services for vulnerable populations. The goal is to support programs that provide lasting benefits and meet significant community needs. To qualify for funding, applicants must be nonprofit organizations or units of local government that serve O’Brien County and hold tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Priority consideration is given to projects with long-term impact, broad community reach, strong planning, financial sustainability, and collaborations with other nonprofit organizations. Applications must include detailed bids for any equipment or building work, with preference given to vendors based in O’Brien County. Lower priority is given to one-time events, and certain types of requests—such as general operating expenses, budget deficits, political activities, and multi-year grants—are generally not considered. The funding range for grants typically spans from $250 to $15,000. The Advisory Committee carefully reviews each proposal to determine the best allocation of funds based on the organization’s capacity to deliver quality services and mobilize resources effectively. Grants are awarded based on an evaluation of the project’s significance, feasibility, and potential impact on the community. The application process opens on January 15, with a submission deadline of noon on April 15. Final determinations are made in June. Applicants seeking additional information or guidance on integrating financial planning with charitable giving are encouraged to consult financial advisors or contact the OBCCF Administrative Office. Contributions to OBCCF can be made to the unrestricted Community Fund or through named component funds. The foundation provides an opportunity for donors to make a lasting impact on O’Brien County through strategic charitable investments. For further inquiries, applicants can reach out to Denise Steffen, Advisory Committee Chair, at (712) 957-2535 or the OBCCF Administrative Office at (712) 293-3303.