Endowment Challenge Grants

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation offers the Endowment Challenge Grants to help established nonprofit organizations build financial sustainability through long-term endowment funds. These grants are designed to encourage community investment and to provide a reliable stream of support for nonprofit operations by leveraging matching funds. Once awarded, the Community Foundation works with each grantee to establish a dedicated endowment fund that is held at the Foundation and structured as an Agency Friends Fund. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with current 501(c)(3) status that are at least seven years old, based on the date of their IRS determination letter. They must also meet at least two of the following criteria: be based in Linn County, serve Linn County residents, ensure that grant activities benefit Linn County exclusively, and already hold an endowed fund at the Foundation with a balance of at least $10,000 established at least one year prior to the application. Organizations with a core religious mission or that fail to meet the minimum eligibility standards are not eligible. Organizations that previously received an Endowment Challenge Grant may reapply after five years, but first-time applicants receive priority. Awarded grants total $25,000, with a five-year window for the organization to raise the required match. The match operates at a 1:3 ratio, meaning the grantee must raise $75,000 in qualifying donations to receive the full $25,000 from the Foundation. The match is subject to donor-level limits based on the size of the organization: $5,000 max per donor for budgets under $1M, $2,500 for those between $1M–$2M, and $1,000 for budgets over $2M. Donor contributions must be new, post-award gifts, and may be spread over time. Donors can also benefit from the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program, which offers a 25% state tax credit on qualified gifts. The application includes detailed narrative sections covering organizational impact, community support, leadership structure, equity practices, and vision for the future. Applicants must submit financial statements and a strategic plan or equivalent. Grant applications are reviewed by Foundation staff and committee members, with scoring based on criteria such as governance strength, alignment with mission, anticipated impact, community engagement, and commitment to equity. Applications are submitted through the Foundation's online portal. The next application deadline is Friday, September 12, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. All contributions eligible for match must be made within five years of the award. Questions regarding the Endowment Challenge Grant should be directed to Rochelle Naylor, Senior Program Officer, at rochelle.naylor@gcrcf.org or 319.774.2373.

Show strong strategic planning, data use, fundraising readiness; highlight equity commitment and organizational stability