Clinton County Development Association (CCDA) Grant

The Clinton County Development Association (CCDA) administers a semi-annual grant program aimed at maximizing the benefits of charitable funds to residents of Clinton County, Iowa. As a local funding body, the CCDA supports projects that benefit the community by offering competitive grant awards to eligible nonprofit and governmental organizations. The policy framework governing this funding process was revised in December 2017 to maintain transparency, fairness, and alignment with community impact goals. Grants are offered through two semi-annual funding pools: Spring and Fall. The Spring application deadline is the second Wednesday of March, while the Fall deadline is the second Wednesday of August, both closing at 4:30 PM. After submission, applications undergo screening and certification, followed by director scoring. Spring funding decisions are announced on the third Wednesday of June, and Fall awards are announced on the third Wednesday of November. These grants are subject to a matching requirement: organizations must secure 25% of their total project cost from non-CCDA sources. Only in-kind material contributions qualify toward the match; in-kind labor or land donations do not. Each qualified organization may submit up to two applications per cycle and may not have more than two open grants at a time. Applications must benefit projects physically located in Clinton County and must meet eligibility based on federal tax-exempt status under specified IRS codes, including 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6), 501(c)(10), and 501(c)(19), or be a government entity recognized under IRC Section 170(c)(1). Fiscal sponsors applying on behalf of other nonprofits must provide the final recipient’s EIN and written confirmation of fund use, and both organizations are subject to the open grant limit. Grant funds cannot be used for operational costs, deficit coverage, debt retirement, for-profit enterprises, or political activities. Additionally, marketing expenses are only eligible for funding once every three years per organization. Projects requiring tax-fund commitments must provide documented approval from the governing body prior to application. The CCDA requires a clear outline of financial sources, use of funds, and proof of tax-exempt status. Organizations not in compliance with prior CCDA grants, or those that submit incomplete or ineligible applications, will be excluded. Residual funds not distributed within one year of award reenter the general fund for potential reallocation. The process ensures funds are strategically awarded for maximum benefit across the county.

Confirm matching funds prior to applying; do not include ineligible expenses like operations or deficits; secure governmental approvals in writing.