Impact Match Grant Program

The Impact Match Grant Program, administered by Missouri River Historic Development (MRHD), is designed to support larger-scale proposals that have a significant and measurable impact on community needs and the work of eligible organizations. Awards range from $25,000 to $250,000 for a one-year project term, and the program is funded with a total of $1,000,000 available for the current cycle. Grants are awarded annually based on merit, with applications evaluated by a Grant Review Committee and ratified by the MRHD Board of Directors. Projects must align with at least one of MRHD’s five funding focus areas: economic development, community improvement, and tourism; human services and health services; civic, public, charitable, patriotic, and religious initiatives; leisure, cultural, and historical activities; or education. A 25% matching contribution is required from the grant recipient, with no more than half of the required match permitted as in-kind contributions. The geographic funding area includes Woodbury, Cherokee, Crawford, Ida, Monona, and Plymouth counties in Iowa, Union County in South Dakota, and Dakota County in Nebraska. Eligible applicants include educational entities, local governments, and tax-exempt organizations whose principal place of business and funded project are located within the designated counties. Educational entities include public and private schools, institutions of higher education, and their individual units. Local governments include counties, cities, tribal governments, and their divisions or departments. Tax-exempt organizations must hold IRS 501(c)(3) status. Each eligible tax-exempt organization may submit one application per funding opportunity, while local governments and educational entities may submit multiple applications as long as each represents a distinct project or project phase. Applications for the 2025 cycle open on August 1, 2025, and close on August 31, 2025. Funding decisions will be announced on October 3, 2025, with awards distributed on October 23, 2025. All projects must be completed within twelve months of the award date. Applications must be submitted through MRHD’s Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager system. The process requires applicants to validate eligibility, complete all application fields, and receive confirmation from MRHD that the application is complete before evaluation can proceed. Incomplete applications or those missing confirmation will be denied. Documentation requirements include proof of EIN, letters of intent from organizational leadership, and—if applicable—letters of agreement from project partners outlining roles, contributions, and future plans for project continuation or asset transfer. Projects involving partnerships must also state that the applicant will not receive any direct benefit from the beneficiary, such as reduced rent or fees, if facilities are used. Full disclosure of relationships with vendors, contractors, or other entities benefiting from the grant is required. Amendments or extensions to the grant period must be requested in writing and approved by MRHD before implementation. Grant recipients must submit a Certificate of Completion upon finishing the project, and failure to comply with requirements may result in ineligibility for future MRHD funding. By limiting eligibility to organizations based in and serving the designated geographic area, MRHD ensures that the funding directly supports local communities. The structured application process, combined with a significant matching requirement, encourages applicants to secure additional resources and partnerships, thereby amplifying the impact of awarded funds. The annual cycle and clearly defined deadlines provide predictability for organizations planning multi-year or phased projects, while the focus areas offer flexibility to address diverse community priorities ranging from economic growth to cultural preservation.