Iowa West Foundation Grant Program

The Iowa West Foundation administers a competitive grant program to support community development initiatives across its funding region. As a private philanthropic organization, the Foundation manages a structured grantmaking process designed to align applicants with its funding priorities. It operates on a three-cycle annual calendar and utilizes a multi-step application procedure, starting with a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) followed by a formal application upon eligibility confirmation. Applicants are required to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) via the Foundation’s online grant management system, Giving Data. The LOI is a critical pre-application step used to confirm an organization’s eligibility and ensure that the proposed project aligns with Iowa West Foundation’s mission and funding goals. The LOI may be submitted at any time, but its acceptance into a specific grant cycle depends on when it is received. Late LOIs are rolled into the next cycle. Applicants typically receive feedback within five business days. If staff identify concerns with eligibility or program alignment, they will reach out directly by phone. Upon LOI approval, applicants receive a link to the full grant application. All data submitted through the LOI auto-populates the full application form, minimizing duplication of effort. Applications are also submitted through Giving Data, and the final deadline for each cycle is strictly enforced at 11:59 PM on the designated date. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, it is automatically extended to the next business day. A due diligence meeting is scheduled after application submission to clarify proposal elements. This meeting may be held in person, virtually, or via phone, depending on the applicant's location and availability. The Foundation emphasizes a casual and transparent approach to these discussions to ensure shared understanding. Funding decisions are communicated approximately two months following the application deadline. Successful applicants receive a grant agreement detailing expectations, terms, and conditions. The Foundation’s payment policy varies based on an organization’s capacity and the nature of the grant. Typically, Iowa West Foundation issues an initial disbursement ranging from 50 to 100 percent of the total award. Grantees facing unique cash flow challenges are encouraged to discuss alternatives with a program officer. Extensions to the grant timeline are considered individually in response to unforeseen circumstances that hinder project progress. The grant cycles follow a recurring pattern: LOIs are due by January 2, May 1, and September 2, with corresponding application deadlines on January 15, May 15, and September 15. Notification of funding decisions occurs in the third week of March, July, and November. The program is recurring and expected to continue on this calendar in future years.

If you need to make significant changes to your budget or LOI info, contact the grants team to avoid ineligibility.