Okoboji Foundation Leadership Grants

The Okoboji Foundation offers Leadership Grants to support substantial capital projects that contribute to the vitality and long-term development of communities within the Iowa Great Lakes region. The Foundation is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Lakes area by funding projects that make communities more appealing to live in, work in, visit, and enjoy. Through its annual grant program, the Foundation aims to invest in visible, long-lasting infrastructure and property improvements that create meaningful and sustained public benefit. Leadership Grants are designated for projects requesting $25,000 or more and are evaluated by the Okoboji Foundation Grants Committee. These grants support capital expenditures such as the construction or renovation of buildings, acquisition of durable equipment, and other physical property improvements. To ensure significant and lasting impact, funded projects must be accessible to a broad portion of the public and must directly benefit the Iowa Great Lakes region. The Foundation places a strong emphasis on projects that enhance lake quality, promote environmental stewardship, support the arts and culture, and expand recreational opportunities. Organizations eligible to apply must be classified as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or government entities. Projects proposed by groups without such designation may still be considered if submitted through a qualified fiscal sponsor that meets the same nonprofit or governmental classification. Additionally, applicants must be current with all required state and federal filings and must have no outstanding grants with the Okoboji Foundation. Public schools, considered eligible as governmental entities, may also apply; however, their applications must demonstrate a regional community benefit and will be reviewed directly by the Foundation’s Grants Committee regardless of the requested amount. Applications must be submitted online via the Okoboji Foundation website by March 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The Foundation advises applicants to first review and prepare responses using the downloadable PDF or Word versions of the application form available on its website, as the online form must be completed in one sitting. Any changes to submitted applications must be coordinated with Foundation staff prior to the deadline. Applicants are also required to provide both an organizational and a project-specific budget as part of their submission. Leadership Grant awards are contingent upon project completion and submission of receipts totaling the awarded amount. Funded projects must be completed within three years of the award notification. The Foundation may request an in-person presentation for Leadership Grant applicants as part of the review process. All funded projects must include professional signage acknowledging the Foundation’s support, and applicants will be provided with a style guide and official logo for this purpose. The Okoboji Foundation issues this grant opportunity annually. Based on the March 1, 2026 application deadline, the next expected application cycle will open in March 2027. To maintain readiness for future cycles, potential applicants should review current guidelines regularly and monitor the Foundation's website for updated information and application openings.

Clearly demonstrate regional impact and long-term community benefit. Include signage per Foundation guidelines.