Program Support Grant

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation (GCRCF) is a philanthropic organization committed to enhancing the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa. Through strategic grantmaking, donor engagement, and community partnerships, GCRCF supports local nonprofits and community-based initiatives. Among its core offerings is the Program Support Grants program, which funds programs or projects that serve Linn County residents. These grants reflect the Foundation’s dedication to building a stronger, more equitable, and vibrant community. The Program Support Grants provide financial assistance to nonprofits delivering services or implementing initiatives within Linn County. The program is designed to support both new and existing programs, although new initiatives are restricted to single-year requests. Organizations may apply for grants lasting between 12 and 24 months, and funding may be used for a wide array of programmatic expenses, provided they do not fall under the list of excluded uses. Ineligible expenses include capital infrastructure, pre-awarded expenses during the review period, fundraising activities, re-granting, religious activities related to a core faith mission, scholarships, and out-of-region travel. Importantly, applicants must ensure no overlapping funding is requested from other GCRCF grants beyond the permitted thresholds. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charities, government entities, or non-501(c)(3) organizations with a valid fiscal sponsorship agreement. Organizations headquartered outside of Linn County may apply only for the portion of their project serving Linn County. The Community Foundation also welcomes collaborative applications from multiple nonprofits working on a shared project, though such collaborations must be discussed in advance with the Program Officer. Organizations that currently hold a Program Support Grant must adhere to reapplication rules based on the duration of the previously awarded grant and must consult the Program Officer if they have requested a time extension. The maximum funding available varies depending on the applicant’s operating budget. Organizations with budgets over $150,000 may request up to $30,000 annually. Smaller organizations with operating budgets under $150,000 may request up to 20% of their budget per request. Organizations that are primarily volunteer-run or operate with minimal budgets are advised to consult the Program Officer for guidance on appropriate request amounts. These rules help ensure grant funds are distributed equitably and proportionally across the applicant pool. Applications for the 2026 cycle are due on Friday, March 6 and Friday, September 11, both at 4:30 p.m. CST. Applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online portal, where all required materials must be entered directly. While planning materials are available for review, no part of the application may be uploaded in lieu of portal entry. The review process takes approximately 12 weeks following the deadline, and all funding decisions are made with adherence to the Foundation’s Conflict of Interest Policy and Grantmaking Equity Statement, ensuring fair and transparent evaluations. For questions or guidance, applicants may contact Program Officer Sanjana Raghavan, MHA, by phone at 319.200.2279 or via email at [email protected]. The Community Foundation encourages early engagement and planning to ensure a complete and competitive application. Applicants are urged to familiarize themselves with the Foundation’s grantmaking values and procedures to align their proposals effectively.

Align proposal with community impact and equity goals; budget accuracy and clarity emphasized; avoid ineligible expenses