Fayette County Community Foundation Grants

The Fayette County Community Foundation Grants program is a place-based philanthropic initiative offered through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. These grants aim to improve the quality of life for residents throughout Fayette County, Iowa, by supporting community-based organizations with charitable projects. Administered by a volunteer committee of local residents, the program funds initiatives that align with key impact areas such as arts and culture, community betterment, education and youth development, environment and animal welfare, health, and human services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Tax-exempt entities classified under other designations may also apply, provided the project is charitable in nature and pre-approved by foundation staff. Entities not meeting these eligibility criteria may apply through a fiscal sponsor, who must be either a qualified nonprofit or a government entity and will assume full legal and financial responsibility for awarded funds. Organizations must also be current on all IRS filings, have no outstanding grant reports, and must not use grant funds for religious instruction or worship. The 2025 grant cycle opens September 1, 2025, and applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on October 15, 2025, through the foundation’s online grants portal. A grant workshop will be held on September 9, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Maynard Community Library to assist applicants. Grants will be awarded in mid-December 2025, with a public ceremony to follow in early to mid-January 2026. Grant reports for funded projects will be due by January 31, 2027. Recipients may request an extension if their project timeline exceeds expectations. Applicants may request between $1,000 and $10,000. All applicants must provide at least 25% in matching funds, which may include cash or in-kind contributions. A detailed budget using the required template must be submitted, showing secured or pending funding from other sources. Bids or cost estimates for equipment and labor are strongly encouraged. Only one application per organization is allowed per cycle. Government departments may apply once per year per department, and entities that receive funding are ineligible the following year unless they are a school or government body applying through a different department. The review committee evaluates proposals on organizational capacity, project feasibility, community need and expected outcomes, and the completeness of the budget. Preference is given to applications that address pressing county needs, include collaborative partnerships, and demonstrate strong planning for sustainability. For assistance, applicants may contact Shanda Hansen, Director of Affiliate Impact, at shansen@cfneia.org or 319-243-1357, or Dotti Thompson, Grant and Scholarship Manager, at dthompson@cfneia.org or 319-243-1358.

Use the required budget template. Attend the grant workshop on September 9, 2025. Match funding is required—clearly show sources and status.