Search Through Arts Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa in the U.S.

Since its inception, the Foundation, which is still led by Lester T. Sunderland's descendants, has focused on supporting construction projects, awarding grants to nonprofits in the Kansas City region and other markets traditionally served by the Ash Grove Cement Company. 

 The Foundation prefers to make grants for construction and special interest projects rather than for annual operating expenses. 

Grants for planning, design, construction, renovation, repairs and restoration of facilities are considered. Areas of interest include higher education, youth serving agencies, health facilities, community buildings, museums, civic projects and energy efficient affordable housing projects sponsored by qualified tax-exempt organizations. 

Funding Areas

In recent grant cycles, the Board of Trustees has awarded the majority of grants in four broadly defined areas:

Higher Education

In 2022, the Foundation awarded $49 million to more than 35 educational organizations. Grantees included community colleges, private colleges, and public universities.

Human Services

The Foundation awarded $30 million to human service nonprofits in 2022, and many grants in this area went to groups that provide essential services to youth and families. Grantees included a range of youth-focused groups, including Reconciliation Services, the Nebraska Youth Justice Initiative in Omaha, Nebraska and the Sno-Valley Senior Center in Carnation, Washington. 

Arts and Culture

Arts and culture projects received $23 million in 2022, including grants to the Springfield Art Museum in Springfield, Missouri, the Omaha Zoo and the Seattle Aquarium in Seattle, Washington. Health Care and Hospitals.

Health Care and Hospitals

This is a growing area of need in many communities the Foundation serves. In 2022, $65 million was awarded to hospitals and health-care groups to build and improve their facilities.

The Burlington Capital Foundation seeks to apply its parent company’s investment philosophy to investing in organizations whose efforts have direct and clear game-changing effects on people and their communities.

Our main areas of focus are Military/Veteran, Senior Community, Education, and Arts support.  We’ve made the choice to focus our gifts in Nebraska and Iowa; however, grants to national organizations are considered if they impact these specific geographic areas.  Additionally, employees of Burlington Capital are encouraged to apply even if their organization is outside of this region as it is our goal to assist our employees’ communities across the nation.

How often do you meet for grant review?

The Foundation Committee meets the third Thursday of March, June, September, and December.

When are the deadlines? 

Grant requests should be submitted no later than one week prior to a scheduled meeting.

Background

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation improves the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa by partnering with donors, funders, and other community collaborators to achieve high impact philanthropy; supporting nonprofit organizations that address our community’s needs and opportunities; and convening people to learn, share ideas, and develop solutions for the future. The Community Foundation is a public, nonprofit organization with over $223 million in assets and over 1,000 different charitable funds.

Competitive Donor-Advised Funds

Competitive Donor-Advised Funds are different from other grants offered at the Community Foundation because they are donor-driven. The funding priorities, exclusions, decision-making and timing of grant awards are determined by the donor advisor.

Competitive Donor-Advised Funds are not related to the Program Support or Organization Support Grant programs. Therefore, applications to Competitive Donor-Advised Funds are not subject to the application limits for those two grant programs. 

Purpose

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation accepts grant applications for a number of local corporations and family funds. Funding priorities are determined by each donor-advisor and may include programmatic or operating support, capital campaigns, event sponsorships, and religious activities.

CRST International

Eligible Categories: Program or Capital or Sponsorship

Priorities: Arts and culture

Duration of Grant is 12 months. Award Range is $500 to $30,000

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation improves the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa by promoting charitable giving; connecting donors to the causes they care about; strengthening nonprofits through grants and support; and providing leadership on community issues that involve charitable giving. The Community Foundation is a public, nonprofit organization with over $194 million in assets and over 1,000 different charitable funds.

Mission

To help donors give in meaningful ways, to strengthen nonprofits, and to provide leadership that supports a vibrant community.

Priorities

The Community Foundation’s grantmaking program invests in innovation, sustainability and capacity building across the spectrum of the entire nonprofit sector including education, health and human services, arts and culture, environment and public benefit.

PROGRAM SUPPORT GRANTS

Program Support Grants support new, innovative programs and sustain current and/or ongoing programs that demonstrate impact on the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa.

This fund is intended to target the programmatic work of an organization and is not intended to assist with capital infrastructure projects (bricks and mortar) projects.

New initiatives are always limited to a maximum of $15,000. Ongoing programs are up to $30,000 depending on organizational budget. Duration of Grants is 12 months.

About GIG Fund

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000-4,000 that supports creative projects and educational events in the Midwest. These funds help organizations present artists in their community by supporting programming and touring costs.

The GIG Fund provides flexible grants for nonprofit organizations to support programs and activities featuring professional artists. GIG Fund grants help cover fees for touring or local artists. Funds may also be used for project costs such as accessibility accommodations and marketing. We work with a panel to help us review applications and distribute grants annually.

 Illinois Arts Council 

The Illinois Arts Council serves the people of Illinois through a variety of grants and services, primarily geared to: 

Support Illinois' Arts Sector: Operating and technical support provided to organizations and programs statewide helps keep Illinois’ arts sector vital, vibrant, and accessible to all.

Advance Arts Education: The arts can be a part of the education of every single child in this state through the programs, services, partnerships, and collaborations of the Illinois Arts Council. 

Foster Creativity and Working Artists: Resources, opportunities, and direct support for the work of individual artists -- the foundation of Illinois' creative environment.

Illinois State funding for the arts includes programs offered by Arts Midwest.

About Arts Midwest

Arts Midwest advances creativity across our region, building unprecedented opportunity for everyone who calls this place home. We support, inform, and celebrate arts organizations and creative communities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, we work to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Together, we nourish the creative roots of the Midwest—and share our region’s transformative ideas with the world.

This year, we’re pleased to offer two tracks of funding: GIG Fund and GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness.

GIG Fund

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to offer public-facing arts projects and activities in Midwestern communities.

The goal of the GIG Fund is to make arts opportunities more accessible to underserved audiences across the region. Funds may be used for performances; exhibits; arts festivals; public art, or other activities that provide Midwesterners the opportunity to experience art and creativity. This round of GIG Fund grants is for supporting activities taking place between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. There are three requirements:

1) Engage a Professional Artist or Ensemble 2) Offer at Least Two Activities Featuring the Artist(s) and 3) Reach an Underserved Audience: At least one activity must engage an underserved audience—groups with limited access to the arts due to geography (such as rural audiences), economics (such as lower income audiences), disability, or lack of relevant content (such as families or school communities without ready access to children’s or all-ages programming).

These grants are federal funds that derive from the National Endowment for the Arts. A 1:1 match is required.

About Arts Midwest

We amplify Midwestern creativity, building community and opportunity across our region and beyond.

Arts Midwest advances creativity across our region, building unprecedented opportunity for everyone who calls this place home. We support, inform, and celebrate arts organizations and creative communities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, we work to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Together, we nourish the creative roots of the Midwest—and share our region’s transformative ideas with the world.

This year, we’re pleased to offer two tracks of funding: GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness, and GIG Fund.

GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness

The GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 for organizations of any budget size whose projects have an arts and wellness focus.  Funds may be used for performances, workshops, programs in clinical settings, creative aging programs, efforts that engage veterans in the arts, etc.  Applicants may only apply for one GIG Fund grant per year.

Arts Midwest recognizes the field of arts and wellness to be far-reaching and applicants should identify how their arts project addresses some element of health and wellness.

This round of GIG Fund grants is for supporting activities taking place between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. There are three requirements.

1) Engage a Professional Artist or Ensemble 2) Offer at Least Two Activities Featuring the Artist(s) and 3) Professional Development: With support from The Hearst Foundations, Arts Midwest will offer professional development opportunities to grantees to strengthen arts and wellness initiatives across the Midwest.

Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs empowers Iowa to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by connecting Iowans to the people, places and points of pride that define our state.

Art Project Grant

Art Project Grants create opportunities for the arts to flourish in Iowa by investing in projects that positively impact the vitality of the arts in the state, demonstrate public value and support Iowa Arts Council funding priorities. Eligible art projects must include excellent and innovative arts activities, involve collaboration and provide access to Iowans.

Funding for the Art Project Grant program is made possible by an annual appropriation from the Iowa Legislature to the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Applicants must adhere to the funding policies of the Iowa Arts Council. 

Apply for funding to support the creation and presentation of new artwork, development of an arts experience or formation of an arts education program. Project grants provide you support to positively impact the vitality of the arts in Iowa by creating arts opportunities that are accessible to all Iowans.

Art Project Grants for Organizations

The Art Project Grants for Organizations program is administered by the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority (the IEDA). Through the program, the IEDA provides financial incentives to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations; schools; area education agencies; local, county, state and federal governmental agencies; and tribal councils to support a wide variety of artsrelated activities. To be eligible, projects must include artistic excellence and service to Iowans.

Priority is given to projects that advance the goals of the Iowa Arts Council 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. The program is funded through an appropriation by the Iowa Legislature to the IEDA and a grant by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Applicants must comply with federal requirements, including but not limited to 2 CFR Part 200. Operating and grant policies and definitions set out at 261 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 305 and rules pertaining to organization and operation of the Iowa Arts Council found at 261 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 304 apply to the program. Rules specific to the program can be found at 261 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 307.

About the Howard County Community Foundation

The Howard County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, was formed by and for the people of Howard County with the intent to encourage endowment building for the long-term benefit of the County. The Community Foundation’s main goals are to support Howard County and to attract additional funds to assist donors in creating lasting legacies through a variety of giving options within Howard County.

What We Fund

The Howard County Community Foundation provides grants to improve life in Howard County, Iowa. The Foundation wants to develop communities where people want to live, work, play and stay. Areas of Foundation giving are: 

• Art and Culture
• Community Betterment 
• Education and Youth Development
• Environmental and Animal Welfare
• Health
• Human Services

Applications will be reviewed and scored on the following elements:

• Organization – The overall health of the organization and how the application reflects the organization’s capability for fulfilling the request.
• Feasibility – The probability the request will be successful, including the organization’s level of staff/ volunteers and collaboration with community partners, without long-term financial support from the HCCF.
• Community Need and Outcomes – The need for the request and how the proposed outcomes impact the community/county.
• Request Budget – The details of the budget and the ability to secure and/or leverage other funding sources, including in-kind services.

Funding Priorities

Highest priority for funding is given to requests that:

• Address a community need, demonstrates broad-based community support, and provides benefits that are community/county wide.
• Show support through in-kind services/volunteer labor or leveraged funding from other sources.
• Maximize community resources through cooperation and collaboration with other organizations in the community and work to eliminate redundant services, programs, or projects.
• Show long-term sustainability.

Amount

Minimum grant request is $1,000. Grant awards will be between $1,000 - $15,000.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa is a place of connection where generosity and community action meet to create powerful impacts improving the quality of life for all people. We connect inspired people to causes they care about most, make grants to strengthen effective nonprofits, and provide leadership on key community issues to make Iowa communities better places. Since 1956, we have been “here for good,” working side-by-side people and organizations as a catalyst for positive community change. Today, CFNEIA works in 20 Iowa counties to meet local needs and fulfill a vision of creating a vibrant region of thriving people. 

Floyd County Grants

The Floyd County Community Foundation(FCCF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by and for the people of Floyd County. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for the people of Floyd County by helping donors carry out their charitable intent and by providing responsible stewardship of gifts for community purposes.

What We Support

The Floyd County Community Foundation provides grants to improve life in Floyd County, Iowa. We want to help develop communities that people want to live in, as well as to benefit rural areas of the county. 

Areas of Foundation giving are:

• Arts & Culture
• Community Betterment 
• Education & Youth Development
• Environment & Animal Welfare
• Health
• Human Service

Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants

Arts Midwest is now accepting applications for Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants, a pilot program that offers grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations that are rooted in communities of color.

What is it?

Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants is a general operating grant pilot program that offers grants of up to $67,000.

About Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants

Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants is a pilot program offered by the six U.S. Regional Arts Organizations (USRAOs) in partnership with The Wallace Foundation. It will give general operating support grants to arts and cultural organizations rooted in communities of color with annual operating expenses up to $500,000.

In total, Arts Midwest will be awarding 18 general operating grants across our nine-state region.

• 9 Organizations (one per state) with operating expenses between $0-$249,999 will receive a $55,000 general operating grant.
• 9 Organizations (one per state) with operating expenses between $250,000-$499,999 will receive a $67,000 general operating grant.

Over the 15-month pilot program, Arts Midwest will offer five virtual workshops on topics focusing on long-term visioning and sustainability planning. Grantees will also be invited to join virtual peer networking sessions and quarterly check-ins with Arts Midwest staff.

Arts Midwest believes that equity means ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

About Us

The Fort Dodge Community Foundation is an independent, 501(c)3 public charity that enables people with philanthropic interests to support causes they care about in Fort Dodge, Webster County, and North Central Iowa. The Fort Dodge Community Foundation creates long-term assets and makes grants to better our community and improve its quality of life.

The Fort Dodge Community Foundation develops lasting legacies for community-minded citizens through funds that are designed to support the charitable goals of donors. From these funds, grants are made in support of a wide range of charitable causes and non-profit organizations that address a broad scope of current and long-term community needs and community betterment opportunities.

The Fort Dodge Community Foundation is a unique philanthropic organization. In July 2007, the United Way of Greater Fort Dodge and the Community Foundation of Fort Dodge and North Central Iowa merged into one philanthropic organization. Merging the two organizations provided the opportunity to leverage administrative resources and reduce duplication in philanthropy. This collaborative model is the first of its kind in the nation and offers our community and region a "one-stop-shop," for community-based charitable giving.

The Fort Dodge Community Foundation makes a constant effort to stay ahead of emerging issues in our community and county. We work in partnership with civic, business, nonprofit and government leaders to identify and address important community needs and opportunities that will enhance the quality of life in our community and region.

The Fort Dodge Community Foundation meets the National Standards established by the Council on Foundations for U.S. Community Foundations, which are philanthropy’s most rigorous standards. Community foundations that meet these standards have demonstrated that they abide by the highest legal, ethical and effective operating practices, financial oversight, transparency and accountability.

The Fort Dodge Community Foundation works hard to earn the trust and respect of our community so it can effectively serve as the entity in Fort Dodge/Webster County for community-based philanthropic giving. We encourage citizens to invest in their community through the annual United Way community campaign and by establishing endowment and donor advised funds for the purpose of investing in the future vitality, growth and development of our community.

County Endowment Funding Grant

The Fort Dodge Community Foundation is an independent 501(c) (3) public charity that enables people with philanthropic interests to develop lasting legacies through funds that support causes, programs and organizations in their community that they care about, easily and effectively. Serving Fort Dodge, Webster County and Northwest-Central Iowa, the Fort Dodge Community Foundation makes grants from these funds to a wide-range of charitable causes and non-profit organizations to address a wide-range of current and future community needs.

As an advocate and catalyst for charitable giving, the Fort Dodge Community Foundation develops charitable resources to support important community programs, services, projects and nonprofit organizations to advance the public good, foster economic prosperity and improve the quality of life of all citizens, families and youth.

The Fort Dodge Community Foundation serves as an asset development organization that provides positive and proactive leadership and significant resources to help the Fort Dodge community and region become a place where people will want to live, work, recreate, and raise their families.

These grants are provided to charitable organizations to support projects that are considered charitable and are focused on improving quality of life in Iowa communities.

The County Endowment Fund is a state-funded program that provides financial assistance to a large number of Community Foundations or Community Affiliate Organizations around the state to support projects that are considered charitable and are focused on improving quality of life in Iowa communities. The dollars distributed in this program come from state's gaming tax revenues and are available on a yearly basis. Qualified community foundations that meet national standards for community foundations or a community affiliate organization that has affiliated with such a foundation administer these funds for their counties.

As a vehicle for community-based philanthropy, the Foundation is dedicated to using its chartable resources in the most efficient and effective ways by making grants back to our community and county that address four key principles:

• Enriching the quality of life of all citizens, family and youth;
• Supporting the common good;
• Enhancing economic vitality;
• Advancing community betterment.

Black Hawk County Grants

Community Impact Grants are awarded throughout Black Hawk County from the unrestricted funds designated to improving the county. The CFNEIA distribution committee awards grants to create impact that addresses community and county needs.

Areas of Focus

The Community Foundation provides eligible agencies one-year discretionary grants on a competitive basis to improve life for residents of Black Hawk County, Iowa. Requests can be for operations, programming, materials, equipment, and capital projects. Areas of support are in the following program areas:

• Art & culture
• Community betterment
• Environment & Animal Welfare
• Education & Youth Development
• Health
• Human service

Grant Amounts

The majority of our competitive grants range from $5,000 to $25,000. Applicants interested in applying for more than the range are encouraged to contact Program Director prior to applying.

About Us

The Siouxland Community Foundation (SCF) provides services to donors to establish endowed funds without incurring the administrative and legal costs of an independent foundation. Individuals, families, corporations, nonprofits, private foundations and Siouxland communities can realize nearly any charitable intent. When creating a charitable fund within SCF you determine its purpose:

• Assist the elderly
• Enhance a neighborhood or community
• Address community health issues
• Feed the hungry
• Provide scholarships
• Provide a safe place for children to play

Ida County Community Betterment Foundation

Background

The Ida County Community Betterment Foundation (ICCBF) Advisory Board is charged with carefully reviewing grant proposals and recommending grants to be awarded. The ICCBF Advisory Board will make grant recommendations based on county and community needs, and the proposing organization’s capacity to effectively enhance the quality of life in Ida County.

Mission

The mission of the ICCBF is to promote philanthropy, serve as a vehicle to carry out the charitable objective of donors, build endowments, identify needs and make grants for the benefit of the citizens and communities of Ida County.

The purpose of the ICCBF is to connect donors who care with causes that matter and to enhance the quality of life in Ida County.

Ida County Community Betterment Foundation Grant

Purpose

The purpose of the ICCBF grant program is to respond to present and emerging needs within Ida County by making grants in the following areas:

• Arts & Culture: Provide or increase access to theatre, music, arts, dance, museums, historical events.. 
• Civic: Community betterment/beautification, city government, emergency services, citizen participation, parks and recreation.
• Education: Early childhood development/daycare, primary, secondary, and continuing education; libraries.
• Environment: Pollution control, natural resource conservation, protecting wildlife, botanic/horticultural activities.
• Health: Promotion and maintenance of physical, dental and mental health; rehabilitative services, crisis intervention.
• Human Services: Housing/shelter, public safety, services for the elderly, youth, families, handicapped, economically disadvantaged, minorities or other special groups.

About Us

The Siouxland Community Foundation (SCF) provides services to donors to establish endowed funds without incurring the administrative and legal costs of an independent foundation. Individuals, families, corporations, nonprofits, private foundations and Siouxland communities can realize nearly any charitable intent. When creating a charitable fund within SCF you determine its purpose:

• Assist the elderly
• Enhance a neighborhood or community
• Address community health issues
• Feed the hungry
• Provide scholarships
• Provide a safe place for children to play

Monona County Community Partners Foundation

Background

The Monona County Community Partners Foundation (MCCPF) is a charitable foundation created by and for the people of Monona County to receive gifts from individuals, families, corporations, private foundations, and governmental agencies. These gifts are carefully invested and the income from endowments is used to make grants to public charities that best meet the needs in the county.

Mission

The mission of the Monona County Community Partners Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations in the communities it serves by linking philanthropic leadership and charitable resources with needs and opportunities in the county.

The purpose of the MCCPF is to connect donors who care with causes that matter and to enhance the quality of life in Monona County.

Monona County Community Partners Foundation Grant

The purpose of the MCCPF grant program is to respond to present and emerging needs within Monona County by making grants in the following areas:

• Arts & Culture: Provide or increase access to theatre, music, arts, dance, museums, historical events.
• Civic: Community betterment/beautification, city government, emergency services, citizen participation, parks and recreation.
• Education: Early childhood development/daycare, primary, secondary, and continuing education; libraries.
• Environment: Pollution control, natural resource conservation, protecting wildlife, botanic/horticultural activities.
• Health: Promotion and maintenance of physical, dental and mental health; rehabilitative services, crisis intervention.
• Human Services: Housing/shelter, public safety, services for the elderly, youth, families, handicapped, economically disadvantaged, minorities or other special groups.

The Monona County Community Partners Foundation (MCCPF) Advisory Board is charged with carefully reviewing grant proposals and recommending grants to be awarded. The MCCPF Advisory Board will make grant recommendations based on county and community needs, and the proposing organization’s capacity to effectively enhance the quality of life in Monona County.

Community Foundation of Lyon County

Background

The Community Foundation of Lyon County (CFLC) is a charitable foundation created by and for the people of Lyon County to receive gifts from individuals, families, corporations, private foundations, and governmental agencies. These gifts are carefully invested and the income from endowment funds is used to make grants to public charities that best meet the needs of Lyon County.

Mission

The mission of the Community Foundation of Lyon County is to enhance the overall quality of life in the county by providing opportunities for donors to leave a legacy, by building a permanent collection of endowment funds, and by making grants in response to priority community needs.

The purpose of the county-wide community foundation is to connect donors who care with causes that matter and to serve as a trusted resource for addressing issues that impact the quality of life in Lyon County. An Advisory Board representing each community and the varied interests of Lyon County is responsible for governing the Foundation.

Community Foundation of Lyon County Grant

The purpose of the CFLC grant program is to respond to present and emerging needs within Lyon County by making grants in the following areas: 

• Arts & Culture: Provide or increase access to theatre, music, arts, dance, museums, historical events.
• Civic: Community betterment/beautification, city government, emergency services, citizen participation, parks and recreation.
• Education: Early childhood development/daycare, primary, secondary, and continuing education; libraries.
• Environment: Pollution control, natural resource conservation, protecting wildlife, botanic/horticultural activities.
• Health: Promotion and maintenance of physical, dental and mental health; rehabilitative services, crisis intervention.
• Human Services: Housing/shelter, public safety, services for the elderly, youth, families, handicapped, economically disadvantaged, minorities or other special groups.

The CFLC Advisory Board will make grant recommendations based on county and community needs, and the proposing organization’s capacity to effectively enhance the quality of life in Lyon County.

About Us

The Siouxland Community Foundation (SCF) provides services to donors to establish endowed funds without incurring the administrative and legal costs of an independent foundation. Individuals, families, corporations, nonprofits, private foundations and Siouxland communities can realize nearly any charitable intent. When creating a charitable fund within SCF you determine its purpose:

• Assist the elderly
• Enhance a neighborhood or community
• Address community health issues
• Feed the hungry
• Provide scholarships
• Provide a safe place for children to play

O’Brien County Community Foundation

Background

The O’Brien County Community Foundation (OBCCF) is a charitable foundation created by and for the people of O’Brien County to receive gifts from individuals, families, corporations, private foundations, and governmental agencies. These gifts are carefully invested and the income from endowments is used to make grants to public charities that best meet the needs in the county.

Mission

The mission of the O’Brien County Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in O’Brien County communities by encouraging permanent charitable giving to meet the needs of present and future generations.

The purpose of the OBCCF is to connect donors who care with causes that matter and to enhance the quality of life in O’Brien County.

An Advisory Board representing each community and the varied interests of O’Brien County is responsible for governing the Foundation.

O’Brien County Community Foundation Grant

The purpose of the OBCCF grant program is to respond to present and emerging needs within O’Brien County by making grants in the following areas:

• Arts & Culture: Provide or increase access to theatre, music, arts, dance, museums, historical events.
• Civic: Community betterment/beautification, city government, emergency services, citizen participation, parks and recreation.
• Education: Early childhood development/daycare, primary, secondary, and continuing education; libraries.
• Environment: Pollution control, natural resource conservation, protecting wildlife, botanic/horticultural activities.
• Health: Promotion and maintenance of physical, dental and mental health; rehabilitative services, crisis intervention.
• Human Services: Housing/shelter, public safety, services for the elderly, youth, families, handicapped, economically disadvantaged, minorities or other special groups.

The O’Brien County Community Foundation (OBCCF) Advisory Board is charged with carefully reviewing grant proposals and recommending grants to be awarded. The OBCCF Advisory Board will make grant recommendations based on county and community needs, and the proposing organization’s capacity to effectively enhance the quality of life in O’Brien County.

Bremer County Community Foundation

The Bremer County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, is created by and for the people of Bremer County. The Community Foundation’s main goals are to support Bremer County and to attract additional funds to assist donors in creating lasting legacies through a variety of giving options within Bremer County. The Readlyn Community Fund is a component fund within the Bremer County Community Foundation. The fund has been set up to support projects in Readlyn.

What We Fund

The Bremer County Community Foundation (BCCF) and the Readlyn Community Fund (RCF) committees provide grants to improve life throughout Bremer County, Iowa, as well as in Readlyn specifically. We want to help develop all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as to benefit rural areas of the county. Areas of Foundation giving are:

• Art & culture
• Community betterment
• Education
• Environment
• Health
• Historic preservation
• Human service

Funding Priorities

Our top priority is to fund nonprofits most affected by and/or dealing with the Coronavirus outbreak. Applicants are encouraged to apply for general operating support instead of project-based proposals. 

Beyond that, highest priority for funding is given to projects that:

• Address a community need, demonstrate broad-based community support, and provide benefits that are community/county wide. 
• Show a high level of support or leveraged (match) funding from other sources.
• Maximize community resources through cooperation and collaboration with other organizations in the community and work to eliminate redundant services, programs, or projects. 
• Show long-term sustainability of the project without annual grant support from the BCCF.

The Buchanan County Community Foundation

The Buchanan County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by and for the people of Buchanan County. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for the people of Buchanan County by helping donors carry out their charitable intent and by providing responsible stewardship of gifts for community purposes.

What We Support

The Buchanan County Community Foundation provides grants to improve life in Buchanan County, Iowa. We want to help develop communities that people want to live in, as well as to benefit rural areas of the county. Areas of Foundation giving are:

• Art & culture
• Community betterment
• Education
• Environment
• Health
• Historic preservation
• Human service

About the Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation

The Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by and for the people of Cerro Gordo County. The vision of the Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation is to be a premier philanthropic program enhancing and impacting the lives of the residents of Cerro Gordo County through donor opportunities, endowment growth and management, and responsible and local grant distribution.

What We Fund

The Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation will provide grants to improve life in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. We want to help develop communities that people want to live in, as well as to benefit rural areas of the county. Areas of Foundation giving are:

• Art & culture
• Community betterment
• Education
• Environment
• Health
• Historic preservation
• Human service

The Iowa County Community Foundation

The Iowa County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, is created by and for the people of Iowa County. The Community Foundation’s main goals are to support Iowa County and to attract additional funds to assist donors in creating lasting legacies through a variety of giving options.

What We Fund

The Iowa County Community Foundation provides grants to improve life in Iowa County, Iowa. We want to help develop communities that people want to live in, as well as to benefit rural areas of the county. Areas of Foundation giving are:

• Art & culture
• Community betterment
• Education
• Environment
• Health
• Historic preservation
• Human service

The Winnebago County Community Foundation

The Winnebago County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, was formed with the intent to encourage endowment building for the long-term benefit of Winnebago County. The Community Foundation’s main goals are to support Winnebago County and to attract additional funds to assist donors in creating lasting legacies through a variety of giving options within Winnebago County.

What We Fund

The Winnebago County Community Foundation provides grants to improve life in Winnebago County, Iowa. We want to help develop communities that people want to live in, as well as to benefit rural areas of the county. Areas of Foundation giving are:

• Art & culture
• Community betterment
• Education
• Environment
• Health
• Historic preservation
• Human service

About Us

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs empowers Iowa to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by connecting Iowans to the people, places and points of pride that define our state. The department impacts Iowans through the State Historical Society of Iowa, the Iowa Arts Council and Produce Iowa — State Office of Media Production. It engages Iowans by elevating the role arts, history and culture play as an economic driver, a catalyst for the creative sector and a key ingredient in our quality of life.

Partnership Grant

Arts Partnership Grants are discretionary grant awards for projects that align with one or more current and funding priorities and strategic goals in the Iowa Arts Council 2022-2026 Strategic Plan.

Program Update

The Arts Partnership Grant program supports significant regional or statewide arts convenings and strategic initiatives that strengthen the arts in Iowa and align with the Iowa Arts Council’s 2022–2026 Strategic Plan.

Eligible projects must clearly align with one of the following categories:

Regional and Statewide Arts Convenings

Supports arts events, conferences, and convenings that build professional knowledge, advance arts practices in Iowa, and expand networks for collaboration.

Arts, Health and Well-being

Supports programming that demonstrates the arts' impact on community belonging, connection, and the health and well-being of individuals and groups.

Fund For Siouxland Grant

The Fund For Siouxland, an unrestricted endowment fund, provides the Community Foundation with the greatest flexibility to respond to the ever-changing needs in Siouxland communities. Contributors (individuals, families, corporations and other foundations) have made an investment in the future of Siouxland by helping to build our community’s charitable endowment. The fund is invested in accordance with the Community Foundation’s investment policy. Only the income that is generated is used to make the grants year after year.

Focus Areas

Donors to this fund, from all walks of life, recognize its importance and impact on the quality of life in Siouxland by allowing the Community Foundation to address a variety of needs in the following five focus areas: 

• Arts & Culture: Provide or increase access to cultural and educational resources for theatre, music, arts, dance, museums.
• Civic Affairs: Community betterment, citizen participation, parks & recreation. 
• Education: Early childhood development and parental involvement, improve educational outcomes especially for those at risk, promote higher educational opportunities. 
• Health: Assist communities in the promotion and maintenance of physical and mental health. 
• Human Services: Address and serve the needs of the elderly, youth, families, handicapped, economically disadvantaged, minorities or other special groups.

The Siouxland Community Foundation does not duplicate United Way funding. However, program additions or expansions will be considered.

Funding

Foundation grants generally do not exceed $5,000.

Each year the Foundation receives many more requests than it can support, compelling the Board to make funding decisions based on the number of proposals received, worthiness of the project, relative need, and potential impact – resulting in the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

GIG Fund

Flexible support to help arts and culture organizations grow their capacity, fund artist engagements, and build community.

What is the GIG Fund?

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000-4,000 that supports creative projects and educational events in the Midwest. These funds help organizations present artists in their community by supporting programming and touring costs. The GIG Fund is a grant that supports Midwestern organizations that want to contract with a professional artist to offer activities to their community. 

Matching requirement

Organizations will be required to demonstrate matching funds on a 1:1 basis for the grant amount.

To demonstrate the match, your expenses should each be at least double your GIG Fund grant. Potential sources for the match include salaries and wages, in-kind contributions, volunteer hours, earned and contributed revenue (donations, ticket sales, other non-Federal grants), or cash from the applicant or partner organizations.

Purpose

The purpose of the Operations and Program Grant program (formerly known as the Coordinated Field of Interest Grant program) is to provide general operating support or program support for successful ongoing efforts. General operating support is crucial to the long-term success of nonprofit organizations. This grant program aligns with the Community Foundation’s strategic effort to use effective grantmaking practices including:

Flexible Funding: requests for general operating support are eligible for funding, and are given preference.

Reliable Funding: One-year or Two-year requests will be considered.

Nonprofit organizations may apply for a grant from several different Community Foundation funds through the Operations and Program Grant program. To save time and effort, applicants submit one application and are considered for multiple funding sources.

The Operations and Program Grant program continues to follow the original purposes of each fund and the intent set up by its donors. All specific fund purposes fall into one or more fields of interest: Animals & Environment; Arts & Culture; Community Development; Education; Health; and Youth Development.

Fund Focus Areas:

• Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund - General Operating and Program requests only.
• Basic Human Needs—Iowa
• Chip Sunderbruch Memorial Risk Management Fund: Focuses on risk management and safety
• Children at Risk Fund: Focuses on youth programs.
• Health & Wellness Fund: Focuses on health and wellness.
• John J. Quail Fund: Focuses on arts and culture.
• Judith Berger Endowment: Focuses on education, poverty & children in need.
• Nell C. Brennan Fund: Focuses on educational opportunities for underserved children.
• Roy E. Murray Fund: Focuses on youth.
• Sekharan Family Fund: Focuses on hospice and homelessness.

Hubbell-Waterman Foundation Grant

Mission

The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation invests in the Quad Cities community by funding capital construction projects, program and initiatives grants, and operational expenses. Our three areas of focus are culture and the arts, social welfare, and education.

What we do Fund 

• Funding is awarded to support three areas of focus: culture and the arts, education, and social welfare. Within these areas, we provide support for: 
  • Capital campaigns and capital acquisitions, including construction and renovations.
  • Operational and/or program grants not to exceed three years resulting from the completion of a capital campaign grant.
  • Multi-year program grants not to exceed three years. Program grants may include general operating expense reimbursement.

Focus Areas

The foundation has three long-term funding priorities: 

• Culture and the Arts
  • Cultivating and supporting the visual and performing arts
  • Investing in landmark cultural institutions
  • Supporting new and innovative programs and initiatives that enrich our community
• Education
  • Supporting pre-K–12 education through:
    • After-school and summer programs
    • Creative learning initiatives
    • Life skills and career training
    • Environmental education with a focus on sustainability
  • Mental health programs for students and their families
• Social Welfare
  • Supporting programs that are accessible to individuals and families through:
    • At-risk and low-income family services
    • Food and nutrition support
    • Housing security
    • Immigrant and refugee community support
    • Physical and mental health services