Search Through Grants for Emergency Services in Iowa in the U.S.

About Us

Our Mission

The mission of The Auto Club Group Foundation is to work on behalf of our members and the communities we serve to create lasting solutions, inspire learning and provide funding in the areas of traffic safety, driver education and financial literacy.

Our History

In 1902, nine motor clubs across the country joined together to form the American Automobile Association (AAA) to protect the rights and interests of automobile users and promote better highway and traffic safety. Today, The Auto Club Group Foundation continues to support those interests by investing in traffic safety, driver education and financial literacy initiatives. The Auto Club Group Foundation which is a private Foundation, represents 14 states and 2 U.S territories, and is an integral part of AAA's evolution and success.

How We Work

Our approach to grant funding comes from a very basic principle which is to have an understanding of the goals and objectives of local communities. Our relationships, which have developed from years of community service, allow us to offer support in a more impactful and meaningful way.

The Auto Club Group Foundation, which is a private foundation, is funded by our sponsoring organization, AAA – The Auto Club Group. We award grants to organizations and initiatives that enhance our mission in the areas of Traffic Safety, Driver Education and Financial Literacy throughout our 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories.

Priority Areas

Traffic Safety

The Auto Club Group Foundation is dedicated to supporting traffic safety programs and initiatives that make our roadways safer for all users. The ACG Foundation strives to be responsive to emerging traffic safety issues by considering grant applications that are forward thinking and address new technology.

Financial Literacy

The Auto Club Group Foundation supports financial literacy programming in grades K – 12, empowering students with the tools they need to make sound financial decisions.

Driver Education 

The Auto Club Group Foundation wants to ensure everyone has access to quality driver education by supporting scholarships and programming needs in underserved communities.

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation invests in local nonprofit organizations that contribute to improving the quality of life in our community. Our grants support innovation, sustainability and capacity building.

Purpose

Rapid Response Grants support emergency expenses and emerging opportunities for nonprofit organizations that serve Linn County, Iowa. This fund is intended for infrequent use in unique circumstances. Please note, funding is for organizations, not individuals.   

Maximum Request Amount and Duration of Grant: $2,500 and up to 12 months

Our Approach

The Midwest Climate & Energy program uses its philanthropic funding to support efforts that build power through partnership, aligning climate and equity goals to advance bold action on the climate crisis.

Our program takes a systems change lens, focusing on shifting the conditions that perpetuate the climate crisis, which include structural racism. We direct grantmaking toward work that shifts mental models, changes power dynamics, engages communities, and advances transformative policies, practices, and resource flows, in order to dramatically cut carbon pollution in the Midwest by 2030.

Our Strategies

Transform the Energy System

We aim to ensure that the Midwest equitably transitions to an energy grid capable of powering an increasingly electrified society – a grid that’s powered by clean energy sources, accessible and affordable to ratepayers, and flexible and resilient to accommodate more clean power and withstand disruptive events.

Our grantmaking through this strategy will:

• Engage the utility sector and related decision-making venues as a crucial lever for system transformation.
• Amplify stories of the clean energy transition and combat mis- and disinformation.
• Expand solutions that advance customer options for clean energy that is accessible, equitable, and affordable.
• Elevate voices that are representative of the rich diversity of the Midwest.

Decarbonize Transportation

We aim to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector in the Midwest through electrification and reducing driving (vehicle miles traveled, or “VMT”) by increasing the use of transit, biking, and other mobility options. We support the Midwest States leading in transportation infrastructure implementation that is equitable, and sustainable and ensures that everyone has access to clean, affordable, and accessible transportation mobility options.

Our grantmaking through this strategy will:

• Support increased public sector investment in transit, active transportation modes, and other shared mobility options.
• Support the equitable deployment and implementation of electrification infrastructure.
• Elevate the engagement of diverse Midwest communities to advance transportation planning that prioritizes climate and equity and repairs historical harms resulting from discriminatory policies.

Decarbonize Buildings

We aim to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the buildings sector in the Midwest, cutting energy usage, electrifying equipment and appliances, and resolving the energy insecurities and burdens of under-resourced households.

Our grantmaking through this strategy will:

• Engage with the utility sector and related decision-making venues as a crucial lever for building decarbonization.
• Raise the bar on building performance to incorporate increasingly electrified end-uses, promote health, safety, and comfort, and center the real needs of people.
• Bridge across sectors and break down silos to fundamentally shift the paradigm for how buildings are built.
• Scale innovation to advance real-world examples of carbon-free buildings in the Midwest.

Support Working Lands

We aim to partner with the stewards of working lands to advance solutions that cut greenhouse gas emissions (carbon, methane, and nitrous oxide), sequester carbon, and build soil resiliency in the face of increasing climate disruptions, while centering the leadership of farmers and rural communities’ prosperity.

Our Grantmaking through this strategy will:

• Promote the leadership of farmers and farmer-led organizations to advance climate solutions.
• Build partnerships with public and private sectors to seed and scale farming practices that reduce emissions and sequester carbon.
• Support organizing and advocacy infrastructure in the Midwest for an inclusive farming system with strong workers’ rights that honors Indigenous farming knowledge and has equitable opportunities for low-income, communities of color, and emerging farmers.

Strengthen Democratic Participation

We aim to increase statewide infrastructure and capacity, engage diverse people in advancing our shared prosperity, and create platforms for broader participation in movements to realize vibrant, equitable, and climate-resilient communities.

Our grantmaking through this strategy will:

• Bolster organizations, networks, and intermediaries working to engage and organize communities toward more powerful participation in civic life.
• Ensure our democratic institutions and policymaking arenas are accessible and equipped to meet the challenge of the climate moment. ​

Southwest Iowa Emergency Relief

Our southwest Iowa communities, as well as our neighbors in eastern Nebraska, are coping with heartbreaking loss and destruction caused by tornadoes, storms and flooding, which started on April 26, 2024, and continue to wreak havoc in our region.

The Community Foundation for Western Iowa is here to support our southwest Iowa communities in gathering donations through the Southwest Iowa Emergency Relief Fund. Donations to the fund will support Iowa nonprofit partners, communities, disaster relief organizations, and public health organizations who are on the front line of disaster relief efforts.

Iowa West Foundation to Match Donations up to $50,000

The Community Foundation for Western Iowa is pleased to announce that the Iowa West Foundation has generously committed a 1-to-1 match of $50,000 for donations made to the Southwest Iowa Emergency Relief Fund. The fund at the Community Foundation for Western Iowa is a philanthropic response to the increasing needs throughout Pottawattamie County due to the catastrophic tornadoes that tore through the region on April 26. Iowa West matching funds will provide relief to individuals impacted in Pottawattamie County.

Animal Welfare Grant Program

The Friends Helping Friends Foundation (FHFF) is a compassionate advocate for the Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control (CRACC). Our mission is to enhance the care for homeless and displaced animals by building resources, leading development, and advocating for the success of Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control.

The Friends Helping Friends Foundation of Cedar Rapids is pleased to announce the FHFF Animal Welfare Grant Program.

This grant program was developed in collaboration with the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation to support live-saving animal welfare initiatives within the Cedar Rapids/Marion communities that directly or indirectly affect the ultimate success of the Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control.

Because the mission of the FHFF is to advocate for the success of the Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control, the goal of your grant proposal should succinctly describe how your program/project initiative will impact the work of CRACC.

Examples:

• Providing emergency animal care or veterinary services for a homeless animal, thereby alleviating pressure on the CRACC shelter;
• Providing spay/neuter of community cats, thereby reducing the number of stray/feral cats in our community as well as reducing the number of stray/feral cats taken to the shelter;
• Providing FREE microchip identification and registration clinics, thereby increasing the return-to-owner rate of lost animals that might otherwise go unclaimed at the shelter; or
• Providing humane education programming in the schools or responsible pet ownership training for new pet owners, including an introduction to local pet ordinances, State and local rabies requirements, leash laws, etc.

Our Vision

Communities where families love to live and businesses thrive

Our MissionThe mission of the Iowa West Foundation is to improve lives and strengthen communities for current and future generations. We do this by:

• Catalyzing creativity and collaboration
• Empowering partners for community success
• Fostering leadership that reflects the community
• Supporting people-focused outcomes

The Iowa West Foundation is funded by investment income and through the Iowa West Racing Association (IWRA), which receives contracted fees paid by local casino operators — Ameristar and Harrah’s. The Foundation is an independent nonprofit recipient, as described in the 501(c)3 section of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation began its grant program in 1996, which awards funds for various community projects of governmental entities or nonprofit organizations. The Iowa West Foundation is headquartered in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Iowa West Foundation GrantsThe Iowa West Foundation strives for communities where families love to live, and businesses thrive. To accomplish this vision, the foundation uses a variety of tools, including an open grants program. The grants program supports priorities identified by our southwest Iowa residents. Through thousands of ideas shared in community Imagine Hour listening sessions, four core ideas defined a community vision of success. Together they form a picture of a vibrant, successful community. They are:

• Belonging – Everyone in the community experiences a deep sense of being included and appreciated. 
• Financial stability – The community is rooted in meeting all residents’ basic needs and beyond.
• Opportunity – High quality opportunities are available to pursue personal achievement.
• Well-being – Individuals have the opportunity to thrive, not just survive.

Types of Grants We Award 

• Program Grants:
  • Program Grants are a form of restricted support. They help a grantee implement a defined project or activity and are tied to specific, project-based outcomes. When considering a program grant application, Iowa West Foundation considers the likelihood that proposed activities will contribute to our four target outcomes. As our outcomes look to long-term community improvement, we tend not to fund projects/programs that are only focused on short-term impacts.
  • If your organization is requesting more than one year of funding, you should provide a clear case as to how the longer commitment supports a stronger impact than a single year commitment would.
  • Renewal of program grants requires your organization be in good standing.
  • As a general practice, grantees who receive more than one renewal should be able to begin to shift from annual reporting to evaluating their data from a longitudinal perspective
• Operating Grants:
  • Operating Grants are a form of unrestricted support. They fund a grantee’s overall activities, including administrative functions. Iowa West Foundation supports grantee operations when the overall work of the grantee during the period of support will demonstrate results in our target outcomes. 
  • This suggests a strong alignment between the work of the applicant and the goals of the foundation. Typically, it is demonstrated through a combination of a clearly aligned workplan and a track-record of clear results.
  • As a general practice, it is uncommon for Iowa West Foundation to award an operating grant to an organization without first developing a strong relationship through program grants.
  • Operating grants are only available to organizations that own or lease a commercial office space in Pottawattamie County.
  • As a general practice, we typically fund public/governmental entities through program or capital grants rather than general operating grants.
• Capital Grants:
  • Capital Grants are restricted grants that support the infrastructure needs of an organization. Typically, this is through the acquisition, construction, or installation of facilities or equipment. 
  • Applicants for capital grants should make the case as to why this project will help it fulfill its mission more effectively and align with the Foundation’s target outcomes.
  • Competition is important to ensuring strong value in capital projects. Applicants should seek two or more quotes from vendors or contractors.
  • For building improvements or construction, please note that it is a requirement that the applicant own the building or land being improved.
  • As a general practice, Iowa West Foundation does not support deferred or general maintenance. As such, when supporting a capital grant, we try to understand how our applicants have planned for the continued maintenance, operation, and eventual replacement for what will be purchased through the grant.
• Launch Grants:
  • Launch Grants are a type of grant that responds to a frequently heard need from our partner organizations. They are designed to support the creation of needed programs or organizations that are not provided by the existing system. Typically, these include organizations / programs that are in their formative phase. Because they are new, they often entail a higher amount of risk. Iowa West Foundation is only interested in supporting launch grants that are additive rather than duplicating existing services.
  • Recognizing that it is unlikely that newer endeavors will show outcomes during the grant period, applicants will be asked to identify important milestones or deliverables that show strong management or progress toward their goal(s).
  • Many of the requests we receive in this category are for a multi-year commitment to give time to establish the new organization / program. In these cases, renewal will be based on the organization being in good standing and showing the anticipated progress.
  • As a general practice, a strong plan and/or understanding of need should precede a grant request. If no plan is in place, Iowa West Foundation may offer support to create a plan before considering the full request.

Contingency Funding

In addition to the four grants described above, the Iowa West Foundation maintains a Contingency Fund to support existing grantees and partners. We know our partners are tackling some of our communities’ most significant challenges. As a result, the risk of disruption due to circumstances out of our partners’ control is always possible. We want to be active in anticipating and resolving these issues. To do so, we have special funding that is set aside for managing risk. There is no application for the contingency fund. Instead, Iowa West Foundation deploys these funds proactively when we identify an opportunity to help overcome a barrier to our partners’ success.

Typically, this is through:

• Capacity building:
  • When possible, we seek to resolve areas of risk before they become problems. One way to do this is to ensure our partners have the skills and advice they need to be successful. Typically, capacity building opportunities arise from our due diligence and reporting conversations.
• Grant contingency support:
  • When an unexpected obstacle arises, we can add additional funds to existing grants to help our partners overcome the challenge. These opportunities are most frequently identified through interim reports or when our partners proactively reach out to share their needs.
• Emergency funding:
  • In the lifecycle of a nonprofit there can be moments of vulnerability. During these times, Iowa West Foundation may choose to infuse an organization with emergency operational funding to help weather a period of difficulty.

The purpose of the Clay County 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 our county. 

The Clay County Community Foundation Board of Directors awards grants based on donor wishes, county needs, and a proposing organization's capacity to provide effective service to the people of Clay County. Grants support present and emerging needs in the areas of community betterment, education, health, arts and culture, and human services.

Community Betterment Grants

The Clay County Community Foundation anticipates having more than $85,000 to distribute to nonprofit organizations in Clay County by March of each year, thanks to support from the Iowa Legislature and local donors. As a result, applications for CCCF Community Betterment Grants are currently being requested from nonprofit organizations and local governmental entities for projects that positively impact quality of life in Clay County.

Clay County Community Foundation funds can be used for broad, flexible purposes, including assisting arts and culture, economic development, education, environment, health and human services, recreation areas and supporting high-impact community opportunities. Funds are intended for new projects, or for the enhancement or expansion of existing services, programs, or facilities; on-going operational expenses of an organization are not eligible for grant funding. Grant requests may range from a $500 minimum to a $10,000 maximum. 

CCCF Prioritized Needs (in no particular order)

Economic Development/Quality Job Creation – Focus is on innovative non-traditional economic development activities, i.e. youth entrepreneurial development programs, artist entrepreneurship programs, microenterprise lending programs, etc. and creation of new jobs or expansion of existing jobs.

Activities (Cultural, Recreational, Social and Educational) – Special emphasis is placed on activities that bring people together throughout the county, and that bring people to the county. 

Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities – This includes trails, campgrounds and other recreational facilities. 

Utilize and Support Existing Organizations, Resources, Services and Facilities that Contribute to Quality of Life – Includes projects to more effectively market or make services and programs more fully available to people, whether through better marketing or through efforts to accommodate employed parents schedules, or the scheduling preferences or requirements of senior citizens, youth individuals with special needs, etc. 

Health and Human Services – This includes projects offering mental health, medical or dental services and those providing other assistance resources to the community or efforts to help residents find those resources.

Mission

PFund Foundation builds equity with LGBTQ+ communities across the upper Midwest by providing grants and scholarships, developing leaders, and inspiring giving.

Vision

PFund Foundation invests in thriving and more equitable communities for queer people in the upper Midwest.

PRISM Fund

PRISM (Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities) grants support rural LGBTQ+ organizations from across PFund’s five-state service area.

The PRISM program works to increase the capacity and connection of rural LGBTQ+ serving organizations through grants, trainings and cohort collaboration.

PFund builds community and provides resources for LGBTQ+ individuals across the upper Midwest and the First Nations therein.

 Prioritized Communities

The LGBTQ+ community of the upper Midwest is not monolithic. Factors such as age, race/ethnicity, geography, disability, income, and gender all influence the challenges facing queer individuals. PFund Foundation recognizes that some subpopulations of the queer community may need elevated levels of support to achieve equitable outcomes. To address this need, PFund Foundation has identified three prioritized communities who are especially important to our work:

Queer People of Color

LGBTQ+ people who also belong to minority racial and ethnic groups experience additional oppression and discrimination—both inside and outside of queer communities. 

PFund demonstrates its commitment to queer people of color through its programs. 55% of 2022 PFund Scholars identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. During the worst months of the COVID-19 pandemic, PFund launched a $90,000 emergency fund (now known as the Equity Fund) for queer entrepreneurs of color in Minneapolis to help their businesses survive the economic impacts of the coronavirus and unrest following the murder of George Floyd. In 2022, PFund offered a second round of grants from the Equity Fund for queer BIPOC business owners in Minneapolis.

Gender-Expansive People

Transgender, gender-expansive, and nonbinary individuals are being made the targets of discriminatory legislation and scapegoating at the regional and national levels. The pandemic has also disproportionately impacted transgender and gender non-conforming college students: the Williams Institute at UCLA found that transgender students were six times more likely to have been seriously ill or hospitalized with COVID-19 than their cisgender peers. 55% of 2022 PFund Scholars identify as transgender, gender non-conforming, genderqueer, or nonbinary.

Queer People in North and South Dakota

LGBTQ+ people living in North or South Dakota face a unique set of challenges, including the ongoing impacts of high COVID-19 rates, political environments actively hostile to queer and trans individuals, and fewer nonprofit resources for queer communities (especially outside of large cities). PFund estimates there are at least 82,000 queer individuals living in the Dakotas and the foundation is in the process of building a new targeted outreach program to LGBTQ+ people in rural areas the upper Midwest in 2022.

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

Akron Community Foundation

Background

Florence Peterson had a vision to ensure that charitable programs in the community were supported now and in the future. In 2001, she planted the first seeds of giving through a gift from her estate to establish an endowment within the Siouxland Community Foundation for the exclusive benefit of the Akron, Iowa community. The Akron Community Foundation now serves as a vehicle to receive gifts from individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to establish endowment funds that will provide grant awards for years to come. All gifts received are carefully invested and the income from endowments is used to make grants to public charities that best meet the needs in Akron. A seven-member advisory board appointed by position is responsible for governing the Foundation.

Mission

The mission of the Akron Community Foundation is to identify and fulfill community needs, impact future growth and development of Akron, promote volunteerism, attract and distribute funds, and enhance the quality of life in Akron by providing leadership, creating opportunities, and challenging the community to share time, talent, and resources through personal involvement and commitment.

The purpose of the Akron Community Foundation is to connect donors who care with causes that matter and to enhance the quality of life in the Akron community.

Akron Community Foundation Grant

Purpose

The purpose of the Akron Community Foundation’s grant program is to respond to present and emerging charitable needs within Akron 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, 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.

Grantmaking

The great majority of grants are given to organizations located in, and for projects to be conducted within, the state of Iowa and portions of Illinois, as well as to other organizations in which Mr. Carver had an interest during his lifetime. Generally speaking, the Carver Trust supports biomedical and scientific research, scholarships, and programs addressing the educational and recreational needs of youth. 

Program Areas

Elementary and Secondary Education

Supporting educational opportunities for youth, beginning with kindergarten and continuing through high school graduation, is a cornerstone of Carver Trust giving. Grant-making activities in this area may be divided into three, broad categories, each with the goal of enhancing access to resources and the application of innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Read more about this program area.

Higher Education

The Trust’s interests in the area of higher education extend to those projects that strengthen institutions and offer innovative learning opportunities to students enrolled in baccalaureate and graduate programs throughout the grant-making region of Iowa and parts of Illinois. Typically, funding is awarded to capital or programmatic initiatives that seek to substantively improve instruction or increase access to educational resources, with the goal of better preparing students for future academic and professional challenges. Projects incorporating interdisciplinary approaches and demonstrating the potential for lasting impact among a diverse range of students are especially encouraged. Read more about this program area.

Medical and Scientific Research

The goal of the Trust’s program in medical and scientific research is to provide support for innovative investigation that may hold great promise for advancing scientific knowledge and, in many cases, improving human health. To this end, the Trust has supported a variety of university-based scientific endeavors, most notably in the basic medical sciences, the chemical and biological sciences, and engineering. Although a majority of funding is awarded for the purpose of addressing institutional capital needs, a parallel focus of this program area is the research efforts of particular laboratories, often emphasizing multidisciplinary approaches and encouraging the development of untried, and inherently risky, specific aims. Read more about this program area.

Youth Services and Recreation

Projects receiving Trust funding under the youth program designation are typically designed to complement curriculum-based education and encourage individual development and physical well-being. Of the grants awarded within this category, a significant portion has been directed toward the efforts of organizations advocating for disadvantaged and disabled youth and their families. As an example, improving the conditions at adolescent residential facilities in Iowa, including those that offer opportunities for special-needs populations, has represented an important area of Trust charitable giving around the state.

In addition, grants to help communities establish safe and affordable recreation opportunities are also part of the youth-directed programming. The Trust offers strategic funding for the development of public recreation facilities and related activities for children, with priority given to projects in the Iowa counties of Muscatine, Cedar, Louisa and Scott, as well as Rock Island and Mercer Counties in Illinois. More information on the youth recreation program area may be found under Trust Initiated Programming & Guidelines.

Miscellaneous

Grants listed under this designation are those that, for various reasons, do not fall within the Trust’s primary program classifications. Many grants classified as miscellaneous are for projects receiving special consideration for their direct impact on the local Muscatine region.

Awards in this category of Trust giving may, for example, provide support to organizations mobilizing to help area residents following a natural disaster or emergency, such as flooding or storm damage. Other assistance of this type has been directed to local first-responder and law enforcement agencies, which have received occasional support for specialized medical, firefighting and policing equipment, as well as situations whereby certain area nonprofits are seeking one-time support for urgent capital or programming needs.

Still other miscellaneous grants celebrate special events and aspects of Muscatine and its history, as well as organizations and projects that share a unique connection to the life and interests of Roy Carver. Additionally, occasional grants in this program area may serve to emphasize important natural resources throughout the local area and the upper Mississippi River region, with a focus on projects that help to guide children and youth toward a deeper understanding of, and respect for, the ecosystem and surrounding environment.

What does this program do?

This program is designed to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. Small means that the business has fewer than 50 new workers and less than $1 million in gross revenue.

What is an eligible area?

Rural Business Development Grant money must be used for projects that benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more. Check eligible areas. 

What kind of funding is available?

There is no maximum grant amount; however, smaller requests are given higher priority. There is no cost sharing requirement. There are two types of RBDG projects, Opportunity grants and Enterprise grants.

• Opportunity type grants are limited to up to 10 percent of the total Rural Business Development Grant annual funding.
• Enterprise type grants must be used on projects to benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas as specified in the grant application.

How may Enterprise type funds be used?

Enterprise grants must be used on projects to benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas as specified in the grant application. Uses may include:

• Training and technical assistance, such as project planning, business counseling and training, market research, feasibility studies, professional or/technical reports, or producer service improvements.
• Acquisition or development of land, easements, or rights of way; construction, conversion, renovation of buildings; plants, machinery, equipment, access for streets and roads; parking areas and utilities.
• Pollution control and abatement.
• The capitalization of revolving loan funds, including funds that will make loans for start-ups and working capital.
• Rural distance learning for job training and advancement for adult students.
• Rural transportation improvement.
• Community economic development.
• Technology-based economic development.
• Feasibility studies and business plans.
• Leadership and entrepreneur training.
• Rural business incubators.
• Long-term business strategic planning.

How may Opportunity type funds be used?

• Community economic development.
• Technology-based economic development.
• Feasibility studies and business plans.
• Leadership and entrepreneur training.
• Rural business incubators.
• Long-term business strategic planning.

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.

Marion County Community Foundation

A resource for building bridges from today to an enhanced quality of life tomorrow for current and future residents of Marion County.

Applicants should serve a charitable purpose by enhancing the quality of life in Marion County in areas such as: health, education, culture, religion, recreation or the enhancement and preservation of the county’s heritage.

Principles for Grant Making

• The Foundation makes grants to support creative and innovative programs, current or emerging charitable opportunities, services not presently offered and capital projects—all of which should enhance the quality of life in the county. Grants are not made in support of annual operating budgets or for projects normally included therein.
• Especially interesting are projects proposed by coalitions of service providers, those likely to gain support from matching fund arrangements, and those replicative in design.
• Projects funded should not represent significant duplication of initiatives already undertaken by other non-profit agencies.
• Requests will generally be denied for crisis intervention, current budget support, elimination of deficits, reduction of debt or funding of completed projects.
• Special attention will be given to projects that apply to broad segments of the population.
• Low priority will be given to programs or projects of churches which have a narrowly sectarian purpose. However, programs will be considered if they have ecumenical base or are designed to serve persons in need of food, clothing, shelter or counseling without regard to their religious affiliation.

Criteria to be used by the Distribution Committee

Proposals will be judged on the basis of such things as:

• The intrinsic merit of the project proposed
• The priority of the need to be met
• The ability and past experience of the staff in terms of successful completion of the projects
• The clarity and measureability of the project goals
• Plans to fund the project beyond the grant period
• The feasibility of the time frame given for completion of the project

Funding

The maximum grant request using this Simple Grant Request Form is $3,000.

Larger grant requests should use the Detailed Grant Application Form, which is available on the Foundation’s website.

ACCF “Emerging Needs” Mini-Grant Fund

The Allamakee County Community Foundation accepts emerging needs applications for up to $1,000 for grants for community development, community promotions, community education and similar matters.

Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque

The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGDB) is a regional philanthropic organization committed to building a vibrant and inclusive Dubuque region where all people have the opportunity to thrive. Since its founding in 2003, the Foundation has served as a catalyst for community investment by inspiring generosity, managing and deploying charitable assets, and supporting strategic initiatives that address the region’s most pressing challenges.

Allamakee County Community Foundation "Emerging Needs" Mini Grants

The Allamakee County Community Foundation accepts emerging needs applications for up to $1,000 for grants for community development, community promotions, community education and similar matters. The grant shall be for the benefit of persons residing in Allamakee County, Iowa. Entities that have a 501(c)3 designation by the Internal Revenue Service or schools or municipalities are eligible to apply for these funds. Mini-grant cycles are April 15-30, July 15-31 and October 15-31.

The Jasper Community Foundation Purpose

The Jasper Community Foundation was established in 1997 for the purpose of accepting tax-deductible bequests and gifts in the form of cash or property from individuals, corporations and other organizations that have an interest in improving the quality of life of people residing in Jasper County, Iowa. The foundation has broad, flexible purposes assisting arts and culture, economic development, education, environment, health and human services, recreation areas and other high-impact community opportunities.

Jasper Community Foundation Grant

Each year the Jasper Community Foundation plans to make grant awards to worthwhile projects located in the County that are identified through a community grants application process. Our foundation's areas of emphasis include arts and culture, economic development, education, environment, health and human services, recreation and other community activities. Grant amounts are dependent upon the allocation of funds available to the Community Foundation each fiscal year.

Background

Those eligible for Miccio Foundation grants in support of Iowa's animals will be organizations that have demonstrated commitment to animal welfare. Examples include, but are not limited to, private and governmental animal shelters, humane societies, rescue groups, volunteer foster organizations, and local animal control agencies. We will not support activities inconsistent with federal, state or local laws/ordinances, and we reserve the right to request additional information prior to making funding decisions.

The Miccio Foundation's focus is to support organizations involved in animal welfare (501c3 status is required). Projects eligible for funding are those that will have an immediate, direct and measurable impact on improving animal welfare in a target community. Grants can be for projects such as spay/neuter programs, facility renovation, medical care, humane education, caging, and adoption support.

Standard and Mini Grants

The Foundation awards Standard grants to organizations licensed by the State of Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) as Pounds or Shelters. Typically, Standard Miccio grants are funded at $3,500. Standard grant requests may not exceed $10,000.

Those eligible for Miccio Foundation grants in support of Iowa's animals will be organizations that have demonstrated commitment to animal welfare. Examples include, but are not limited to, private and governmental animal shelters, humane societies, rescue groups, volunteer foster organizations, and local animal control agencies. We will not support activities inconsistent with federal, state or local laws/ordinances, and we reserve the right to request additional information prior to making funding decisions.

​Grant Focus

The Miccio Foundation's focus is to support organizations involved in animal welfare (501c3 status is required). Projects eligible for funding are those that will have an immediate, direct and measurable impact on improving animal welfare in a target community.

Grants can be for projects such as

• spay/neuter programs,
• facility renovation,
• medical care,
• humane education,
• caging, and
• adoption support.

Organizations may apply for funds from the Miccio Foundation through a three-tier grant program. Applicants may apply for only one Miccio Foundation Standard or Mini grant per funding cycle. 

Projects of greatest interest are those that include:

• ​renovating facilities to ensure the health and well-being of animals prior to adoption and/or improving the efficiency of overall daily operations
• developing and sustaining alliances that may include sharing resources to accomplish specific activities, particularly spay/neuter, emergency transportation, and professional services
• supporting areas of the state where resources for animals are limited or unavailable

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.

Muscatine Housing Cluster Grants

Muscatine Housing Cluster Grants support housing programs in Muscatine County in areas of emergency home repairs, homeownership, rental preservation, and housing agency operations. Eligible applicants will be any Muscatine Housing Cluster member in good standing who is qualified and capable of providing the services to residents of Muscatine County.

Emergency Owner Occupied Home Repairs

Awards will be made to qualified MHC members for home repairs that are a health and safety violation under the Housing Quality Standards or to cover the cost of staff who are involved in making these qualifying repairs .

Eligible applicants will be any MHC member in good standing who is qualified and capable of providing the services to residents of Muscatine County. Requests will be reviewed by the administrative contact and then brought to the Cluster for review. The administrative contact will assure that all questions are answered, project budgets are included and feasible and that all required information has been provided. Grants will be awarded to applicants in priority of the residents served, with lowest income residents being given the highest priority. The MHC seeks to provide funding in this category to the widest range of providers while maintaining efficiencies in numbers.

The MHC will use MRB/HUD Owner-Occupied Income Limits for clients served in this category.

Muscatine Housing Cluster Grants

Muscatine Housing Cluster Grants support housing programs in Muscatine County in areas of emergency home repairs, homeownership, rental preservation, and housing agency operations. Eligible applicants will be any Muscatine Housing Cluster member in good standing who is qualified and capable of providing the services to residents of Muscatine County.

Home Ownership

Awards will be made to qualified MHC members to provide down payment/ closing costs for first time home buyers, for staffing to provide education for home buyers, and for other staffing supports related to maintaining home ownership. New First Time Home Buyers will be awarded grants through a qualified housing agency. Home buyers will be required to attend a home buyer’s class through the Muscatine Housing Authority or other certified financial education provider to assure new home buyers are educated on home buying practices, financial credit, home maintenance and repairs, and other relevant issues.

Eligible applicants will be MHC members providing down payment/closing costs assistance, providing education, screening and certification of low-income home buyers in Muscatine County, or providing other home ownership supports to clients. Awards will be made on a first come, first served basis. The MHC will use MRB/HUD Owner-Occupied Income Limits for clients served in this category.

Eichacker + Lofton Grant Fund

The Keokuk Area Community Foundation invests in local nonprofit organizations that contribute to improving the quality of life in ourcommunity.

One of George Eichacker’s and Richard Lofton’s proudest achievements was being the founding fathers of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation. George and Richard established the Keokuk Area Community Foundation Grant Fund to support Keokuk Area organizations in arts and culture, community betterment, education, health, and human services.

To honor George and Richard's legacies, the Keokuk Area Community Foundation Board of Directors renamed the Keokuk Area Community Foundation Grant Fund to the Eichacker/Lofton Grant Fund in 2024. 

Focus of Support

The Keokuk Area Community Foundation primary geographic focus for support encompasses Hancock County - Illinois, Clark County - Missouri, and Lee County - Iowa. Successful grant applications typically address problems to be solved or opportunities to be seized in Tri-State Area. Grant application requests are considered in the fields of arts and culture, community betterment, education, health, and human services.

Priority Funding

• Seed Grants to initiate promising new projects and programs so that those projects and programs are able to demonstrate their usefulness to the community.
• Projects that will enable non-profit and charitable agencies to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and move toward self-sufficiency.
• Projects that address and help resolve important existing or emerging community issues and needs.
• Projects that facilitate cooperation and collaboration among organizations and communities in our area.
• Projects that identify, enhance, and expand leadership in the community through the support of charitable activities that empower individuals.
• Capital expenditures, such as construction, remodeling additions to existing buildings, and equipment purchases.
• Projects for which other grants have been approved but require matching funds for completion.

Funding

Up to US $5,000

North Lee Community Foundation Grant

North Lee Community Foundation welcomes applications for grants from nonprofit organizations, charities, health care organizations, and educational institutions that have been determined by the IRS to be exempt under Section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Code. Applicants must complete the North Lee Community Foundation Grant Application, and submit it with all required documents. Recurring grants for the same program are accepted.

Focus of Support

North Lee Community Foundation makes grants to only North Lee County organizations. 501 (c) (3) organizations from Fort Madison, West Point, Houghton, St. Paul, Denmark or other North Lee County communities may apply. Grant application requests are considered in the fields of arts and culture, community betterment, education, religion, health, and human services.

Project Support

Community building is central to the work of North Lee Community Foundation, therefore the North Lee Community Foundation will give preference to projects that:

• Suggest practical approaches to community problems.
• Generate community support, both professional and volunteer.
• Demonstrate the organization’s ability to secure realistic funding.
• Strengthen a non-profit organization effectiveness or stability.
• Increase civic participation and community vitality.
• Build community connections, especially among diverse groups, and build mutual trust and reciprocity in community relationships.
• Develop an expanding pool of talented community leaders.

Priority Support

• Seed Grants to initiate promising new projects and programs so that those projects and programs are able to demonstrate their usefulness to the community.
• Projects that will enable non-profit and charitable agencies to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and move toward self-sufficiency.
• Projects that address and help resolve important existing or emerging community issues and needs.
• Projects that facilitate cooperation and collaboration among organizations and communities in our area.
• Projects that identify, enhance, and expand leadership in the community through the support of charitable activities that empower individuals.
• Capital expenditures, such as construction, remodeling additions to existing buildings, and equipment purchases.
• Projects for which other grants have been approved but require matching funds for completion.

Funding

Up to $5,000

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. 

Kossuth County Grants

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

What We Support

The Kossuth County Community Foundation provides grants to improve life in Kossuth 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

Funding Priorities

• The extent to which the proposal addresses a community need, demonstrates broad-based community support, and provides benefits to the community-at-large.
• The level of support or leveraged funding from other sources.
• Maximization of community resources through cooperation and collaboration with other organizations in the community and the elimination of redundant services, programs, or projects.
• The capacity of the applicant’s organization and staff to achieve the desired result and/or projects that focus on the growth of the organization.
• The sustainability of the proposed project.

Mission

The mission of Pella Community Foundation is to preserve the heritage and enhance the quality of life for the people of Pella by helping to transfer funds from the hands of people who wish to help others to nonprofit organizations that can do it most effectively.

Garden Chapel Donor Advised Grant

Support the grieving community in Pella and the surrounding area.

Purpose for Grantmaking

The Foundation makes grants to support creative and innovative programs, current or emerging charitable opportunities, services not presently offered and occasional capital projects – all of which should enhance the quality of life in the community.

Projects funded should not represent significant duplication of initiatives already undertaken by other nonprofit agencies.