Find Nonprofit and Small Business Grants

Grants starting at $5,000 to Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota nonprofit organizations for projects in the areas of wildlife, conservation, arts, public broadcasting, or disaster relief. Applicants must request an invitation to apply prior to submitting a full application. The Foundation has a preference for organizations in the Sioux City area.

The goal of a project grant is to allow recipients to enhance existing programs or to offer new programs that will further the mission and outreach of the organization. The expectation is that foundation support for a program is temporary and the program will become self-sustaining. It is not the intention of the Gilchrist Foundation to become a permanent budget line item in support of an ongoing program, even one that closely matches the Gilchrist Foundation’s mission.

Over the years, the Gilchrist Foundation has made about 45% of its total grant awards to special projects. While some grants have gone to social service agencies or institutions of higher education, they have had a conservation or arts purpose.

The mission of the Gilchrist Foundation is to carry out the philanthropy established by the Gilchrist family. The emphasis is on fostering the long-term viability of the charity and enabling special projects rather than supplying short-term operating funds. The Foundation provides incentives and funds to pre-selected nonprofit organizations, with a preference for the Sioux City area. Interests considered for funding include Wildlife and Conservation, Arts and Public Broadcasting, and Disaster Relief.