Grants of up to $15,000 to Iowa nonprofit organizations in eligible counties for capacity building programs. Funding is intended for a broad range of topics, including but not limited to education, equity, and economic opportunity. Eligible applicants are located in the following counties: Clayton, Clinton, and Dubuque.
All applicants should be able to show how their program improves the lives of those living in Northeast Iowa. Qualified applicants could also include:
Programs and projects in economic opportunity, education, and equity that serve a broad sector of the community, are innovative, and are responsive to changing community needs
Programs and projects that will enable nonprofits to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and move toward self-sufficiency
“Seed Grants” to initiate promising new projects and programs so that such projects and programs are able to demonstrate their usefulness to the community
Programs and projects that address and help resolve important existing or emerging community issues
Programs and projects that facilitate cooperation and collaboration among organizations
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)
Additional Eligibility Criteria
Entities that have a 501(c)3 designation by the Internal Revenue Service or schools, churches, or municipalities are eligible to apply for these funds. An entity that does not hold a tax exempt status under 501(C)3 of the IRS Code must obtain a fiscal sponsor who has a current tax exempt status under Section 501(C)3 of the IRS Code.
Proposals from nonprofit organizations outside of the three county area may apply ONLY if the proposed project benefits Clayton, Clinton, and Dubuque counties exclusively. Projects that have already identified key partners, venues or other means to deliver services before applying for the grant are preferable.
Ineligible for Grants
- Individuals
- Lobbying activities
- Debt retirement or budget deficits
- Tuition, scholarships or core operating expenses for public schools, charter schools, private schools, or universities and colleges
- Annual campaigns, fundraising campaigns or events
- Religious organizations for religious purposes
- Political activities
- Purchases or activities that occur prior to grant decisions
Pre-Application Information
Community Impact Grant Timeline:
- Monday, August 8 to Thursday, August 18 – intent to apply forms accepted online
- By Monday, August 22 – finalist organizations will be invited to pitch a proposal to the Community Leadership & Grantmaking Committee; remaining organizations will be notified of their status
- August-September – organizations will work with CFGD staff and the Innovation Lab to refine their pitches
- Tuesday, September 27 at 3-4:15 PM – organizations will pitch their proposals to the Committee
- Early October – the Committee will present grants to the Board of Directors for approval
- Monday, October 17 – grantees will be notified of their award; Grantees are required to sign an agreement before funds are distributed which clarifies legal parameters for use of the grant
Estimated Size of Grant
The Community Foundation will make awards between $3,500-$15,000.
Term of Contract
In order to provide the greatest immediate impact and to respond to current needs, multi-year requests are not accepted.
