The Benton County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, is inviting grant applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities. The foundation aims to strengthen Benton County by promoting charitable giving and creating legacies for the future. The grants are intended to serve as catalysts for community transformation and growth, enhancing the quality of life for residents in the area. The funding range for these grants is between one thousand and ten thousand dollars, with a deadline for applications set for October 15, 2024.

The primary purpose of the Benton County Grants is to improve life in Benton County, Iowa. The foundation seeks to support projects that contribute to the development of communities where people want to live, with a particular focus on benefiting rural areas. The areas of giving include arts and culture, community betterment, education and youth development, environment and animal welfare, health, and human services. The foundation emphasizes the importance of addressing community needs and demonstrating broad-based support for proposed projects.

Funding priorities are established to guide the selection of grant recipients. Projects that address a community need, show broad community support, and provide benefits that are county-wide are given the highest priority. Additionally, projects that demonstrate a high level of support or leveraged funding from other sources, particularly those with committed funds from local government, are favored. The foundation also values collaboration among organizations to maximize community resources and seeks projects that can sustain themselves without ongoing grant support.

To be eligible for funding, organizations must provide benefits to the residents of Benton County and meet specific criteria. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Tax-exempt organizations classified differently may also apply if their projects are deemed charitable. Applicants must be current with all state and federal reporting requirements and must not have any overdue grant reports from previous Benton County Community Foundation grants. Projects that involve inherently religious activities are not eligible for funding.

The application process requires the completion of an online application through the CFNEIA grant site by the specified deadline. Organizations that do not meet the eligibility requirements may submit a request through a fiscal sponsor, which must also be a 501(c)(3) or government entity. The fiscal sponsor must have a mission that closely aligns with the sponsored project and will be responsible for the grant funds awarded.

Evaluation criteria for grant applications include the project's alignment with community needs, the level of community support, and the potential for long-term sustainability. The foundation aims to ensure that funded projects will have a lasting impact on the community. Important dates to note include the application deadline of October 15, 2024, and the funding range of one thousand to ten thousand dollars for successful applicants. For further information, interested parties can visit the CFNEIA website.