The Ida County Community Betterment Foundation (ICCBF) is an affiliate fund of the Siouxland Community Foundation. It was created to serve the people of Ida County by receiving charitable donations and distributing grants to public charities that enhance the quality of life in the community. The foundation is supported by an Advisory Committee with representatives from various communities in Ida County, which is responsible for fundraising efforts and grant-making advisements. The ICCBF focuses on connecting donors with causes that matter while promoting philanthropy and long-term community impact.

The ICCBF grant program aims to address both present and emerging needs within Ida County. It provides funding in various categories, including Arts & Culture, Civic Improvement, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. Projects in these areas may involve expanding access to cultural events, community beautification, education support, environmental conservation, healthcare services, and social welfare initiatives. Grant funding is limited to nonprofit organizations, units of local government, and public education institutions that serve Ida County and have tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Applications for the ICCBF grant open on December 15 each year and close on March 1. The final grant determinations are made in mid-May. Priority is given to projects that have long-term impact, address broad community needs, avoid duplicating existing services, encourage collaboration, and demonstrate sound financial planning. Lower priority is given to one-time events. Applications requesting general operating expenses, budget deficit coverage, endowments, capital campaigns, political activities, and religious programs are generally not considered.

Grant requests typically range from $250 to $15,000. Organizations that receive a grant must wait until the following grant cycle before applying again. Seed grants for new programs are only considered if there is a clear plan for sustainability. Successful applicants must show their ability to mobilize financial and in-kind resources, including volunteer support, to sustain the proposed project beyond the grant period.

The ICCBF is managed under the Siouxland Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Grant applicants can reach out for more information at the administrative office located at 4425 Singing Hills Blvd., Suite 100, Sioux City, IA 51106. The foundation office operates Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Additional inquiries can be directed to the Advisory Committee Chair, Teresa Hunt, or via phone at (712) 293-3303 or email at office@siouxlandcommunityfoundation.org.