The Monona County Community Partners Foundation (MCCPF), an affiliate fund of the Siouxland Community Foundation, serves the people of Monona County by receiving charitable contributions from individuals, families, corporations, foundations, and agencies. These donations are invested, with income from endowments used to support grants for public charities that address county needs. MCCPF's mission is to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations by connecting philanthropic leadership and charitable resources to the county's needs and opportunities. An Advisory Committee, with representatives from various communities within Monona County, oversees fundraising and grant-making activities to ensure impactful local support.

The MCCPF grant program aims to address present and emerging needs across Monona County in six focus areas: arts and culture, civic betterment, education, environment, health, and human services. Eligible grant recipients include nonprofit organizations, local government units, and public educational institutions that are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and serve Monona County. Grants generally range from $250 to $15,000, with funding decisions made every other year starting in 2024. Projects with long-term impact, collaborative development, and potential to leverage additional support are prioritized, while proposals for general operating expenses, annual fund drives, or one-time events are typically lower priority.

The MCCPF’s 2024 grant application period opened on December 1, 2023, with a deadline of March 1, 2024. Grant decisions will be announced in the first week of April 2024. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with MCCPF’s focus areas and priorities, demonstrating thoughtful planning, community collaboration, and potential for broad impact. Nonprofits and government units that receive grants in 2024 will be ineligible for funding in 2025 due to the biennial funding model.

Grant applications are evaluated based on their alignment with MCCPF's objectives, the unmet needs they address, and the extent to which they leverage additional resources. Requests for ongoing operational costs, multi-year funding, or religious or political activities are generally not considered. Instead, MCCPF focuses on projects that enhance community well-being and demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant period.

Interested donors can contribute to the foundation’s unrestricted Community Fund or establish a named component fund. Contributions and inquiries can be directed to the MCCPF Administrative Office, which also offers resources for integrating charitable giving with financial planning. MCCPF's administrative office is located at 4425 Singing Hills Blvd., Suite 100, Sioux City, IA, and is open Monday through Friday.

For additional information, including specific grant awards from prior years or tailored advice on charitable giving, prospective donors and applicants are encouraged to contact Chip Collison, the Advisory Committee Chair, or the MCCPF office directly. The foundation provides a unique opportunity to support Monona County's quality of life now and for generations to come.