The Fayette County Community Foundation grant is designed to support initiatives that enhance the welfare of the residents of Fayette County, Iowa. This grant aims to attract additional funding to assist donors in creating lasting legacies through various giving options within the county. The foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, focuses on fostering community development and improving the quality of life in both urban and rural areas of Fayette County.

The primary purpose of the Fayette County Community Foundation grant is to provide financial assistance to projects that address significant needs within the county. The foundation prioritizes requests that encourage additional funding through matching gifts and in-kind donations, demonstrate realistic plans for continued funding from other sources, and show collaboration with community partners. The foundation seeks to ensure that the resources invested yield substantial benefits for the county.

Funding for the grant ranges from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $10,000. Applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum of 25 percent in matching funds relative to the requested amount. For instance, if an organization requests $10,000, it must show at least $2,500 in matching funds, resulting in a total project cost of at least $12,500. The grant can be used for various purposes, including arts and culture, community betterment, education and youth development, environmental and animal welfare, health, and human services.

To be eligible for the grant, organizations must provide benefits to the people of Fayette County and meet specific criteria. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Tax-exempt organizations classified as other than 501(c)(3) may also apply if their project is deemed charitable. Organizations must be current with all state and federal reporting requirements and have no overdue grant reports from previous Fayette County Community Foundation grants. Projects that involve inherently religious activities are not eligible for funding.

The application process requires that interested organizations complete the online application by the specified due date, which is October 15, 2024. Groups or initiatives that do not meet the eligibility requirements may submit a request through a fiscal sponsor, which must also be classified as a 501(c)(3) or a government entity. The fiscal sponsor must have a mission that closely aligns with the sponsored project and will be legally and financially responsible for any awarded grant funds.

Evaluation of applications will be based on the criteria set forth by the foundation, including the significance of the project to the community, the potential for collaboration, and the sustainability of the project. The foundation aims to support initiatives that will have a lasting impact on the residents of Fayette County. For more information about the grant and the application process, interested parties can visit the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa's website.