Applications are currently being accepted for the Butler County Community Foundation Grant Program, which aims to enhance the quality of life in Butler County, Iowa. The Butler County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, is dedicated to supporting the local community and fostering lasting legacies through various giving options. The foundation focuses on improving life in Butler County by funding projects that develop communities and benefit rural areas. The grant program covers several areas of giving, including arts and culture, community betterment, education and youth development, environment and animal welfare, health, and human services.

The primary purpose of the Butler County Community Foundation Grant Program is to provide financial support for initiatives that address vital services and needs within the county. The foundation prioritizes requests that encourage additional funding through matching income from other grants, private donors, and in-kind donations. Additionally, proposals that demonstrate a substantial number of people served and include a detailed budget with quotes or bids for expenses are favored.

The grant request minimum is set at $1,000, and organizations seeking funding must meet specific eligibility criteria. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities that provide benefits to the people of Butler County. Tax-exempt organizations classified as other than 501(c)(3) may also apply if their project is deemed charitable. Applicants must be current with all state and federal reporting requirements and must not have any past due grant reports for previous Butler County Community Foundation grants. It is important to note that requests involving inherently religious activities are not eligible.

Groups or projects that do not meet the eligibility requirements may submit a request through a fiscal sponsor, which must be classified as a 501(c)(3) or a government entity. The fiscal sponsor should have a mission that closely aligns with the sponsored project and will be legally and financially responsible for any awarded grant funds.

To apply for the grant, organizations must complete the online application available on the CFNEIA grant site by the deadline of October 15, 2024. The application process requires detailed information about the proposed project, including its objectives and the anticipated impact on the community.

Evaluation criteria for grant applications include the project's alignment with the foundation's priorities, the number of individuals served, and the clarity and detail of the budget provided. The foundation seeks to support initiatives that will have a meaningful and lasting impact on the community.

For more information about the grant program and to access the application, interested parties can visit the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa's website. The Butler County Community Foundation is committed to fostering community development and enhancing the quality of life for residents in Butler County through its grant-making efforts.