The Sioux County Community Foundation (SCCF) is a charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents of Sioux County, Iowa. The foundation operates with the purpose of connecting donors with causes that matter within the county. Established by local individuals, families, corporations, and government entities, the foundation manages endowments and uses the income generated to award grants to public charities. The organization serves as a way for donors to give back to their community, regardless of their financial capacity, by supporting causes in various sectors like arts, education, health, and more.

The foundation's mission is to promote charitable giving, manage funds responsibly, and improve the lives of Sioux County residents. An advisory board, representing different communities within the county, governs the foundation, ensuring that grant funds are allocated to initiatives that meet community needs. The SCCF offers a highly personalized approach to giving, enabling donors to either contribute to a general fund or establish separate component funds in their names or on behalf of other entities. The grants awarded by the foundation are specifically directed towards initiatives that align with its mission to serve the community.

The foundation offers funding through its grant program, which opens on December 15 and closes on March 15 each year. Organizations interested in applying for funding must submit their proposals by the deadline. The grant review process is conducted by the SCCF Advisory Board, which evaluates the proposals based on the potential impact on the community, the sustainability of the program, and its alignment with community priorities. Successful applicants will typically receive grant awards by mid-May.

The SCCF’s grants target key areas such as arts and culture, civic improvements, education, environmental conservation, health, and human services. The grants are intended to address emerging needs within Sioux County, with a focus on long-term sustainability and collaboration with other organizations. Organizations can request funding ranging from $250 to $15,000, but there are certain restrictions regarding the use of funds. Notably, requests for general operating expenses, budget deficits, political activities, and religious initiatives are typically not eligible.

Applicants must be nonprofit organizations or units of local government that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, organizations that have previously received a grant are not eligible to apply in the following year. This ensures that the foundation’s resources are distributed fairly across various community initiatives. The foundation encourages partnerships and collaboration between nonprofit entities and volunteer groups as part of the grant evaluation process.

Grant recipients are expected to utilize the funds in a responsible manner, ensuring that the programs and services funded have a lasting and positive impact on Sioux County. The SCCF also prioritizes projects that offer county-wide benefits and that have resources committed from other entities, including in-kind support and volunteers. Seed grants to start new programs will only be awarded if there is a viable plan for sustaining the program after the initial funding.