The Guernsey Charitable Foundation provides grant funding to organizations within eight counties in Iowa, supporting projects that align with its mission to enhance social issues, education, family life, and health, recreation, and fitness. The foundation focuses its giving on nonprofit organizations and government entities that serve communities within Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Grundy, Fayette, and Tama counties. Grants are awarded based on a competitive application process, with final decisions made by the foundation's Board of Trustees.

The foundation’s grants typically range from $1,000 to $35,000, with funding requests exceeding $35,000 requiring prior approval from the Executive Director. Applicants are eligible to apply once per year, and first-time applicants may be invited to meet with the Board before a final decision is made. Successful applicants are required to submit a Documentation of Contribution form upon receiving their grant and must provide a grant report within 9 to 12 months. If reapplying in the subsequent year, the grant report must be submitted before submitting a new application.

The foundation does not fund individuals, business ventures, organizations without 501(c)(3) status or government entity classification, endowments, conferences, advertising, religious programs for sectarian purposes, or political organizations. Additionally, it does not support national organizations unless their primary services are concentrated within the designated eight-county region.

Applications must be submitted online through the foundation’s grants system. First-time applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation’s office for guidance on the application process. Required documentation includes proof of tax-exempt status, financial statements, organizational budgets, and IRS 990 forms. Government entities must provide an official letter verifying their 107(a) classification and confirming that the funds will be used for public purposes.

The foundation follows a biannual application cycle, with submission deadlines on March 15 and September 15. Decisions for the March deadline are made in May, while those for the September deadline are finalized in November. All applicants will receive written notification of the board’s decision.

For questions or assistance, applicants can contact Executive Director Shannon Hickman via phone at 319-260-2151 or email at office@guernseyfoundation.com. The foundation’s office is located at 3826 Cedar Heights Drive, Suite #1, Cedar Falls, IA 50613.