Boone County Community Foundation | Iowa | Giving

Grant Guidelines

The Boone County Community Foundation was formed in 2005 to coordinate and provide philanthropic support for community betterment projects in Boone County. The foundation is made up of community minded individuals who have the ability to assess community needs, implement asset development, evaluate area grant applications, encourage partnerships and initiate activities to enhance Boone County. Each year the foundation makes grant awards to worthwhile projects located in the county that are identified through a community grants application process. Our foundation’s areas of emphasis include: arts & culture, community affairs & development, education, environmental protection, health, historic preservation and human services.

Grant Recipient Ranges

Simple Grant

$3,000 and under

Standard Grant

$3,001 - $15,000

Impact Grant

$15,001 and up

APPLY

Grant Application Checklist/Instructions:

Organizational information has been completed
Contact information has been completed
Project summary has been completed
Project budget detail has been completed.
Project narrative information has been completed
Project timeline has been completed
All mailed grant applications with US Post Office postmarked before deadline
Copy of 501 (c)(3) IRS Determination letter attached to grant application or comparable proof of charitable exemption.
(i.e. a letter from a City, confirming their status as a government entity)

Fiscal Sponsorship agreement completed if a fiscal sponsor is being used
The last page of this application is the evaluation form to submit at the completion of project.
Signature of Board President or another authorized person
One complete application delivered prior to deadline
Project application does not exceed 10 pages.

Application Eligibility

Non-Profit Entity

Tax exempt, non-profit entities classified by the IRS as 501(c)(3) or a 170 (c)(1) governmental entity.

Fiscal Sponsor

If not 501(c)(3), must have a fiscal sponsor who will be legally & financially responsible. See application for more details.

Previous Grants

Completion of all previously awarded grant projects from the BCCF.

Sample Documents

APPLICATION EXAMPLE (pdf)

EVALUATION EXAMPLE (pdf)

Grant Review Criteria

25 pts

Completeness of Application and Organization Description

25 pts

Benefit to residents in the County

25 pts

Collaborative Relationships and Matched funds

25 pts

Identification of needs and how funds will address needs

Annual Grant Cycle Timeline

Board Meeting
December 4, 2024
Board meets to approve grant cycle for 2025, Bd. membership
First Press Release
December 23, 2024
First press release announcing grant application availability
Board members receive Application
January 16, 2025
New Board meets, 5:30 re-organization, election of officers, new members
Grant Application Deadline
February 7, 2025
Grant application deadline. 4:00 pm.
Board Meeting
February 13, 2025
Board members get access to applications- Tentative Board meeting at 5:30 p.m. This meeting may not be held.
Board Members Evaluate Applications
March 07, 2025
Board members complete individual evaluations of applications
Board Meets
March 13, 2025
Board meets to review and score applications- Board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Committee Approval
March 17, 2025
GDMCF Exec Committee approves grant recommendations
Grant Application Notification
March 27, 2025
Notice to Grant Applicants
Awards Ceremony
April 17, 2025
Awards ceremony and check to recipients-quick Board meeting to follow
30 day Reminder Deadline
October 1, 2025
30-day reminder to deadline
Final Deadline
November 1, 2025
Deadline to submit final evaluation report. (Proof of purchases and expenditure of funds applying to grants must be supplied to the community foundation by Nov. 1 or a request for extension must be requested and approved by the community foundation utilizing the form for this purpose)

Download PDF of Timeline