CCLF Gold Grant

The CCLF Gold Grant, offered by the Cherokee County Legacy Foundation, supports non-profit organizations and local governmental entities with funding requests ranging from $10,001 to $25,000. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by November 15, detailing the organization, project description, funding sources, and community impact. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or local governments, with a focus on enhancing quality of life in Cherokee County through innovative projects.

Grant Guidelines & Instructions
The Cherokee County Legacy Foundation distributes funds to non-profit organizations in Cherokee County each year, thanks to support from the Iowa Legislature and local donors. As a result, applications for CCLF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Grants are accepted from non-profit organizations and local governmental entities for projects that positively impact quality of life in Cherokee County.
These requests may range from $10,001 to $25,000. The application process for the Gold Grant begins with a Letter of Intent to Apply, submitted to the CCLF by November 15. In this letter, (a maximum of 2 pages) the following items should be included:
Description of the organization applyingDescription of the projectOverview of funding sources and the grant amount requestedImpact the project will have on Cherokee County communitiesContact information for person in charge of the project.
Applicant may be required to attend an interview with the CCLF Board of Directors during the review process. Notification of approval to move forward will be received in early December. If selected as a finalist for a Gold Grant, applicants must complete the Gold Grant Application Form.
(in no particular order)
Economic Development/Quality Job CreationFocus is on innovative non-traditional economic development activities i.e. youth entrepreneurial development programs, artist entrepreneurship programs, microenterprise lending programs, etc. and creation of new jobs or expansion of existing jobs.Activities (Cultural, Recreational, Social and Educational) Special emphasis is placed on activities that bring people together throughout the county, and that bring people to the county.Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities  This includes trails, campgrounds and other recreational facilities.Utilize and Support Existing Organizations, Resources, Services and Facilities that Contribute to Quality of Life Includes projects to more effectively market or make services and programs more fully available to people, whether through better marketing or through efforts to accommodate employed parents schedules, or the scheduling preferences or requirements of senior citizens, youth individuals with special needs, etc.Health and Human ServicesThis includes projects offering mental health, medical or dental services and those providing other assistance resources to the community or efforts to help residents find those resources.

Eligibility

Eligible CCLF Bronze, Silver, or Gold Grant applicants must be 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations OR units of local government. If neither of these applies, applicant may utilize an eligible Fiscal Sponsor.If not approved to move forward with the Gold Grant, applicant may then submit an application for a Silver Grant during the current grant cycle.Cherokee County Legacy Foundation funds can be used for broad, flexible purposes, including:assisting arts and cultureeconomic developmenteducation environmenthealth and human servicesrecreation areassupporting high-impact community opportunities. Funds are intended for new projects or for the enhancement or expansion of existing services, programs or facilities.

Ineligibility

On-going operational expenses of an organization are not eligible for grant funding.Applicants may not apply for a Silver Grant at the same time they are being considered for a Gold Grant.Generally, CCLF will not consider grants for religious purposes, political activities, endowment, annual fund drives, individuals, capital campaigns, budget deficit or general operating expenses.