Empowering Adair County Grant

The Empowering Adair County Grant supports community betterment projects in Adair County, focusing on tourism, public services, economic well-being, and arts and culture. Established by the Empowering Adair County Foundation in 2005, it aims to enhance the quality of life across all communities in the area. Grants are available for 501(c)(3) organizations and government units, promoting collaboration and leadership to foster sustainable community development.

Empowering Adair County Foundation
The Foundation was formed in 2005 to coordinate and provide philanthropic support for community betterment projects in Adair County. It serves to enhance the quality of life for the seven incorporated communities and the unincorporated areas of Adair County. The Foundation is governed by a 9-member board representing all areas of the county. The board members are community minded individuals who have assessed community needs, can implement asset development, evaluate grant applications, encourage partnerships and initiate activities to enhance the county.
The Foundation is affiliated with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. Being affiliated with a recognized foundation was a requirement of the Endow Iowa legislation. The CFGDM oversees the investment of endowment funds and provides numerous educational opportunities for all of their affiliated foundations.
The Foundation seeks to promote endowment building, community grant making, organizational collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of Adair County.
Priority Areas for Funding
It is the Foundation’s intent to make grant awards to worthwhile projects located in Adair County through a grant application process. EACF’s Strategic Plan emphasizes entrepreneurial development, community development and volunteer leadership and training. In conjunction with these, foundation grants will be considered in the following 4 areas:
Tourism/Beautification:Projects may include but are not limited to marketing or promotion, an annual or special event, or a community improvement project. It is felt that by making this a priority these investments would attract more visitors to the county which would have an economic return for the community.Public Services:Projects may include but are not limited to day cares, community centers, and public libraries. These facilities are important in attracting new residents and companies to a community which would be a good return for the Foundation’s investment. Other projects that could fall into this category include programming such as educational programs and workshops.Economic Well-Being:This focuses on activities that would promote entrepreneurial development and support in the county and help maintain what is already in existence.Recreation/Entertainment/Arts/Culture:Adair County has many recreational areas as well as entertainment venues. Newly held events focusing on art and entertainment have drawn much attention to the area and the community has seen the positive benefits of the publicity as well as the economic benefits of additional visitors to the area. Expanding on these successes will be a priority for the Foundation.

Eligibility

Empowering Adair County Foundation makes grants to:1 I.R.S. 501(c)(3) ‘tax exempt’ organizations
2 170(b) ‘unit of government’ organizations
3 Organizations providing services within Adair County (operating and organized in compliance with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination)If your organization provides services within Adair County and is not a 501(c)(3) or a 170(b) government entity, you must find a Fiscal Agent for your grant. This means that either a 501(c)(3) or a 170(b) government entity will be responsible for insuring that the organization receiving the award will spend the grant as stated in the application.

Ineligibility

The Foundation will not fund general operating support; annual and capital campaigns; equipment unless it is essential for the program or project; budget deficits, endowments, individuals, recurring funds, religious purposes (this does not exclude grants to religious organizations for non-religious purposes).