Franklin County Grants

The Franklin County Community Foundation, part of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, aims to enhance the quality of life in Franklin County through grant funding. Supporting diverse areas such as arts, education, and community betterment, the foundation encourages local projects that demonstrate sustainability and community impact. Since its inception, it has been dedicated to fostering lasting legacies and meaningful contributions to the community, making Franklin County a better place for its residents.

We connect inspired people to causes they care about most, make grants to strengthen effective nonprofits, and provide leadership on key community issues to make Iowa communities better places.
The Franklin County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, is created by and for the people of Franklin County. The Community Foundation’s main goals are to support Franklin County and to attract additional funds to assist donors in creating lasting legacies through a variety of giving options within Franklin County.
What We Support
The Franklin County Community Foundation will provide grants to improve life in Franklin County, Iowa.
Areas of Foundation giving are:

• Arts & CultureCommunity Betterment Education & Youth DevelopmentEnvironment & Animal WelfareHealthHuman Service
• Funding Priorities
• In addition, the Franklin County Community prefers to fund projects that:

Utilize local vendors and contractors when possibleAre specific projects that enhance the work of nonprofit groupsCan be completed within the grant periodDemonstrate multiple sources of income for the projectAre sustainable without ongoing support from the FCCF

Eligibility

Organizations must provide benefits to the people of Franklin County and must meet the following criteria in order to apply for a grant:Be classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or be a government entity. Tax-exempt organizations classified as other than 501(c)(3) are also eligible if and only if the project is deemed charitable; please contact our office to discuss the project’s eligibility prior to submitting a proposal.Be current with all state and federal reporting requirements, such as filing of 990 forms.For groups, projects, or initiatives that do not meet the above eligibility requirements, the Community Foundation will consider your requests if submitted through a fiscal sponsor. Fiscal sponsors must be classified as a 501(c)(3) or a government entity. The Foundation prefers that the fiscal sponsor’s mission closely align with the sponsored project. Fiscal Sponsors will be legally and financially responsible for any grant funds that are awarded by the Franklin County Community Foundation.One application per organization with the exemption of Government Entities and Fiscal Sponsors; however, fiscal sponsors may submit only one application per sponsored organization. Government entities may submit only one application per department. Schools are considered government entities for grant purposes.The following organizations are eligible for specific projects only:Churches –for projects that provide community services/activitiesEconomic development organizations -for marketing/education projects that benefit the whole community, not just member businessesService clubs and veterans’ organizations(with eligible tax-exempt status) -for charitable community projectsOur priority is to fund projects; however, the FCCF will consider COVID-19 related operation costs. Applicants must show how the organization’s operations were negatively affected by COVID-19 in their applications.Applicants must match at least 20% of the requested amount for the project. Match may be cash or in-kind (only 10% of match may be in-kind). All in-kind match must be included in the project budget as dollar amounts. Volunteer labor in-kind match should be calculated at $15/hour.

Ineligibility

Must not have any past due grant reports for previous Franklin Community Foundation grants. Restrictions:Inherently religious activities such as religious worship, instruction, or proselytization or activities that promote specific religious doctrine are not eligible.Requests for funds that will be re-granted by the applicant, including scholarships or for fundraising/one-time events will not be funded by the Franklin County Community Foundation.