McElroy Trust Grant Program

The R.J. McElroy Trust, established in 1965 in Waterloo, Iowa, supports educational initiatives for young people. Focusing on nonprofit organizations and governmental entities, the trust offers funding for scholarships, internships, and educational programs primarily in northeastern Iowa counties. With a commitment to youth and education, it aims to continue benefitting deserving individuals, ensuring R.J. McElroy's legacy endures through impactful grants and community engagement.

About the R.J. McElroy Trust
The R.J. McElroy Trust was founded in 1965 and is located in Waterloo, Iowa. The benefactor was R.J. McElroy, a pioneer Iowa broadcaster. In 1947, McElroy founded the Black Hawk Broadcasting Company and put radio station KWWL on the air. That was followed by KWWL TV and several other radio and television stations. McElroy died in 1965 and made provision in his will for the establishment of a trust fund, the proceeds of which are to be used for the educational benefit of deserving young people.
Since then, the Trust has funded a broad range of educational programs – including scholarships, fellowships, internships, student loan funds and numerous other projects to benefit youth of all ages. Literally thousands of young people in northeastern Iowa thank R.J. McElroy for the influence he has had in their lives. His strong commitment to youth and education has extended far beyond his lifetime to the enormous benefit of many, many young people. To see that this vision is continued for years to come is the responsibility of the R.J. McElroy Board of Trustees.

Eligibility

Organization typesThe R.J. McElroy Trust assists only nonprofit charitable organizations (501(c)3) and governmental entities, like school districts or municipalities.Why? The IRS tells these are the types of organizations we can give to and remain in their good graces. That’s why we have this rule about what types of organizations can apply.Geographic AreaThe R.J. McElroy Trust only makes grants in the following areas in Iowa:Allamakee, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Fayette, Grundy, Tama, and Winneshiek counties.We’d love to change the world, or at least the whole state, but right now the Trust’s resources demand a smaller footprint. The counties are part of the KWWL viewing area. RJ McElroy was KWWL’s founder.Over the last several years we narrowed the Trust’s region to deepen engagement and giving in a smaller footprint. This corresponded to the growth of community foundations in the same counties the Trust exited.

Ineligibility

The Trust does not typically fund endowments.The Trust does not make grants directly to individuals with the exception of the Gold Star Teacher program and the doctoral fellowship program.Religious programmingThe Trust does not make grants to religious organizations for religious programming.Why? The Trust chooses not to support the promotion of one religion over another.
Rarely Funded1 to 1 technology school wide: Grants to schools to purchase for 1-to-1 technology for all studentsWhy? So many schools. Not enough resourcesFundraising events, ads, tables, etc.: The Trust does not typically underwrite or sponsor fundraising events or place ads.Why? We’d rather see funding support the overall operations or direct programming than a particular event.Endowment: The Trust does not typically support endowments.Why? The Trust prefers to see its resources put to use sooner rather than later.School grants: The Trust does not typically support classroom projects or through its regular grant process.Why? The Trust has established a classroom grants program through the AEAs in our region to support classroom teachers. We encourage application through that program.