Story County Community Foundation: Capacity Building Grant

Story County Community Foundation: Capacity Building Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Story County Community Foundation
Amount: Up to US $5,000
Last Updated: April 02, 2026

Summary

The Story County Community Foundation offers a Capacity Building Grant to enhance the capabilities of nonprofit organizations within Story County. With grants up to $2,500, the foundation aims to foster community betterment by supporting projects that strengthen governance, strategic planning, and long-term sustainability. Applications are accepted from January 1 to August 31, 2024, and must align with the foundation's mission to improve the lives of residents in Story County.

Overview

NOTE: Applications are accepted January 1 – August 31 and will be reviewed by a committee upon submission. Mission The Story County Community Foundation facilitates and promotes private giving through the establishment of endowments, acts as a resource for nonprofit endowment building, and awards grants for the betterment of Story County. Grantmaking Through its grantmaking, the Story County Community Foundation (SCCF) is committed to allocating resources to significantly improve or affect the lives of people living in Story County communities.  Applicants should speak to the Community Betterment Objectives outlined below. Community Betterment Objectives Grant proposals that address one or more of the following objectives are accepted: Address community needs in the areas of art/culture/humanities, education, health, human services, environment or community/public/society benefit.Strengthen the nonprofit sector by supporting nonprofit organizations, promoting philanthropy, and encouraging civic involvement.Encourage residents of Story County communities to be inclusive, welcoming, and understanding of diverse cultures.Support strong, stable families and provide solid beginnings for children and youth.Serve as a catalyst in collaborative efforts for the betterment of communities in Story County.Serve as seed money for a new program or project.Address other identified community needs with identified solutions. Capacity Building Grants Information The Story County Community Foundation makes grants to nonprofits or governmental organizations with funds held under the umbrella of the Story County Community Foundation. These grants are to help grow the funds held at Story County Community Foundation. Grant Information: Grant requests of up to $2,500 will be considered. Applications are accepted January 1 – August 31, 2024, and will be reviewed by a committee upon submission. Funding must be used within twelve months of notification of a successful application. Story County Community Foundation Will Consider: Grant applications for projects that increase the ability of the organization to grow its funds held under the umbrella of Story County Community Foundation. Examples of projects that could meet this criterion include (but are not limited to) those that: Strengthen the Board of Directors and governance of the organization, through training or assistance from an expert in the field. Assist in strategic thinking and planning for the future of the organization. Build a plan for long-term sustainability and reliable funding streams. Build technology systems to meet future development needs and accountability. Develop a marketing plan to build future sustainability. Or other similar use that will further the organization’s capacity to grow their funds held under the umbrella of Story County Community Foundation.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The applicant must have a fund established with SCCF. Grants are made only to charitable organizations with a 501(c()3) status, or to governmental agencies. Geographically, funding is limited to projects that will significantly improve the Story County community.

Ineligibility

Nonprofit organizations that have a current extension on a previously funded grant or that haven't submitted a final report for a previously funded grant are not eligible to submit an application for any of our grants.The Foundation generally will not consider funding requests for:Annual or capital fund-raising campaigns (not to be confused with capital building projects, which are accepted).  A capital fundraising campaign is a time-limited effort by a nonprofit organization to raise significant dollars for a specific project.  This includes funds for telephone solicitation, fundraising events, or professional fundraiser fees.Endowments - a fund made up of gifts and bequests that are subject to a requirement that the principal be maintained intact and invested to create a source of income for an organization.Staff salaries, office rental, utilities, and office suppliesIndividuals - only non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, governmental agencies with charitable projects or the 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsors for an agency are eligible.Grants or scholarships to individuals, including subsidies to agencies to cover individual activities or participation fees.Programs covering a budget deficit or easing budget deficiencies.Programs requiring participation in a religious activity or promotion of religious ideology.Projects not serving residents of Story County; Projects may be multi-county but the SCCF funded portion must benefit Story County residents.Festivals and one-time special events or annual events.Political causes and activities, candidates or legislative lobbying efforts.Private foundations.