Winneshiek County Grants

The Winneshiek County Community Foundation, part of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, enhances the quality of life in Winneshiek County through grants that foster community development. By supporting arts, education, health, and environmental initiatives, the Foundation aims to empower local organizations and residents. Its focus on innovative and impactful projects ensures that funds create lasting benefits, while encouraging charitable giving and civic engagement in the region.

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 Winneshiek County Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by and for the people of Winneshiek County. The Foundation’s mission is to strengthen Winneshiek County communities by encouraging charitable giving to create legacies for the future. Our grants are designed to act as a catalyst for community transformation and growth, enriching the lives of all area citizens.
What We Support
The Winneshiek County Community Foundation provides grants to improve life in Winneshiek County, Iowa.
Areas of Foundation giving are:

• Arts & CultureCommunity Betterment Education & Youth DevelopmentEnvironment & Animal WelfareHealthHuman Service
• Funding Priorities

The WCCF is focused on providing grants that create an impact within Winneshiek County. Therefore, the following priorities are emphasized during grant review and decision making:
Projects that address important needs in the countyRequests that have secured/sought additional funding, including matching gifts and in-kind donationsRequests that provide realistic plans for continuation funds (if applicable) from other sourcesProjects that yield substantial benefits to the county for the resources investedProjects that are new, innovative, and have not been previously funded

Eligibility

Organizations must provide benefits to the people of the Winneshiek 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 Winneshiek 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.The following organizations are eligible for specific projects only:Churches –for projects that provide community services/activitiesEconomic development organizations -for marketing/education projects that benefits the whole community, not just member businessesService clubs and veterans’ organization (with eligible tax-exempt status) -for charitable community projectsApplicants must use the Budget Template that is linked in the application. Complete budget details and indication of other funding sources secured or pending approval are required. Use of local vendors for your supplies and services is encouraged, if applicable and feasible.Applicants must include bids/estimates for any work being completed and/or equipment/materials to be purchased as part of the project.

Ineligibility

Must not have any past due grant reports for previous Winneshiek Community Foundation grants. Restrictions:Inherently religious activities such as religious worship, instruction, or proselytization or activities that promote specific religious doctrine are not eligible.Failure to submit required reports, or receive an approved extension, for past grant cycles will make applicants ineligible for the current grant cycle.