Allamakee County Community Foundation now accepting 2014 applications for grants

Non-profit organizations can apply for grants from the Allamakee Community Foundation (ACCF) for projects or programs that address significant community issues and benefit a broad spectrum of the community. Projects must be in Allamakee County and the maximum grant awarded will be $20,000.
The ACCF awards grants in the areas of Health and Human Services, Education, Neighborhoods and Community Development, Environment, Children, Youth and Families, and Arts and Culture, including historic preservation. One significant change to this year’s grant application is a change in the cash match requirement. This requirement says that any non-profit that applies must have a 25% cash match.
The Allamakee County Community Foundation welcomes proposals for projects that benefit a broad spectrum of the community or a chronically underserved segment of the population. The Foundation looks for projects which:
• address significant community issues
• present innovative, creative and practical proposals which build on community strengths
• present clear work plans which show the ability to achieve the project’s goal
• focus on strategic innovations that encourage cooperation, create efficiencies and reduce duplication of services
• develop the leadership potential of the community
• involve the people served in the planning and implementation of the program
• demonstrate quality, vision, effectiveness, collaboration and good management
• provide a plan for sustainability beyond the funding period.
Eligible applicants must be a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization or a governmental body. Other non-profits with a charitable project may also qualify, but must partner with a qualified non-profit or government body who will serve as a sponsor.
The ACCF receives funds each year from the Iowa Department of Economic Development County Endowment Program. Seventy-five percent of the money received is granted out each year. The other twenty-five percent is maintained in a permanent endowment with the income to be distributed in future years. Approximately $615,000 has been granted to area non-profits by ACCF in the last eight years.
Grant Applications and Guidelines/Policies can be downloaded from www.allamakeefoundation.org. For further questions regarding eligibility or additional information call Betty Steege, ACCF coordinator at 563-586-2046.