Grant Guidelines & Instructions

The Cherokee County Legacy Foundation distributes funds to non-profit organizations in Cherokee County each year, thanks to support from the Iowa Legislature and local donors. As a result, applications for CCLF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Grants are accepted from non-profit organizations and local governmental entities for projects that positively impact quality of life in Cherokee County.

Cherokee County Legacy Foundation funds can be used for broad, flexible purposes, including: assisting arts and culture, economic development, education, environment, health and human services, recreation areas and supporting high-impact community opportunities. Funds are intended for new projects or for the enhancement or expansion of existing services, programs or facilities. PLEASE NOTE: On-going operational expenses of an organization are not eligible for grant funding.

Grants will only be accepted November 1 to January 31 each year.

Applicants seeking amounts under $3,000 will use the Bronze Grant Application form.

Grant requests may range from a $3,001 minimum to a $10,000 maximum. Applicants will use the Silver/Gold Grant Application Form.

Please contact the Cherokee County Legacy Foundation at cclf51012@gmail.com for current information regarding the application process before submitting a Letter of Intent.

These requests may range from $10,001 to $25,000. The application process for the Gold Grant begins with a Letter of Intent to Apply, submitted to the CCLF by November 1st. Letter should be submitted electronically to the CCLF via its email address at cclf51012@gmail.com. In this letter, (a maximum of 2 pages) the following items should be included:

1. Description of the organization applying
2. Description of the project
3. Overview of funding sources and the grant amount requested
4. Impact the project will have on Cherokee County communities
5. Contact information for person in charge of the project.

Applicant may be required to attend an interview with the CCLF Board of Directors during the review process. Notification of approval to move forward will be received in early December. If selected as a finalist for a Gold Grant, applicants must complete the Gold Grant Application Form. Applicants may not apply for a Silver Grant at the same time they are being considered for a Gold Grant. If not approved to move forward with the Gold Grant, applicant may then submit an application for a Silver Grant during the current grant cycle.

1. Electronically submit a completed Bronze Grant Application or a Silver Grant Application and required supporting documents (see grant application checklist) online through the CCLF website at cclegacy.org by midnight on January 31, or submit PRINTED application form (either Bronze or Silver) and required supporting documents to the CCLF, Box 301, Aurelia, IA  51005 postmarked by January 31.

1. Submit a letter of intent online at cclf51012@gmail.com by November 1st. (see above for letter format)
2. If accepted as a finalist, the applicant will complete the Gold Grant application online at cclegacy.org and submit, with required supporting documents, by January 31.

The deadline for submissionis January 31. If you have questions, please send an email to cclf51012@gmail.com

Eligible CCLF Bronze, Silver, or Gold Grant applicants must be 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations OR units of local government. If neither of these applies, applicant may utilize an eligible Fiscal Sponsor. Generally, CCLF will not consider grants for religious purposes, political activities, endowment, annual fund drives, individuals, capital campaigns, budget deficit or general operating expenses.

Economic Development/Quality Job Creation – Focus is on innovative non-traditional economic development activities, i.e. youth entrepreneurial development programs, artist entrepreneurship programs, microenterprise lending programs, etc. and creation of new jobs or expansion of existing jobs.

Activities (Cultural, Recreational, Social and Educational) – Special emphasis is placed on activities that bring people together throughout the county, and that bring people to the county.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities – This includes trails, campgrounds and other recreational facilities.

Utilize and Support Existing Organizations, Resources, Services and Facilities that Contribute to Quality of Life – Includes projects to more effectively market or make services and programs more fully available to people, whether through better marketing or through efforts to accommodate employed parents schedules, or the scheduling preferences or requirements of senior citizens, youth individuals with special needs, etc.

Health and Human Services – This includes projects offering mental health, medical or dental services and those providing other assistance resources to the community or efforts to help residents find those resources.

Applications for funding will be reviewed on a 50 point scale based on the following criteria:

Why is a CCLF Grant needed to make this project happen? What will be the result of this project? Describe individuals impacted by this project. How will Cherokee County communities be enhanced or improved by this project?

Is this a start-up project or service? Does the applicant have a record of effective service? Is the applicant qualified and prepared to take on the project?

Has the applicant secured matching or in-kind funding? Is the budget realistic? Will the project be possible without CCLF funding?

Does the applicant have financial or volunteer support for the project?

1. Completed online Grant Application

Make sure you have completed/included the following:

1. One completed online Grant Application with supporting documents (see below) via CCLF website at cclegacy.org
2. Supporting Documents include:
• Current copy of IRS Determination ruling letter, unit of local government verification letter or Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement form
• Names and titles of organization leadership, including trustees, directors, board officers and key staff personnel
• Organization's current operating budget, including a list of principal sources of income
• (Optional) Any attachments that will help clarify organization's project