Six Local Community Foundation Grant Cycles Now Open Through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa

NORTHEAST IOWA — Grant applications are now being accepted for the 2026 cycle through six county community foundations affiliated with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA). The submission deadline for all applications is April 15, 2026, at 5 p.m.

The following foundations are currently accepting applications:

• Bremer County Community Foundation (BCCF)

• Buchanan County Community Foundation (BCCF)

• Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation (CGCCF)

• Emmet County Community Foundation (ECCF)

• Iowa County Community Foundation (ICCF)

• Winnebago County Community Foundation (WCCF)

Grants will be awarded to projects that align with the foundations’ impact priorities of opportunity and access, health and safety, vibrant communities, and youth empowerment.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Tax-exempt organizations classified as other than 501(c)(3) may also be eligible if the proposed project is deemed charitable. Organizations in this category are encouraged to contact Shanda Hansen at 319-243-1357 or [email protected] to discuss project eligibility prior to submitting a proposal.

The online application is available at www.CFNEIA.org/Grants. Technical assistance will be provided to applicants through the submission deadline. Grant recipients will be announced in June.

Grant selections are made with the goal of enhancing the quality of life in each county. Applications are reviewed by local impact committees composed of community volunteers who evaluate proposals from charitable organizations serving their area.

In addition to accepting grant applications, the Bremer, Buchanan, Cerro Gordo, Emmet, Iowa and Winnebago County Community Foundations are seeking new volunteers to serve on their impact committees beginning in July 2026. The committees are responsible for understanding local needs and ensuring alignment between those needs and foundation grantmaking.

Each impact committee invests more than $100,000 annually in its county through a discretionary grant process. Committee members implement best practices in grantmaking, uphold trust-based practices and reflect CFNEIA’s values in their decision-making, working closely with foundation staff to maximize the impact of awarded funds.

Individuals interested in serving may complete a volunteer interest form or nominate a colleague, community leader or friend. The position description and volunteer interest form are available at www.cfneia.org/volunteer. The deadline for initial consideration is April 15, 2026.

Questions about volunteering may be directed to Shanda Hansen, director of affiliate impact at the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, at [email protected] or 319-243-1357.