Iowa: Dallas County Grants to Dallas County People for Dallas County Projects
The Dallas County Foundation (DCF) was formed in 2005 when the Iowa State Legislature created the Endow Iowa program whereby Iowa Counties that do not have gaming facilities could receive funds directly from the State intending that eligible counties form or affiliate with a qualified community foundation to receive the funds, grant them in to the community and build a permanent endowment fund for future community betterment grants.
Community leaders Dean Boettcher, Scott Cirksena, Bob Sturgeon, Marty Glanz, Viivi Shirley, Steve Brody, and Chuck Fagen met with Rand Fisher from the Iowa Area Development Group to learn how to bring these dollars to Dallas County to benefit local non-profits. The first step was to create a board with representation from across the county.
Once the groundwork was laid, the money arrived! The DCF began issuing funds in 2006. Since then, the DCF has granted more than $1,101,150.
Here’s how it works:
The DCF Grant Committee is charged with promoting the grant process throughout Dallas County. The deadline every year was originally in April but with the addition of funds from the new Grow Greene County Gaming Corporation, that deadline has now been moved to February.
Who benefits? Everyone who lives, works, or visits Dallas County. Nonprofits who have qualified include:
- Boy Scouts
- Police Departments
- Libraries
- Bike Trails
- Schools
- Fire Departments
- Cities
- Civic Organizations
- Parks & Recreation
- Veterans Groups
- Fine Arts and Arts Councils
- And even Pet Rescue!
If you are a part of a non-profit group check out the Grant Application tab for eligibility details.
The Dallas County Foundation is governed by a volunteer board. We meet monthly, generally on the third Monday of each month. Grant funds are presented in April.
The mission of the Dallas County Foundation is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the conditions of the communities and rural areas of Greater Dallas County. We strive to improve the quality of life through support of activities for the citizens of Dallas County in the following areas: arts and culture, youth development, education, health and human services, recreation, environment and community betterment. We will promote endowment building, community building, organizational collaboration, and public leadership.