The Ida County Community Betterment Foundation (ICCBF), a named affiliate of the Siouxland Community Foundation, was established to support charitable giving in Ida County, Iowa. Created for the people of Ida County, ICCBF is designed to receive contributions from individuals, families, businesses, and other entities to fund initiatives that enhance the local quality of life. The income from these endowed gifts is distributed through grants to public charities that align with community needs and values.
The mission of ICCBF is to encourage local philanthropy, provide mechanisms for donors to fulfill their charitable intentions, and strengthen community welfare through needs-based grantmaking. Governance is provided by a diverse Advisory Committee representing multiple towns within the county. This committee is responsible for advising on both fundraising efforts and the selection of grant recipients.
Grant funding is intended to address current and emerging community priorities across multiple domains: Arts & Culture, Civic Initiatives, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. Examples of eligible activities include arts programming, community beautification, early childhood education, conservation projects, health promotion, and services for at-risk or underserved populations. Seed funding for new programs may be awarded if a strong sustainability plan is presented. Requests are generally considered for amounts between $250 and $15,000.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public education institutions, and units of local government that serve Ida County and are recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must show alignment with ICCBF’s mission and be structured to avoid duplication of existing services. Preference is given to programs demonstrating long-term impact, community-wide benefit, and collaborative partnerships. Lower priority is assigned to one-time events and unsupported general operations.
The 2026 grant cycle will open on December 15, 2025, and applications will be accepted through March 1, 2026. Grant determinations are typically made by mid-May. Organizations may only receive a grant every other year, meaning that 2025 awardees are ineligible for the 2026 cycle. The application process does not involve pre-proposals or letters of intent and must be completed according to the published deadline.
For questions or additional details on integrating philanthropic giving with financial planning, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the ICCBF Advisory Committee Chair, Emily Christiansen, or the administrative office at (712) 293-3303.
