Dallas County Foundation Grant

The Dallas County Foundation (DCF) is a community-focused philanthropic organization dedicated to addressing both current and emerging needs throughout Dallas County, Iowa. Serving as a responsive and proactive partner, DCF funds charitable projects that seek to improve the quality of life across various sectors, including Health, Human Services, Arts and Culture, Historic Preservation, and the Environment. Through its annual grantmaking cycle, DCF channels resources to nonprofit organizations that are aligned with its mission of fostering long-term community well-being and development. The 2026 grant cycle for the Dallas County Foundation opens on December 1, 2025, and closes on February 2, 2026. Interested applicants must submit a total of seven printed copies of their completed grant applications either by mail or hand delivery to specified bank locations in Adel or Perry, Iowa. To be eligible for review, all submissions must be received by 4:00 p.m. on the closing date or postmarked before that deadline if sent by mail. The Foundation offers application materials online, including a grant instruction PDF and a video tutorial to guide applicants through the process and answer frequently asked questions. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with valid IRS 501(c)(3), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) status, as well as units of government designated under IRS 170(b). Religious or political organizations are not eligible unless their projects provide broad community benefit. Organizations lacking eligible nonprofit status may partner with a qualifying fiscal sponsor to apply. Detailed eligibility criteria and partnership guidance are available in the Foundation’s FAQ document. Applications are reviewed during February by the Grant Committee, with selected proposals forwarded to the Board of Directors for final approval in March and April. Applicants are notified of their grant status during this period, and successful applicants receive their checks at a formal Awards Reception in April or May. Recipients are required to submit a post-project evaluation by October to remain eligible for future funding opportunities. DCF emphasizes community impact and encourages applications that demonstrate a clear public benefit and long-term viability. Although the exact award amounts are not published on the site, the program supports a wide variety of initiatives, making it accessible to organizations of different sizes and scopes. The Foundation's consistent annual cycle and transparent application process ensure continuity and equal opportunity for Dallas County organizations seeking support for community projects. For submission, applicants may mail their applications to Dallas County Foundation, Attn: Grant Committee, P.O. Box 46, Adel, Iowa 50003, or hand-deliver them to either Raccoon Valley Bank in Perry or Lincoln Savings Bank in Adel. Applicants are encouraged to utilize the video tutorial and FAQ resources available on the DCF website to ensure strong submissions.

Use the grant application video tutorial and FAQ sheet for guidance and to avoid common errors.