Jasper Community Foundation Grant

The Jasper Community Foundation was established in 1997 to accept tax-deductible donations in the form of cash or property from individuals, corporations, and organizations with the intent of improving the quality of life for residents of Jasper County, Iowa. Since its inception, the foundation has operated with broad and flexible goals, directing support toward a diverse array of community-focused sectors. These include arts and culture, economic development, education, environmental initiatives, health and human services, recreation, and other high-impact community projects. Each year, the Jasper Community Foundation conducts a competitive grantmaking process to identify and support projects that address community needs across Jasper County. Proposals are solicited from nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions. Successful applications must align with the foundation’s priorities, which emphasize creative and innovative programming, the support of emerging or unmet needs, and capital improvements that demonstrate long-term benefit. Special consideration is given to proposals submitted by coalitions of service providers and those that demonstrate leverage through matching funds or broader community support. The foundation does not support requests for ongoing operating expenses, budgetary deficits, completed projects, or crisis interventions. Furthermore, projects with a narrow or sectarian focus are given lower priority. Instead, proposals that affect broad segments of the population, offer measurable goals, and display a clear plan for implementation—even in cases of partial funding—are more likely to be selected. Evaluation criteria also include feasibility, clarity of goals, and the sustainability of the project beyond the grant period. To apply for funding, organizations must complete an online application and submit additional documentation, which includes proof of IRS tax-exempt status, the latest IRS Form 990, a board approval agreement, a fiscal sponsorship agreement (if applicable), and a final evaluation form (to be used post-completion). Applications must be submitted no later than April 30, 2026. Documents can be emailed or mailed to the foundation’s official address. Applicants will receive notification of funding decisions 8–10 weeks following the deadline. Grant recipients must adhere to several requirements. Projects must be completed within six months of receiving funds unless an extension is requested and approved. A final report, including photographs, proof of expenditures, and copies of any media coverage, must be submitted using the foundation’s designated evaluation form. Any unused funds must be returned to the foundation. Public recognition of the Jasper Community Foundation’s support in media releases is mandatory. The Jasper Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2026 cycle. In 2025, it awarded $115,000 to 22 organizations for initiatives ranging from community beautification and education to health and recreation improvements. This grant program is supported by the Iowa County Endowment Fund Program and other public resources. The next application deadline is set for April 30, 2026, and awards will be announced in mid-summer 2026.

Projects must demonstrate broad community impact, avoid duplication, and align with priority areas like innovation and collaboration. Return unused funds and publicly credit the Foundation.