Habitat for Humanity, Ames
The Story County Community Foundation awards grants to support initiatives and projects that make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents throughout Story County, Iowa.
Please refer to the Grant Application Eligibility information in order to ensure you have the best chance of submitting a successful application.
Grant Information:
Timeline Information for Community Betterment Grant Applicants:
Grants are available only to Story County, Iowa–based 501(c)(3) nonprofits or qualifying government units that provide public benefit (e.g., public libraries, fire and rescue, parks & recreation, other municipal departments).
Organizations without a 501(c)(3) or a 170(c)(1) unit of government status may apply through a fiscal sponsor. The fiscal sponsor receives and disburses grant funds, maintains required documentation, and must be a 501(c)(3) organization or a 170(c)(1) government entity. A fiscal sponsorship agreement is required with the grant application if a sponsor is used.
Applicants with an active grant extension or an outstanding final report from a prior grant are ineligible to receive a grant until previous projects and the final grants report has been submitted and approved.
Due to limited funding, priority is given to organizations that have not received a grant in the past three years.
Grant Information: Grant requests of $50,000 will be considered.
A Letter of Intent to apply for the Impact Grant must be received no later than 5 p.m. June 30, 2026. This letter must include a detailed description of the need to be addressed and proposed budget.
Please email the letter of intent on or before June 30, 2026 to ksevde@storycountyfoundation.org.
The Story County Community Foundation supports projects that enhance quality of life in Story County, Iowa, across arts and culture, education, health and human services, the environment, and civic engagement.
The Impact Grant is designed to fund physical improvement projects with a long-term vision, measurable outcomes, demonstrated community need, and a clear plan for sustainability.
Timeline Information for Impact Grant Applicants:
Grants are available only to Story County, Iowa–based 501(c)(3) nonprofits or qualifying government units that provide public benefit (e.g., public libraries, fire and rescue, parks & recreation, other municipal departments).
Organizations without a 501(c)(3) or a 170(c)(1) unit of government status may apply through a fiscal sponsor. The fiscal sponsor receives and disburses grant funds, maintains required documentation, and must be a 501(c)(3) organization or a 170(c)(1) government entity. A fiscal sponsorship agreement is required with the grant application if a sponsor is used.
Applicants with an active grant extension or an outstanding final report from a prior grant are ineligible to receive a grant until previous projects and the final grants report has been submitted and approved.
Due to limited funding, priority is given to organizations that have not received a grant in the past three years.
The Story County Community Foundation offers Capacity Grants to Story County, Iowa nonprofit organizations with an agency fund held with the Story County Community Foundation.
Grants support endowment growth, board leadership training and strategic planning for the organization.
Grant Information:
Applications must include the following information:
Applicants must have an active agency fund or endowment with Story County Community Foundation and maintain an active 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
Grant applications are accepted for projects that strengthen an organization’s capacity to grow funds held with the Story County Community Foundation. Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to:
Projects that similarly enhance an organization’s ability to build and sustain its funds are also eligible.
The Story County Community Foundation awards the Small Business grants to encourage and to grow small businesses located in Story County.
Grant Information:
Applications must include the following information:
The specific need the funding will address.
Anticipated results of the project and how it impacts the future of the organization.
Timeline for the project.
Budget, including other sources of funding and the amount requested from Story County Community Foundation.
Include only costs pertinent to the project.
Include the specific portion of the project Story County Community Foundation funds would be used for.
Attach a copy of the business’ IRS designation letter with EIN, Business Entity Document from the Iowa Secretary of State, or the Trade Name document from the Story County Recorder.
A list of the Staff with contact information including e-mail addresses.
The McCallsburg, Iowa Legacy Grant is only available to a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization located in McCallsburg, Iowa for programs or projects solely for the benefit of the residents of McCallsburg, Iowa.
If your agency does not have the required IRS status, it may be possible for another qualified agency to serve as a fiscal sponsor.
No other requests for these funds will be considered.
Applications must include the following information:
The specific need the funding will address.
Anticipated results of the project and how it impacts the future of the organization.
Timeline for the project.
Budget, including other sources of funding and the amount requested from Story County Community Foundation.
A copy of the organization’s 501(c)(3) IRS designation letter.
A list of the Board of Directors with contact information including e-mail addresses.
Grants are available only to McCallsburg, Story County, Iowa–based 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
Organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply through a fiscal sponsor. The fiscal sponsor receives and disburses grant funds, maintains required documentation, and must be a 501(c)(3) organization or a 170(c)(1) government entity. A fiscal sponsorship agreement is required with the grant application if a sponsor is used.
Applicants with an active grant extension or an outstanding final report from a prior grant are ineligible to receive a grant until previous projects and the final grants report has been submitted and approved.
Roger Berger was passionate about the arts, especially Opera. As part of his legacy, he established a fund to enhance the community’s access to Opera and other cultural programs.
Grant Information:
Final grant reports are to be submitted to the Story County Community Foundation upon completion of the project or by August 31 of the following year.
Reports should provide a clear overview of the completed project and its impact on the target population and broader public benefit. Please include impact stories, photos, and testimonials when possible. The Foundation may use this information for promotional materials or on its website.
