Grant Application
The Hardin County Community Endowment Foundation was formed in 2005 to foster private giving, to strengthen service providers, and to improve the quality of life for citizens throughout Hardin County. These guidelines will hopefully make the application process simple and straight-forward for non-profits.
Fund Program – THANK YOU Iowa
Who is Eligible
- Be tax exempt, nonprofit entity classified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) or a 170(c)(1) governmental entity and/or other charitable groups with a fiscal sponsor
- Provide services within Hardin County
- Be operated and organized in compliance with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination
What We Look For
We welcome proposals for projects that benefit a broad spectrum of the community or a chronically underserved segment of the population. We look for projects which:
- Address significant community issues
- Present innovative, creative, and practical proposals that build on community strengths
- Present clear work plans that show the ability to achieve the project’s goal
- Focus on strategic innovations that encourage cooperation, create efficiencies and reduce duplication of services
- Develop the leadership potential of the community
- Involve the people served in the planning and implementation of the program
- Demonstrate quality, vision, effectiveness, collaboration and good management
- Provide a plan for sustainability beyond the funding period
- Preference will be given to applicants who have additional funding sources
What We Fund
We award grants in the following areas:
- Arts/Culture/Humanities
Programs that increase access to and awareness of arts and culture. - Education
Encompass community education projects that serve all age groups and segments of our
population. - Environment/Animals
Programs that address our natural resources and environment. - Health
Encompass social services projects that benefit the underserved segments of our community. For
example, issues of homelessness, health care, hunger, poverty and the elderly. - Human Services
Programs that enhance the quality of life for children and youth through opportunities to enhance their intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development. - Public/Social Benefit
Programs that address community development, both social and economic.
What We Do Not Fund
- Operating support (salaries)
- Budget deficit
- Endowments
- Religious purposes (this does not exclude grants to religious organizations for non-religious purposes)
- Memorials, statues and plaques
Eligibility to Apply
- 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization
- 170 (c)(1) component units of government organizations (Fire Departments, Ambulance,
Libraries, Parks, etc.) - Organizations providing services within Hardin County
- If you are not a 501(c)(3) or a 170(c)(1), you must align yourself with a fiscal sponsor
- The Final Grant Evaluation Report for all previous grants must be on file prior to submitting a
new grant applicationIf awarded a grant, the project must be completed by the end of the calendar year in which the grant money has been awarded, unless written permission for an extension has been allowed. File the final report as soon as the project supported by HCCEF is completed – no later than December 1, 2025.
Additional Questions
If you have any questions, please contact Tam Elerding, Program Director, 641-373-1379 or a HCCEF Affiliate Advisory Grant Committee member:
Steve Cox, Union
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 515-344-5389
Duane Harding, Alden
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 515-571-0433
Cari Teske
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 641-751-0134
Dr. Zak Stoulil, Eldora
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 515-368-3790
HCCEF Advisory Board Members
Northeast: Marjean Clemons, Joan Schuller
Southwest: Megan Harrell, Marshall Simmerman
Southeast: Steve Cox, Christie Pence, Dr. Zak Stoulil, Cari Teske
Hardin County Economic Development Director: Deb Crosser
Our Mission is to promote charitable giving, to build permanent endowment funds for Hardin County, and to address a broad range of community issues through active leadership and grant-making.
The Hardin County Community Endowment Foundation was formed in 2005 to foster private giving, to strengthen service providers, and to improve the quality of life for citizens throughout Hardin County. These guidelines will hopefully make the application process simple and straight-forward for non-profits.
HCCEF promotes endowment building, community grant making, organizational collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of the Hardin County area. Affiliate Advisory board members strive to assess community needs, develop assets, evaluate area grant applications, encourage partnerships, and initiate activities to enhance Hardin County.
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
Contact Us: If you have any questions, feedback, or inquiries, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can fill out the contact form on our website, which includes options to submit your message or request support. We strive to respond to all inquiries promptly and provide the assistance you need.