[Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation](https://www.gcrcf.org)

March 6, 2026 | September 11, 2026

Up to $30,000 per year (max); grants typically for 12–24 months; smaller requests for orgs under $150,000 budget

Provides general operating support to Linn County, Iowa nonprofits to help sustain essential operations.

Applicants must be headquartered in Linn County, have 501(c)(3) status, and an operating budget under $5M.

--- ## Description Organization Support Grants from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation provide general operating support to nonprofit organizations based in Linn County, Iowa. These grants are intended to help nonprofits sustain their core operations, enabling them to focus on their mission and serve the community more effectively. The program emphasizes equity and justice in its grantmaking, with a transparent and methodical review process that includes clear scoring criteria and a conflict of interest policy. --- ## Due Dates - March 6, 2026 (application due by 4:30 p.m. Central Time) - September 11, 2026 (application due by 4:30 p.m. Central Time) Applications are accepted online, and the grant portal opens about 30 days before each deadline. Grant decisions are typically communicated approximately 12 weeks after the deadline. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: **$30,000 per year** for organizations with operating budgets over $150,000. - Organizations with budgets under $150,000 may request up to 20% of their operating budget per request (rounded up to the nearest $100). - The Community Foundation generally does not fund more than 20% of an organization's operating budget between Program Support and Organization Support grants combined. - Grants may be for **12–24 months**. - Organizations less than two years old or using the short application are limited to a single-year request. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants must: - Be headquartered in **Linn County, Iowa**. - Be a **nonprofit organization with current 501(c)(3) public charity tax-exempt status** from the IRS. - Have an **operating budget under $5 million**. Additional notes: - Organizations with budgets under $150,000 requesting $5,000 or less can use a shorter application. - Organizations with an active Organization Support Grant generally cannot reapply until the current grant period concludes. - Organizations less than two years old or using the short application may only request single-year funding. **Ineligible organizations/activities include:** - Capital infrastructure (“bricks and mortar”) projects - Expenses already incurred or occurring during the grant review period - Fundraising events/activities - Project- or program-specific direct costs (apply for Program Support Grant instead) - Religious activities or organizations with a core religious mission - Re-granting funds to other nonprofits - Out-of-region travel - Scholarships for primary, secondary, or post-secondary education --- ## Application Process 1. **Review eligibility** and guidelines ([see details](https://www.gcrcf.org/resources-for-nonprofit-organizations-serving-linn-county-iowa/grants/how-to-apply/)). 2. **Create an account** and submit applications via the [GOapply portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/gcrcf/identity/account/login). 3. **Update your Organization Profile** in GOapply before starting the application. 4. **Complete the online application**, which opens about one month before each deadline. 5. **Required documentation** includes: - Statement of Revenues and Expenses (current fiscal year, actuals and budget) - Balance Sheet (recent date) - Planning and Goals Document (strategic plan or summary of goals) - Optional: up to six additional pages of attachments 6. **Scoring** is based on leadership/financial management, equity practices, community value, impact, and alignment with mission. Applicants are encouraged to contact a Program Officer with questions before applying. --- ## Additional Information - The foundation prioritizes organizations actively working to improve equity and justice. - All applications are reviewed by staff and grant committee members using a published scoring rubric (max score: 25 points). - Organizations may only have one active Organization Support Grant at a time. - The grant review process takes approximately 12 weeks after each deadline. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines](https://www.gcrcf.org/resources-for-nonprofit-organizations-serving-linn-county-iowa/grants/grant-opportunities-and-deadlines/organization-support-grants/) - [How to Apply](https://www.gcrcf.org/resources-for-nonprofit-organizations-serving-linn-county-iowa/grants/how-to-apply/) - [GOapply Grant Portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/gcrcf/identity/account/login) - [Grantmaking Equity Statement](https://www.gcrcf.org/nonprofits/grants/grantmaking-equity-statement/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | Topics | |-----------------------|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Casey Baustian, MSW | Program Officer | [casey.baustian@gcrcf.org](mailto:casey.baustian@gcrcf.org) | 319.774.2378 | Organization Support Grants, Rapid Response Grants | | Bernadette Gladish | Grants & Programs Manager | [bernadette.gladish@gcrcf.org](mailto:bernadette.gladish@gcrcf.org) | 319.774.2374 | Grant portal access, awards, reports | For additional contact options, visit the [Contact Page](https://www.gcrcf.org/contact/).

Organization Support Grants

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