Before applying for a General Grant, you must first read through and understand the following questions and answers. Please take a few moments and click on each header to find the answers to each question below.
A copy of the current IRS 501(c)(3) designation letter must be submitted with each copy of the application, as applicable. Government entities and sub entities must provide their IRS determination letter of tax exempt status.
The organization must be in compliance with the terms and purposes of any prior grant from the Worth County Development Authority. If the organization has violated the terms of any prior grant, the organization will be considered ineligible until such time as the violation has been cured.
To maximize the effect of our granting, WCDA will favor grants that leverage partnerships with other organizations, governmental entities, and fund matching.
Grant recipients will use Worth County vendors when feasible.
Daycares, preschools, PTO/Booster Clubs, Post Prom, School Clubs, etc are not allowed to apply as they fall under education. Please work directly with local school boards to help shape where those Grants are directed.
The relevance of the proposed project to WCDA’s mission and our areas of focus. The extent to which the proposal addresses a community need, demonstrates broad-based community support, and provides benefits to the community-at-large.
Ability of the proposed project to leverage funding and support from other sources.
Extent to which the proposal maximizes community resources through cooperation and
collaboration with other organizations in the community and the elimination of redundant services, programs, or projects.
The capacity of the applicant’s organization and staff to achieve the desired result.
The sustainability of the proposed project without additional long-term financial commitments
from the WCDA.
25% of the WCDA grant funds shall be allocated through the Worth County Township Fund.
Up to 25% of the WCDA grant funds shall be allocated through the WCDA Fund.
In-kind contributions of labor or land toward the specific grant shall not qualify toward the 25%. However, In-kind material contributions will qualify.
Participating in, or intervening in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office (within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.)
Carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation (within the meaning of section 4945(d)(1) of the IRC).
Influencing the outcome of any specific public election or carrying on, directly or indirectly, any voter registration drive (within the meaning of section 4945(d)(2) of the IRC).
Undertaking any activity for any non-charitable purpose or to the extent that use of grant funds would constitute a taxable expenditure (within the meaning of section 4945(d) of the IRC) or in any other manner which would jeopardize or cause the WCDA to lose its status as an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.
Discriminating against any individual or group based on race, religious beliefs, ethnic or national origin, or otherwise legally impermissible criteria.
Benefiting for-profit businesses.
Supporting private foundations as described in IRC 509(a).
Funding projects outside of Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota.
Benefiting church-affiliated organizations for religious purposes (however, support may be provided to non-religious programs like child care, hunger centers, etc. Churches applying must include a letter stating that the application is approved by the church council members.)
Providing support for benefit and fundraising events, such as galas or athletic tournaments.
Hospitals, medical facilities, assisted living projects, nursing homes, independent care, daycares and extended care facilities are not allowed to apply.
Educational organizations such as schools, daycares, preschools, PTO/Booster Clubs, Post Prom, School Clubs, etc
Funding medical research.
Financing publications, films, books, seminars, symposia, conferences, field trips, etc.
Applications which request funds to retire an organization’s debt.
Applications which request funds to make up for deficit spending.
Grants will not be made to individuals, including scholarships.
Grants will not be made to support endowment funds.
Debt incurred or purchases made prior to WCDA grant award notification.
Salary or operating expenses.
Use of any form of weapons (guns, etc).
No binders.
Please include first page only of tax exempt status.
Please include most recent financial statement.
Please include detailed vendor estimates.
Two bids are required on any grant application over $10,000.00. Include only the estimates from the chosen bid.
Fall Grant submission dates:
August 1st – September 1st – by 4:00 PM
Fall Grant award date:
November 15th
Before receiving grant money, a receipt or invoice, and project photos, must be provided.
Grant recipients will use Worth County vendors when feasible.
Have you read, and do you understand the answers to the frequently asked questions above?