The Cass County and Audubon County Community Foundations have announced that applications are now being accepted from organizations providing charitable services separately, in Cass County and Audubon Counties. As part of this fall grant cycle, $27,230 is available to support Cass County nonprofit organizations and community projects, and $41,515 is available for Audubon County nonprofits. The deadline to apply for funds through the online application process is September 1.

Of the total allocated Cass County funds, $1,000 is restricted to the community of Griswold, and $26,230 is available to support projects throughout the county. In Audubon County, $2,350 is restricted to the Exira area, $2,015 is designated for the community of Audubon, and $37,150 is available to support projects throughout the county.

Beginning July 15, application details, a fact sheet, and a link to the application form can be found online by selecting Cass County, or Audubon County respectively, under County Listing at www.swiowafoundations.org. Applications will only be accepted through the online system.

Only those organizations providing services in Cass or Audubon Counties are eligible to apply in their respective counties. They must be able to demonstrate broad community/county support and be an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) Public Charity or a fiscally sponsored project. Requests for general operating support will not be considered.

The Cass and Audubon County Community Foundations aim to improve the quality of life in their counties by supporting community needs in the areas of civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. The objective of the grant program is to fund projects that will have a permanent impact on, and in, Cass and Audubon Counties. Those grant funds are made possible by the generosity of Cass and Audubon County Community Foundation donors.

To inquire about donating to the Cass County Community Foundation, contact the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa staff or any county board member. Gifts to permanently endowed funds through the Foundations may be eligible to receive a 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit.

Contact Stacey Goodman at 800-794-3458 or stacey@omahafoundation.org or Tess Houser at tess@omahafoundation.org with application-related questions. All completed grant applications will be considered at the October Board meeting, with applicants being notified of funding decisions by the end of October.