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Witwer Trust Grant Program

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1. What is the Witwer Trust Grant Program?

Each year, Linn County receives $80,000 from a trust established by Weaver Witwer, a prominent Cedar Rapids grocer and landowner who died in 1979. Mr. Witwer established the trust as a way to give back to the community in perpetuity. Each year, Linn County awards these funds to local non-profit organizations through a competitive grant process. The funds must be used to benefit Linn County residents.

2. How do I submit a grant application?

Applications are available online and must be submitted online via Linn County’s website at www.linncounty.org. Applications are accepted once per year from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15.

3. What is the deadline?

Applications are accepted once a year. The application cycle begins Nov. 1 of each year, and the deadline is Dec. 15. Applications must be submitted online at LinnCountyIowa.gov/Witwer. Linn County does not accept grant applications via email, fax, or paper copies.

4. I forgot my password. What should I do?

If you forgot your password, click the "Forgot Your Password" link on the sign in webpage. You will then receive an automated email with instructions. Follow the instructions you receive in the email. Linn County cannot access or reset your password.

5. Where is the Assurances form?

The Assurances form can be downloaded from the Witwer Trust grant application webpage when the grant application cycle is open (Nov. 1-Dec. 15). Scroll to the bottom of the page. There are two Assurances forms. One is for non-profits and one is for applicants using a fiscal sponsor. Please be sure to use the correct form for your organization.

6. What is the review process and timeline?

Grant applications are screened for completeness by Linn County staff. Incomplete grant applications and applications that do not meet eligibility criteria or guidelines are ineligible for grant funds and will not be reviewed. Complete grant applications and those meeting the grant eligibility criteria and guidelines are reviewed and evaluated by the Linn County Board of Supervisors. Funding decisions are made in February.

7. How much funding is available?

The total amount of funding available for all grant applicants is $80,000. There is no cap for grant requests. However, please use common sense in making your requests. Approximately 50-60 applications are received each year totaling more than $200,000. Please keep this in mind as you develop your budget and grant request. The Linn County Board of Supervisors Witwer Trust Grant Program receives more funding requests than it can possibly grant. If support of a worthwhile program is declined, this decision does not reflect on the value of the group or service, but rather on the need to be selective because resources are limited. A link to previously funded projects is available at www.LinnCountyIowa.gov/Witwer.

8. Are matching funds required?

Matching funds are not required, but you should show the full cost of your project and other sources of funds.

9. Who is eligible for Witwer Trust grants?

Witwer Trust grants will be made only to non-profit organizations that are located in Linn County, Iowa or that have a branch location in Linn County and whose work benefits Linn County residents. Proof of non-profit status is required. Grant funds must be used for programs or projects that benefit Linn County residents. Applicants who have not submitted the required final report for previous Witwer Trust grants are not eligible for funding. Due to legal restrictions, Iowa Code Section 331.901(5), organizations under ecclesiastical or sectarian management are not eligible for Linn County grant funds.

10. What types of projects are eligible for grant funds?

Grant funds must be used for programs or projects that benefit Linn County residents. Priority is given to requests for programmatic and capital projects over requests for operating support. Grants must be for expenses that have not yet been incurred. A list of previously funded projects is available at www.LinnCountyIowa.gov/Witwer.

11. How do I create an account?

You can submit a Witwer Trust grant application without creating an account; however, this method requires you to complete your application in one sitting.  To save your work and come back at a later time, you must create an account and be signed in to save your work.

For instructions on how to create an account, read the "New Applicant" instructions on the Witwer Trust Grant Program webpage.

12. May I submit more than one proposal?

No. Only one application is allowed per organization. If an organization submits more than one grant application, all applications submitted by that organization will be deemed ineligible for grant funds and will not be reviewed. Only one project is allowed per application.

13. May I submit more than one project in one proposal?

No. Only one proposal is allowed per organization, and only one project is allowed per proposal. If an organization submits a proposal requesting funding for more than one project, the proposal will be deemed ineligible and will not be reviewed.

14. Can I apply to the Witwer Trust if I received grant funding from the Linn County Historic Preservation Grant Program for the same project?

No. An organization cannot receive funding for the same project from both the Witwer Trust and the Linn County Historic Preservation Grant Program.

15. What is the Linn County Historic Preservation Grant Program?

This is a competitive grant program for non-profit organizations in Linn County to be used for historic preservation projects. Eligible projects include collecting and preserving historical materials, artifacts, places, or structures; maintaining a historical library or collection; conducting historical studies or research; issuing publications; providing public lectures of historical interest; or otherwise disseminating a knowledge of the history of the area to the general public. More information is available here.

16. Can my organization apply for a Witwer Trust grant AND serve as a fiscal sponsor for a different organization?

Yes. Please see the requirements for serving as a fiscal sponsor in the previous FAQ.

17. I received an account locked notice. What should I do?

If you receive an account locked notice, it’s most likely due to inactivity. To unlock your account, follow the instructions you received in the email to unlock your account. See the "Returning Applicant" instructions for more information.

18. Can I use a fiscal sponsor?

Yes; however, the applicant and fiscal sponsor must complete, sign and submit the fiscal sponsorship agreement that is available for downloading at LinnCountyIowa.gov/Witwer. The fiscal sponsor must meet the grant eligibility requirements. Any Witwer Trust grant funds awarded as a result of the grant application will be made payable to the fiscal sponsor and the fiscal sponsor is responsible for the disbursement, utilization, and accounting of the grant funds in accordance with the grant award.