Witwer Trust Grant Program

The Witwer Trust Grant Program is now accepting applications for the fiscal year 2024 funding cycle. 

The deadline for submission is Dec. 15, 2023. 

Funding decisions are made several weeks after the grant submission deadline has closed.

Witwer Trust grant applications must be submitted online through this website between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15 and are electronically date and timestamped upon submission. Late submissions are not accepted. Paper, email, or faxed applications are not accepted. The link to the application is at the bottom of this page. Please read the information provided on this page before applying.

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you save a copy of your grant application in a separate file and copy your responses into the online form to ensure you have a copy for your records and to ensure your information is not lost before or during submission. Once a proposal is submitted, it cannot be changed. You can download the grant application questions here (PDF) to serve as a guide. This form is provided as informational only. This form is NOT the grant application. Applications must be completed online.

Do not wait until the day of the deadline to start the application. It is recommended that you start your application by Dec. 1 so you have time to ask questions if needed.

Timeline

Eligibility Criteria

Witwer Trust grants will be made only to non-profit organizations located in Linn County, Iowa, or with a branch location in Linn County and whose work benefits Linn County residents. Proof of nonprofit status is required. 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 county grant funds.

Types of Projects Eligible

Grant funds must be used for programs or projects that benefit Linn County residents. Requests for programmatic and capital projects are eligible; requests for operating support are not. Grants must be for expenses that have not yet been incurred.

Applications

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.

In addition, only one project is allowed per application. If an organization submits an application requesting funding for more than one project, the application will be deemed ineligible and will not be reviewed.

To ensure fairness for all, applications that are incomplete, do not follow the guidelines, or miss the deadline will not be reviewed.

Grantee Requirements

• Grant funding must be used for the project described in your application. If you find you need to use the funding for other purposes, you must request permission in writing and receive authorization prior to changing the use of the grant funds.
• The Board of Supervisors may request a representative from your organization attend a public meeting to relate progress toward the completion of your project at any time.
• Media releases, annual reports, and materials printed with grant funds should credit the Linn County Board of Supervisors Witwer Trust. Please complete a Logo Use Request Form for a logo for such materials.
• A final report is required. A final report form will be sent to grant recipients and is available on this website. Documentation of grant expenses is required. Documentation can include copies of receipts or copies of paid invoices. This information is due to Linn County by Nov. 1 following the grant award. Organizations that fail to meet this requirement will be ineligible for future Witwer Trust grants.
• Any unexpended grant funds must be returned.

Required Attachments

• Organizational budget
• Proof of nonprofit status
• Board of directors
• Project budget
• Assurances Form for Nonprofits OR
• Assurances Form for Fiscal Sponsorship

Evaluation Criteria

Grant applications will be scored based on how well they meet the following objectives:

• Has potential for long-term impact
• Serves a broad segment of the population or those at risk
• Addresses an emerging need or provides a solution to an existing community and/or organizational need
• Clearly describes project goals
• Demonstrates sound financial plans for future funding of the project/program
• Project developed in collaboration with other organizations rather than duplicating services

Returning Applicants

Helpful information for returning applicants can be found here.

New Applicants

Helpful information for new applicants can be found here.

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.

Submit an Application

Applications for the FY24 Witwer Trust grant cycle must be completed through FY24 Application Portal.

The deadline is Dec. 15, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Applications are timestamped upon submission. Late applications will not be reviewed.

Please read the instructions carefully and allow adequate time to complete your application and make your submission.

You can submit an application without creating an account; however, this method requires you to complete your application in one sitting. You must create an account and be signed in to save your work.