YSS, Ember Youth Recovery Campus, Ames
The Story County Community Foundation supports projects that enhance quality of life in Story County, Iowa, by addressing community needs in arts and culture, education, health and human services, the environment, and civic engagement.
Funding for our grants program comes from a portion of gaming revenue through the State of Iowa Community Endowment Program and with private donors.
Questions regarding our grants may be directed to Karin Sevde, Executive Director: ksevde@storycountyfoundation.org. or by phone, 515-232-9200.
Grants are available only to Story County, Iowa – based 501(c)(3) nonprofits or qualifying government units that provide public benefit (e.g., public libraries, fire and rescue, parks & recreation, other municipal departments). Organizations without IRS status may apply through a fiscal sponsor.
A fiscal sponsor is an organization that receives and manages grant funds on behalf of an applicant, handling payments and required documentation. The sponsor must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or a 170(c)(1) government entity. When selecting a sponsor, look for an organization that aligns with or benefits from your project. If using a fiscal sponsor, a signed sponsorship agreement must be included with the grant application.
Applicants with an active grant extension or an outstanding final report from a prior grant are ineligible to receive a grant until previous projects and the final grants report has been submitted and approved.
Due to limited funding, priority is given to organizations that have not received a grant in the past three years.
A capital fundraising campaign, which is a time-limited effort to raise significant funds for a specific project, including solicitation, events, or fundraiser fees.
Establish endowments – a fund made up of gifts and bequests that are subject to a requirement that the principal be maintained intact and invested to create a source of income for an organization.
Operational expenses such as staff salaries, office rental, utilities, and office supplies.
Grants or scholarships to individuals, including subsidies to agencies to cover individual activities or participation fees, scholarships or travel expenses.
Programs covering a budget deficit or easing budget deficiencies.
Programs requiring participation in a religious activity or promotion of religious ideology.
Projects not serving residents of Story County, Iowa; Projects may be multi-county, but the Story County Community Foundation grant-funded portion must benefit solely Story County residents.
One-time or annual events or festivals.
Political causes and activities, candidates or legislative lobbying efforts.
Private foundations.
This year we celebrated our 20th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the Story County Community Foundation awarded a $100,000 Impact Grant to Story County Conservation. This grant will be used to restore the beach and water quality at Hickory Grove Park and to fulfill Carol and Bob Deppe’s dream of incorporating their acreage into a conservation area for Story County.
We are proud to be a part of these amenities for all to enjoy for years to come.
Camelot Theater Foundation – Retractable Screen, Interior Renovations, Nevada
Food at First – Dining Room Furniture, Ames
Boys & Girls Club of Story County – Outdoor Sports Equipment, Ames
ChildServe – Indoor Play Gym, Ames
The Salvation Army – Food Pantry Items, Ames
City of Zearing – City Library Renovations, Zearing
RedShirt Foundation – Hope in the Hallways, Suicide Prevention, Gilbert
Maxwell Area Renewal Committee – Public Library, ADA-compliant Automatic Door, Maxwell
City of Colo – Basketball Court Replacement, Colo
City of Roland – Britson Park Open-Air Shelter, Roland
Bertha Bartlett Public Library – Story City Story Walk, Story City
City of Collins – Heart of Iowa Trailside Improvements, Collins
Anchored Hope House – Security upgrades, Ames
Roland Historical Society Foundation – Museum Capital Improvements, Roland
Cambridge Historical Association – Signing Replacement, Cambridge
Primary Health Care – Expanding Patient Assistance, Ames
City of Kelley – Community Center Flooring Replacement, Kelley
Blue Crib Customs, LLC – Sawmill, Roland
Iowa Lavender -Patio Improvements and Marketing Materials, Ames
Pedersen Bicycle Services – Website Improvements, Huxley
Chrysalis Therapy – Speech Therapy materials, Huxley
*Suzy Shierholz Award Recipient | **McCallsburg Legacy Fund Grant Recipient
We are pleased to announce our 2026 Grants Program with some exciting changes!
New! $50,000 Impact Grants and $25,000 Community Betterment Grants, along with our Small Business & Entrepreneurship Grants!
See out Grants page for details.
Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m., September 30th.
A practical session on giving non‑cash assets (CE credit provided)
This class provides continuing education credit and offers a very approachable walkthrough of how gifts of appreciated assets, real estate, business interests, and other non‑cash assets can create meaningful planning opportunities for clients.
Presenter: Ryan Douglas, CAP®
Date: Wednesday, June 17th
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: 60 Forward, 205 S. Walnut Ave., Ames
RSVP for your Seat at the Table!
