What is the purpose of this grant and its source of funds?
What organizations are responsible for SRI organization and delivery?
What is the structure of Cycle 2 of the Strengthen Rural Iowa grant project?
For purposes of this grant application, what is meant by the term “Nonprofit?”
Is my nonprofit organization required to have 501(c)(3) status?
What is meant by a social service that contains no inherently religious content?
How does this grant competition differ from others we might have applied for?
What are the project’s eligibility stipulations? 
What is a good way to build internal organizational strength?
What’s the next step? – FREE Grant Workshops
When do grant payments actually start for cycle 2 awardees?

A. This ARRA capacity building project requires successful grant recipients to also participate in training (classroom) and technical assistance (1:1) activity so that grant dollars are best spent to build organiza-tional “muscle” and attain greater sustainability and fundraising ability. Funds can not be spent for service delivery to clients. Capacity building grant funding, training and technical assistance focus on the following five (5) critical areas. Grant applicants will be asked to address at least 3 of the 5:

1. Leadership Development
2. Organizational Development
3. Program Development
4. Collaboration and Community Engagement
5. Effectiveness of Evaluation

1. Your organization’s annual budget must be less than $500,000.
2. Your organization must exist as a ‘stand-alone’ organization with its own board and State of Iowa Articles of Incorporation. 
3. Your organization can not have previously received a direct federal grant.
4. Your organization must offer at least one social service program that is open to the public. Project funds can not be used to support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. 
5. Applicant headquarters must be located within the State of Iowa.
6. There is no financial match requirement.

Strengthen Rural Iowa desires to attract and fund small nonprofit organizations who desire to increase their sustainability, improve their effectiveness, gain greater fundraising ability, and create collaborations to better serve those most in need.

Strengthen Rural Iowa is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, thus applicants will have exciting, new opportunities to work with Project Partner organizations in addressing employment and benefit issues for their clients.    An example is the possibility of developing an Iowa Career Access Point (I-CAP), a mini-One Stop Shop service, in partnership with the Iowa Workforce Development (receive materials and ongoing training support), OASIS, a benefits search resource sponsored by the Iowa Department of Human Services ideal for nonprofit use, in addition to the National Career Readiness Certificate assessment (NCRC), a client referral service to a local community college or Iowa Workforce Development office to help them certify career skill proficiencies and enhance the possibility of job attainment.   Special consideration will be given those applicants who currently help clients with job readiness or employment assistance, or who wish to do so.

1. Your organization’s annual budget must be less than $500,000.
2. Likewise, your organization can not exist under the auspices/ultimate control of a parent organization that has an annual budget of $500,000 or more.
3. Your organization can not have previously received a direct federal grant.
4. Your organization must offer at least one social service program that is open to the public. Project funds can not be used to support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization.
5. Applicant headquarters must be located within the State of Iowa.
6. There is no financial match requirement.

Strengthen Rural Iowa desires to attract and fund small nonprofit organizations who desire to increase their sustainability, improve their effectiveness, gain greater fundraising ability, and create collaborations to better serve those most in need.

Strengthen Rural Iowa is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, thus applicants will have exciting, new opportunities to work with Project Partner organizations in addressing employment and benefit issues for their clients. An example is the possibility of developing an Iowa Career Access Point (I-CAP), a mini-One Stop Shop service, in partnership with the Iowa Workforce Development (receive computer, materials, ongoing training support). Special consideration will be given those applicants who currently help clients with job readiness or employment, or who wish to do so.

A. Although not a requirement, it would be very beneficial to attend a free Regional Grant Workshop in Ottumwa (August 30) or West Burlington (August 31). These workshops will explain project objectives, grant procedures, application materials, and answer questions. See specific information elsewhere on this website for times and locations, and for the entire pre-grant process activity.

Workshops are free of charge and do not require prior registration. We look forward to meeting you!