Story County Community Foundation

06/03/2026

How would $50,000 impact your organization?

Story County Community Foundation's $50,000 Impact Grant is designed specifically for Story County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government units (libraries, parks, fire/rescue).

Those interested in applying for an Impact Grant must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) + a 3-minute project video detailing the project and how the project will impact the organization and those they serve before June 30th! Visit our website for full guidelines.

👉 Email the LOI and Video to [email protected] before 5:00 PM June 30th

06/01/2026

Thinking about giving back? Start with a conversation.
If you’re passionate about supporting our community, one of the most impactful steps you can take is to talk with your financial advisor about your charitable goals.
Together, you can explore smart, meaningful ways to give—now and in the future—while making the most of your financial plan.
At the Story County Community Foundation, we’re here to support those conversations. We work alongside you and your advisor to:
• Simplify charitable giving
• Explore options like gifts of stock, real estate, or estate plans
• Help you create a lasting impact
For advisors: we’re here as a resource—ready to support your work and your clients’ goals.
Let’s make giving easier, more effective, and more meaningful—together.

05/27/2026

Get Your Spring CE Credits—And Lunch Is On Us

The Story County Community Foundation invites you to join us for a Lunch & Learn designed for professional advisors—including financial planners, attorneys, CPAs, and estate planning professionals. This is a convenient opportunity to earn CE credits while gaining practical insights you can use right away—and enjoy a complimentary lunch with your peers.
What You’ll Gain - You’ll leave with clear, useful examples you can put into practice right away. Practical ideas you can use immediately with your clients, including:
• Simple ways to start conversations about charitable giving
• Tax-smart strategies to help clients give more effectively
• Options beyond cash—such as stock, real estate, or business interests
• Planning ideas for key moments like retirement or the sale of a business
• Ways to strengthen client relationships through meaningful giving discussions

RSVP here: https://storycountyfoundation.org/certified-financial-professionals-education-session-may-6th/

05/14/2026

Exciting Grant Opportunities for Story County!
The Story County Community Foundation is officially accepting applications for our 2026 grant cycles! We are looking to support initiatives and projects that make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents throughout Story County, Iowa.
Available Grants:
- Community Betterment Grant
- Impact Grant
- Capacity Building Grant
- Small Business Grant
Key Deadlines:
- Impact Grant Applicants: A letter of intent & a 3-minute video must be submitted to ksevde@storycountyfoundation by June 30, 2026
- All Final Applications: Must be submitted electronically by 5:00pm on September 30, 2026.
Ready to make a difference? Get the details & start your application today: https://storycountyfoundation.org/grants/grant-applications/

05/01/2026

Happy May Day, Story County!

May Day reminds us that new growth begins with care, intention, and community.

At the Story County Community Foundation, we see this every day-neighbors supporting neighbors, donors investing locally, and nonprofits helping good ideas take root across our county.
Thank you for being part of what’s growing here. We’re grateful to walk alongside a community that believes in caring for today while building for tomorrow.

We'd love to hear- what are you most hopeful this spring??

Learn more about SCCF here: https://storycountyfoundation.org/

04/29/2026

We had a lovely time at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines annual luncheon.

The CFGDSM and the 46 affiliate Foundations are "Better Together"!

04/10/2026

I attended the Hardin County Community Endowment Foundation's Grant Awards. Wow! $512,299 grant funding was awarded to support programs and projects in the Hardin County community. Congratulations to all!

What a wonderful evening at the Hardin County Community Endowment Foundation 21st Annual Community Grant Awards in Hubbard. Over $400,000 in grants were distributed to support organizations across Hardin County. We were proud to be there alongside our partners from the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and Story County Community Foundation. Congratulations to all of this year's recipients!

03/25/2026

If you have a moment to stop by to thank Daryle for his service and wish him well, please do so!

03/17/2026

Daryle Vegge will be retiring (again) at the end of March. Please stop by Della Viti to say hello and wish him well on his next venture.

02/25/2026

Growing Good Spotlight: Friendship Ark

This month, we’re sharing three Stories of Impact — local organizations making Story County stronger thanks to community generosity. Today’s spotlight is on Friendship Ark, where the heart of their project can be captured in one powerful idea:
“This is more than a building project — it's a movement to ensure that every person, regardless of ability, has a place to belong, grow, and contribute.”

Because Friendship Ark’s services are largely funded through Medicaid, there are no available dollars for expansion or growth. That’s where endowment support makes all the difference — offering the flexibility and stability needed to serve more individuals, deepen programming, and pursue projects that would otherwise be out of reach.

What’s ahead?
Friendship Ark is especially excited about the completion of their new administrative and programming hub, made possible through endowed funds and the generosity of many supporters. This space will strengthen their ability to provide community living, enrichment, and support services for individuals with intellectual disabilities across Story County.

At the Story County Community Foundation, we are honored to partner with organizations like Friendship Ark — organizations that remind us how powerful it is when every person has the opportunity to belong and thrive.

Together, we’re “Growing Good” in Story County.