Story County Community Foundation

10/16/2026

Join us next Wednesday!

Don’t miss this special edition of 1 Million Cups Ames next week on Wednesday, October 21!

Four Story County business finalists will be presenting LIVE in hopes of winning a share of $10,000 from the Daryle Vegge Small Business and Entrepreneurship Grant from the Story County Community Foundation.

• Farm Story Meats
• Collins Corner Market
• Tuneful Journey
• Berry Patch Farm

➡️ Joining in person? Head to the Ames Regional Economic Alliance at 304 Main St. in Downtown Ames from 7:30-9:00am!

➡️ Watching online? Join the Facebook Live! 📹

10/16/2026

Congratulations to the Ames Voice!

10/15/2026

Year-end charitable planning season is here.

As clients review tax, retirement, and estate planning goals before December 31, charitable giving strategies can help maximize both financial benefits and community impact.

The Story County Community Foundation works alongside financial advisors, attorneys, CPAs, and wealth professionals to provide charitable planning resources that support your clients and their philanthropic goals.

Let's make generosity part of the year-end conversation.

09/23/2026

Time is running out to apply for our Community Betterment Grant! If you are working to make a meaningful impact in Story County, submit your application before the September 30, 2026 deadline at 5pm.

Who Can Apply:
Story County based 501(c)(3) nonprofits & qualifying government units providing a public benefit.

Grant Details:
- Amount: Up to $25,000
- Deadline: September 30, 2026 by 5:00pm
- Ineligible Expenses: Operational costs, capital campaigns, events, endowments, deficits & scholarships.

Don't wait until last minute to apply. Review the full eligibility criteria & submit your application today!

Review the information for Story County Foundation grant applications including eligibility guidelines and grant objectives.

09/17/2026

Congratulations to the Story City Historical Society on completing the restoration of the historic 1859 Pioneer Log Cabin!

We are thrilled to have supported this incredible preservation effort by providing the grant funding to install the cabin’s new roof, helping protect a vital piece of local history for generations to come.

Join the Celebration!

Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

When: Monday, September 21 at 4:30 PM

Where: Story City Pioneer Log Cabin

Come out, show your support, and see the remarkable transformation in person!

Want to explore the history behind the cabin or learn more about the restoration project? Visit: https://www.storycityhistory.org/log-cabin-restoration.html

09/16/2026

Could your IRA help make a bigger impact in Story County?

As the year end is rapidly approaching, a quick reminder: Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) allow eligible individuals to make charitable gifts directly from an IRA while supporting the causes they care about most.
The Story County Community Foundation can help donors and advisors explore charitable solutions that create lasting community impact.

09/09/2026

Follow us on LinkedIn!

We have a new LinkedIn page & we'd love for you to give us a follow. Follow along to stay updated on our latest news, grants, and community impact!

https://www.linkedin.com/company/story-county-community-foundation/?viewAsMember=true

09/08/2026

We are accepting applications for our Community Betterment Grant to support projects making a meaningful impact in Story County.

Who Can Apply: Story County based 501(c)(3) nonprofits & qualifying government units that provide public benefit.
Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 by 5pm
Grant Amount: Up to $25,000

Note: Operational expenses, capital campaigns, endowments, deficits, and individual scholarships are ineligible.

Review full eligibility criteria and submit your application today:

09/03/2026

We are offering up to $5,000 in funding for local, for-profit businesses. Looking to grow your business? Don't miss the deadline to apply for our Daryle Vegge Small Business & Entrepreneurship Grant.
The Top 4 Applicants will present their business pitch at 1 Million Cups Ames on October 21, 2026
Funding: 1st Place $5,000 | 2nd Place $3,000 | 3rd & 4th Place $1,500 each
Deadline to Apply: September 30, 2026 by 5pm

Note: For-profit businesses in Story County only. Operating expenses (rent, utilities, payroll) are not eligible.

Visit our website for more details & apply today: https://storycountyfoundation.org/grants/grant-applications/small-business-and-entrepreneurship-grant/

08/25/2026

What Legacy Will You Leave?
National Nonprofit Day reminds us how much nonprofits contribute to our communities.
But it also raises another important question:
How would you like to support the causes you care about in the future?
Through an estate gift, charitable fund, or endowment, you can create a lasting impact that continues supporting local nonprofits long after your lifetime.
The Story County Community Foundation would be honored to help you explore charitable giving options that reflect your values and your vision for the future.