NOTE:  At this time, we are not accepting Distaster Relief Applications. 

What is a Disaster Relief Grant?

Individuals may apply for assistance for a specific need related to the disaster up to $500. (i.e. moving expenses, storage units, pump/generator purchase and/or upkeep, appliance replacement and/or repairs, household repairs, etc.) 

Agencies/Government Entities that are doing innovative and meaningful work providing services to residents within the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation's (PCCF) mission to improve the lives of all residents during and after a disaster situation. The maximum grant awarded for agency services is $2000.

The Disaster Relief Grants Program is a new program that is growing due to the amazing response of concerned residents in Pottawattamie County who desire to help those affected by disasters in our area.  As with any competitive process, the grants are awarded to the applicants whose project best fits our mission.  PCCF regrets that funds are not available to recognize the meaningful work of all who apply.

Who is eligible?

Individuals living in an area impacted by the flooding or who have been displaced due to flooding on their property.

Agencies/Government Entities: Any tax-exempt, nonprofit organization or government entity using the funds for charitable purposes and proposing a project meeting PCCF's mission to improve the lives of all residents of Pottawattamie County is eligible to apply. Specifically, applications should meet the criteria shown below.

What are the criteria?

Projects must meet PCCF's mission to improve the lives of all residents of Pottawattamie County.

If an applicant is an individual or a group of neighbors they must be:

• Pottawattamie County resident prior to the disaster. 

• Applying for a project related to a current disaster. 

• Grant funds must be utilized for a current or upcoming expense. Unfortunately, no reimbursement for previous expenses can be made. 

If an applicant is an organization they must be:

• Classified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Code, or a governmental entity

• Located within or provide services within Pottawattamie County

• 100% of funds must be spent within the county

• NO disaster relief funds can be used as administrative fees for organizations.

Projects are selected based on:

• Focus on prevention, survival, or recovery from disaster situation

• Meeting a clear, identifiable need

• Creativity

• Operational strength of the applicant organization, including project leadership 

  (Not applicable to Individuals applicants)

• Ranking when compared with other applications received during the disaster.

Funding Limitations

• No reimbursements for previous expenditures related to the disaster.

• Contributions to capital campaigns

• Organizations that practice discrimination by race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender, age or national origin

• Operating deficits or retirement of debt

• Endowment programs are typically not funded

• Political projects of any kind

Guidelines

• The Pottawattamie County Community Foundation (PCCF) does not provide funding to private foundations.

• Applicant Organizations will be verified through the IRS online database and the Secretary of State's Business Entity Search. Prior to submitting your application, you may check your organization's status with the Secretary of State at www.sos.state.ia.us. We will not accept applications from organizations with a delinquent status.

• Grants are for amounts up to $500 for Individuals/Neighbors and $2,000 for Organizations. The Foundation wants to support as many programs across the county as possible; therefore, smaller requests are encouraged.

• If you are organization,  please include only one application per mailing envelope. Only one copy of the IRS determination letter need be submitted.

• Incomplete, incorrect, and/or unsigned applications will be returned.

• No faxed or e-mailed applications will be accepted.

• Grant recipients are selected by an independent panel of reviewers from across the county.

• Due to the high volume of applications received, PCCF will not provide an oral or written explanation for denied applications.

How can you apply?

Download the individual or agency application below, Complete the live form, Save a copy to your computer, Print the Original for signature, Attach the required documents and mail or hand deliver to:

Pottawattamie County Community Foundation 
Disaster Relief Grants
536 E. Broadway
Council Bluffs, IA 51503

If you have questions, please call the office at (712) 256-7007.