The Jasper Community Foundation has announced its request for grant proposals for 2013. The Foundation recently received its 2013 award allocation to facilitate endowment building and grant making throughout Jasper County.

The contribution to the Foundation was made possible by the Iowa General Assembly. In 2004, the Iowa legislature passed several bills to encourage foundation building and community-based philanthropy. Among these measures was H.F. 2032 which provided that non-gambling counties, initiating a county-wide community foundation would be eligible to receive one half of one percent of the state’s gross gambling tax receipts. In 2012, the Jasper Community Foundation disbursed $80,000 to 16 non-profit organizations throughout the county. These funds were awarded to charitable organizations for educational, civic and public purposes in Jasper County. A full listing of grantees can be found on the Foundation’s website.

The Jasper Community Foundation’s 2013 Grant Making Cycle is slightly earlier in the year than in past years. Grant applications are available now through April 15 via the Foundation’s website at www.jaspercommunityfoundation.org. Grant applications to be considered for funding this year must be received by April 15. All 501(c)3 organizations, 170(c)(1) units of government, and other potentially qualifying charitable organizations operating in or for the benefit of Jasper County should go to the Jasper Community Foundation website for applications, guidelines and additional information. The Foundation has approximately $86,000 available this year for grant making purposes. This will be the only grant cycle of 2013.