The Howard County Community Foundation 2026 grant cycle supports charitable projects benefiting Howard County, Iowa. The cycle opened September 1 and applications are due October 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.; the published Foundation guidance does not state a time zone. Requests must be between $1,000 and $15,000.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and governmental entities serving Howard County. Certain other tax-exempt organizations may be considered when the proposed project is charitable and discussed with Foundation staff. Health & Safety is an express impact priority. The guidelines exclude political activity or lobbying, debt repayment, endowment contributions, re-granting, and expenses incurred before award notification. General operating costs for salaries, wages, and travel are not eligible, while project operational costs may be considered. Applicants must use the current Foundation budget template and provide estimates or invoices when applicable.
The Foundation gives highest priority to projects that address a demonstrated community need, show community support, use in-kind or leveraged resources, collaborate where appropriate, and demonstrate long-term sustainability. The guidelines do not establish a fixed mandatory match percentage. Applications are submitted through CFNEIA’s online grant management system.
Atlas assessment: Atlas Opportunity Score 90/100. Regional Health Services of Howard County Applicant Opportunity Score 95/100. N9+ Fit Score 82/100 conditional. RHSHC is a strong rural-health applicant serving Howard County through a hospital and multiple clinic and community-health services. A discrete Health & Safety project involving the Nonagon N9+ remote physical examination platform could support guided examinations, vitals, and telehealth-enabled clinical encounters if RHSHC and the Foundation confirm technology/equipment allowability, procurement requirements, and a sustainable community-benefit use case. The Foundation does not expressly name N9+ or telehealth technology, so this fit remains conditional. Dr. Miltie direct application: FALSE.