The Okoboji Foundation strengthens the Iowa Great Lakes Region by investing in natural resources, arts and culture, and outdoor recreation—ensuring that the Okoboji experience, its nostalgia, and its legacy endure for the families who live and visit here.
Donor Name: Okoboji Foundation
State: Iowa
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/01/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The foundation funds VITAL CAPITAL PROJECTS, such as buildings, equipment, or physical property that will be available for many years of use in their Lakes communities. They want to help develop communities where people want to live, work, visit, and play.
Funding Areas
The foundation funds projects in the Iowa Great Lakes Region that align with one or more of the following:
- Arts & Culture – Enriching community life and sustaining nostalgia and legacy for residents and visitors.
- Outdoor Recreation – Expanding opportunities for active, healthy lifestyles.
- Lake Quality & Environment – Protecting and sustaining lakes and natural resources.
Funding Levels
- Leadership Grants
- Grant requests of $25,000 or more will be reviewed by the Okoboji Foundation grants committee. The committee may request an in person follow-up presentation by the nonprofit. Projects should be completed and request reimbursement with receipts totaling amount of grant award within three years of the award notification.
- Community Needs Grants
- Grant requests under $25,000 will be considered by the Youth In Philanthropy student led committee. Any unfunded grants in this category will then be reviewed by the Okoboji Foundation grant committee. Projects should be completed and request reimbursement with receipts totaling amount of grant award within one year of the award notification.
Eligible Projects
Projects must:
- Be located in and serve the Iowa Great Lakes Region.
- Be visible, accessible, and beneficial to a large portion of the public.
- Have a long-lasting impact that strengthens the community and region.
Eligibility Criteria
Organizations must meet the following criteria in order to apply for a grant:
- Be classified as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization or be a government entity.
- For groups, projects, or initiatives that do not meet the above eligibility requirements the Okoboji Foundation will consider your requests if submitted through a fiscal sponsor. Fiscal sponsor must be classified as a 501(c)3 or a government entity.
- Be current with all state and federal reporting requirements, such as filing of 990 forms.
- Must not have any outstanding grant awards with the Okoboji Foundation.
Requirements & Restrictions
- As a governmental body public schools are eligible to apply. However, applications must clearly demonstrate regional community benefit.
- Late, incomplete, or hard copy applications will not be considered.
- Applicants must provide a complete organizational AND project budget.
- Projects should be visible, available to a large portion of the public, and have a long lasting impact in the Iowa Great Lakes region.
- Requests for the following are not eligible for funding:
- Organizational operating costs such as salaries, stipends, fees for participation, travel, room & board, other forms of compensation or recurring operational expense
- Fundraising/feasibility studies, marketing activities, programs, special events or projects that have already been completed
- School uniforms of any nature
- Projects with a short-term impact
- Professional signage should be included on structures and larger physical property funded by grants to highlight the Okoboji Foundation partnership. The Foundation will provide an official style guide and logo for signage production.
For more information, visit Okoboji Foundation.
