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Community Foundation of Johnson County

Annual Giving
$3.0M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Total Assets: ~$67 million
  • Annual Giving: ~$3 million (100 awards in 2024)
  • Decision Time: 2-3 months
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $10,000 (typically); up to $25,000 for major impact grants
  • Geographic Focus: Johnson County, Iowa
  • Application Method: Mixed (rolling and fixed deadlines depending on grant program)

Contact Details

Address: 501 12th Ave. Suite 102, Coralville, IA 52241

Phone: (319) 337-0483

Fax: (319) 338-9958

Email: info@cfjc.org

Website: https://cfjc.org

Grant Inquiries: Ellie Moore, ellie@cfjc.org, (319) 337-0483

Overview

Established in 2000 with an initial gift of $400,000 from Dick Schwab and Katherine Burford, the Community Foundation of Johnson County (CFJC) has grown to oversee nearly $67 million in charitable assets and has distributed more than $29 million in grants to nonprofit organizations since its inception. The foundation celebrates 25 years of service in 2025. CFJC serves Johnson County, Iowa by growing endowments and distributing funds to build a greater community, funding local efforts for health, human services, education, the arts, the environment, youth services and social services. The foundation supports more than 290 nonprofit organizations, family and business charitable giving funds, community endowment funds, and charitable giving circles. CFJC has earned a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Fall Community Impact Grants: $1,000 - $10,000 (typically); special cycles may award up to $25,000

  • Rolling basis with seasonal deadlines
  • Supports both program and operational needs
  • Separate applications for program support vs. operating support

Spring Capacity Building Grants: Up to $2,500

  • Application period: January 26 - February 20 annually
  • Targets new, grassroots, and BIPOC-led organizations
  • Supports nonprofit operations, growth, and sustainability

Coldren Fund for Seniors Grants: Up to $5,000

  • Application period: March 2 - March 20 annually
  • Supports projects and activities assisting low-income adults 65+ in Johnson County

Coralville Community Fund Grants: Varies

  • Application period: March 1 - March 22 annually
  • Established in 2006 for nonprofit projects benefiting Coralville residents

Swisher Community Fund Grants: Up to $1,500

  • Application period: February 13 - March 31 annually
  • Supports charitable efforts in Swisher community

5224GOOD Grants: Varies (over $70,000 awarded in 2024)

  • Focus area changes annually by member vote
  • 2025 focus: Immigrant and Refugee Support
  • Learning and giving circle founded in 2014; has granted over $500,000 since inception
  • Applications typically closed except during specific cycles

Priority Areas

The foundation funds organizations working in:

  • Health and human services
  • Education
  • The arts
  • The environment
  • Youth services
  • Social services
  • Any other charitable field

Geographic requirement: Organizations must be located within Johnson County and primarily service its residents, or significantly serve Johnson County residents.

What They Don't Fund

  • Religious or sectarian activities that attempt to convert a person to a particular faith or perspective
  • Social service activities that require participation in religious/sectarian activities
  • Organizations or activities which do not comply with CFJC's nondiscrimination and diversity policy

Governance and Leadership

Staff

Shelly Maharry, MPA - President & CEO

Julie Yoder - Vice President of Finance and Operations

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is drawn from citizens who live and work in the Johnson County area and are actively engaged in their communities. Board members come from public, private, and nonprofit sectors and provide organizational leadership, oversight, and guidance to CFJC's competitive grantmaking.

Key Board Members (2022-2025):

  • Thais Winkleblack - CFJC Chair (MidWestOne Bank)
  • Jaime Watts - CFJC Past Chair and Legal Compliance Chair (Shuttleworth & Ingersoll)
  • Other members include: LaTasha DeLoach, Dean Price, Jason Wagner, Laura Bergus, Cathy Pugh, Sherri Furman, Mary Westbrook, Nick Hatz, Todd Jacobson, Bruce Teague, and Dave Bluder

Leadership Quotes

Shelly Maharry on the foundation's 25th anniversary: "We are truly a community foundation built by the community for the community. This milestone is a testament of the power of generosity and collaboration."

At CFJC's 25th anniversary celebration: "Tonight, we celebrate more than a milestone. We honor a grassroots effort—set forth by caring community leaders and nurtured through collaboration—to build a stronger, more connected community where everyone belongs and thrives."

On the foundation's inclusive approach: "There's a place for everyone at the Community Foundation."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Community Foundation of Johnson County utilizes an online grants management system for all application-based grant cycles. Applications are submitted through their online portal at cfjc.org/grants-portal.

Application System Features:

  • New written and video applicant tutorials available to help navigate the portal
  • Separate applications for program support requests vs. operating support requests

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Qualified organizations include those recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, government entities, or charitable programs
  • Organizations must be located within Johnson County and primarily service its residents
  • Organizations must comply with CFJC's nondiscrimination and diversity policy

Decision Timeline

Review Process:

  • Applications reviewed by community selection committees
  • Final approval by CFJC's Board of Directors
  • Site visits may be scheduled by Board members and staff

Notification Timeline (varies by grant cycle):

  • Spring Capacity Building Grants: Early May notification
  • Coldren Fund for Seniors: Approximately 2-3 months after March 20 deadline
  • Coralville Community Fund: Approximately 2-3 months after March 22 deadline
  • Fall Community Impact Grants: Mid-November notification

Success Rates

In 2024, CFJC awarded 100 grants totaling approximately $2,997,707. In 2023, the foundation awarded 62 grants to 61 organizations totaling $365,217 (this figure represents only a portion of total giving through specific programs). Success rate data is not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly disclosed. However, the foundation does hold informational sessions for grant applicants where these questions can be addressed. Contact Ellie Moore at ellie@cfjc.org or (319) 337-0483 for clarification.

Note: Organizations that receive grants but fail to comply with the due diligence and reporting process will not be considered for additional grants until compliance is complete.

Application Success Factors

Key Alignment Factors:

  • Strong alignment with one of CFJC's six priority areas (health and human services, education, arts, environment, youth services, social services)
  • Clear demonstration that your organization serves Johnson County residents
  • For capacity building grants: Priority given to new, grassroots, and BIPOC-led organizations
  • Compliance with nondiscrimination and diversity policies

Process Tips:

  • Review specific eligibility criteria for each grant program carefully
  • Use the applicant tutorials (written and video) available through the online grants portal
  • Align project goals with the specific grant program's stated purpose
  • Submit applications within the specified timeframes
  • Provide clear, concise project descriptions
  • Be prepared for potential site visits from Board members and staff

Strategic Considerations:

  • CFJC reviews applications through community selection committees, so demonstrating community need and support is valuable
  • The foundation values collaboration, as evidenced by their partnerships with 27 funding partners in recent years
  • Consider which grant program best fits your request - program support vs. operating support applications are separate
  • For specialized programs like 5224GOOD, understand the annual focus area before applying

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Multiple opportunities: CFJC offers various grant programs throughout the year with different deadlines and focus areas - match your project to the right program
  • Geographic focus is critical: Your organization must be located in or significantly serve Johnson County, Iowa residents
  • Broad charitable mission: The foundation supports a wide range of charitable activities beyond typical focus areas, stating they fund "any other charitable field"
  • Inclusive philosophy: As President & CEO Shelly Maharry states, "There's a place for everyone at the Community Foundation" - the foundation welcomes diverse organizations
  • Community-driven approach: Applications are reviewed by community selection committees, so demonstrating community need and local support strengthens applications
  • Resources available: Take advantage of applicant tutorials and don't hesitate to contact Ellie Moore with questions about eligibility
  • 25-year track record: The foundation has distributed over $29 million since 2000 and manages nearly $67 million in assets, demonstrating stability and commitment to the region

References

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