Quick Summary
Name: R.J. McElroy Trust Status: Active Grant Maker
Key Facts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Giving | $2,568,931 (2023) |
| Grant Range | $1,000 - $100,000 |
| Average Grant | $21,957 |
| Application Method | Rolling |
Contact Details
- Website: https://www.mcelroytrust.org
- Phone: (319) 287-9102
- Email: office@mcelroytrust.org
- Address: 114 E. 4th St., Suite 300, Waterloo, Iowa 50703
Geographic Focus
Northeast Iowa only - specifically 12 counties: Allamakee, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Fayette, Grundy, Tama, and Winneshiek counties
Funding Priorities
- Education: Scholarships, fellowships, internships, student loan programs, early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education (especially for disadvantaged students), programs for minorities, graduate study (through matching funds and fellowships)
- Youth Development: Programs and projects that help young people
- Arts and Culture: Arts programs that benefit youth
- Recreation and Sports: Youth-focused recreational activities
- Environment: Environmental programs for young people
- Leadership Development: Programs developing young leaders
- Human Services: Youth-focused human services programs
- Public Affairs: Youth-related public affairs initiatives
Core Mission: All funding must support programs, projects, or endeavors that help young people, per Ralph J. McElroy's will
What They Don't Fund
- Rarely funds: One-to-one technology resources for schools, school general grants, fundraising events, endowments
- Not eligible: Organizations outside the 12-county service area, non-501(c)(3) organizations (except governmental entities like schools and municipalities)
- Must benefit youth: Programs that don't help young people are ineligible
Application Method
Rolling basis - Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) anytime. The Trust reviews and approves or denies LOIs within 2-3 weeks. Applicants are encouraged to call or email for guidance before submitting. The Trust holds regular meetings and can review grants at the next available meeting if timing doesn't work for one cycle.
Eligibility: Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and governmental entities (school districts, municipalities) in the 12-county service area
References
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