Regional Development Authority (Community Grants)

Eligible organizations for this grant include non-profit organizations with valid 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) status under the U.S. IRS Code, qualified educational institutions, and governmental entities.

Location: These organizations must be located in Scott County, IA, or Rock Island County, IL, and the grant must benefit residents of Scott County, IA.

Project Scope: 

The project scope for this grant includes funding for initiatives in the following areas:

• Economic Development: Strengthening the business climate, supporting startups, workforce development, leadership initiatives, tourism, and neighborhood development.
• Arts, Culture, and Heritage: Enriching artistic and cultural amenities, promoting inclusivity, and creating a sense of place that attracts people to the region.
• Education: Expanding access to education, fostering parent engagement, and increasing educational attainment.
• Human Services: Addressing needs of vulnerable populations and strengthening the regional safety net.

Grants may also cover specific expenses like events, venues, capital campaigns, technology, leadership development, and construction/renovations.

The grant provides varying amounts depending on the project and available funding each cycle. While the foundation intends to fully fund most grants, the amount is contingent on the success of Rhythm City Casino Resort, which generates revenue for the grant fund.

For multi-cycle grants, funding is provided in phases based on revenue availability. Specific funding amounts are determined by the project scope and alignment with funding priorities, and grant cycles may prioritize innovation, capacity building, and regional support.

Funding restrictions for this grant include:

• No support for individuals, including scholarships or fellowships.
• No funding for political causes, candidates, or lobbying activities.
• No funding for religious sectarian missions or programming.
• No support for operating deficits.
• Funds must be used for the specific purpose outlined in the application; any variance requires prior approval or the funds must be returned.
• Grants will not fund ongoing expenses for the same project across multiple cycles.

Additionally, no funding will be provided to organizations with employees, officers, or directors affiliated with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

Online Application: All applications must be submitted through the online system, and no exceptions will be made after the deadline.

Organization Information:

• Valid 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) status verification (via Guidestar for nonprofits).
• For educational or governmental entities, status confirmation as part of the application process.

Detailed Project Description: Explanation of the specific purpose for the grant, including clear benefits to residents of Scott County, IA.

Budget:

• The organization's current year budget.
• A copy of the most recent IRS Form 990.
• A financial statement from the previous fiscal year prepared by an independent accountant.

Authorization/Certification: If applying for a project involving property not owned or operated by the applicant, authorization from the property owner/operator (e.g., school or city administration) is required.

Principal Approval for Educational Institutions: For public schools, applications must be approved by the Principal and forwarded to a District Review Committee.

Specific Cost Information: Clarity on how grant funds will be spent, detailing actual costs involved.

Additional Documents: For multi-cycle grants, a grant agreement outlining the conditions and payment structure based on available funds.

The deadline for each grant application is 11:59 pm on the date listed for the specific grant cycle period. The online application system closes at that time, and no exceptions will be made to ensure fairness to all applicants. You should check the grant cycle schedule for exact deadlines, as they vary.

Use of Funds: Grant recipients must use the funds for the specific purpose outlined in their application. Any variance from this purpose requires prior approval from the RDA, or the grant funds must be returned.

Financial Documentation: Recipients must provide financial transparency upon request, including:

• A current-year budget.
• A copy of the most recent IRS Form 990.
• A financial statement for the previous fiscal year prepared by an independent accountant.

Progress and Outcome Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided information, recipients should be prepared to report on the progress and impact of the funded project, demonstrating the benefits to the community as outlined in the application.

Multi-Cycle Grants: For multi-cycle grants, payments are contingent on the success of Rhythm City Casino Resort and are approved by the RDA Board based on available funds. Grantees may need to report on the project’s status to trigger additional payments.

Grantees are also responsible for ensuring compliance with any other specific reporting requirements that may arise throughout the grant period.

Alignment with Grant Priorities: Projects must align with the foundation's community priorities, such as economic development, arts and culture, education, and human services.

Clear Community Benefit: The grant must clearly benefit residents of Scott County, IA, particularly for educational institutions and projects aimed at improving community needs.

Specific Purpose and Costs: The application should clearly outline the purpose of the funding, with detailed costs involved. Projects that demonstrate a clear, measurable impact are prioritized.

Innovation and Capacity Building: Preference is given to projects that foster innovation, build capacity, and support regional development. Projects that address gaps or emerging needs, such as affordable housing, mental health, and workforce development, are encouraged.

Feasibility and Sustainability: The project should be feasible, with a well-thought-out plan for execution, and should contribute to long-term community impact.

Collaboration and Inclusivity: Collaborative projects or those that foster inclusion of diverse and marginalized populations are prioritized.

Organizational Capacity: The applicant’s ability to effectively manage and implement the project, as well as the financial stability of the organization, is a key consideration.

Reporting and Accountability: Successful applicants must be able to report on the impact of the funds and demonstrate responsible stewardship of the grant.