Strategic Grant Areas

Strategic Grants are considered by invitation only and are generally initiated by the Foundation to affect positive change in Ottumwa and Wapello County. For the next several years, the 4 priority objectives identified in the Foundation’s long-range Strategic Plan are as follows:

Objective One…Jobs

We will support initiatives that attract retain and create good paying jobs.

Objective Two…Education

We will support education opportunities that equip citizens to lead productive and meaningful lives.

Objective Three…Housing

We will support strategies that increase quality housing that is appealing for professionals and middle income workers.

Objective Four…Revitalization

We will support efforts to revitalize downtown Ottumwa and the surrounding area.

If your organization has a project that aligns with one of the five objectives of our strategic plan and exceeds the maximum $30,000 award amount specified within our Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund Grant Program, you may contact Kelly Genners to discuss opportunities to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI).  LOI’s are submitted through our online process and are received by invitation only.  Once the submitted LOI has been reviewed and a favorable determination has been made regarding the alignment of your project with the Foundation’s strategic vision, you will be provided authorization to complete a full grant application.