Micro-Grants Help Fund Small Projects
The Gilchrist Foundation’s capital campaigns, endowments and project grants help fund existing programs, ongoing projects, renovations and expansions that support the arts and public broadcasting, wildlife and conservation and disaster relief across Siouxland. The foundation pledges tens of thousands of dollars each year to help support these types of projects but also understands there are times when just a little help is needed. That’s where the foundation’s micro-grants come in.
In 2014, the Gilchrist Foundation began its exciting “micro-grant” grant opportunity that offers grants up to $5,000. These grants allow non-profit groups to receive funding for smaller projects on a one-time basis. As with our other grants, criteria for the award includes the opportunity to bring theater, music, art, green spaces, parks, wildlife and conservation efforts to the lives of Siouxland residents. But unlike our other applications, there’s no invitation needed to apply. Grant requests may also be submitted at any time as there are no annual deadlines. Micro-Grants will be either accepted or denied within 30 days.
In 2018, the Gilchrist Foundation awarded micro-grants to several organizations, including:
Creature Conserve: $5,000 awarded to cover travel expenses for photographer Traer Scott’s South African art and science conservation safari.
FilmScene: $5,000 awarded for marketing, publicity and the theatrical release of the documentary, Saving Brinton.
First United Methodist Church: $5,000 awarded to purchase six Yamaha electric pianos for piano lessons.
Friends of Latham Park: $1,200 awarded to replace or repair eight sidewalk panels.
Noah’s Hope Animal Rescue: $5,000 awarded to help purchase a new rescue van.
Old Creamery Theatre: Awarded $5,000 to help cover the travel expenses of the professional actors hired to perform “Sailing the 3 C’s” at six elementary schools.
SIMPCO: $5,000 awarded to help enhance signage and kilometer markets at Kramper Lake in Hubbard, Neb.
Sioux City Chamber Music Association: $5,000 awarded to support the 42nd season of the association.
Siouxland Youth Chorus: $5,000 received to help fund the KIDZSING Festival project which brought in Ruth Dwyer to lead the choral festival for area students.
Trinity Heights Queen of Peace: $5,000 was given for the treatment of the diseased spruce trees in the area.
If your tax-exempt qualifying organization has a one-time project you think might fit the foundation’s requirements, go online to complete and submit the Micro-Grant Application online. The application form can also be printed and mailed to Security National Bank, 601 Pierce Street, Sioux City, IA 51101.
For more information about the Micro-Grant Project, contact Security National Bank at 712-277-6586 or wealth@snbonline.com.