Gilchrist’s Challenge Grants Help Organizations Expand
The Gilchrist Foundation has been supporting nonprofit organizations in Sioux City and the surrounding areas for more than 25 years. The Foundation awards several different types of grants, each with a special funding purpose. Capital Campaign grants in particular help fund renovation or expansion projects that will enhance the mission of an organization.
Some preference is given to organizations that want to use the Foundation’s funds to stimulate matching funds, as in a 1:1 challenge grant. These types of awards match dollar-for-dollar the funds raised by the nonprofit organization within a specific timeframe, helping them to reach their fundraising goals faster.
In 2024, the Foundation announced it had awarded several 1:1 Challenge Matches to help support the expansion projects of Siouxland organizations.
2024 1:1 Challenge Matches
The Foundation gave four 1:1 Challenge Matches, totaling $525,000.
Friends of Siouxland Public Media
Friends of Siouxland Public Media was awarded a $125,000 Challenge in 2023 for the development of its Innovation Center to include the main studios for Siouxland Public Media. The Innovation Center is a joint project by Siouxland Public Media and Iowa’s West Coast Initiative. It will be located at 308 Iowa Street and 1200 Fourth Street. Siouxland Public Media will co-locate in the facility and will have offices on the third floor of the building. It will also have a visible broadcasting studio and shared recording booths on the first floor of the building. The Innovation Center will also support food innovation on the first floor with a shared commercial kitchen and food labs and the second floor will feature a tech lab with equipment for startups.
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) was awarded a $150,000 Challenge grant in 2022 for the Little Sioux Scout Ranch addition to the Loess Hills State Forest. INHF purchased the former scout camp in late 2022 after the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of America sought a buyer that could open the property to the public, maintain the memorial to the four boys who died in the 2008 tornado and honor and share the history of Little Sioux Scout Ranch as a scout camp. The 1,776-acre property has been used as a scout camp for more than 50 years by troops from Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota.
Sioux City Symphony Orchestra
The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra (SCSO) was awarded a $200,000 Challenge grant in 2023 for its Music Education Center. The SCSO plans to construct a 2,800-square-foot music education center in the historic Orpheum Theater. The project will establish a historic musical collection and also create spaces for on-site practice, ensemble rehearsals, instrument storage and a recording studio. The Sioux City Symphony is a regional orchestra, drawing its personnel and audience from within a 90-mile radius of Sioux City. The Orpheum Theatre has been the SCSO’s home since 2001.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army was awarded a $50,000 1:1 Challenge March in 2023 for the Outdoor Courtyard at the Salvation Army Western Plains Camp. The Western Plains Camp is a nonprofit Christian camp owned and operated by The Salvation Army and located just west of South Sioux City on more than 100 acres. The outdoor courtyard is just one of several improvements that have recently been made to the camp. Others include a new 16-unit guest lodge, a boathouse and nurse’s station and upgrades to the nine sleeping cabins.
How to Apply for a Capital Campaign Grant
Step One: Request For Invite
Any organization wishing to apply for funding from the Foundation will need to first request an INVITATION to apply. You can request an invitation online or by mail.
To submit an invitation online, submit the request form here: Request for Invitation. Or download and print the PDF. Completed forms can be mailed to:
Security National Bank
601 Pierce St.
Sioux City, IA 51101
Request for Consideration for Invitation is due by April 1, 2025.
Step Two: Apply for Funding
Upon approval of your request for invitation to apply for funding, you will be sent a URL link where you can download, complete, and submit your Capital Campaign Application. You can preview the Capital Campaign Application here.
About The Gilchrist Foundation
The mission of the Gilchrist Foundation is to carry out the philanthropy established by the Gilchrist family. The emphasis is on fostering the long-term viability of the charity and enabling special projects rather than supplying short-term operating funds. The Foundation provides incentives and funds to pre-selected non-profit organizations, with a preference for the Sioux City area. Interests considered for funding include: Wildlife & Conservation, Arts & Public Broadcasting, and Disaster Relief.