Community Impact Grant Program Information

Purpose:
The Valley County Community Impact Grant Program provides annual funding to support nonprofit and community-based organizations delivering essential social, human, and community services that benefit Valley County residents.

Funds are designed to supplement projects and services not already funded through other grant programs and that would otherwise fall to Valley County to provide. Priority areas include, but are not limited to:

  • Senior programs
  • At-risk youth services
  • Early childhood education
  • Substance abuse prevention and recovery
  • Domestic violence prevention and support
  • Transportation 
  • Housing
  • Animal shelter and welfare support
  • Community services or programs that strengthen the quality of life in Valley County 
  • Other community needs as identified

Annual Funding Pool:
Approximately $200,000 is allocated annually (subject to yearly budget approval).

Grant Type:
Single-year, non-matching grants. Partial funding may be awarded at the County’s discretion.

Eligible Applicants

  • Nonprofit organizations with active 501(c)(3) status
  • Community-based organizations
  • Special districts or public service entities (e.g., senior centers, schools, community resource programs)

Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must:

  • Operate within or provide direct benefit to Valley County residents
  • Have been established for at least one year
  • Submit all required documentation and complete application materials

Application

Application Timeline

Standard Annual Cycle (Starting FY2027)

  • Application Window: April 10th – May 10th
  • Review & Decisions: Committee review in June. Committee will present funding recommendations to the County Clerk during budget planning. The final Commission approval will occur when the FY2027 budget is set, if funding allows.
  • Funds Distributed: 
    • One-time payment: November 15
    • Two equal payments: November 15 and March 15

Applicants must complete the online application form 

View the Online Application

Evaluation & Selection Process

Review Committee:
An appointed Valley County Community Grant Advisory Committee will review all applications, using a scoring rubric to ensure fairness and transparency. Recommendations will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval.

The Advisory Committee will be a five-member committee including one commissioner, one elected official, and three community members.

Scoring Rubric:

CategoryPointsDescription
Community Impact30Addresses critical social/community needs and demonstrates measurable benefits
Organizational Capacity20Demonstrated ability to deliver and manage the project effectively
Financial Need20Justifies the funding request and shows responsible budget planning
Countywide Benefit20Serves multiple areas or populations within Valley County
Sustainability5Potential for long-term impact or continuation beyond grant year
Presentation Clarity5Clear, professional communication of goals and outcomes
Total100

*Partial funding may be awarded at the discretion of the Valley County Community Grant Advisory Committee and the Board of County Commissioners.

End-of-Year Reporting Agreement
Successful applicants agree to submit a brief report on project outcomes and fund use by the end of the grant year, including ROI and a summary of key community impacts. 

Previous applicants who have not submitted an end-of-year report will not be considered for further funding until reporting is complete.