The Linn County Endowment Fund gives priority to enhancing quality of life and community development outside the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area.  Priority will be given to applications originating within non-metro communities. Organizations based in the Cedar Rapids area may apply for projects benefiting non-metro Linn County as long as support and partners are identified within the community being served. Awards range from $2,000 to $15,000. Capital improvements are eligible for consideration.The application deadline is June 15, 2010.

The Linn County Endowment Fund was created by the Iowa Legislature. It is funded by state legislation that distributes half of one-percent of the state's gambling revenues to non-gambling counties. Every year since 2006, the Linn County Endowment Fund has received a distribution from the state legislature.  Seventy-five percent of those funds will be distributed to charitable projects within Linn County. The remaining twenty-five percent will be placed in a permanent endowment fund at The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation and used to benefit Linn County nonprofits in perpetuity.

Grant applications will be reviewed by the Linn County Endowment Fund committee. The grant committee will be supported by the staff of The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.