The Amy Helpenstell Foundation awards grants annually to charitable programs and services in the greater Quad-City area. Eligible applicants must represent or be associated with a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. Applications accepted on an invitation only basis.

Explore our Guidelines, download a Grant Application & Instructions or the Final Report Form.

 

The Amy Helpenstell Foundation Grantmaking Policy

The Amy Helpenstell Foundation makes grants in the Quad Cities area that honor the memory of Amy E. Helpenstell and meet her charitable objectives. The charitable objectives of the Foundation are to support programs for youth development, health, community development, cultural activities and education. The Foundation will not operate programs, but will provide grants to carry out its mission to schools, colleges and charitable organizations. The Quad Cities area is defined as being within a sixty-mile radius of the four cities.

The Foundation will make grants annually in amounts equal to or greater than the distributions required by the federal regulations governing private foundations. The Foundation generally will not provide multi-year grants.

Unsolicited grant requests will not be honored. The Foundation may invite grant requests from identified organizations on subjects of interest to the Foundation. The Foundation may make grants without seeking grant applications.

 

 

The Amy Helpenstell Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants since its inception. Foundation board members understand the challenges faced by nonprofits during these uncertain economic times; thus, organizations invited to submit grant proposals during the Foundation's two grant cycles in 2009 were encouraged to submit proposals for core operating support for their ongoing work, rather than for new programs or additional projects. This strategy also is in effect for 2010. The Foundation board reviews its grantmaking strategy and considers and selects organizations for invitation on an annual basis.

 

The Amy Helpenstell Foundation requests that organizations invited to apply for its 2010 spring grant cycle have their application postmarked no later than March 19th. Those invited to apply for the 2010 fall grant cycle must have their application -- and final report from 2009 if applicable -- postmarked by Friday,  September 3rd.

 

Organizations completing this form will be eligible for invitation to participate in future grant cycles.

Organizations receiving grants will need to submit a Final Report. Also, please include a representative photo or photos of your organization and the people touched by the grant.