FAQ

The primary funding focus is Black Hawk County. We also consider requests from Bremer, Buchanan, butler, Chickasaw, Grundy and Tama counties. Projects outside of Black Hawk County are REQUIRED to first submit funding requests to their local, county foundation. Outside County project applicants are urged to contact the office prior to submitting the application.

Through May, 2010 BlackHawk County Gaming Association has committed $12,137,704 to 158 different projects in the Cedar Valley.

Generally, the Black Hawk County Gaming Association prefers applications that demonstrate matching funds for the project budget have been raised or are available, however it is not a requirement.

Groups applying for grants must fit into one of three categories. They must be public agencies, educational organizations or not-for-profit organizations with 501c(3) recognition from the Internal Revenue Service.

You must apply using the standard grant application form from Black Hawk County Gaming Association. The form is available at www.bhcga.org or you may request an application form be mailed to you by calling 319-433-1153. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Black Hawk County Gaming Association Executive Director, Beth Knipp at 433-1153 prior to the submission of the application.

The Black Hawk County Gaming Association funding cycle is quarterly. Deadlines for applications are January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. Applications must be in our hands by the close of business on deadline dates to be eligible for consideration that quarter.

The prioritization process ensures that the city approves of the projects. The prioritization creates no legal obligation for BHCGA to fund in that order it is our intent to take into account the mayor’s recommendations.

This procedure has been put in place to ensure that the school board is aware of and approves of the projects.

The Black Hawk County Gaming Association receives weekly distributions from the Isle Casino and Hotel at Waterloo. At the end of each quarter, the Board of Directors reviews the amount of revenue received and makes recommendation for the amount to use for grant funding. During FY08, approximately $650,000 per quarter was awarded. The Black Hawk County Gaming Association keeps income and distributions in general balance. Revenue will be put to use each year to enhance the quality of life in the Cedar Valley rather than withheld to build an endowment. We will bank reserves sufficient to meet our expenses and obligations.

Yes, all applicants will receive a letter or email verifying the receipt of the application and explaining the next steps in the application review process.

Each grant application is individually reviewed by the Board of Directors. The board meets to prioritize all of the applications and to make funding recommendations. The process takes approximately 8 weeks from the deadline date.

The Board of Directors of the Black Hawk County Gaming Association is interested in awarding grants that will make the Cedar Valley a stronger, better place to live. Applicants must be public agencies, educational organizations or not-for-[profit organizations with 501c(3) recognition from the internal Revenue Service. Particular emphasis is placed on proposals that enhance public facilities, create, replace or upgrade substantial capital items, or create new opportunities where none now exist.

No, there is no legal obligation to retain funds. A portion of some of the funds will be retained to cover operational costs. The Black Hawk County Gaming Association is anxious to distribute funds and have the citizens of the eligible counties us them to build a stronger Cedar Valley.

At this time, our organization is too new to make significant long term financial commitments. We cannot accurately predict future revenue and it would not be prudent to create obligations for the future. Organizations who anticipate needing money again in the future will need to apply again in the next funding cycle.