Each year, the Gilchrist Foundation helps strengthen nonprofit organizations throughout Siouxland that promote the arts and public broadcasting, wildlife and conservation and disaster relief. In 2025, the Foundation awarded more than $1.87 million in grants to support these nonprofit organizations by funding projects that celebrate creativity, protect nature and enhance community life.
Read MoreThe Gilchrist Foundation awarded Briar Cliff University a $10,000 grant to help fund the initial development of a new documentary project, A Most Unlikely Place: A Century of Faith, Service, and Learning, which will chronicle the University’s 100-year history. Supporting the university’s documentary reflects the Gilchrist Foundation’s mission to strengthen the long-term viability of local organizations by funding special projects rather than short-term operating needs.
Read MoreArtSplash celebrates its 31st year Sept. 13-14, 2025. Hosted by the Sioux City Art Center, this community favorite is shifting from its traditional Labor Day weekend slot to a new fall date. The change offers visitors a fresh way to enjoy art, live music, food and family-friendly fun while supporting one of Sioux City’s most important cultural institutions.
Read MoreSioux City’s West 7th Street area is getting a colorful update, thanks in part to the Gilchrist Foundation. The Foundation partnered with 712 Market Street owners Nathan and Rachel Phillips, the City of Sioux City and artist Jill Wells to create a new mural. Located on the north side of 712 Market Street, the mural is highly visible from Wesley Parkway.
Read MoreFor more than 30 years, the Saturday around the Fourth of July has been dedicated to the area’s premier music festival, Saturday in the Park. Held annually in Sioux City’s Grandview Park, the event attracts about 25,000 music fans, many lured by the big names organizers line up for the main and Abe stages. Thanks to support from the Gilchrist Foundation, fans get to see major musical acts for free.
Read MoreWhen the Siouxland YMCA (Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA) developed plans to expand its Early Learning and Youth Development Center, the Gilchrist Foundation proudly stepped in to support the initiative. In 2023, the Foundation awarded the YMCA a $50,000 capital campaign grant to help fund the $5 million expansion. And in May 2025, the newly expanded facility officially opened - marking a milestone for children and families in the region.
Read MoreFor more than 50 years, Iowa PBS has offered programming that reflects a broad spectrum of interests and demographics and the Gilchrist Foundation has been a consistent supporter. In 2024, a $65,000 project grant was awarded to fund the second season of Road Trip Iowa. An identical grant was provided in 2023 to support the program’s inaugural season.
Read MoreJocelyn Gilchrist recognized the value of musical performances and music education. As a young woman, she frequented the Chicago Symphony and enjoyed the theater. She developed a deep fondness for the arts, both live and on the radio. This passion led her to support music through the Gilchrist Foundation, and it remains a pillar of the Foundation’s philanthropic mission today. In 2024, The Gilchrist Foundation awarded several grants and awards to support music-related initiatives.
Read MoreThe Gilchrist Foundation’s 2025 grant season is nearly here. April 1, 2025, is the deadline for nonprofit organizations to submit a Request for Invitation to see if they qualify to apply for a grant in 2025. Once a Request for Invitation is granted, the deadline for applications for the 2025 grants is June 27, 2025.
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Wildfires have become an increasingly common and devastating phenomenon. Although natural fires can play a beneficial role in maintaining ecological balance, their uncontrolled spread can lead to catastrophic consequences. The recent wildfires in California have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 29 people, according to The Associated Press. That’s why in 2025, the Gilchrist Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to the Iowa National Heritage Foundation to help purchase essential communication equipment for the Loess Hills Fire Partners. The Gilchrist Foundation's mission is deeply rooted in supporting wildlife and conservation efforts, and this grant will help preserve natural habitats and ensure effective wildfire management.
Read MorePhilanthropy is at the heart of the Gilchrist Foundation’s mission. The Foundation’s purpose is to help local charities by enabling special projects that will foster their long-term viability. Each year, the Foundation invites charities to request an invitation to apply and if chosen, submit a grant application for either a project grant, capital campaign grant or endowment grant. These grants, along with micro-grants, help nonprofits further their own missions. In 2024, the Foundation awarded 71 grants totaling $2,031,484.23 to nonprofits committed to supporting the arts, wildlife and conservation and disaster relief.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreSiouxland nonprofits benefit from donations to help further their missions, and the Gilchrist Foundation has helped support local charities for more than 25 years. In 2024, the Gilchrist Foundation awarded 71 grants totaling more than $2 million.
Read MoreMusic can make us feel happy, sad, excited and even frightened – in the best ways. And for more than 100 years, the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra (SCSO) has brought music to life with its exceptional performances. Seeing music performed live by the SCSO is an enriching experience everyone should enjoy. And the Gilchrist Foundation is proud to support the SCSO’s vision to present performances that are innovative and culturally inclusive to the community.
Read MoreOn June 20, 2024, a dedication was held to celebrate the completion of the Chris Larsen Park Riverfront Redevelopment Project. The official opening and ribbon cutting event was held at the Floyd Shelter in Chris Larsen Park at 700 S. Floyd Blvd. The dedication ceremony marks the multiple years and millions of dollars spent redeveloping this historic area of Sioux City. The entire project cost $12 million, with $6 million coming from the City of Sioux City and the other $6 million from grants and donations, including awards from the Gilchrist Foundation.
Read MoreEach year the Gilchrist Foundation gives thousands of dollars to fund disaster recovery. In 2023 alone, the Foundation gave the American Red Cross $150,000 in disaster grants to aid victims of wildfires, tornados, hurricanes and floods. And while the Foundation pledges to support disaster victims across the United States, sometimes that help is needed at home.
Read MoreEvery Saturday around the Fourth of July tens of thousands of people gather in Grandview Park in Sioux City for the FREE annual Saturday in the Park (SITP) music festival. The event, which has been a summer staple since 1991, is funded by generous donors and sponsors, including the Gilchrist Foundation. In 2023, the Foundation awarded SITP a $150,000 project grant for the 2024 festival. It has supported SITP since the beginning.
Read MoreOn April 26, 2024, multiple tornadoes touched down in Nebraska and Iowa damaging or destroying hundreds of homes and businesses, injuring several people and killing one, according to the National Weather Service. The tornadoes impacted areas in and surrounding Lincoln, Neb., Omaha, Neb. and southwest Iowa. The American Red Cross quickly responded to the devastation, sending disaster workers to help those affected by the storms.
Read MoreMiss the deadline to qualify for an invitation to apply for funding available during the 2024 Gilchrist Foundation’s grant season? The date for requesting an invitation has passed, the deadline was April 1, 2024, but that doesn’t mean funding isn’t still available. Micro-Grants are available year-round. The Gilchrist Foundation’s Micro-Grants were created in 2014 as a way for qualifying, tax-exempt organizations to receive a one-time grant for up to $5,000. Micro-Grants allow non-profit groups to receive funding for smaller projects on a one-time basis.
Read MoreEvery year the Gilchrist Foundation awards grants to deserving charities whose missions align with that of the Foundation. In 2023, the Foundation awarded more than $1.9 million to nonprofit organizations for projects ranging from music arts and the theater, wildlife and conservation and disaster relief. The deadline for applications for the 2024 grants is approaching fast: 2024 Grant Applications are Due by June 28, 2024.
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