About CEFP

Created in 2004 by the Iowa State Legislature, the the County Endowment Fund Program (CEFP) increases philanthropic activity to enhance the quality of life for Iowans. Through this program 0.8% of Iowa’s commercial gaming tax revenue is distributed annually to community foundations in the 84 counties that do not hold a state-issued gaming license. The community foundations then grant 75% of those funds to nonprofits and charitable projects within their counties. Funds are granted at the local level.

The remaining 25% of funds are placed in a permanent endowment fund for the county, which is intended to attract other donations and provide a source of permanent funding for charitable projects within the county – forever. Combined, these charitable assets are now worth over $288 million. These dollars are invested in perpetuity, with annual endowment payouts supporting charitable causes and nonprofits in every corner of our state.

There are 15 counties with state-licensed gaming facilities that do not participate in the County Endowment Fund Program. However, each of the gaming facilities in those counties fund a nonprofit entity that distributes charitable grants on their behalf in their area.

Through both the CEFP and grantmaking in counties with state-issued gaming licenses, charitable investments are made annually in each county throughout Iowa. A comprehensive list of grants made each year is available in the annual report produced by the Iowa Council of Foundations and the Iowa Gaming Association.