UFG Foundation – Community Grants

Programmatic, Operating, and Capital Support for Local 501(c)(3) Nonprofits

The UFG Foundation supports established nonprofit organizations providing arts, education, environmental, and health and human services in local communities. Grants are primarily awarded to nonprofits located in or near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with additional consideration for organizations located near UFG branch communities.

Organization: UFG Foundation / United Fire Group
Support Type: Programmatic grants, operating support, and select capital support
Geographic Focus: Primarily Cedar Rapids, Iowa; additional consideration for Phoenix, Arizona; Rocklin, California; Westminster, Colorado; Ewing, New Jersey; and Webster, Texas
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
Typical Award Range: $2,000–$50,000
Average Award: $10,000

New to corporate grant fundraising?
Read our Corporate Grants for Nonprofits: Ultimate Guide to learn how corporate funding works.

About the Funder

The UFG Foundation is the charitable foundation of United Fire Group, a property and casualty insurance company founded and headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Through its foundation, UFG supports nonprofit organizations whose work strengthens local communities and aligns with the company’s values, mission, and founding principles.

UFG employee volunteerism is an important factor in funding decisions. If a nonprofit’s regular volunteer pool includes at least one UFG employee, applicants are encouraged to mention that employee by name in the application.

What This Program Supports

The UFG Foundation prioritizes support for established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working in the following areas:

• Arts
• Education
• Environment
• Health and human services

Nonprofits serving the greater good in other areas may also be considered as funding allows.

Types of Grant Support

Programmatic Grants

Funding may support a new or existing project or program that benefits a local community.

Operating Support

The UFG Foundation may consider general operating support for qualifying nonprofits, including funding that helps cover administrative and overhead costs.

Capital Support

Under certain circumstances, the UFG Foundation may consider support for capital endeavors or capital campaigns.

Geographic Focus

Nonprofit grants are primarily awarded to established 501(c)(3) organizations located in or near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where UFG was founded and remains headquartered.

Applications may also be considered from established nonprofits located in or near UFG branch communities, including:

• Phoenix, Arizona
• Rocklin, California
• Westminster, Colorado
• Ewing, New Jersey
• Webster, Texas

Eligibility & Guidelines

To qualify, applicants must be established and incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with their own formal tax-exempt status from the IRS.

Additional guidelines include:

• The nonprofit must apply directly.
• Fiscal sponsorships are not accepted.
• Organizations must wait 12 months before submitting another application after applying.
• Multiyear commitments are not typically considered.
• A nonprofit may not receive both a UFG Foundation grant and UFG sponsorship dollars in the same year.
• Event sponsorship requests should be sent to UFG’s sponsorship contact rather than submitted through the foundation grant application.

Ineligible Requests

The UFG Foundation does not fund:

• Religious organizations, such as church bazaars
• Political efforts, such as campaigns
• School-system clubs or entities, such as music boosters or PTAs
• Fiscal sponsorship applications
• Multiyear commitments in most cases
• Organizations seeking both foundation grant funding and sponsorship dollars in the same year

Funding Amounts

Typical awards range from $2,000 to $50,000.

The average award is approximately $10,000.

Timeline & Review

The UFG Foundation accepts applications during three annual grant cycles.

📅 Grant Cycle Deadlines: April 30, August 31, and December 31
📅 Current Deadline: August 31, 2026
📅 Expected Notification: Applicants can typically expect an update during the month following the close of the cycle.

Application / Request Process

Applicants should submit a grant application through the UFG Foundation’s online process.

Strong applications should demonstrate:

• Clear alignment with UFG’s funding priorities
• Local community benefit
• Connection to UFG’s vision, mission, values, or founding principles
• Whether UFG employees volunteer with the organization
• The specific type of support requested: programmatic, operating, or capital

If the request is for corporate sponsorship of a community event, organizations should email sponsorships@unitedfiregroup.com instead of submitting a foundation grant application.

Grant acknowledgements and optional project updates may be emailed to foundation@unitedfiregroup.com.

Apply / Learn More

➡️ https://www.ufginsurance.com/about-ufg/ufg-foundation

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is a strong fit for established 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving communities where UFG has a presence, especially organizations working in arts, education, environmental programs, or health and human services. It may be particularly relevant for Cedar Rapids-area nonprofits, as well as organizations near UFG’s branch communities.

Applicants with UFG employee volunteers should make that connection clear in the application, since employee volunteerism is a driver behind funding decisions.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Three annual grant cycles
Current Deadline: August 31, 2026
Other Annual Deadlines: April 30 and December 31
Typical Award Range: $2,000–$50,000
Average Award: $10,000
Best Suited For: Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and select UFG branch communities
Priority Areas: Arts, education, environment, and health/human services