# Washington County Riverboat Foundation (washingtoncountyriverboatfoundation.org)

> Washington County Riverboat Foundation We are pleased to be a significant part of helping non-profit organizations and local governments complete important projects that make Washington County, Iowa a better place to live and work. The Washington County Riverboat Foundation (WCRF) is the 501c(4) non-profit affiliate and gaming license holder for the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort. Making a Real Difference in Washington County Over $80 Million Granted $17M+ COMPETITIVE GRANTS AWARDED $59M+ MUNICIPAL GRANTS AWARDED Our Grant Process: Simple and Transparent We've made applying for a grant straightforward, so you can focus on your impactful work. Submit Application Complete our online form with your project details and goals. Review Process Our board of directors carefully evaluates each proposal for impact and alignment. Grant Awarded Successful applicants receive funding to bring their initiatives to life. Implement & Report Execute your project and share your progress and impact with us. Empowering Washington County Through Strategic Grants Frequently Asked Questions Find quick answers to common inquiries about our grants and foundation. Latest News & Upcoming Events Stay informed about our latest initiatives and community happenings. WCRF Funds New Community Park Expansion Washington County residents will soon enjoy expanded recreational facilities. Annual Tree Planting Day - Join Us! Help us green Washington County on October 26th at 9 AM. Local Hero Awarded WCRF Community Grant Celebrating individuals making extraordinary contributions to our community. Stories of Success: Our Impact in Action Hear directly from the organizations and individuals whose lives have been transformed by our grants. Washington County Riverboat Foundation Helps Save a Piece of History When a century-old barn began its slow 17.3-mile journey across Washington County, it wasn't just a building on the move—it was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community invests in preserving its heritage.Washington County Riverboat Foundation We are pleased to be a significant part of helping non-profit organizations and local governments complete important projects that make Washington County, Iowa a better place to live and work. The Washington County Riverboat Foundation (WCRF) is the 501c(4) non-profit affiliate and gaming license holder for the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort. Serving Washington County and beyond for over 20 years. https://youtu.be/syDMI3pkuRQ Pause video Play video Apply for Grant /grant-application Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/riverboatfoundation

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- [WCRF History: Impacting Washington County Since 2004](https://washingtoncountyriverboatfoundation.org/history) HistoryTwo decades of giving back to Washington County 2004 The idea takes shape 2005 A foundation is formed 2006 First grants awarded 2011 Growing the impact 2016 Broadening our reach 2020 Steady in hard times Today Millions invested locally
- [Apply to the WCRF Board: Director Application](https://washingtoncountyriverboatfoundation.org/director-application) Board of Directors Application2027–29 Board Term Director Application The Riverboat Foundation will be accepting applications from residents of the Washington County area for the 2027–29 board term. No matter where the director resides, they will represent the entire Washington County area. What to know before you apply Local representation All board members must live or work in Washington County, Iowa, and represent the entire county area. Background check Applicants undergo an extensive background check by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. A volunteer commitment Meetings are held at locations around the county. Both meeting time and travel are uncompensated. Term length Terms run three years. Members may serve two consecutive terms — up to six years in total. Applications due September 16, 2026 Download application https://onecdn.io/media/director-application-2026-4ea3bfb7-9700-4b40-9dcc-4e2a4bbffcf8.pdf
- [WCRF Resources | Community Grants & Partnership Tools Iowa](https://washingtoncountyriverboatfoundation.org/resources) ResourcesREFERENCE Links & Resources Trusted partners and gaming-industry resources connected to the Foundation and its funding source. Our funding partner Riverside Casino and Golf Resort The casino resort whose revenue funds the Foundation's grants. https://www.riversidecasinoandresort.com Iowa Gaming Association Trade association representing Iowa's licensed casinos. https://www.iowagaming.org Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission State regulator overseeing gaming and racing in Iowa. https://irgc.iowa.gov 1-800-BETS-OFF Free, confidential help for problem gambling — available 24/7. tel:1-800-238-7633
- [Contact the Washington County Riverboat Foundation](https://washingtoncountyriverboatfoundation.org/contact) Contact UsGet in touch Contact Us Have a question? Fill out the form below or reach out to our director. We read every message and reply within two business days. Our Office 319-653-3588 120 East Main Street Suite 5, Washington, IA 52353 120 East Main Street, Suite 5 Washington, IA 52353
- [Grant Fund Types | WCRF](https://washingtoncountyriverboatfoundation.org/grant-fund-types) Grant Fund TypesGrant Funding Where the Funding Flows The WCRF distributes funds from the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort through two grant programs. Competitive Fund 75% The Board of Directors distributes 75% of annual funding as competitive grants. Awards are made by application and subject to Board approval. Applications and supporting materials become public documents after submission. Supporting materials required with each application include, but are not limited to: See full Application Guidelines #grant-applications GuideStar Profile confirming your tax-exempt status. Current Certificate of Existence from the Iowa Secretary of State confirming an active Iowa non-profit. Permission by resolution, should the project take place on public / government-owned land. Letters of confirmed matching funds on the letterhead of the funding source. Municipal Fund 25% WCRF awards 25% of its receipts to eight municipal cities in Washington County, distributed by each city’s share of the population from the most recent US decennial census. Each city’s funds are programmed by its City Council. Allocation by latest data Ainsworth Brighton Crawfordsville Kalona Riverside Washington Wellman West Chester
- [Upcoming Meetings | Washington County Riverboat Foundation](https://washingtoncountyriverboatfoundation.org/upcoming-meetings) MeetingsMARK YOUR CALENDAR Upcoming Meetings All meetings are open to the public. We hope to see you there. Monthly Meeting AUG 19 2026 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Washington YMCA Community Room Monthly Meeting OCT 21 2026 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM TBD Monthly Meeting NOV 18 2026 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Riverside Casino Event Center
- [WCRF Funded Projects | Iowa Community Grants & Impact Maps](https://washingtoncountyriverboatfoundation.org/projects) ProjectsGRANTS ARCHIVE Past Funded Projects A record of the community organizations and initiatives we have proudly supported, year by year. $ Total awarded Grants funded 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 City of Keota 2012 Community City Hall Repair Washington County Library Association 2012 Arts & Culture 2012 Summer Reading Program Keota School District 2012 Education Learning with iPads Washington County Genealogical Society 2012 Arts & Culture Securing Our Past, Preserving Future City of Kalona 2012 Recreation Portable Outfield Fencing Wilson Library 2012 Arts & Culture Media Matters City of Keota 2012 Recreation Pool Lift Washington Area Softball Organization 2012 Recreation Equipment & Field Improvements City of Kalona 2012 Community North Restroom Renovation Mid-Prairie Community Schools 2012 Education Preschool Technology Washington County Extension 2012 Education Shooting Sports Trailer/Supplies Hills Elementary 2012 Education Library Collection Expansion Washington County Extension 2012 Education Media Enabled System & Sound Mid-Prairie Community Schools 2012 Education Washington Township Laptops City of Wellman 2012 Community Video Server/Messaging System Mid-Prairie Community Schools 2012 Recreation Turf Irrigation System City of Kalona 2012 Recreation Campground Renovation Just Us Girls 2012 Arts & Culture Sound Project Keota School District 2012 Education Art in Our Schools Highland Community Schools 2012 Recreation Highland Shooting Sports Club Stewart Boosters 2012 Education Stewart Gymnasium Improvements GIVE Foundation 2012 Veterans 6th Annual Golf Tournament Highland Community Schools 2012 Education iPads for Enhanced Learning House of Heroes 2012 Veterans Home Improvement St Joseph's Catholic Church 2012 Community Replace Roof on Education Room Mid-Prairie Community Schools 2012 Education Fine Arts Mobile Mac Lab Riverside Area Community Club 2012 Community Tourism Projects Riverside Volunteer Fire Dept 2012 Public Safety Firefighter Rescue Equipment City of Brighton 2012 Community Digital Signage for Brighton Keota School District 2012 Education High School Technology English River Township 2012 Recreation Richmond Park Renovation St Joseph's Catholic Church 2012 Community New Restroom Highland Community Schools 2012 Education Irrigation for Sustainability & Safety Kalona Historical Society 2012 Arts & Culture Electrical Upgrade and Bldg Repair Washington Park Board 2012 Recreation 2012 Ball Field Improvements St James Elementary 2012 Education Computer Products & Programming Mid-Prairie Community Schools 2012 Education Wellman Elementary Technology Main Street Washington 2012 Community Main Street Incentive Fund City of Brighton 2012 Community Street Lighting Upgrade Ainsworth Community Church 2012 Community Revitalization of ACC Center Blair House Non-Profit Corporation 2012 Community Blair House Tower Roof West Chester Heritage Association, Inc 2012 Communi...
- [Grant Application](https://washingtoncountyriverboatfoundation.org/grant-application) Grant ApplicationBefore you Begin Grant Applications Open August 1 and Close September 15 Create an account Submit your documents Complete your application Ready to Apply? Application https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=wcrf Tutorials Creating Your Account https://vimeo.com/600679112/fea799cc3b?fl=pl&fe=cm&turnstile=1.x4OOS2HOHWf7ozFMOvJZHhl48MwQNya4NaXYB8VQ2TeNTEG68MUmCEom1dtHQ8XrdCdOJgID0UaKW7ZDpe0GdEIZjVV7m911NWzzQzD1YHMBfMemRCUUrDboryluubAeSTik2bsYk0EHt3kX87LIuoNL26Do2K04bQXxF8dPlVqLzpKsx5eyk1F_KmMpn1DMU9avTYpnpv95hntc9dDhI_gkF1lOyuHpecDKdglBQdyYSfSsPE1NKfXG6O1fJ4Z2No8YO-jCT8Czm6Q_ok_PCr1GKMF6b0cAPnizWFUZQkMlZcLBHAq_Z7-qJW7nB0DkQYJXeTzL21T75QH8fVp1DIRhVu583jLz9WO10ptuD5IjDx8jw_q1VW7kk6SMCMZNzHgvp48rQEIztxyQxe06gzcbFIcr3mUtsdWmU7q2RVRgDzsGw5CJISqnNRo9SFqBZQ1cdhYRpGbcIzb5SohmINyw5TopLFvLeH1tAdslJ_jjZ6lJDPWeLTaZAb9xZ_NbgTcLtxm6uE6lqZ6O8kYxTKzDYCngRsNU6-FDflUz3RURpE4LgC44Y4GEIhc55963UzT7X6uVirHzQBKyeZiebQ.cZOTjd0VJdIr1sReX3t3Gw.0331dcf3b25a5c4f12aa9f9243b5705724a104685da70cfb0cd7c787716ef6ee   Applying for Funding https://vimeo.com/600678674/6090d71f4f?fl=pl&fe=cm   Your Applicant Dashboard  https://www.iorad.com/player/2691187/GLM-SLM---Applicant-Dashboard?iframeHash=trysteps-1#trysteps-1 Open Guide Do you need assistance? Please contact Patty Koller wcrf@riverboatfoundation.org
- [Board of Directors | WCRF](https://washingtoncountyriverboatfoundation.org/board) Our Board of DirectorsLEADERSHIP Guided by our community The people who steward the Washington County Riverboat Foundation and keep gaming revenue working for local causes. Patty Koller Executive Director Patty Koller has a long history with the Washington County Riverboat Foundation as she was a member of the founding board formed in 2004 to bring a casino to Washington County. She served as Vice President for 9 years and President from 2012–14. She brings knowledge of the workings of both the foundation board and the casino to her work as Executive Director of the Riverboat Foundation. 2026 Board of Directors A volunteer board of local leaders reviews every application and directs where funds go. Brandon Hamilton President Brandon and his wife Meghan have lived in Washington since 2007. They have two children, Ty and Brynn. Brandon has a BA in Criminal Justice from Briar Cliff University. Brandon has been a certified peace officer since 2008 and served with the City of Washington Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff's Office for over eleven years. In October of 2019 Brandon took over as Director for Washington County Outreach. In his free time Brandon enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors and playing as much golf as possible. Zach Haworth Vice President Zach has been a resident of Washington County since 2014 when he relocated to the area to become the Park Ranger of Lake Darling State Park. Zach and his wife Stefanie have three children, Sawyer Tschantz, Parker Tschantz and Stella Haworth. Stephanie is the Head Coach for the Washington HS Cross Country and Girls Track teams. Zach graduated from Simpson College with degrees in exercise science and environmental science. In his free time, Zach enjoys traveling with his family, attending kids' events and playing golf. Jake Engle Secretary A lifelong resident of Washington, Jake joined the board in 2023. He received both Bachelor's degree in History, and Master's degree in Education from the University of Iowa. He has served as a social studies teacher at Fairfield High School since 2020. Jake is an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan, attending most football and basketball games. He also serves as a Board Member of Latino's for Washington, where he helps co-teach citizenship courses for people working through the naturalization process. Jake currently coordinates social media for WCRF. Mark Cobb Treasurer Mark is the owner of Cobb Oil Co. He is Captain of the Brighton Fire Department, a past Chairman of WEDG and past Brighton City Council member. David Hoffman Director David and his wife Shelly moved to Washington in 1998. They have three children, Jordan, Justin, and Sydney. David served as the Principal of Lincoln School for 18 years. The last five years David has served as the President of WCDC, Inc. He enjoys spending time with his family and dogs, traveling, and sports. David graduated with a BA from Wartburg College and his Master's Degree from the University of Nor...
- [Grant Application Info | WCRF](https://washingtoncountyriverboatfoundation.org/grant-application-info) Grant Application InfoNow Grant Applications OPEN August 1 – September 15 Application Requirement Read first, then apply The first step in applying to the Washington County Riverboat Foundation is to acquaint yourself with our funding guidelines, areas of interest, and ineligible uses of funds. Then register your organization online and complete the full application. Please carefully read the sample questions, grant guidelines, and areas of interest below. You must have a registered GuideStar profile as well as a Foundant profile to apply for funding. Please contact our Director with any questions. Get acquainted Review our funding guidelines, areas of interest, and ineligible uses of funds. Register online Set up your organization with a GuideStar profile and a Foundant profile. Complete the application Fill out and submit the full grant application before the deadline. Before you begin Sample Grant Questions https://onecdn.io/media/2025-grant-application-questionlist-49224ce2-b46b-4d48-9424-375b88003739.pdf Grand Application  Contact Us /contact Areas of Special Interest Four focus areas guide the projects we choose to support. Community Development and Beautification Projects that improve shared spaces, promote a better quality of life, enhance the appearance of our towns, and contribute to a more vibrant community. Economic Development Projects that improve infrastructure and public services and create opportunities for growth. Education and Arts New and innovative projects that promote lifelong learning — academic, arts, athletic performance, and workforce preparation opportunities. Human and Social Needs Innovative projects that strengthen families, benefit young people, enrich the lives of senior citizens, and meet important community needs. Organization Requirements At least one of the following code sections may describe the applying organization: 170c(2) / 170c(1) Governmental units such as cities, counties, schools, community colleges, hospitals, etc. 501c(3) Charitable, religious, or educational organizations. 501c(4) Social welfare organizations and local associations of employees. 501c(6) Business leagues, such as Chambers of Commerce. 501c(19) Veterans organizations. Register and update your organization’s charity profile at GuideStar.org. To enhance the impact of its grant making, the Foundation is especially interested in leveraging its awards; applicants are encouraged to secure other sources of funding to complete a project in addition to funds requested from the Foundation. What we don’t fund Grants are not awarded for the following uses Benefiting specific individuals, such as an individual applying to pay for their education, a fellowship, etc. Participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office. Supporting any specific or individual private for-profit enterprise. Replacing an organization’s existing, long-term source of funding. Funding debt, operating de...