The Alliant Energy Foundation offers Community Grants designed to strengthen the communities it serves in Iowa and Wisconsin. The foundation focuses its giving on four strategic areas that reflect Alliant Energy’s values: Hunger and Housing, Workforce Readiness, Environmental Stewardship, and Community Safety and Engagement. These categories include a range of initiatives from emergency shelter support and food security to environmental conservation, STEM education, and first responder equipment.
Funding is not available for projects outside of Alliant Energy’s service areas or for organizations that do not align with its funding guidelines. Certain exclusions apply, such as support for religious institutions without a separate 501(c)(3), political activities, energy-related equipment, and projects involving animal welfare, sports, or personal electronics like laptops. The foundation is also unable to support individuals, for-profit businesses, or intermediary fundraising organizations.
The grant program operates on a triannual cycle with application deadlines in January, May, and September. Applicants can only receive one grant per calendar year and are encouraged to apply through the CyberGrants portal. While applications are accepted year-round, they are only reviewed three times annually. The application is streamlined and designed to be accessible, though organizations with difficulties may contact the foundation directly for assistance.
The Community Grants are reviewed and awarded on the following schedule: Cycle One applications are due by January 15, with awards issued by April 1; Cycle Two is due May 15 with awards by August 1; and Cycle Three closes on September 15 with decisions by December 1. Applicants will receive notifications by email and may be contacted for clarification.
This program emphasizes support for specific projects or programs rather than general operating expenses, and the foundation prefers to fund new or diverse causes rather than repeat recipients annually. The grants are governed by a board of directors from Alliant Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries.
