Iowa grants for Nonprofits

This grant provides funding to organizations in Iowa and Wisconsin that address community needs in areas such as hunger, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety.

Through the program, IEDA provides financial incentives to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations; schools; area education agencies; local, county, state and federal governmental agencies; and tribal councils to support a wide variety of arts-related activities. Donor Name: Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Art Project Grants for Organizations program is administered by the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). To be eligible, projects must include artistic excellence and service to Iowans. Priority is given to projects that advance the goals of the Iowa Arts Council 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Funding Information Applicants may request funding for eligible one-time project expenses that are incurred and expended during the eligible funding period. Minimum grant request: $2,500. Maximum grant request: $10,000. Funding Period The eligible funding period is July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Eligible Projects  Eligible projects must involve an arts experience or arts learning opportunity and must demonstrate public value to Iowans through deliberate public engagement and access to project activities. Types of eligible projects include community events, performances, exhibitions, festivals or workshops dedicated to arts related activities. All project activities must have a clear beginning and end date during the eligible funding period. Applicants may apply for support of an annual event or series only if they can demonstrate how the event or series is unique to the eligible funding period and worthy of support. Project content must change from year to year. Applicants may apply for support of a public art project only if they can demonstrate broad-based community engagement and programming surrounding the project. Eligible Applicants  Eligible applicants must be one of the following types of entities. Entities who do not fall into one of these categories are not eligible to apply. Nonprofit organization incorporated and physically located in Iowa exempt from federal taxes pursuant to Internal Revenue Code § 501(c)(3). “Physically located in Iowa” means maintaining a current registered office and registered agent address in Iowa pursuant to Iowa Code 490.501 and maintaining a primary staff presence physically located and working in Iowa. Actively registered with the Iowa Secretary of State to do business in the State of Iowa. Entity located in a border community that meets the requirements set out in IEDA’s Border State Policy. A nonprofit organization that has not yet achieved federal tax-exempt status may apply through a fiscal agent. Educational institution, organization or K-12 school whose primary orientation, mission and purposes are education and/or awarding academic credits. Unit of local, county, state or federal recognized tribal government physically located in Iowa. Area Education Agencies. For more information, visit IEDA.

Capacity Building Grant Program Overview: The Capacity Building Grant Program is a biennial initiative alternating with the Special Projects Grant Program. The fiscal year 2025 (FY25) Building Capacity grant application period commences on April 2, 2024. Purpose: The Arts & Culture Capacity Building Grant Program aims to provide funding for initiatives fostering sustainable and efficient organizational development. Eligible organizations can request grants of up to $8,000 to support capacity-building endeavors. Definition of Capacity Building: As per the National Council of Nonprofits, capacity building encompasses activities essential for elevating a nonprofit's operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity. It's a continuous improvement strategy geared towards establishing sustainable and effective organizations. Examples of Capacity-Building Initiatives: Strategic planning Development of fundraising strategies Marketing/communications enhancements Improvements in donor experience Nonprofit 101 training for staff/board members Leadership development Project/program development and management Volunteer management Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) training Eligibility Requirements: Eligible Applicants: Arts and culture organizations meeting grant guidelines Nonprofit 501(c)(3) entities with at least two years of programming documentation and two Form 990s Official business address within Dubuque city limits Service provision to Dubuque residents within city limits Clean compliance record and good standing with City of Dubuque’s Arts and Culture Grant Program(s) Ineligible Applicants: For-profit entities, businesses, or sole proprietors Educational institutions (K-12 schools, colleges, universities, community colleges) City of Dubuque government departments/entities Individual artists Non-arts and culture nonprofits (e.g., social service, religious institutions) Organizations with delinquent City of Dubuque Arts and Culture Grant Program Final Reports Fiscal agent/sponsor usage is prohibited Funding Guidelines and Timeline: Funding Guidelines: Grant requests ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 accepted Requests below $4,000 will not be considered 1:1 cash match required; personnel time ineligible for cash match FY25 Grant Timeline: April 2, 2024: Informational webinar available; online application opens May 10, 2024, by 11:59 p.m.: Grant applications due via Slideroom July 9, 2024: Award notification August 2024: Anticipated fund disbursement Application Process: Applications submitted via SlideRoom, exclusively through the online portal Deadline for FY25 applications: May 10, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. Late, incomplete, or ineligible applications will not be considered Resources:

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofits for projects aimed at managing and controlling invasive and noxious plant species on public lands across the U.S.

The Heartland Regional Food Business Center is offering Business Builder Subawards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to support small food and farm businesses in selected states and counties, aiming to expand local and regional food markets, increase business acumen, and strengthen food systems in response to COVID-19, with projects to be completed within a year.

System and Capacity Building Grants offer substantial financial support for infrastructure and significant system change projects aligned with the core initiatives of the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation. Interested parties are required to submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) by the specified deadlines. Successful LOIs, as determined by a grant committee, will advance to the next stage, where they will have the opportunity to present their proposal to the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation Board of Directors. Grant renewed every year. Annual LOI Fall deadline: September 1st

This grant provides funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government entities in Akron, Iowa, to support projects that enhance community quality of life in areas such as arts, education, health, and the environment.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Linn County for projects that preserve historic artifacts, structures, and educational programs related to local history.

The Cultural Capacity Building grants provide general operating support over a three-year period to eligible arts, cultural and humanities organizations in Iowa. Donor Name: Iowa Arts & Culture State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Organizations with annual operating expenses above $10,000 that demonstrate a commitment to enhancing their cultural and managerial excellence and community service are eligible to apply. Funding for the program is made possible by an annual appropriation from the Iowa Legislature to the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Funding Information Grant recipients will receive up to $5,000 in each fiscal year, for a total maximum award of $15,000 over three years, to support opera ng expenses that are incurred within each eligible funding period. Funding Period The three-year funding period will be in effect from July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027. Who Qualifies? Iowa 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations whose primary mission and purpose is focused on arts or culture and arts or cultural divisions of a municipal government. Eligible entities must maintain a cash operating expense budget of no less than $10,000 per year. Applicant must have a minimum of one dedicated staff or volunteer position that works for the organization year-round and is responsible for oversight and management of the organization. For more information, visit Iowa Arts & Culture.

This funding opportunity supports public humanities projects in Iowa that foster community engagement and educational programming about the human experience, available to individuals, nonprofits, local governments, and higher education institutions.

The Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE) Program offers immediate funding opportunities to promote economic development in Iowa by supporting the establishment, construction, and improvement of roads and streets. The grant aims to assist in creating and retaining jobs through immediate, non-speculative opportunities. Applicants should be in the process of negotiating a location or retention decision with a developer or firm and must demonstrate that immediate funding is essential to influence job creation or retention decisions. Jobs created should be value-adding in nature, such as manufacturing or industrial, with a minimum local match of 20 percent required. Any proposed roadway or development impacting state right of way will need consultation with Iowa DOT district staff, and a transportation impact study may be required prior to approval by the Iowa Transportation Commission.

The Economic Development Match Grant aims to support economic development projects in Woodbury County, Iowa, by encouraging collaboration and higher funding levels. Eligible projects must align with at least one of MRHD’s four focus areas: job creation and retention, workforce development, impactful new projects or services, and community development for improved quality of life. Proposals must be sustainable without further grants, demonstrate community priority, be available to Woodbury County citizens, and leverage diverse resources. The application period runs from June 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, with funding decisions announced by August 2, 2024. Awards range from $250,000 to $1,000,000, with a total of $1,000,000 available for the FY24 cycle. Grant recipients must complete projects within four years and match awarded funds dollar-for-dollar. Eligible applicants include educational entities, local governments, and tax-exempt organizations based in Woodbury County, IA. Only one application per funding opportunity is allowed per tax-exempt organization, whereas educational entities and local governments can submit multiple applications from different units. Applications are submitted online via Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager software and must include detailed budgets, proof of eligibility, and letters of support.

Humanities Iowa's Mini Grants Program for Not-for-profit Organizations aims to support the furthering of humanities across the state of Iowa by collaborating with communities, non-profit organizations, and humanities scholars. The program provides grants, builds community partnerships, and creates programming that reaches over 250,000 Iowans annually. Projects funded by the program cover a wide range of activities including community roundtables, intergenerational storytelling projects, documentaries, rural archives restoration, the Iowa Poet Laureate program, the statewide Speakers Bureau series, and the journal Voices from the Prairie.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Linn County, Iowa, for projects that directly benefit local residents, focusing on long-term impact and collaboration.

The Rural Child Care Planning Program seeks to support the use of data and analysis by rural communities to determine the specific needs and solutions for child care in their area. Donor Name: Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Child care is a challenge across rural communities in Iowa and across the nation. However, the solutions are often more complicated than the construction of a new facility. Many factors need to be carefully analyzed to determine the feasibility for development of a child care center, expansion of an existing one or support for in-home providers. Through greater understanding of their geographic market, demographics, competition, financials, and other factors, communities can be armed with the information needed to take proactive steps towards addressing child care challenges. Funding from the program will empower communities to assess their current child care environment and develop strategies. The program, defined in Iowa Administrative Code, is administered by the Center for Rural Revitalization, a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), in consultation with the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative Task Forces. Funding Information Grant Recipients will be awarded $20,000. Grant Period All project activities and incurred expenses must occur within the eligible contracted funding period of October 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026. Uses of funds  The program provides funding for planning initiatives addressing child care needs through a professional third party partner. Eligible Project Requirements Requirements for Rural Child Care Planning Grant awards include, but are not limited to the following: Applicants must demonstrate the capacity for grants administration. Applications must provide 1:1/2 cash match. Applications must agree to contract with a professional third-party partner for completion of the market study and strategic goals. Applicant communities must identify the third-party organization in their application that will conduct the planning process.  Eligibility Criteria Iowa businesses, colleges and universities, city or county government, federally tax-exempt nonprofit agencies and foundations Projects/programs must exist in and benefit a community in Iowa with a population of 20,000 or fewer and not contiguous to a city with a population of 40,000 or greater. If a countywide project, must be in one of the 88 least populous counties. For more information, visit IEDA.

Humanities Project Grants offer support for public humanities projects that encourage contemplation, spark conversation and engage the community. Donor Name: State Historical Society of Iowa State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Eligible projects will use the humanities as the central resource to involve and benefit diverse groups of Iowans through educational programming that explore the human experience. Funding for the Humanities Project Grant is made possible by an appropriation from the National Endowment for the Humanities, a federal agency, to the Iowa Department of Administrative Services. The program is administered by the State Historical Society of Iowa on behalf of the department.  Funding Information Applicants may request funding for eligible one-time project expenses that are incurred and expended within the eligible funding period.  Minimum Grant Request: $2,500 Maximum Grant Request: $30,000 Funding Period All project activities and incurred expenses must occur within the eligible funding period of November 1, 2024–October 31, 2025. Eligible Projects Eligible projects should focus on the humanities and must demonstrate public value to Iowans through deliberate public engagement and access to project activities. Types of eligible projects could include community discussions, lecture series, workshops, films, interpretive exhibits, podcasts, etc. Projects that involve the creative or performing arts could be eligible as long as they are a catalyst in a project in which humanities are central, and include interpretation and/or discussion of performances, concerts, literary and art works. Humanities must be central to the project. Subject areas include archaeology, comparative religion, cultural anthropology, ethics, folklore, gender studies, history, jurisprudence, languages, law, linguistics, literature (including novels, poetry, drama, and other forms of written expression, both modern and classical), philosophy, and the interpretation (not the creation) of the arts. Aspects of the social sciences, such as political science and sociology, that can help to explore the humanity and discover meaning in the lives and community are also included.  Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants must be one of the following types of entities. Entities who do not meet these requirements are not eligible to apply. Organizations Federally tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization incorporated and physically located in Iowa Physical location of the organization is defined as maintaining a current home office and registered agent address in Iowa defined by Iowa Code 490.501 as well as maintaining a primary staff presence physically located and working in Iowa Federally tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization physically located in a border state community immediately adjacent to Iowa. The organization must be registered to do business in Iowa with the Secretary of State’s office. An eligible border state organization must demonstrate that the funding request significantly impacts the cultural vitality of Iowa and predominantly serves Iowans. Unit of local, county or federally-recognized tribal government physically located in Iowa Units within institutions of higher education that are physically located in Iowa that have the humanities as their core mission and offer public programs are eligible. However, institutions of higher education are limited to one application, from one unit, and may neither apply for nor receive grant funds for multiple units. Individuals Individual filmmaker or humanities expert A humanities expert is defined as someone with an advanced degree in a humanities discipline or someone who is otherwise well-qualified to bring a humanities perspective, such as a historian, library or museum professional, culture bearer, or individual who is an acknowledged cultural expert within their community. Current, legal Iowa resident who is 21 years of age or older and physically located in Iowa Residence is defined by Iowa Code 422.4 and Iowa Administrative Code 701.38.17 (422) An application from an individual must support a project that is initiated and managed by the individual, not an organization. The project must be designed to benefit the individual and may not benefit an organization with which the individual applicant has a formal affiliation such as employment or volunteer service. Applicants who represent a group must apply as an individual and clearly state their individual role in the project proposal  For more information, visit State Historical Society of Iowa.

The Omaha Community Foundation is accepting applications for the Richard A. Shaw Fund to support nonprofit organizations. Donor Name: Omaha Community Foundation State: Iowa, Nebraska County: Douglas County (NE), Pottawattamie County (IA), Sarpy County (NE) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant program is available for: Public school programs emphasizing history, the natural sciences, and outdoor education. Applications from schools/school systems will only be accepted from public schools serving students from 5-18 years of age. Nonprofit programs benefiting animals, with preference given to equine therapy. Funding Information $3,500 is awarded through a maximum of two grants. Eligibility Requirements Public schools or public school systems emphasizing history, the natural sciences, and outdoor education programs; or public 501(c)(3) organizations that benefit animals, both wild and domesticated. Preference will be given to organizations and programs involving equine therapy. Organization must be located in the Omaha metropolitan area (Douglas, Sarpy, or Pottawattamie Counties). For more information, visit OCF.

This grant provides funding for community-led projects in Ames, Iowa, that aim to reduce energy use, promote sustainable practices, and enhance environmental resilience.

The Community of Health Grants program seeks to partner with organizations that share the Foundation's mission and values, aiming to improve the health and dental health of Iowans. The Foundation focuses on strengthening and transforming health services through investments in projects that align with its core initiatives. These projects must fit within three strategic areas of focus, supporting the Foundation's goal of a healthier Iowa community. Grant renewed every year. Annual Spring deadline: March 1st

Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s Black Hawk County Grants one-time grants awarded to organizations and projects that benefit residents of Black Hawk County, Iowa. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa State: Iowa County: Black Hawk County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Areas Arts and Culture Access- Programs that offer new and expanded access to arts and cultural opportunities. Infrastructure– Programs and projects that protect history and make long-lasting impacts in the community. Talent Development- Programs that help grow the visual and performing creative class in their community Community Betterment Economic Development– Programs that create or expand businesses, create new jobs opportunities, and leverage outside financial support. Civic Engagement– Programs that support civic action, service learning, and cross-cultural understanding. Shared Amenities- Through the creation or expansion of public amenities like parks and trails, libraries, farmers’ markets, etc. Education and Youth Development Child Care-Programs that address the academic, health, and social/emotional needs of children pre-kindergarten. Mentorship-Through K-12 programs that provide guided and continuous mentoring, coaching, and teaching during or outside regular school hours that improve academic performance. Career Readiness- Through 9-12 programs that support postsecondary attainment and workforce readiness. Environment and Animal Welfare Conservation- Through projects that protect ecosystems and minimize their use of natural resources. Restoration- Through projects that work to re-establish the healthy functions of ecosystems. Education- Programs that foster a stronger awareness and understanding of environmental and sustainability issues. Health Case Management- Programs that provide guided and continuous behavioral healthcare and wellness services. Prevention- Programs that focus on education, physical health screening, and suicide prevention. Access- Programs that expand access to high-quality physical and mental healthcare Human Service Case Management- Through programs that help people overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. Prevention- Programs that focus on prevention of child abuse, violence, and substance abuse. Basic Needs- Programs that meet basic human needs of food, shelter, housing, transportation, and emergency assistance. The Community Foundation prioritizes requests that align with their community initiatives and program areas and embraces organizations that work to address two or more of these. The Community Foundation has identified community initiatives to provide focus on what we fund and how they spend the time in community initiatives and leadership. Those include: Advancing Racial Equity – They are committed to supporting organizations and initiatives that are BIPOC-led and/or support BIPOC populations. Expanding Child Care – They strive to increase equitable, accessible, and sustainable child care opportunities. Enhancing the Arts – They work to enrich and enhance an inclusive arts community that amplifies diverse voices and viewpoints. Strengthening Workforce Readiness – They support the community-wide need to create a more qualified, prepared workforce for the future. Building Nonprofit Capacity – They want to build the capacity of their nonprofit partners so their work is strengthened to serve their community well. Funding Information The majority of competitive grants range from $5,000 to $25,000. Eligibility Criteria Organizations must provide benefits to the people of Black Hawk County and meet the following criteria: Be classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or be a government entity. Tax-exempt organizations classified as other than 501(c)(3) are also eligible if and only if the project is deemed charitable. For groups, projects, or initiatives that do not meet the above eligibility requirement, we will consider projects submitted through a fiscal sponsor. Fiscal sponsors must be classified as a 501(c)(3) or a government entity. CFNEIA prefers the fiscal sponsor’s mission closely align with the sponsored project. Applicants must be current with all state and federal reporting requirements. In addition, the following conditions must be met: Applicants must not have any past due grant reports for previous CFNEIA grants. Applicants with a separate supporting, eligible organization (like a “friends of” or a foundation) can apply through either the organization or through its supporting organization, but not both. The Foundation encourages applications to be submitted through the supporting organization. The Foundation will consider requests for capital campaigns but will not provide multiple grants (in subsequent years) for the same campaign. For more information, visit CFNEIA.