Iowa grants for Nonprofits

Summer Meal Program Expansion Grant Applications for the new Summer Meal Program Expansion Grant program are now open through May 7! Program Overview: The Iowa Department of Education has received $900,000 to support the enhancement and expansion of summer meal programs in currently underserved and eligible areas. Program Details: Funding Source: $900,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Purpose: Enhance and expand summer meal programs in underserved areas. Target Audience: Iowa children ages 18 and under. Programs Supported: Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO). Grant Opportunity: Provides additional revenue source for summer meal programs beyond federal meal reimbursement. Allowable Expenses: Enhancing meal quality, incorporating locally grown foods, updating program equipment, conducting program outreach, and operational/administrative personnel expenses not fully covered through meal reimbursement. Eligible Sites for Expansion: Possible new meal site locations include: Schools Community buildings Libraries Apartment complexes Parks Swimming pools Splash pads Churches Other public sites where children gather Non-Congregate Distribution: Non-congregate distribution may be an option for State agency approved sponsors in rural areas unserved by a congregate meal service. Application Deadline: May 7 Don't miss this opportunity to expand summer meal programs and ensure Iowa children have access to healthy meals during the summer break! Apply now!

This program provides funding to Iowa's small city and county governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations to develop innovative housing solutions that increase availability in rural communities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government entities in Chickasaw County to implement projects that enhance the community's quality of life across various sectors, including arts, education, health, and environment.

The Ackley Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, is offering grants to support charitable capital projects, activities, services, programs, and organizations. The core mission of this grant program is to enhance the quality of life for residents of Ackley, Iowa, aligning with the Foundation's broader goal of fostering a community where people desire to live, work, play, and stay. This strategic focus ensures that all funded initiatives contribute directly to the betterment of the local community. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are the people of Ackley, Iowa. The program aims to create a positive and lasting impact across various sectors, including Art and Culture, Community Betterment, Education & Youth Development, Environment and Animal Welfare, Health, and Human Services. The overarching goal is to address community-based needs and improve the overall well-being and vibrancy of Ackley. Funding priorities emphasize requests that demonstrate a clear community need, broad community support, and benefits for the entire community. High priority is also given to organizations that can leverage funding and support from other sources, showcasing matching funds in their budgets. Furthermore, the Foundation values initiatives that maximize community resources through cooperation and collaboration with other local organizations, avoiding service duplication. The capacity of the organization and its staff to achieve desired results, as well as the long-term sustainability of the project without continuous financial reliance on the Ackley Community Foundation, are also critical considerations. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the quality of life for Ackley residents, such as enhanced cultural opportunities, stronger community bonds, improved educational outcomes for youth, better environmental stewardship, and increased access to health and human services. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these key areas, it can catalyze positive social and economic development, leading to a more attractive and thriving community for all its inhabitants. The minimum request amount is $500, with most grants ranging from $500 to $3,000, ensuring a broad range of projects can be supported.

This grant provides funding for innovative community-based projects that promote joy as a vital element of social justice for Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and AMEMSA communities in the Upper Midwest.

The Fund for Siouxland is an unrestricted endowment fund managed by the Siouxland Community Foundation, aiming to enhance the quality of life in the Siouxland communities. It utilizes the contributions from individuals, families, corporations, and other foundations to support a broad range of initiatives within an approximately 80-mile radius of Sioux City, Iowa. The fund prioritizes projects that collaborate with other agencies, address new and emerging needs with creative solutions, and demonstrate sound financial plans for future sustainability. Projects benefiting larger numbers of people, especially those at risk, are given preference. The grants generally do not exceed $5,000 and are not allocated to religious purposes, annual fund drives, political activities, capital campaigns, endowments, general operating expenses, individuals, budget deficits, or school playground equipment/uniforms. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadline: February 15th to May 15th

The Underserved Farmer to Farmer grant program, managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico division, is a $3 million, 5-year initiative. This program aligns with the mission of addressing critical environmental challenges by empowering historically underserved farming communities. The DNR's strategic priority is to enhance the capacity of these communities to combat nutrient pollution and frequent flooding, thereby fostering environmental resilience and sustainable agricultural practices. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are "underserved farmers" as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture. This includes beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, veteran farmers, and those with limited resources. Other classifications may also be supported through negotiation. The program aims to increase the ability of these farmers to implement practices that mitigate nutrient pollution and reduce the impact of frequent flooding, leading to improved water quality and land management. The grant prioritizes projects that directly address nutrient pollution and flooding. The expected outcomes include a reduction in nutrient runoff into waterways and enhanced flood resilience within historically underserved farm communities. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of projects funded, the types of conservation practices implemented, and the environmental improvements achieved in the targeted areas. The theory of change suggests that by providing financial resources and support to underserved farmers, the program will lead to widespread adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices. Projects funded through this grant can receive up to $250,000, with $700,000 currently remaining for subawards. Eligibility for subawards extends to a broad range of entities, including conservation districts, institutions of higher learning, local or state government entities (such as Watershed Management Authorities), NGOs and nonprofits, Tribal nations, beginning farmer groups, and U.S. military veteran farmer groups. This inclusive approach ensures that various stakeholders can contribute to the program's overarching goals and amplify its impact across Iowa's agricultural landscape.

The City of Des Moines introduces the Ladder Up Social Equity Grant program, designed to support community organizations that work towards addressing economic disparities among marginalized and underrepresented residents. This initiative is part of the city's commitment to enhancing economic opportunities and fostering equitable outcomes. Funding Source Each year, the program allocates a total of $100,000 from Local Option Sales & Services Tax revenues to fund these critical efforts. The goal is to boost the local economy and strengthen the purchasing power within the community. Eligibility Criteria Organizations eligible to apply must: Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or have a fiscal partner that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Be based in Des Moines or demonstrate service to City of Des Moines residents. Have a proven track record of successful economic opportunity programming and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. Supported Equity Efforts The grant supports a variety of initiatives, including but not limited to: Upskilling Programs: Training and education to enhance job skills. Small Business Support: Start-up assistance and ongoing coaching for underserved residents. Community Outreach: Targeted efforts towards specific marginalized groups. Language Accessibility: Increasing access to services through language support. Proactive Services: Quality services aimed at underserved communities. Economic Connection: Programs that link residents to economic opportunities. Grant Details Award Amounts: Organizations can receive between $10,000 and $25,000. Use of Funds: The grant covers operational costs such as program administration, supplies, and training. Funds must be used to expand or create programs specifically designed to serve historically marginalized communities.

This grant provides funding to educators and nonprofit preschool organizations in Iowa to create innovative projects that integrate agriculture into classroom instruction or afterschool programs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to charitable nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, education, and health, to help them implement programs or expand initiatives within the community.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities that aim to improve the quality of life in Howard County, Iowa, through projects in areas such as arts, education, health, and community betterment.

The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation is actively seeking grant applications from nonprofit organizations operating within Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island County, Illinois. The foundation's mission is deeply rooted in enhancing community well-being through strategic investments in three key areas: culture and the arts, education, and social welfare. This aligns with their overarching goal of fostering a vibrant, educated, and supportive community by addressing critical needs and enriching local life. Within the realm of culture and the arts, the foundation prioritizes cultivating and supporting both visual and performing arts, investing in landmark cultural institutions, and backing new, innovative programs that contribute to community enrichment. For education, their focus extends to pre-K–12 education, encompassing after-school and summer programs, creative learning initiatives, life skills and career training, environmental education with a sustainability emphasis, and crucial mental health programs for students and their families. Social welfare initiatives are designed to support accessible programs for individuals and families, specifically targeting at-risk and low-income family services, food and nutrition support, housing security, immigrant and refugee community support, and physical and mental health services. The foundation's funding strategies support a variety of grant types to achieve its impact goals. These include capital campaigns and acquisitions for construction and renovations, operational and/or program grants for up to three years following a capital campaign, and multi-year program grants, also not exceeding three years. These program grants may also cover general operating expense reimbursement. The target beneficiaries are primarily nonprofit organizations serving the specified counties, and through these organizations, individuals and families who will benefit from improved access to cultural experiences, educational opportunities, and social support. Expected outcomes include a more culturally vibrant community, improved educational outcomes and access, enhanced life skills, increased environmental awareness, better mental health support for students and families, and stronger social safety nets for vulnerable populations. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly laid out in its long-term funding priorities and its defined areas of focus. Their theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in these three core areas through various grant mechanisms, they can catalyze positive, sustainable change within the communities of Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island County, Illinois, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and thriving society.

The FY 2025 Latino Community Development Grant (LCDG), solicited by the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA), aims to bolster Latino-serving programs within the District of Columbia. This grant seeks to enhance initiatives across various critical areas, including Education (all ages), Workforce and Economic Development, Housing Services, Civic Engagement, Legal Services, Public Safety, Crisis Intervention, Health and Wellness, and Arts, Culture, and Humanities. This aligns with MOLA's mission to support and empower the Latino community in the District. The grant targets the District of Columbia’s Latino community, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life and fostering stronger communities. The expected outcomes include strengthening the middle class, ensuring access to job opportunities, and enabling residents to build better lives for themselves and their loved ones across all eight wards. By investing in these key areas, the program intends to create a more equitable and prosperous environment for Latino residents. Key funding priorities include the "Downtown Comeback," which seeks to reimagine Downtown DC as a vibrant center for living, working, and playing, positioning the District as a global and forward-thinking leader. Another critical priority is "Public Safety," aiming to create significant, lasting change by reducing all forms of violence, including gun violence. "Education" is also a core focus, with the goal of ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential through strong schools, reading, math, recreational activities, and civic and youth engagement. The strategic approach of this grant is rooted in the belief that investing in education, housing, and economic development will lead to improved public safety and overall quality of life for residents. By empowering the District to remain a city for people of all ages and stages of life, and by fighting to protect the middle class, the program aims for comprehensive community upliftment. The grant’s theory of change posits that targeted support for CBOs providing direct services will result in tangible progress towards these community-wide goals.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations in Marshall County, Iowa, to support initiatives focused on mental health, substance abuse services, or capital projects that improve the community's quality of life.

The Arts & Culture Capacity Building Grant Program, offered by the City of Dubuque, is designed to support initiatives that foster more sustainable and effective arts and culture organizations within the city. This program aligns with a mission to strengthen the operational capacity of local arts and culture entities, ensuring their long-term viability and ability to contribute to the community. Funding is available for fiscal year 2025, from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, with a total of $35,000 allocated for grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, although eligible organizations can apply for up to $8,000. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are arts and culture organizations that are nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, have at least two years of programming documentation and two Form 990s, and are officially located within the city limits of Dubuque. These organizations must serve residents of Dubuque and conduct programming within the city. The program aims to impact these organizations by enhancing their capacity in various key areas, ultimately leading to improved organizational health and effectiveness. The program prioritizes a range of capacity-building initiatives. These include strategic planning, creating development plans and/or fundraising strategies, improving donor experience, providing nonprofit 101 training for staff and board members, leadership development, project or program development, program management, volunteer management, and Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) training. These focus areas are intended to address common challenges faced by arts and culture organizations and equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive. Expected outcomes include organizations with stronger strategic frameworks, enhanced fundraising capabilities, improved donor engagement, more skilled staff and board members, and more effectively managed projects and programs. Measurable results would involve the successful implementation of these capacity-building initiatives, which could be tracked through reports detailing new strategic plans, implemented fundraising strategies, attendance at training sessions, and improved operational metrics. The City of Dubuque's strategic priorities for this grant program appear to be rooted in a theory of change that by investing in the foundational and operational strength of its arts and culture sector, it will foster a more vibrant, resilient, and inclusive cultural landscape for its residents.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities for projects that improve the quality of life in Franklin County, focusing on areas such as arts, education, health, and community development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers, focusing on enhancing job training, education, employment services, housing stability, and youth development initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Iowa-based organizations focused on delivering evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery services to combat the opioid crisis in the state.

The PRISM (Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities) grant program, offered by the PFund Foundation, is designed to bolster the capacity and connectivity of rural LGBTQ+ organizations across a five-state service area: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, including Native Nations within these states. This initiative directly aligns with PFund's mission to support LGBTQ+ communities, particularly in underserved rural areas. By focusing on rural interconnections, PFund aims to address the unique challenges faced by queer individuals in small towns and rural parts of the upper Midwest, fostering a more connected and resilient LGBTQ+ ecosystem in these regions. The primary beneficiaries of the PRISM program are LGBTQIA2S+ populations in rural communities within the specified states. The program targets organizations that primarily serve these populations, have been in operation for at least one year, are based in or serve rural areas (towns under 50,000 people), and are registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits or informal groups with a fiscal sponsor. The impact goals are to increase the capacity of these organizations, enhance their connections through networking, and empower them to effectively respond to the specific issues affecting queer people in their communities. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around creating networks for LGBTQ+ organizations and groups to facilitate resource sharing, collaborative learning, and collective action. This cohort collaboration is a central tenet, designed to build a strong, supportive community among rural LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations. The funding, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 for a 12-month period, supports these organizations in strengthening their infrastructure and programs to better serve their constituents. Expected outcomes include more robust and sustainable rural LGBTQ+ organizations, increased inter-organizational collaboration, and a more unified response to the challenges faced by queer individuals in the upper Midwest's rural areas. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the program's emphasis on capacity building, connection, and cohort collaboration suggests that metrics would likely include the number of organizations participating, the types of resources shared, the attendance and engagement in monthly virtual meetings, and qualitative assessments of increased organizational effectiveness and community impact. PFund Foundation's strategic priority with the PRISM program is clearly to support and uplift rural LGBTQ+ communities, recognizing their distinct needs and often overlooked struggles. The theory of change underpinning PRISM is that by providing targeted financial support, training, and fostering a collaborative network, rural LGBTQ+ organizations will become more resilient and effective. This, in turn, will lead to improved services, stronger advocacy, and a better quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals living in these areas, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and inclusive Upper Midwest.

The 5224GOOD Grants, announced by the Community Foundation of Johnson County, represent a key initiative aligned with the foundation's mission to address community needs. This grant program is managed in partnership with the Community Foundation of Johnson County (CFJC) through the 5224GOOD Charitable Fund and the 5224GOOD Endowed Fund. 5224GOOD itself is a learning and giving circle, dedicated to educating its members about philanthropy and community needs within Johnson County. This structure indicates a strategic approach where donor education and community engagement directly inform and support the grant-making process, ensuring that funding is directed towards areas of genuine need identified through member involvement. For 2024, the granting focus area is specifically Housing Insecurity in Johnson County, Iowa. This focus demonstrates a clear priority for the grant cycle, driven by the 5224GOOD membership's engagement with local organizations and their learning about this critical issue. The grants are geared toward program/project support requests, considering both existing and new initiatives, with a strong encouragement for collaborative projects. The target beneficiaries are individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity within Johnson County, with the ultimate impact goal being to alleviate or prevent such insecurity through supported programs and projects. The eligibility criteria further define the target for this grant. Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, churches, the ICCSD, or government entities that significantly serve Johnson County, Iowa, and focus their work on Housing Insecurity. Organizations without 501(c)3 status are encouraged to find a fiscal sponsor to apply, broadening the potential reach of the grants while maintaining accountability. This ensures that the funding reaches legitimate and impactful organizations directly addressing the identified community need. While the description doesn't explicitly detail a "theory of change," the focus on Housing Insecurity, the encouragement of program/project support, and the emphasis on organizations significantly serving Johnson County strongly suggest an implicit theory: that targeted financial support for effective programs will lead to measurable improvements in housing stability for residents. The maximum request amount of $25,000 per application, with an encouragement to request the full amount, suggests an aim to fund impactful, well-defined projects rather than a large number of smaller initiatives. Expected outcomes would include a reduction in housing insecurity, increased access to stable housing solutions, and stronger support systems for vulnerable populations within Johnson County. The grant's direct targeting of a specific issue reflects a strategic priority to concentrate resources for maximum community benefit.