GrantExec

Iowa grants for Private institutions of higher education

Explore 24 grant opportunities

Swisher Community Fund Grants
$1,500
Community Foundation of Johnson County (CFJC)
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jul 14, 2025

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public entities that enhance community wellness, education, and engagement for residents of Swisher, Iowa.

Community Development
Nonprofits
FY25 Bureau of Land Management Invasive and Noxious Plant Management- Bureau wide
$500,000
U.S. Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management)
Federal

Application Deadline

Jul 23, 2025

Date Added

Jun 24, 2025

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.

Natural Resources
State governments
FY25 Bureau of Land Management Youth Conservation Corps- Bureau wide
$210,000
U.S. Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management)
Federal

Application Deadline

Jul 11, 2025

Date Added

Jun 11, 2025

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

Natural Resources
State governments
Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund
$300,000
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

May 22, 2025

This grant provides funding for conservation projects that restore and enhance habitats for monarch butterflies and other native pollinators, targeting nonprofit organizations, government entities, tribal groups, and educational institutions.

Environment
Nonprofits
EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems (E-CORE)
$10,000,000
National Science Foundation
Federal

Application Deadline

Jul 21, 2026

Date Added

Apr 25, 2025

This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by supporting collaborations among academic institutions, government agencies, and private industry to develop sustainable research infrastructure.

Science and Technology
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Mark W. Schwiebert Fund for Environmental Studies Grant
$2,850
Quad Cities Community Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Feb 19, 2025

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, universities, and government entities in Illinois and Iowa that focus on educating the public about climate change and natural resource depletion or conducting research for sustainable solutions.

Environment
Nonprofits
IDALS Specialty Crop Block Grant
$30,000
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Feb 17, 2025

This funding opportunity supports Iowa-based organizations and agencies in developing projects that enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the state's specialty crop industry, including fruits, vegetables, and horticultural products.

Agriculture
Native American tribal organizations
National-Central Expanding Opportunities for Community Change
$350,000
Cultivating Healthy Environments – National-Central
Private
Rolling

Application Deadline

Apr 30, 2027

Date Added

Feb 14, 2025

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations and local governments working to address environmental justice issues and improve public health in underserved communities across the U.S.

Environment
Nonprofits
Des Moines Women’s Club Literature Scholarship
$2,000
Des Moines Women’s Club
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jan 7, 2025

This scholarship provides $2,000 to graduating high school seniors in specific Iowa counties who are passionate about reading and writing and plan to pursue higher education.

Women & Girl Services
County governments
Children’s Cancer Connection Empowering Scholarship 2025
Contact for amount
Children’s Cancer Connection
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Dec 3, 2024

This scholarship provides financial support for students in Iowa who have been directly affected by childhood cancer, either as patients or siblings, to help them pursue higher education.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Private institutions of higher education
Community Investment Grants 2026
$100,000
United Way Quad Cities
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Nov 8, 2024

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island County, Illinois, to implement projects that enhance youth education, promote financial stability, and improve community health.

Recreation
City or township governments
CFGD Grants for Tech Program in Iowa
$10,000
Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
Private

Application Deadline

Sep 17, 2024

Date Added

Sep 2, 2024

Grants for Tech is an innovative approach to assist nonprofits that do not employ IT staff within the Dubuque area. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Through a partnership with the University of Dubuque nonprofits can apply to receive technology assessments. The grant program will pay for technology improvements, training and services for nonprofits to help make their organizations more effective and grow stronger. Funding Information Grants awarded will be a minimum of $2,000, with a maximum grant award of $10,000. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible organizations are within the Dubuque area including 501(c)3 nonprofits, church, school or government organizations that do not employ IT staff. Organizations must operate in a manner that no applicable anti-discrimination laws are violated. Only one proposal may be submitted per organization each year. For more information, visit CFGD.

Science and Technology
County governments
Humanities Project Grant Program 2025
$30,000
State Historical Society of Iowa
State

Application Deadline

Aug 15, 2024

Date Added

Aug 9, 2024

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.

Humanities
Nonprofits
Humanities Project Grant
$30,000
State Historical Society of Iowa
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jul 26, 2024

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.

Humanities
Nonprofits
Art Partnership Grant Program
$20,000
Iowa Economic Development Authority
State

Application Deadline

Jun 30, 2025

Date Added

Jul 26, 2024

This program provides financial support for a variety of arts-related projects in Iowa, targeting organizations and initiatives that promote regional and statewide arts events or align with strategic arts goals.

Arts
Nonprofits
Rural Child Care Planning Program
$50,000
Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)
State

Application Deadline

Aug 30, 2024

Date Added

Jul 11, 2024

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.

Workforce Development
City or township governments
Economic Development Match Grant
$1,000,000
Missouri River Historical Development (MRHD)
Private

Application Deadline

Jun 30, 2024

Date Added

Jun 6, 2024

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.

Community Development
City or township governments
Connie Saylor Johnson Wilderness Education Grant
$2,000
Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Oct 31, 2025

Date Added

May 3, 2024

This grant provides funding for educational projects that promote wilderness values and stewardship among youth and adults in Idaho, Montana, and Iowa.

Education
Independent school districts
Underserved Farmer to Farmer Grant
$250,000
Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
State

Application Deadline

Jun 30, 2024

Date Added

May 3, 2024

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is now accepting a second round of applications as part of the $3 million, 5-year Underserved Farmer to Farmer grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico division. Donor Name: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The DNR is looking to increase the ability of historically underserved farm communities to address nutrient pollution and frequent flooding through the grant. Underserved farmers are defined by the United States Department of Agriculture as those who are beginning, socially disadvantaged, veterans or with limited resources. Other classifications may be supported as negotiated. Funding Information Projects funded through the grant may receive up to $250,000. Currently, remaining funds for subawards totals $700,000. Eligibility Criteria  Grants will be distributed through subawards to entities including: Conservation districts Institutions of Higher Learning Local or state government entities, including 28E agreement entities such as Watershed Management Authorities NGOs and nonprofits Tribal nations Beginning farmer groups U.S. military veteran farmer groups. For more information, visit DNR.

Natural Resources
City or township governments
Summer Meal Program Expansion Grant
$10,000
Iowa Department of Education
State

Application Deadline

May 7, 2024

Date Added

Apr 22, 2024

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!

Education
Nonprofits