Iowa Arts Grants

This grant provides financial assistance to small businesses in Dubuque, Iowa, to help cover operating costs and support long-term success for income-qualified owners.

Applications are now being accepted for the City of Dubuque’s Small Business Support Grant, a program that provides up to $5,000 for small business owners to assist with operating costs. Donor Name: City of Dubuque State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 09/27/2024 Size of the Grant: Up to $5000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of the Small Business Support Grant program is to cover business expenses while helping the business owner develop strategies for continued success. The City partners with the Fountain of Youth Program to administer the grant. Recipients will be matched with a business mentor and be required to participate in an eight-week personal and professional development program facilitated by Fountain of Youth. These requirements are meant to provide ongoing support to the business owner as they look to improve business practices and increase income. Funds are provided as a reimbursement grant for eligible expenses, based on the recipient’s participation in both personal and professional development activities. The program aims to provide short-term assistance to keep the business operating well, and to position the business owner to improve the business over the long term. Eligible Expenses  Rent/utilities of commercial space (home office not eligible) Salaries for employees (not the owner) Permanent supplies (such as paper clips, scissors, hangers, etc.) Permanent signage Permanent equipment Marketing / ads QuickBooks Training/technical assistance Event space rental Website design Eligibility Criteria The applicant must live inside the city limits of the City of Dubuque. The business must have fewer than five (5) employees. The business must have been operational for at least 12 months before application. The applicant must have filed their 2022 and/or 2023 personal and business income taxes. The applicant must be an individual from a low- to moderate-income household For more information, visit City of Dubuque. Related Posts:Request for Applications for Equitable Energy Future…Business Innovation Grant Program in MinnesotaCity of Laurel Thrive Small Business Grant Program…Town of Trophy Club Thrive Business Grant Program (Texas)Call for applications for Artist Support Grants…2024-25 Artist Support Grants (North Carolina)Female Founder World Grant for Small BusinessesDare Arts Artist Support Grants – North CarolinaScience & Technology Business Startup Grant Program…Science & Technology Business Startup Grant Program…StartHER Grant Program - Texas2025 Food Waste Reduction Grant (North Carolina)Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) – IllinoisApply now for Activate Fellowship 2025Minnesota: AGRI Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk…2025 AGRI Value-Added Grant Program (Minnesota)Apply now for Activate Fellowship 2025Minnesota: AGRI Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk…2025 AGRI Value-Added Grant Program (Minnesota)Pennsylvania: Fresh Food Financing InitiativePennsylvania: Fresh Food Financing Initiative

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and service groups in Jackson County, Iowa, for projects that address community needs and improve quality of life.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Lyon County, Iowa, to support projects that enhance community development, education, the arts, economic growth, and social services.

The River Bluff Community Foundation in Iowa is offering the Impact Grant, ranging from $1000 to $10,000, to nonprofit organizations that aim to improve the quality of life in Clinton and Camanche through initiatives in health, education, community development, environment, family services, and arts and culture, with applications due by September 30, 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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profits, schools, churches, and government organizations in Jones County to enhance community well-being through projects focused on education, economic development, food security, and healthcare access.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and municipal entities in Shelby County, Iowa, to support projects that improve community quality of life in areas such as health, education, and social services.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and municipal entities in Montgomery County, Iowa, to support impactful projects in areas like health, education, and community services.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and municipal entities in Audubon County, Iowa, for projects that enhance community life in areas such as health, education, culture, and social services.

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 Endowment Challenge Grants supports nonprofit organizations with a matching grant to help start and build endowment funds for sustainability. Donor Name: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation State: Iowa County: Linn County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 5 Years Details: The matching endowment fund is opened and held at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. Nonprofit endowment funds invest in the mission and the future of the organization by providing general operating support, stability during cyclical income variances, and income for areas of high importance to the organization. Funding Information $25,000 and five years to meet the match. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit organizations that are at least seven years old (based on the date of the IRS letter of determination) and hold 501(c)(3) status may apply if they meet two or more of the following criteria: The organization is based in Linn County, Iowa The organization serves residents of Linn County, Iowa An awarded Endowment Challenge Grant will only serve residents of Linn County, Iowa The organization currently holds one or more nonprofit endowed funds at the Community Foundation. The fund(s) must have been opened AND have a balance at or above the $10,000 fund minimum at least one year prior to the date of application. For more information, visit GRCF.

This program provides funding to Iowa cities, counties, and land use districts for local historic preservation projects, including National Register nominations and educational initiatives.

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.

This program provides training and support for small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations in Iowa focused on arts, culture, history, and humanities to help them overcome unique challenges.

The Pella Community Foundation Impact Grants, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000, are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental agencies for projects that significantly improve Pella's quality of life, demonstrate community impact, and show evidence of long-term planning and sustainability.

The Iowa Community Cultural Grant program helps cities, county governments, tribal councils, and nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations support the development of community programs that provide jobs for local Iowans while promoting Iowa’s cultural, ethnic, and historical heritages through festivals, music, drama, cultural programs, and tourism projects. The program is administered by the Iowa Arts Council within the Iowa Economic Development Authority and is funded through an appropriation by the Iowa Legislature.

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines offers Leadership Grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, to initiatives that aim to strengthen the community through equity-centered strategies and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, focusing on improving the quality of life in Greater Des Moines.

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.

The Ackley Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa is seeking applications to support charitable capital projects, activities, services, programs, and organizations that will improve the quality of life for the residents of Ackley, Iowa. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa State: Iowa City: Ackley Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Ackley Community Foundation will provide grants to improve life in Ackley, Iowa. The Foundation wants to help develop a community where people want to live, work, play and stay. Areas of giving are: Art and Culture Community Betterment Education & Youth Development Environment and Animal Welfare Health Human Service Funding Priorities The ACF Committee places high priority on funding requests that: Address a community-based need, demonstrate broad community support, and benefit the whole community. Show the organization’s ability to leverage funding and support from other sources, with budgets clearly showing all matching funds for the request. Maximize community resources through cooperation and collaboration with other organizations in the community and avoid replication of services, programs, or projects. Reflect organization and staff’s capacity to achieve the desired results of the request. Show sustainability without additional long-term financial commitments from Ackley Community Foundation Funding Information Minimum request amount is $500. Most grant amounts range from $500 – $3,000. Eligibility Criteria Organizations must provide benefits to the people of Ackley and must meet the following criteria to apply for a grant: 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 the project is deemed charitable; please contact office to discuss the project’s eligibility prior to submitting a proposal. Be current with all state and federal reporting requirements, such as filing of 990 forms. No past due grant reports for previous Ackley Community Foundation grants. Requests that include or require participation in inherently religious activities such as religious worship, instruction, or proselytization or activities that promote specific religious doctrine are not eligible. Application must be completed by the due date using the online application and CFNEIA grant site For  more information, visit CFNEIA.