Iowa Arts Grants

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.

Greater Des Moines offers general operating support to all eligible arts, culture, heritage and interpretive sciences organizations in the Greater Des Moines region. Donor Name: Bravo Greater Des Moines State: Iowa County: Polk County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The mission is to leverage community resources to maximize impact of arts, culture and heritage to advance regional priorities.  Funding Information Awards will generally fall within the following target ranges:  First  Annual Operating Expenses: $2 million and above  Maximum Annual Award: $500,000 Second Project Period The 2025 grant period (GC25) runs January 1 – December 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Be a 501(c) organization exempt from tax under the Internal Revenue Code with at least 6 months of active programming history or be an agency, division or department of the State of Iowa which operates a facility open to the public. Have headquarters in and conduct most of its activities within one of Bravo’s partner local governments. Demonstrate a primary organizational purpose of arts, culture, interpretative science, and/or heritage that focuses on the collection, preservation, production, presentation and/or promotion of artistic expression, traditions, customs, or stories within creative, educational, or historic contexts. Mission language, programming, public access, support materials, partnerships, and budget must all clearly illustrate arts, culture, interpretative science or heritage as the organization’s primary purpose (at least 60%) in Greater Des Moines. Ineligible applicants for operating support include, but are not limited to: Individual artists Fiscally sponsored organizations Private organizations, clubs or groups that do not offer public programming Political, religious, or academic organizations Public libraries Those formed with the express purpose of fundraising on behalf of, supporting and/or promoting applicants that are not otherwise eligible for funding (e.g. friends societies, etc. for libraries, political, religious or academic organizations) Nonprofit organizations whose primary mission and work advances other sectors such as social services (food, housing, childcare, schools, mental health and wellness, etc.), economic development, business and entrepreneurship, financial services, sports and recreation, technology, etc., even if arts and culture programming is used to deliver some of the organization’s mission. For more information, visit Bravo Greater Des Moines.

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.

The Shelby County Community Foundation, an affiliate of Omaha Community Foundation is accepting applications. Donor Name: Shelby County Community Foundation State: Iowa County: Shelby County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Shelby County Community Foundation aims to improve the quality of life in Shelby County by supporting community needs in the areas of civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. The objective of its grant programs is to fund projects that will have a permanent impact on, and in, Shelby County.  Types of Support  Capital Support (Items of Permanence) – Grants for capital support enable the purchase of equipment, completion of brick-and-mortar building projects, or physical renovations to a space. Program Support – Grants for program support fund a specific, connected set of activities with a beginning and an end, explicit objectives, and a predetermined cost. Operating Support – Grants for operating support overall activities at an organization, including operating expenses and overhead. This type of grant supports the organization’s overall mission. Funding Information Total $38,314 allocated for Shelby County. Eligibility Criteria Only Federally recognized and certified 501(c)(3) Public Charity organizations or municipal entities that serve the specified county are eligible to apply. An Iowa nonprofit status is insufficient. Concerning the use of a Fiscal Sponsor:  You may use a Fiscal Sponsor if your organization is not a verifiable 501(c)(3) Public Charity or local municipality. A Fiscal Sponsor is a nonprofit organization that holds an IRS letter of determination certifying they are a 501(c)(3) Public Charity, or a governmental entity such as a city or County Board of Supervisors.  Prior to consideration for funding, a Fiscal Sponsor must verify approval of their sponsorship of your application by completing a fiscal sponsorship agreement form. Community Foundation staff will send the required form to the fiscal sponsor listed on your application after the submission period has ended. If your grant request is awarded, the check will be made out to the Fiscal Sponsor. The Fiscal Sponsor is the entity that is accepting responsibility for the distribution of funds as outlined in the grant application. Applications requiring a Fiscal Sponsor that are submitted without the appropriate contact information will not be considered. For more information, visit OCF.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Montgomery County Community Foundation Grant Program. Donor Name: Montgomery County Community Foundation (MCCF) State: Iowa County: Montgomery County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Montgomery County Community Foundation, working in partnership with the Red Oak Heritage Foundation, aims to improve the quality of life in Montgomery County by supporting community needs in the areas of civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. The objective of its grant programs is to fund projects that will have a permanent impact on, and in, Montgomery County. Types of Support  Capital Support (Items of Permanence) – Grants for capital support enable the purchase of equipment, completion of brick-and-mortar building projects, or physical renovations to a space. Program Support – Grants for program support fund a specific, connected set of activities with a beginning and an end, explicit objectives, and a predetermined cost. Operating Support – Grants for operating support overall activities at an organization, including operating expenses and overhead. This type of grant supports the organization’s overall mission. Funding Information Total $28,681 allocated for Montgomery County. Eligibility Criteria Only Federally recognized and certified 501(c)(3) Public Charity organizations or municipal entities that serve the specified county are eligible to apply. An Iowa nonprofit status is insufficient. Concerning the use of a Fiscal Sponsor:  You may use a Fiscal Sponsor if your organization is not a verifiable 501(c)(3) Public Charity or local municipality. A Fiscal Sponsor is a nonprofit organization that holds an IRS letter of determination certifying they are a 501(c)(3) Public Charity, or a governmental entity such as a city or County Board of Supervisors.  Prior to consideration for funding, a Fiscal Sponsor must verify approval of their sponsorship of your application by completing a fiscal sponsorship agreement form. Community Foundation staff will send the required form to the fiscal sponsor listed on your application after the submission period has ended. If your grant request is awarded, the check will be made out to the Fiscal Sponsor. The Fiscal Sponsor is the entity that is accepting responsibility for the distribution of funds as outlined in the grant application. Applications requiring a Fiscal Sponsor that are submitted without the appropriate contact information will not be considered. For more information, visit OCF.

The Mills County Community Foundation is seeking applications for its grants to improve the quality of life in Mills County by supporting community needs in the areas of civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. Donor Name: Mills County Community Foundation State: Iowa County: Mills County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The objective of its grant programs is to fund projects that will have a permanent impact on, and in, Mills County. Types of Support  Capital Support (Items of Permanence) – Grants for capital support enable the purchase of equipment, completion of brick-and-mortar building projects, or physical renovations to a space. Program Support – Grants for program support fund a specific, connected set of activities with a beginning and an end, explicit objectives, and a predetermined cost. Operating Support – Grants for operating support overall activities at an organization, including operating expenses and overhead. This type of grant supports the organization’s overall mission. Funding Information Total $148,783 allocated for Mills County. Eligibility Criteria Only Federally recognized and certified 501(c)(3) Public Charity organizations or municipal entities that serve the specified county are eligible to apply. An Iowa nonprofit status is insufficient. Concerning the use of a Fiscal Sponsor:  You may use a Fiscal Sponsor if your organization is not a verifiable 501(c)(3) Public Charity or local municipality. A Fiscal Sponsor is a nonprofit organization that holds an IRS letter of determination certifying they are a 501(c)(3) Public Charity, or a governmental entity such as a city or County Board of Supervisors.  Prior to consideration for funding, a Fiscal Sponsor must verify approval of their sponsorship of your application by completing a fiscal sponsorship agreement form. Community Foundation staff will send the required form to the fiscal sponsor listed on your application after the submission period has ended. If your grant request is awarded, the check will be made out to the Fiscal Sponsor. The Fiscal Sponsor is the entity that is accepting responsibility for the distribution of funds as outlined in the grant application. Applications requiring a Fiscal Sponsor that are submitted without the appropriate contact information will not be considered. For more information, visit OCF.

The Audubon County Community Foundation provides grants to improve the quality of life in Audubon County by supporting community needs in the areas of civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. Donor Name: Audubon County Community Foundation State: Iowa County: Audubon County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The objective of its grant programs is to fund projects that will have a permanent impact on, and in, Audubon County. Types of Support  Capital Support (Items of Permanence) – Grants for capital support enable the purchase of equipment, completion of brick-and-mortar building projects, or physical renovations to a space. Program Support – Grants for program support fund a specific, connected set of activities with a beginning and an end, explicit objectives, and a predetermined cost. Operating Support – Grants for operating support overall activities at an organization, including operating expenses and overhead. This type of grant supports the organization’s overall mission. Funding Information Total of $45,000 allocated for Audubon County. Eligibility Criteria Only Federally recognized and certified 501(c)(3) Public Charity organizations or municipal entities that serve the specified county are eligible to apply. An Iowa nonprofit status is insufficient. Concerning the use of a Fiscal Sponsor:  You may use a Fiscal Sponsor if your organization is not a verifiable 501(c)(3) Public Charity or local municipality. A Fiscal Sponsor is a nonprofit organization that holds an IRS letter of determination certifying they are a 501(c)(3) Public Charity, or a governmental entity such as a city or County Board of Supervisors.  Prior to consideration for funding, a Fiscal Sponsor must verify approval of their sponsorship of your application by completing a fiscal sponsorship agreement form. Community Foundation staff will send the required form to the fiscal sponsor listed on your application after the submission period has ended. If your grant request is awarded, the check will be made out to the Fiscal Sponsor. The Fiscal Sponsor is the entity that is accepting responsibility for the distribution of funds as outlined in the grant application. Applications requiring a Fiscal Sponsor that are submitted without the appropriate contact information will not be considered. For more information, visit OCF.

The Mills County Community Foundation is seeking applications for its grant program to improve the quality of life in Mills County by supporting community needs in the areas of civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. Donor Name: Harrison County Community Foundation State: Iowa County: Harrison County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The objective of its grant programs is to fund projects that will have a permanent impact on, and in, Harrison County.  Types of Support  Capital Support (Items of Permanence) – Grants for capital support enable the purchase of equipment, completion of brick-and-mortar building projects, or physical renovations to a space. Program Support – Grants for program support fund a specific, connected set of activities with a beginning and an end, explicit objectives, and a predetermined cost. Operating Support – Grants for operating support overall activities at an organization, including operating expenses and overhead. This type of grant supports the organization’s overall mission. Funding Information Total $148,783 allocated for Mills County. Eligibility Criteria Only Federally recognized and certified 501(c)(3) Public Charity organizations or municipal entities that serve the specified county are eligible to apply. An Iowa nonprofit status is insufficient. Concerning the use of a Fiscal Sponsor:  You may use a Fiscal Sponsor if your organization is not a verifiable 501(c)(3) Public Charity or local municipality. A Fiscal Sponsor is a nonprofit organization that holds an IRS letter of determination certifying they are a 501(c)(3) Public Charity, or a governmental entity such as a city or County Board of Supervisors.  Prior to consideration for funding, a Fiscal Sponsor must verify approval of their sponsorship of your application by completing a fiscal sponsorship agreement form. Community Foundation staff will send the required form to the fiscal sponsor listed on your application after the submission period has ended. If your grant request is awarded, the check will be made out to the Fiscal Sponsor. The Fiscal Sponsor is the entity that is accepting responsibility for the distribution of funds as outlined in the grant application. Applications requiring a Fiscal Sponsor that are submitted without the appropriate contact information will not be considered. For more information, visit OCF.

The Fremont County Community Foundation Grant Program is to improve the quality of life in Fremont County by supporting community needs in the areas of civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. Donor Name: Fremont County Community Foundation State: Iowa County: Fremont County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The objective of its grant programs is to fund projects that will have a permanent impact on, and in, Fremont County.  Types of Support  Capital Support (Items of Permanence) – Grants for capital support enable the purchase of equipment, completion of brick-and-mortar building projects, or physical renovations to a space. Program Support –   Operating Support – Grants for operating support overall activities at an organization, including operating expenses and overhead. This type of grant supports the organization’s overall mission. Funding Infromation Total $27,998 allocated for Fremont County. Eligibility Criteria Only Federally recognized and certified 501(c)(3) Public Charity organizations or municipal entities that serve the specified county are eligible to apply. An Iowa nonprofit status is insufficient. Concerning the use of a Fiscal Sponsor:  You may use a Fiscal Sponsor if your organization is not a verifiable 501(c)(3) Public Charity or local municipality. A Fiscal Sponsor is a nonprofit organization that holds an IRS letter of determination certifying they are a 501(c)(3) Public Charity, or a governmental entity such as a city or County Board of Supervisors.  Prior to consideration for funding, a Fiscal Sponsor must verify approval of their sponsorship of your application by completing a fiscal sponsorship agreement form. Community Foundation staff will send the required form to the fiscal sponsor listed on your application after the submission period has ended. If your grant request is awarded, the check will be made out to the Fiscal Sponsor. The Fiscal Sponsor is the entity that is accepting responsibility for the distribution of funds as outlined in the grant application. Applications requiring a Fiscal Sponsor that are submitted without the appropriate contact information will not be considered. For more information, visit OCF.

The Cass County Community Foundation is accepting applications for its grant program to improve the quality of life in Cass County by supporting community needs in the areas of civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. Donor Name: Cass County Community Foundation State: Iowa County: Cass County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The objective of its grant programs is to fund projects that will have a permanent impact on, and in, Cass County. Types of Support  Capital Support (Items of Permanence) – Grants for capital support enable the purchase of equipment, completion of brick-and-mortar building projects, or physical renovations to a space. Program Support – Grants for program support fund a specific, connected set of activities with a beginning and an end, explicit objectives, and a predetermined cost. Operating Support – Grants for operating support overall activities at an organization, including operating expenses and overhead. This type of grant supports the organization’s overall mission. Funding Information Total $43,555 was allocated for Cass County. Eligibility Criteria Only Federally recognized and certified 501(c)(3) Public Charity organizations or municipal entities that serve the specified county are eligible to apply. An Iowa nonprofit status is insufficient. Concerning the use of a Fiscal Sponsor:  You may use a Fiscal Sponsor if your organization is not a verifiable 501(c)(3) Public Charity or local municipality. A Fiscal Sponsor is a nonprofit organization that holds an IRS letter of determination certifying they are a 501(c)(3) Public Charity, or a governmental entity such as a city or County Board of Supervisors.  Prior to consideration for funding, a Fiscal Sponsor must verify approval of their sponsorship of your application by completing a fiscal sponsorship agreement form. Community Foundation staff will send the required form to the fiscal sponsor listed on your application after the submission period has ended. If your grant request is awarded, the check will be made out to the Fiscal Sponsor. The Fiscal Sponsor is the entity that is accepting responsibility for the distribution of funds as outlined in the grant application. Applications requiring a Fiscal Sponsor that are submitted without the appropriate contact information will not be considered. For more information, visit OCF.

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 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.

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

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 Linn County Economic & Community Development Fund supports economic growth and enhance quality of life in Linn County. Donor Name: Linn County State: Iowa County: Linn County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Economic & Community Development grants are for organizations located in Linn County, Iowa, or that have a branch location in Linn County and whose work benefits Linn County residents. Funding Information Economic & Community Development Fund, $100,000 is available. Types of Projects Eligible Grant funds must be used for programs or projects that benefit Linn County residents. Priority is given to requests for programmatic and capital projects over requests for operating support. Grants must be for expenses that have not yet been incurred. Preferred applications will be for projects/programs that accomplish the following: Promote economic and/or community development growth in Linn County Demonstrate return on investment dollars Do not duplicate current economic development initiatives Demonstrate a sustainability plan for project continuation beyond Linn County funding Eligibility Criteria Organizations must be located in Linn County, Iowa, or have a branch location in Linn County, and their work must benefit Linn County residents to be eligible for an Economic & Community Development grant from Linn County. Applicants who have not completed previously funded projects or submitted the required final report for previous Economic & Community Development grants are not eligible for funding without specific Board of Supervisors approval. For more information, visit Linn County.

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.