Iowa Arts Grants

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.

Community Impact Grants are awarded from the unrestricted funds of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque to improve policies and practices affecting the Greater Dubuque community and have the greatest possible impact. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque State: Iowa County: Clayton County (IA), Clinton County (IA), Dubuque County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community Impact Grant program is designed to support capacity-building efforts among nonprofits serving Clayton, Clinton, and Dubuque counties. Project proposals can focus on a variety of areas, including: Community programming Individual and team leadership Organization-wide planning and development Equity, diversity and inclusion Network development Communications Evaluation and learning planning Digital and physical security. Funding Information The Community Foundation will make awards between $3,500-$20,000. Eligibility Criteria  Nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations, churches, schools, or government organizations that provide services in Clayton, Clinton and Dubuque counties. Organizations that do not have a 501(c)3 status are encouraged to find a qualifying agency to serve as their fiscal sponsor. Ineligible for Grants Individuals Lobbying activities Debt retirement or budget deficits Tuition, scholarships or core operating expenses for public schools, charter schools, private schools, or universities and colleges Annual campaigns, fundraising campaigns or events Religious organizations for religious purposes Political activities Purchases or activities that occur prior to grant decisions Grants that are solely focused on capital improvements. For more information, visit CFGD.

The Arts & Culture Capacity Building Grant Program provides funding to support initiatives that aim to create a more sustainable and effective organization. Donor Name: City of Dubuque State: Iowa City: Dubuque Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Eligible organizations may apply for grants of up to $8,000 to support capacity-building initiatives. The organization must maintain a cash operating expense budget, exclusive of other City of Dubuque grant support, of no less than $10,000 per year. A total of $35,000 in funding is available. Examples of capacity-building initiatives include: strategic planning creating a development plan and/or fundraising strategy donor experience improvements staff and/or board member nonprofit 101 training leadership development project or program development program management volunteer management Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) training. Grant Period Funding is available in fiscal year 2025 (FY25), which runs from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Applicant is an arts and culture organization as defined by grant guidelines. Applicant is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with at least two years of programming documentation and two Form 990s. Applicant’s official business address is located in the city limits of Dubuque (P.O. Boxes will not be accepted). Applicant serves residents of Dubuque and programming occurs within the city limits. Applicant will have a clean record of compliance and be in good standing with the City of Dubuque’s Arts and Culture Grant Program(s). For more information, visit City of Dubuque.

The Monona County Community Partners Foundation (MCCPF) grant program aims to address present and emerging needs within Monona County, Iowa, by awarding grants in areas such as Arts & Culture, Civic, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. The grants are available to nonprofit organizations, units of local government, and public education institutions that serve Monona County and are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The application process opens on December 1, and the deadline is March 1, with final determinations made in the first week of April. Grants typically range from $250 to $15,000, focusing on projects with potential for long-term impact and collaboration with other community groups. The MCCPF provides funding every other year. Applicants funded in 2024 are not eligible for the 2025 cycle. Priority is given to projects that collaborate with other nonprofits and have potential for long-term community impact.

Through the program, IEDA provides financial incentives to Iowa artists and individual arts educators to support a wide variety of arts-related activities. Donor Name: Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Art Project Grants for Artists program is administered by the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). To be eligible, projects must include artistic excellence and service to Iowans. Funding Information Applicants may request funding for eligible one-time project expenses that are incurred and expended during the eligible funding period. Minimum grant request: $1,000. Maximum grant request: $10,000. Funding Period The eligible funding period is July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria: Individual artist, including visual or performing artist, filmmaker, musician or creative writer. Current, full-time Iowa resident as defined by Iowa Code 422.4 and Iowa Administrative Code 701.38.17 (422). 18 years of age or older. Applicants who represent an artist collective, artist team or band must apply as an individual on behalf of the group and clearly state their individual role in the project proposal as the individual legally obligated to comply with the terms of the grant agreement. For more information, visit IEDA.

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

Through the Iowa Screenwriters Grant, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) provides support to Iowa’s screenwriters to undertake activities that advance their artistic practices and elevate the creative screenwriting industry in Iowa. Donor Name: Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: It is a career advancement grant for Iowa screenwriters and focuses on providing professional development tied to an active screenplay that the applicant is working on. The Iowa Screenwriters Grant is administered by the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Funding is made possible by a sponsorship from the Iowa Scriptwriters Alliance and the Iowa Motion Picture Association. 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: $500. Maximum grant request: $2,500. Funding Period The eligible funding period is July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Eligible Activities  Types of eligible activities include: Participating in professional development opportunities for screenwriting (e.g. online or in person conference or workshop registration fees). Expanding capacity for creative screenwriting work (e.g. purchasing or subscribing to screenwriting software, books). Learning new or advanced techniques in screenwriting (e.g. online or in-person classes, courses, apprenticeships). Receiving professional screenwriting mentorship (e.g. one-on-one or group coaching, professional feedback, peer reviews on current screenplay). The following types of screenplays are eligible: Feature, including sequels Short Web series Episodic, including pilot episodes or new seasons Proof-of-concept Adaptations from other works. Who Qualifies? Individual screenwriters 18 years or older who are current, full-time Iowa residents. Applicants must be currently registered in the Produce Iowa Production Directory. For more information, visit IEDA.

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

The City of Marion has established a Hotel/Motel Grant Program funded by a seven percent room tax on overnight stays. This program redistributes these funds through the annual budget process and grants to organizations that aim to boost tourism in Marion. Eligible entities are those working towards increasing local tourism, including City of Marion events, commissions, and partners, which receive allocations during the annual budget process and do not require separate grant applications. A committee assesses applications to recommend funding allocations to the council. Funds are granted for the fiscal year only, with unclaimed funds reverting to the Hotel/Motel Fund. Marion City Council has budgeted $50,000 for the Hotel/Motel Grant Program for FY24-25. The grant application process will open on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening: April

The Iowa Arts Council, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, administers Art Project Grants to support high-quality arts and cultural projects in Iowa. These grants are available to individual artists and various organizations, including nonprofits, schools, and government agencies located in Iowa. For artists, the grants support a range of arts-related activities, prioritizing projects that exhibit artistic excellence and serve Iowans. Organizations can apply for grants to fund arts events, performances, exhibitions, and other arts-related activities, with a focus on community engagement and public value. Applications are accepted online, with a deadline of May 15, 2024, for the funding period of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Grant renewed every year.

This program provides financial assistance to Iowa cities for the redevelopment or rehabilitation of underutilized buildings to promote economic growth and community revitalization.

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

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