Iowa Community Development Grants

The Junior League of Sioux City, through its Mildred Anderson Community Grants program, supports short-term community need projects with a focus on volunteer participation. Established in 1990 with a generous donation, these grants promote charitable activities within the Siouxland tri-state area. Grant recipients are selected through a competitive process and must meet certain eligibility criteria including not having received a grant in the prior year, not being involved in a current Junior League project, and utilizing community volunteers in their projects. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadline: October 1st to January 15th

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 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.

Donor Name: Iowa Legislature (via REAP funds) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: August 15, 2024 Size of the Grant: Not specified (based on city size) Grant Duration: Not specified Details/Overview: The City Parks and Open Space Grant allocates 15% of REAP funds to cities through competitive grants, funded by gaming revenues. The program aims to support city parks and open spaces, excluding athletic fields, sports facilities, pools, and playgrounds. Grants are distributed across different city size categories, with applications due by August 15, 2024, and no local matching funds required.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Iowa businesses with at least 75 employees to develop or expand child care facilities, particularly in high-demand areas, to help address local child care shortages.

The Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve community health and healthcare services in Muscatine and surrounding areas.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska that focus on improving financial literacy and employment readiness to help individuals achieve financial stability.

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.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Linn County Grants. Donor Name: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation State: Iowa County: Linn County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Linn County Grants support programs and projects that enhance the quality of life and community development outside the metropolitan area in Linn County, Iowa.  Priority is given to applications from non-metro communities in Linn County. Capital projects are eligible for consideration. Priority is given to programs that are well designed, responsive to community conditions, innovative, make effective use of community resources, and test or demonstrate solutions to community issues. Funding Information $10,000 Project Period 12 months Eligibility Criteria The Community Foundation accepts applications from nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status, governmental organizations, and non-501(c)(3) organizations that have completed arrangements to obtain a fiscal sponsor. Organizations based in the Cedar Rapids area may apply for projects benefiting non-metro Linn County with support and partners identified within the community being served. For more information, visit GRCF.

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!

Donor Name: Not specified State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: August 15, 2024 Size of the Grant: Not specified Grant Duration: Not specified Details/Overview: This grant program is available to Iowa counties that allocate at least 22¢ per $1,000 of taxable property value for conservation. Eligible projects include land acquisition, capital improvements, resource protection, and environmental education. The program excludes funding for sports complexes, playgrounds, and dog parks and has specific requirements for multi-use and biking trails. Applications must include detailed project descriptions, maps, budgets, and compliance with ADA and civil rights regulations, with submissions due by August 15, 2024.

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

This program provides financial assistance to cities, counties, railroads, and spur track owners for repairing and maintaining safe highway-railroad grade crossings.

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

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

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

This program provides funding to states for projects that maintain, develop, and improve recreational trails, benefiting local communities and outdoor enthusiasts.

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.

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