Iowa Education Grants

This funding opportunity is designed to support local nonprofits, government entities, and public school agencies in Buena Vista County with various project needs.

The Forecast Public Art’s Midwest Memory Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, is open to non-profit organizations in rural Midwest communities, aiming to elevate and preserve the stories of BIPOC communities through monuments, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and advancing racial justice.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Dickinson County Endowment Fund. Donor Name: Dickinson County Endowment Fund State: Iowa County: Dickinson County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Minimum funding request is $500. Eligibility Criteria  Charitable, non-profit groups and organizations [501(C)(3) or 170(b) units of government organizations] are encouraged to apply. A group lacking one of these designations may apply through a qualified fiscal agent. Funds awarded by the DCEF must be used for civic, educational, public, charitable, patriotic or religious projects. Ineligibility The DCEF will not support “for-profit” entities, annual campaigns, endowments or projects that do not serve Dickinson county residents. For more information, visit Dickinson County Endowment Fund.

This grant provides funding for community projects in Humboldt County that enhance arts, health, education, environmental initiatives, and social services.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) is accepting applications for its Trees for Kids Grant Program to educate children, teenagers, and young adults about the importance of trees and their myriad benefits, as well as to offer hands-on planting and maintenance experience. Donor Name: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Iowa DNR funds to plant trees in public areas of communities (park, community center, public school, etc.) are available for this fall. Trees for Kids grants provides reimbursable grants to buy trees and mulch to help increase and diversify tree canopy. To that end, the program requires youth involvement in planting, mulching, and initial watering for all projects receiving funding. A DNR-led demonstration on proper planting, mulching and watering is required at the beginning of each event, and/or for each group involved in the project; projects that incorporate multiple groups working independently of one another will require multiple demonstrations. Funding Information A total of $50,000 in funds are available. Grant funding is competitive, non-match, and awarded in amounts of up to $2,500 per project. Eligibility Criteria Local and state governments such as school districts, cities, and counties, and service organizations with 501(c)3 status can apply for Trees for Kids funding. Service organizations lacking 501(c)3 status can attain eligibility by involving local governments in the holding of funds. Award money may ONLY be used for purchase of trees and mulch; shovels, buckets, gloves, saws, and other supplies, as well as any costs associated with digging, site preparation, and other labor, are NOT covered by grant funding. Projects MUST take place on public or private school grounds, or on public lands such as parks and right-of-ways. Plantings on private property other than private school grounds are NOT eligible for grant funding. For more information, visit Iowa DNR.

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 funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government entities in Chickasaw County to implement projects that enhance the community's quality of life across various sectors, including arts, education, health, and environment.

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.

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 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.

This grant provides funding to educators and nonprofit preschool organizations in Iowa to create innovative projects that integrate agriculture into classroom instruction or afterschool programs.

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.

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.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities that aim to improve the quality of life in Howard County, Iowa, through projects in areas such as arts, education, health, and community betterment.

The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation is seeking grant applications from nonprofit organizations in Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island Country, Illinois. Donor Name: Hubbell-Waterman Foundation State: Illinois, Iowa County: Rock Island County (IL), Scott County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The foundation has three long-term funding priorities: Culture and the arts Cultivating and supporting the visual and performing arts Investing in landmark cultural institutions Supporting new and innovative programs and initiatives that enrich their community Education Supporting pre-K–12 education through: After-school and summer programs Creative learning initiatives Life skills and career training Environmental education with a focus on sustainability Mental health programs for students and their families Social welfare Supporting programs that are accessible to individuals and families through: At-risk and low-income family services Food and nutrition support Housing security Immigrant and refugee community support Physical and mental health services. Funding is awarded to support three areas of focus: culture and the arts, education, and social welfare. Within these areas, they provide support for: Capital campaigns and capital acquisitions, including construction and renovations. Operational and/or program grants not to exceed three years resulting from the completion of a capital campaign grant. Multi-year program grants not to exceed three years. Program grants may include general operating expense reimbursement. The Foundation does not fund Because Foundation believes in transparency, they have also identified projects that the foundation will not fund, including: Debt retirement Membership or affiliation campaigns, dinners, or special events Conferences, symposia, and related travel Grants that further political doctrine Grants that further religious doctrine Grants to individuals Individual scholarships or sponsorships Medical, scientific, or academic research Endowments Organizations that discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or military status, except to serve an historically disadvantaged group. (Note: Inclusiveness is one of the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation’s values. Therefore, they wish to fund organizations that are inclusive in their policies and practices.) For more information, visit Hubbell-Waterman Foundation.

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.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations in Marshall County, Iowa, to support initiatives focused on mental health, substance abuse services, or capital projects that improve the community's quality of life.

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. It excludes athletic fields, organized sports facilities, pools, and playgrounds. Grants are distributed across city size categories, and no local matching funds are required. Applications are due by August 15, 2024.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities for projects that improve the quality of life in Franklin County, focusing on areas such as arts, education, health, and community development.