Iowa Employment Labor and Training Grants

This grant provides financial support to recent graduates from the Iowa Lakes Corridor region who return to their hometowns to live and work, helping them with student loans, mortgage payments, or childcare expenses.

This grant provides financial assistance to organizations in Iowa that are establishing or expanding registered apprenticeship programs in high-demand occupations, supporting on-the-job training for apprentices.

This grant provides financial support to community-based news organizations in western Iowa to enhance local journalism and ensure residents have access to accurate and engaging news coverage.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities in Greene County, Iowa, to support projects that enhance community services, economic development, public safety, and recreational activities for residents.

This fund provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that serve and advocate for the LGBTQIA2S+ community in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area, focusing on youth, elders, and initiatives that promote equity and inclusion.

This program provides financial support to registered apprenticeship sponsors in Iowa to help cover costs associated with training apprentices through structured employment and in-person instruction.

SCRIPT Workshop Grants are available to assist Iowa school districts and accredited nonpublic schools with the cost for substitutes or stipends to attend a SCRIPT Workshop, where they will begin the development of their K-12 computer science plan. The grants aim to support the implementation of a 2020 state law, HF 2629, which mandates districts and nonpublic schools to develop and implement a kindergarten through grade twelve computer science plan by July 1, 2022. This plan should incorporate the standards. The funding for these grants comes from a portion of a 2007 court-approved settlement of a class-action antitrust lawsuit filed against Microsoft Corp., which has been designated for K-12 computer science curriculum for students and training for teachers in Iowa.

The Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE) Program offers immediate funding opportunities to promote economic development in Iowa by supporting the establishment, construction, and improvement of roads and streets. The grant aims to assist in creating and retaining jobs through immediate, non-speculative opportunities. Applicants should be in the process of negotiating a location or retention decision with a developer or firm and must demonstrate that immediate funding is essential to influence job creation or retention decisions. Jobs created should be value-adding in nature, such as manufacturing or industrial, with a minimum local match of 20 percent required. Any proposed roadway or development impacting state right of way will need consultation with Iowa DOT district staff, and a transportation impact study may be required prior to approval by the Iowa Transportation Commission.

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.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Linn County, Iowa, for projects that directly benefit local residents, focusing on long-term impact and collaboration.

The Humanities Project Grants, administered by the State Historical Society of Iowa and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), aim to support public humanities projects that encourage contemplation, spark conversation, and engage the community. This aligns with a broader mission to explore the human experience through educational programming. The program's strategic priority is to use humanities as a central resource to involve and benefit diverse groups of Iowans, fostering public value through deliberate public engagement and access to project activities. The target beneficiaries for this grant program include federally tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations incorporated and physically located in Iowa, or in border state communities demonstrating significant impact on Iowa's cultural vitality. Units of local, county, or federally-recognized tribal governments physically located in Iowa are also eligible, as are units within Iowa-based institutions of higher education with a core humanities mission. Individual filmmakers or humanities experts who are current, legal Iowa residents are also eligible, provided their projects are initiated and managed by the individual and do not primarily benefit an organization. The impact goal is to involve and benefit diverse groups of Iowans through educational programming exploring the human experience. The program prioritizes projects where humanities are central and demonstrate public value to Iowans. Eligible projects span various formats, including community discussions, lecture series, workshops, films, interpretive exhibits, and podcasts. While creative or performing arts projects may be eligible, they must serve as a catalyst for a humanities-centric project and include interpretation and/or discussion of the art. Subject areas considered include archaeology, comparative religion, cultural anthropology, ethics, folklore, gender studies, history, jurisprudence, languages, law, linguistics, literature, philosophy, and the interpretation of the arts, as well as aspects of social sciences that explore humanity and meaning within communities. Expected outcomes include increased public engagement with humanities topics and enhanced cultural vitality across Iowa. Projects are expected to benefit diverse groups of Iowans through educational programming. Measurable results would likely stem from the types of eligible projects, such as attendance at community discussions, lecture series, or workshops, or the reach of films, exhibits, or podcasts. The funding period for all project activities and expenses is November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $30,000 to cover eligible one-time project expenses. The program's theory of change posits that by funding accessible and engaging public humanities projects, it will foster deeper contemplation, conversation, and community engagement, ultimately enriching the human experience for Iowans.

This program provides $1,000 grants to local businesses in Carroll County to improve their storefronts and attract more customers through various facade enhancements.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities to support projects that enhance community life in Worth County, Iowa, across various sectors such as arts, education, health, and environment.

This program empowers high school students in Black Hawk County to distribute funds to nonprofit organizations, fostering youth philanthropy and community engagement.

The Veridian Credit Union’s Successful Financial Future Grants, administered in partnership with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, aim to support nonprofit organizations that are crucial in fostering successful financial futures within Veridian Credit Union’s service areas in Iowa and Nebraska. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission of strengthening communities by addressing fundamental barriers to financial stability. These grants specifically target individuals in Iowa and selected Nebraska counties (Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington) who face challenges to financial stability. The primary impact goal is to empower these individuals through enhanced financial literacy and/or employment readiness. The program seeks to support organizations that are fully engaged in this work, rather than funding individual projects or programs. Priority funding will be given to applicants demonstrating a proven track record of success in improving financial literacy and increasing employability. Organizations that utilize evidence-based approaches and data-driven decisions in their work are also favored, along with those demonstrating financial and organizational strength, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a collaborative approach. The expected outcomes include individuals achieving greater financial stability and increased employability within the communities served. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general operating grant structure of up to $5,000, the emphasis on evidence-based approaches suggests a commitment to tracking the effectiveness of the funded organizations' work in these areas. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on supporting nonprofits that actively work to reduce barriers to financial stability. This grant program embodies a theory of change that posits by investing in organizations focused on financial literacy and employment readiness, individuals will be better equipped to achieve financial independence, thereby contributing to stronger, more stable communities.

This funding opportunity is designed for small dairy producers in Iowa to enhance their processing capabilities through modernization and efficiency improvements.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government units in Nebraska and Western Iowa to support projects that enhance college access, youth development, economic opportunities, community amenities, and overall community capacity.

The Black Hawk County Gaming Association (BHCGA) Grant Program is designed to support initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the Cedar Valley, making it a stronger and better place to live, work, and play. This program aligns with the BHCGA's mission to invest in community development by awarding grants to governmental entities and nonprofits with valid 501(c)3 or 501(c)19 status. The overarching goal is to foster community improvement through strategic funding. The program primarily targets governmental entities and qualified nonprofit organizations serving the Cedar Valley. The impact goals are centered on creating better cities, neighborhoods, and inclusive spaces, strengthening organizational capacity, and promoting collaborative community initiatives. By supporting these entities, the BHCGA aims to address local needs and contribute to a more vibrant and resilient community. The BHCGA prioritizes requests for capital improvements that contribute to better cities, neighborhoods, and inclusive spaces. Additionally, it focuses on capacity-building plans that help organizations develop stronger skills, processes, and resources, thereby enabling them to better serve the Cedar Valley. Collaborative approaches that align with broader community initiatives are also highly valued, reflecting the BHCGA's strategic emphasis on collective impact. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in community infrastructure and public spaces, enhanced operational effectiveness and sustainability of local organizations, and increased alignment and effectiveness of community-wide efforts. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the focus on "better cities, neighborhoods, and inclusive spaces," "stronger skills, processes, and resources," and "collaborative approaches" suggests that successful projects will demonstrate measurable progress in these areas, contributing to a stronger Cedar Valley.

The "Grants for Tech" program, an initiative by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD), aims to support nonprofits in the Dubuque area that lack dedicated IT staff. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen local organizations by enhancing their technological capabilities. By providing funding for technology improvements, training, and services, CFGD seeks to empower these nonprofits to operate more effectively and achieve greater growth within the community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are 501(c)3 nonprofits, churches, schools, and government organizations within the Dubuque area that do not currently employ IT staff. The program's impact goals are centered on improving the operational efficiency and overall strength of these organizations through technological advancements. A key focus is on addressing the digital divide for smaller nonprofits, ensuring they have access to the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The program prioritizes technology assessments through a partnership with the University of Dubuque, which allows nonprofits to identify their specific technological needs. Following assessments, the grant will fund improvements, provide essential training, and cover the costs of various technology services. This comprehensive approach is designed to provide holistic support rather than just one-off funding, ensuring sustainable technological growth and development within the recipient organizations. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the operational effectiveness of participating nonprofits, improved delivery of services to their constituents, and a stronger organizational capacity. While specific metrics are not explicitly detailed beyond the "more effective and grow stronger" statement, it can be inferred that these outcomes would be measured through the successful implementation of technology solutions, increased staff proficiency, and ultimately, a greater positive impact on the communities they serve. This grant program reflects the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque's strategic priority of investing in the organizational health and capacity of its local nonprofits. Their theory of change appears to be that by addressing a critical operational need like technology, they can create a ripple effect, leading to more resilient, efficient, and impactful organizations. This, in turn, contributes to a stronger, more vibrant Dubuque community as a whole.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.