Iowa Recreation Grants

This grant provides funding to support the maintenance, safety, and enhancement of recreational walking and cycling trails in Warren County.

This program provides paint and coatings to Iowa communities for volunteer-led projects that beautify public spaces and foster civic pride.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities that improve the quality of life for residents in Tama County, Iowa, through various community-focused initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities in Winneshiek County, Iowa, for projects that improve community quality of life across various areas such as arts, education, environment, and health.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Iowa and Wisconsin that address community needs in areas such as hunger, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety.

This grant provides funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government entities in Akron, Iowa, to support projects that enhance community quality of life in areas such as arts, education, health, and the environment.

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

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) is offering its Community Forestry Grant Program, a state-funded initiative designed to support community-based tree planting for derecho recovery. This program is rooted in the Iowa Legislature's appropriation of state infrastructure funds, specifically earmarked for urban and community forestry services. The core mission of this grant program aligns with enhancing Iowa's natural environment and aiding in the recovery of communities affected by derecho events through strategic tree planting on public lands. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are state and local government entities, schools, volunteer organizations, and service organizations actively involved with local urban and community forest services. The overarching impact goal is to facilitate the purchase and planting of trees on publicly owned lands across Iowa, contributing to environmental restoration and community resilience following natural disasters. Eligible planting areas include, but are not limited to, street right-of-ways, parks, school grounds, courthouse lawns, public buildings, fairgrounds, cemeteries, libraries, and trails, ensuring broad community access to the benefits of reforestation. Grant priorities emphasize several key areas to maximize impact and ensure effective resource allocation. Priority will be given to projects demonstrating clear need stemming from derecho impact, cost-effectiveness through a $1 for $1 cash match, robust community involvement, alignment with Tree City/Campus/Line USA designation, and a focus on species/genera diversity and environmental impact. These priorities reflect a strategic approach to fostering sustainable urban and community forests, promoting ecological health, and encouraging local engagement in environmental stewardship. The expected outcomes of the Community Forestry Grant Program include the successful planting of a diverse range of suitable trees across publicly owned lands in Iowa. Measurable results will be tied to the number of trees planted, the extent of community involvement, and the degree to which projects address the specified priorities, particularly in derecho-affected and EAB Reforestation eligible counties. The program's strategic priorities are centered on recovery, environmental enhancement, and community engagement, working towards a theory of change where targeted tree planting leads to stronger, more resilient communities and improved ecological well-being throughout the state. The grants, ranging from $500 to $10,000, are specifically for the purchase and planting of trees, with special requests for other landscape plantings requiring detailed justification.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa's Black Hawk County Grants program offers one-time grants to organizations and projects that benefit residents of Black Hawk County, Iowa. These grants are designed to support a wide range of initiatives across various areas, including Arts and Culture, Community Betterment, Education and Youth Development, Environment and Animal Welfare, Health, and Human Service. The foundation's mission is deeply aligned with improving the quality of life for Black Hawk County residents by investing in programs that foster community well-being and address critical needs. The grants target beneficiaries across all age groups and demographics within Black Hawk County. The impact goals are broad, aiming to enhance access to arts and cultural opportunities, protect historical infrastructure, develop local talent, stimulate economic development, promote civic engagement, create or expand public amenities, improve child care, support youth mentorship and career readiness, conserve and restore ecosystems, educate on environmental issues, provide behavioral healthcare and wellness services, prevent various social issues, and meet basic human needs. The foundation prioritizes requests that align with these program areas and community initiatives, seeking to achieve long-lasting positive changes within the community. The program's priorities and focuses are further guided by specific community initiatives. These include Advancing Racial Equity, with a commitment to supporting BIPOC-led organizations and populations; Expanding Child Care, aiming to increase equitable, accessible, and sustainable child care; Enhancing the Arts, by enriching an inclusive arts community; Strengthening Workforce Readiness, to create a more qualified workforce; and Building Nonprofit Capacity, to strengthen the work of their partners. The foundation embraces organizations that address two or more of these initiatives, demonstrating a holistic approach to community development. Expected outcomes include expanded access to essential services, improved educational and career opportunities, a healthier environment, a reduction in social challenges, and a more vibrant and equitable community. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each program area in the provided text, the foundation's emphasis on addressing defined needs within Black Hawk County suggests an expectation of tangible improvements in the lives of residents. The majority of competitive grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, indicating a focus on funding a diverse portfolio of impactful projects rather than a few large-scale initiatives. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on identifying and investing in critical community needs and fostering collaborative efforts. By focusing on specific initiatives such as racial equity, child care, arts, workforce readiness, and nonprofit capacity, they aim to create systemic change. Their theory of change appears to be that by supporting organizations that address these key areas, they can empower communities, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the overall well-being and resilience of Black Hawk County residents. This approach emphasizes targeted investments and community-driven solutions to achieve their philanthropic goals.

The Operations and Program Grant program by the Quad Cities Community Foundation aims to provide essential general operating or program support to successful ongoing efforts. This initiative aligns with the Community Foundation’s strategic commitment to effective grantmaking practices by offering flexible and reliable funding. A key aspect of this alignment is the preference given to general operating support requests, acknowledging their crucial role in the long-term success of nonprofit organizations. The program allows for both one-year and two-year funding requests, enabling organizations to secure stable support for their critical work. The program targets nonprofit organizations located in Scott County, IA, or Rock Island County, IL. Organizations outside these counties but within a 60-mile radius of Rock Island, IL, are eligible for funding from the Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund only. The program's impact goals are broad, covering various fields of interest including Animals & Environment, Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education, Health, and Youth Development. By supporting these diverse areas, the Community Foundation aims to address a wide range of community needs and foster overall well-being in the Quad Cities region. The Operations and Program Grant program prioritizes several key areas. Preference is given to applications seeking general operating support and those supporting existing successful organizations or programs. The program also focuses on organizations and programs that meet an identified community need in at least one of the six fields of interest, demonstrate effectiveness in achieving their goals, and strongly contribute to overall success. Furthermore, a significant focus is placed on organizations that advance racial and other forms of equity in the Quad Cities region through their actions and leadership, and those with a track record of success and positive community impact. Expected outcomes include enhanced organizational stability and effectiveness for nonprofits, improved community well-being across various sectors, and the advancement of equity in the Quad Cities region. Measurable results are tied to the effectiveness of programs, the achievement of organizational goals relative to dollars used, and the demonstrated positive community impact. The Community Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its commitment to flexible and reliable funding, its focus on general operating support, and its emphasis on supporting established, successful initiatives that address identified community needs and promote equity. Each fund within the program maintains its original purposes and donor intent, ensuring that grants are awarded in alignment with specific areas such as risk management, arts and culture, or youth development.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities that enhance the welfare of residents in Fayette County, Iowa, through projects in areas such as arts, education, health, and community development.

The City Parks and Open Space Grant, funded by REAP (Resource Enhancement And Protection), is a competitive grant program supporting cities across Iowa in developing parks and open spaces. This initiative is a core component of the Iowa Legislature's commitment to enhancing the state's natural resources and recreational opportunities, aligning with a broader mission of environmental stewardship and community well-being. The funding originates from gaming revenues, demonstrating a strategic allocation of state resources towards public amenities and green infrastructure. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the cities within Iowa, which receive the financial support to undertake park and open space development projects. Ultimately, the residents of these cities, as well as visitors, benefit from improved access to recreational areas, enhanced natural environments, and greater opportunities for outdoor activities. The impact goals center on fostering healthier communities, preserving biodiversity through open spaces, and boosting the quality of life for Iowans by creating accessible and engaging public spaces. The grant prioritizes the development of parks and open spaces, explicitly excluding certain types of facilities. Projects that do not qualify for funding include athletic fields, organized sports facilities, swimming pools, and playground equipment. This focus indicates an emphasis on broader, more naturalistic or passive recreational areas rather than specialized sports or play infrastructure. The grant also highlights its commitment to equitable distribution by allocating funds across cities of various sizes, ensuring that both large and small communities have opportunities to benefit. The expected outcomes include the successful development and enhancement of numerous city parks and open spaces across Iowa. Measurable results would involve the number of new or improved park acres, the types of new amenities created (excluding the proscribed items), and potentially an increase in public engagement with these spaces. The program's design, which requires no local matching funds, removes a significant barrier for many communities, increasing accessibility and the likelihood of successful project implementation. The strategic priority is to leverage state gaming revenues to directly improve local community infrastructure related to environmental and recreational assets, embodying a theory of change where targeted state investment leads to widespread local environmental and social benefits. Applications for this program are due by August 15, 2024.