Iowa Science and Technology Grants

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that create hands-on STEAM workshops for underserved youth, enhancing technical skills and career exploration opportunities within the Best Buy Teen Tech Centers network.

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 is designed to strengthen research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by supporting collaborations among academic institutions, government agencies, and private industry to develop sustainable research infrastructure.

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.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is offering the INDIGO Program grant to support the deployment of advanced decarbonization and/or grid support technologies at California industrial facilities. This initiative aims to promote electrification and significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the industrial sector. The program aligns with the CEC's mission to advance clean energy and reduce climate-warming pollution, specifically targeting the industrial sector's environmental impact. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries within California's industrial sector, including existing industrial facilities, utilities, equipment manufacturers, energy service companies, project aggregators, and project developers. The impact goals are multi-faceted, focusing on reducing fossil fuel and thermal energy usage, decreasing criteria air pollutants and carbon footprints, and supporting electrical grid reliability, especially during net peak periods. Projects are particularly encouraged to benefit priority populations by reducing air pollutants and engaging directly with low-income or disadvantaged communities. The program's priorities and focuses include deploying cutting-edge, emerging industrial decarbonization technologies that demonstrate cost-effectiveness and scalability. Key project goals include electrifying industrial processes, maximizing GHG emission reductions, driving the scalability of project technology to other facilities and industries, reducing electrical demand during net peak periods, and providing air pollution benefits to priority populations. Entities associated with oil and gas production or processing are ineligible, as are food and beverage industries already receiving funding for the same projects from CEC’s Food Production Investment Program (FPIP). Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the adoption of electrification and other eligible decarbonization technologies, leading to quantifiable reductions in annual GHG emissions and other criteria air emissions at industrial processing facilities. Additionally, the program anticipates improved grid reliability through the adoption of commercially available and emerging technologies. Successful projects are expected to demonstrate the potential for widespread adoption across multiple industrial facilities, fostering increased confidence in these advanced technologies. The CEC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by the INDIGO Program, center on accelerating California’s transition to a clean energy economy by supporting technological innovation and deployment in key sectors. The theory of change behind this grant is that by providing significant funding for the demonstration and deployment of cutting-edge decarbonization and grid support technologies in industrial settings, the CEC can catalyze widespread adoption, leading to substantial reductions in GHG emissions, improved air quality, enhanced grid stability, and equitable benefits for all Californians, particularly in vulnerable communities. With up to $46,200,000 available for grants, individual projects can receive between $4,000,000 and $10,000,000. This substantial funding aims to incentivize large-scale, impactful projects that can serve as models for future industrial decarbonization efforts across the state.

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 Heartland Regional Food Business Center is offering Business Builder Subawards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to support small food and farm businesses in selected states and counties, aiming to expand local and regional food markets, increase business acumen, and strengthen food systems in response to COVID-19, with projects to be completed within a year.

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.

The Cultural Capacity Building grants, provided by Iowa Arts & Culture, offer general operating support over a three-year period to eligible arts, cultural, and humanities organizations in Iowa. This program is designed to enhance the cultural and managerial excellence and community service of these organizations. Funding is made possible through an annual appropriation from the Iowa Legislature to the Iowa Arts Council, which is part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. This aligns with a mission to foster a vibrant cultural landscape within Iowa by supporting the operational needs of key cultural institutions. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Iowa 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is focused on arts or culture, as well as arts or cultural divisions of municipal governments. Eligible entities must maintain an annual cash operating expense budget of no less than $10,000 and have a minimum of one dedicated year-round staff or volunteer position responsible for oversight and management. The impact goal is to strengthen the operational capacity and community engagement of these organizations, ensuring their long-term sustainability and ability to deliver cultural services across all counties in Iowa. The program prioritizes organizations with annual operating expenses above $10,000 that can demonstrate a commitment to improving their cultural and managerial excellence and community service. The focus is on providing stable, multi-year funding to help these organizations achieve their goals. Grant recipients will receive up to $5,000 in each fiscal year, for a total maximum award of $15,000 over three years, specifically to support operating expenses incurred within each eligible funding period. The funding period for the current cycle is from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027. Expected outcomes include enhanced cultural programming, improved organizational management, and stronger community service among recipient organizations. Measurable results would involve the effective utilization of funds for operational expenses, leading to greater organizational stability and the continued delivery of arts and cultural experiences to Iowa communities. While the document does not explicitly detail a "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the funding structure and eligibility criteria reflect a strategic priority of the Iowa Arts Council and its partners to invest in the foundational strength of cultural organizations. The implicit theory of change is that by providing consistent operational support, these organizations will be better equipped to fulfill their missions, enrich the lives of Iowans, and contribute to the state's economic and cultural vitality.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to universities in specific states and territories to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering, aligning with the needs of the Department of Defense.

The Walter F. Goodnough Trust offers grants specifically designed to support the rehabilitation of underprivileged disabled children, with its mission directly aligned with improving the health and well-being of this vulnerable population through hospitalization within the state of Florida. This grant program is a core component of the trust's philanthropic efforts, focusing on a critical area of need within the healthcare sector for children facing both disability and financial hardship. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on direct impact within Florida's healthcare landscape, particularly for disabled children. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are underprivileged disabled children in Florida who require hospitalization for rehabilitation. The impact goal is to facilitate their recovery and improve their quality of life by providing financial support for necessary medical interventions. The trust prioritizes health-related programs and aims to ensure that eligible organizations, specifically 501(c)(3) exempt organizations, can access funding to serve these children. While specific detailed expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly stated beyond "rehabilitation," the implicit outcome is improved health and functional abilities for the children served. Success would likely be measured by the number of children assisted, the types of rehabilitation services provided, and potentially the duration or effectiveness of their hospitalization and recovery. The average grant size of $2,500 to $5,000, with an average total giving of $15,000 per year, indicates a focus on supporting individual or smaller-scale rehabilitation projects. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by providing financial grants to qualified organizations, they can directly enable access to crucial rehabilitation services that might otherwise be out of reach for underprivileged families. The geographic limitation to Florida and the program area of Health further underscore this focused approach to addressing specific community needs.

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.

The Richard A. Shaw Fund, administered by the Omaha Community Foundation, aims to support nonprofit organizations through grants. While the overarching mission alignment with the Omaha Community Foundation's broader goals isn't explicitly detailed, the fund's specific focus on history, natural sciences, outdoor education, and animal welfare suggests a commitment to enriching community life and supporting vulnerable populations. This aligns with a general philanthropic mission of fostering education and protecting animal well-being within the designated service area. The grant program targets two primary beneficiary groups: public school programs serving students aged 5-18, and nonprofit organizations benefiting animals. For public schools, the focus is on programs emphasizing history, natural sciences, and outdoor education. For animal-benefiting nonprofits, there is a strong preference for those involved in equine therapy. Organizations must be located in the Omaha metropolitan area, including Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie Counties. The priorities and focuses of the Richard A. Shaw Fund are clear: enhancing educational opportunities in specific subjects for public school students and supporting animal welfare, particularly through equine therapy. The program's design suggests an emphasis on direct service and community impact within these two distinct areas. While not explicitly stated as "strategic priorities," these focus areas demonstrate the fund's intent to channel resources toward specific, impactful initiatives. The expected outcomes and measurable results, while not detailed with specific metrics, can be inferred. For public school programs, the desired outcome is an enhancement of education in history, natural sciences, and outdoor education. For animal-benefiting organizations, the goal is to improve animal welfare, with a specific interest in the therapeutic benefits of equine programs. The grant size, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, and the total awarded amount of $3,500 across a maximum of two grants, indicates a focus on smaller-scale projects or programs that can demonstrate tangible benefits within their respective fields. The foundation's underlying theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in public school education and animal welfare programs, particularly those with a therapeutic component, they can contribute to a more educated populace and a healthier, more compassionate community. The limited number and size of grants suggest a targeted approach, aiming for significant impact within specific, well-defined areas rather than a broad, diffuse reach. The preference for equine therapy further underscores a belief in its unique benefits for both animals and, indirectly, human well-being.

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 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.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is offering the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) to advance pollinator conservation. The core mission of this fund is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. This aligns with NFWF’s broader Monarch Butterfly Business Plan, indicating a strategic, long-term commitment to these species. The fund aims to support both technical assistance for private working lands and direct habitat improvement projects. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include monarch butterflies and other at-risk native insect pollinator species, such as the rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. The program also indirectly benefits private landowners, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, especially those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by providing resources and incentives for conservation practices on their lands. The overall impact goal is to significantly enhance the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitat across eligible states. The Pollinator Fund has two main categories of focus. The first is Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands, which prioritizes increasing voluntary engagement of private landowners in conservation practices through staff resources and targeted outreach for Farm Bill programs like CSP and EQIP. The second category, Habitat Improvement, focuses on on-the-ground restoration and enhancement of pollinator habitat, emphasizing regionally appropriate milkweed and diverse native nectar plants, as well as increasing the supply of native seeds and seedlings. These priorities align with NFWF's strategic goal of fostering sustainable ecosystems through direct habitat restoration and incentivizing private land stewardship. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this program. All proposals must demonstrate how they will directly and measurably contribute to the Pollinator Fund's goals, specifically by providing the number of acres restored or enhanced. A minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states must be restored or enhanced. Historically, successful projects have averaged 2,120 acres, indicating a substantial scale for expected impact. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance and technical support, and by focusing on key geographical areas and species, NFWF can effectively reverse declines in monarch and other native pollinator populations, thereby contributing to broader ecosystem health and biodiversity. The total funding of up to $5.1 million in 2024, contributed by a diverse group of partners, underscores the collaborative and impactful nature of this strategic initiative.

The Economic Development Match Grant, offered by the Missouri River Historical Development (MRHD), aims to foster collaboration among funders and support economic development projects in Woodbury County, Iowa. This grant is specifically designed for initiatives requiring substantial funding and partnership, aligning with MRHD's mission to stimulate local economic growth. The MRHD's strategic priorities are evident in the grant's focus on creating and retaining jobs, developing a critical job force, supporting new projects or services with significant community impact, and improving the overall quality of life and community development. The grant targets educational entities, local governments, and tax-exempt organizations whose principal place of business and project are located within Woodbury County, IA. The intended beneficiaries are the citizens of Woodbury County, with a strong emphasis on projects that demonstrate a lasting impact on the community's economic development and/or the specific target population. The grant seeks to achieve measurable impact by funding projects that are sustainable beyond the grant period, have clearly stated and measurable outcomes, and, if applicable, a sound evaluation process. Proposals must align with at least one of MRHD's four economic development focus areas: job creation and retention, critical job force development, new projects or services with substantial community impact, and improved quality of life and community development. Furthermore, projects must be a demonstrated priority by the community, leveraging private, public, and/or community resources, and maximizing stakeholder collaboration. This approach reflects MRHD's theory of change, which posits that by fostering partnerships and supporting impactful, sustainable projects, they can drive significant and lasting economic and social improvements within Woodbury County. Expected outcomes include projects that are sustainable long-term, do not require additional grants for maintenance, and have clearly stated, measurable outcomes with a sound evaluation process. Successful proposals will also demonstrate a strong community priority, utilize local resources, and provide a detailed project budget with evidence of a match. With a total of $1,000,000 available for the FY24 grant cycle, and maximum awards ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000, the MRHD is committed to investing in high-impact projects that align with its vision for a thriving Woodbury County.