Iowa Local Grants

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 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.

Capacity Building Grant Program Overview: The Capacity Building Grant Program is a biennial initiative alternating with the Special Projects Grant Program. The fiscal year 2025 (FY25) Building Capacity grant application period commences on April 2, 2024. Purpose: The Arts & Culture Capacity Building Grant Program aims to provide funding for initiatives fostering sustainable and efficient organizational development. Eligible organizations can request grants of up to $8,000 to support capacity-building endeavors. Definition of Capacity Building: As per the National Council of Nonprofits, capacity building encompasses activities essential for elevating a nonprofit's operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity. It's a continuous improvement strategy geared towards establishing sustainable and effective organizations. Examples of Capacity-Building Initiatives: Strategic planning Development of fundraising strategies Marketing/communications enhancements Improvements in donor experience Nonprofit 101 training for staff/board members Leadership development Project/program development and management Volunteer management Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) training Eligibility Requirements: Eligible Applicants: Arts and culture organizations meeting grant guidelines Nonprofit 501(c)(3) entities with at least two years of programming documentation and two Form 990s Official business address within Dubuque city limits Service provision to Dubuque residents within city limits Clean compliance record and good standing with City of Dubuque’s Arts and Culture Grant Program(s) Ineligible Applicants: For-profit entities, businesses, or sole proprietors Educational institutions (K-12 schools, colleges, universities, community colleges) City of Dubuque government departments/entities Individual artists Non-arts and culture nonprofits (e.g., social service, religious institutions) Organizations with delinquent City of Dubuque Arts and Culture Grant Program Final Reports Fiscal agent/sponsor usage is prohibited Funding Guidelines and Timeline: Funding Guidelines: Grant requests ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 accepted Requests below $4,000 will not be considered 1:1 cash match required; personnel time ineligible for cash match FY25 Grant Timeline: April 2, 2024: Informational webinar available; online application opens May 10, 2024, by 11:59 p.m.: Grant applications due via Slideroom July 9, 2024: Award notification August 2024: Anticipated fund disbursement Application Process: Applications submitted via SlideRoom, exclusively through the online portal Deadline for FY25 applications: May 10, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. Late, incomplete, or ineligible applications will not be considered Resources:

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Linn County for projects that preserve historic artifacts, structures, and educational programs related to local history.

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.

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.

This grant provides funding for community-led projects in Ames, Iowa, that aim to reduce energy use, promote sustainable practices, and enhance environmental resilience.

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.

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

Johnson County is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Permanent Supportive Housing, specifically designed for households with children. The program aims to reduce barriers to housing and promote housing stability through trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and interdisciplinary services. These services must effectively engage families with complex needs, being comprehensive, coordinated, readily accessible, and family-centered. A key focus of this RFP is to demonstrate racial equity in the provision of proposed services, aligning with a mission to address systemic inequalities in housing access and stability. The target beneficiaries for this program are families experiencing repeated and/or chronic homelessness, with incomes at or below 30% of the area median income as defined by HUD at the time of entering housing. This population often faces multiple barriers to housing stability, including poverty, brain health disorders, substance use, and other chronic health conditions. The program's impact goals are to provide housing stability for these families, ultimately leading to other positive outcomes beyond just housing, such as improved health and overall well-being. The program prioritizes a Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) model, which combines affordable housing with voluntary support services. This intervention is a proven successful model in providing housing stability for families experiencing long-term homelessness. The expected outcomes include a reduction in repeated and chronic homelessness for the target population, as well as improved housing stability. Measurable results would likely include tracking the number of families housed, the length of time families remain housed, and improvements in associated social and health indicators. Funding of up to $220,000 will be awarded annually under this RFP, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years. The contract term is from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Eligible organizations are nonprofit organizations providing services in and for Johnson County residents. This initiative reflects a strategic priority of Johnson County to support its vulnerable populations through a comprehensive and equity-focused approach to housing, embodying a theory of change that by providing stable housing and robust support services, long-term homelessness can be effectively combated and families can achieve greater overall well-being.

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.

This grant provides funding for local video creators and organizations in Dubuque to acquire equipment for producing non-commercial content for the community's public, educational, and governmental access channels.

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 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 City of North Liberty is offering its 2025 Social Service Grant, a program designed to provide financial assistance to organizations serving North Liberty residents. This grant aligns with a mission to support the local community by fostering both ongoing annual initiatives and innovative new projects. The program emphasizes community benefit and aims to strengthen social services within North Liberty. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of North Liberty, who will benefit from the services and programs funded through this initiative. The grant aims to support a diverse range of projects, from established annual programs to new, creative solutions addressing community needs. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the quality of life and accessibility of social services for all North Liberty residents. The City Council has specifically highlighted a focus on new services that will benefit North Liberty residents. This indicates a strategic priority towards innovation and the expansion of social service offerings within the city. While annual funding is available, a clear emphasis is placed on supporting novel programs that can introduce new and impactful services to the community. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation of existing vital social services and the successful implementation of new, innovative programs. Measurable results could include the number of residents served by funded programs, the variety of new services introduced, and the overall positive impact on community well-being. The City of North Liberty's strategic priority appears to be a theory of change rooted in direct community investment, believing that by funding diverse social service initiatives, they can foster a more supportive and thriving environment for their residents. The grant period for these funds is from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, local government units, and public educational institutions that serve Monona County, focusing on projects that enhance community well-being in areas such as arts, education, health, and the environment.