Iowa Grants

This program provides funding to cities, counties, and the Iowa DOT for improving roadway safety through targeted projects, traffic control devices, and educational outreach.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations conducting medical research, especially those focused on improving disease treatment and health outcomes, with a preference for projects based in the Midwest.

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 Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa has established the Women's Fund Grant Program with the mission to support organizations and programs that benefit women and girls in Black Hawk County. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's broader goal of fostering long-term change and addressing critical issues within the community. The grant specifically targets issues that lead to systemic change for women and girls, aiming to create lasting positive impacts rather than just providing short-term aid. The primary beneficiaries of this program are women and girls residing in Black Hawk County, Iowa. The grant seeks to achieve significant impact by focusing on several key areas. These include enhancing leadership, cognitive, and knowledge skills through education and literacy programs; identifying and addressing healthcare issues specific to women and girls, encompassing mental, emotional, and physical health; providing concrete assistance for women and girls dealing with poverty and homelessness to help them secure housing and move out of poverty; and focusing on the safety of women and girls through violence prevention efforts in homes, schools, and communities. The Women's Fund Committee prioritizes grant requests based on several criteria to maximize its strategic impact. Top priority is given to requests that address barriers to racial equity and work to reverse systems of racism for women and girls in Black Hawk County. Additionally, the committee favors requests that address critical and urgent needs with solution-based approaches, demonstrate effective programming with significant direct impact, show innovative approaches to advancing women's and girls' growth and success, and leverage other funding or community support to amplify the grant's reach. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets within the provided text, the focus areas and funding priorities imply a commitment to creating tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls. The "long-term change" emphasis suggests a strategic theory of change centered on addressing root causes of inequality and vulnerability. By funding initiatives in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and safety, the foundation aims to empower women and girls, improve their overall well-being, and contribute to a more equitable and supportive community environment in Black Hawk County.

This program provides $5,000 grants to BIPOC LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area to support their business growth through funding, education, and networking opportunities.

This grant provides funding to support programs that benefit low- and moderate-income individuals in the greater Des Moines, Iowa City/Coralville, and Minnesota areas, focusing on human services, education, and arts and culture.

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines offers Leadership Grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, to initiatives that aim to strengthen the community through equity-centered strategies and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, focusing on improving the quality of life in Greater Des Moines.

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.

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 funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area that provide essential services like food, shelter, and health care to vulnerable populations.

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 program provides financial support to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars to help them thrive and recover from challenges.

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 Ackley Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, is offering grants to support charitable capital projects, activities, services, programs, and organizations. The core mission of this grant program is to enhance the quality of life for residents of Ackley, Iowa, aligning with the Foundation's broader goal of fostering a community where people desire to live, work, play, and stay. This strategic focus ensures that all funded initiatives contribute directly to the betterment of the local community. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are the people of Ackley, Iowa. The program aims to create a positive and lasting impact across various sectors, including Art and Culture, Community Betterment, Education & Youth Development, Environment and Animal Welfare, Health, and Human Services. The overarching goal is to address community-based needs and improve the overall well-being and vibrancy of Ackley. Funding priorities emphasize requests that demonstrate a clear community need, broad community support, and benefits for the entire community. High priority is also given to organizations that can leverage funding and support from other sources, showcasing matching funds in their budgets. Furthermore, the Foundation values initiatives that maximize community resources through cooperation and collaboration with other local organizations, avoiding service duplication. The capacity of the organization and its staff to achieve desired results, as well as the long-term sustainability of the project without continuous financial reliance on the Ackley Community Foundation, are also critical considerations. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the quality of life for Ackley residents, such as enhanced cultural opportunities, stronger community bonds, improved educational outcomes for youth, better environmental stewardship, and increased access to health and human services. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these key areas, it can catalyze positive social and economic development, leading to a more attractive and thriving community for all its inhabitants. The minimum request amount is $500, with most grants ranging from $500 to $3,000, ensuring a broad range of projects can be supported.

The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation is actively seeking grant applications from nonprofit organizations operating within Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island County, Illinois. The foundation's mission is deeply rooted in enhancing community well-being through strategic investments in three key areas: culture and the arts, education, and social welfare. This aligns with their overarching goal of fostering a vibrant, educated, and supportive community by addressing critical needs and enriching local life. Within the realm of culture and the arts, the foundation prioritizes cultivating and supporting both visual and performing arts, investing in landmark cultural institutions, and backing new, innovative programs that contribute to community enrichment. For education, their focus extends to pre-K–12 education, encompassing after-school and summer programs, creative learning initiatives, life skills and career training, environmental education with a sustainability emphasis, and crucial mental health programs for students and their families. Social welfare initiatives are designed to support accessible programs for individuals and families, specifically targeting at-risk and low-income family services, food and nutrition support, housing security, immigrant and refugee community support, and physical and mental health services. The foundation's funding strategies support a variety of grant types to achieve its impact goals. These include capital campaigns and acquisitions for construction and renovations, operational and/or program grants for up to three years following a capital campaign, and multi-year program grants, also not exceeding three years. These program grants may also cover general operating expense reimbursement. The target beneficiaries are primarily nonprofit organizations serving the specified counties, and through these organizations, individuals and families who will benefit from improved access to cultural experiences, educational opportunities, and social support. Expected outcomes include a more culturally vibrant community, improved educational outcomes and access, enhanced life skills, increased environmental awareness, better mental health support for students and families, and stronger social safety nets for vulnerable populations. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly laid out in its long-term funding priorities and its defined areas of focus. Their theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in these three core areas through various grant mechanisms, they can catalyze positive, sustainable change within the communities of Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island County, Illinois, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and thriving society.

The 2024 Dickinson County Endowment Fund (DCEF) grant program is now accepting applications. This grant, with individual awards of less than $1000 and a minimum request of $500, is designed to support various projects within Dickinson County, Iowa. The program's mission is to foster civic, educational, public, charitable, patriotic, or religious initiatives that directly benefit the residents of Dickinson County. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2024. Target beneficiaries for this grant program include charitable, non-profit groups and organizations, specifically those with 501(C)(3) or 170(b) designations as units of government organizations. Groups without these designations can still apply through a qualified fiscal agent, ensuring broad access for community-focused efforts. The primary impact goal is to enhance the quality of life and address specific needs within the county through community-driven projects. The DCEF's priorities and focus areas are broadly defined to encompass a wide range of community needs, including civic engagement, educational advancement, public welfare improvements, charitable services, patriotic endeavors, and religious programs. This broad scope allows for diverse projects that cater to the unique fabric of Dickinson County. However, the fund explicitly does not support "for-profit" entities, annual campaigns, endowments, or any projects that do not directly serve Dickinson County residents, ensuring resources are directed towards public benefit within the specified geographic area. Expected outcomes and measurable results for successful projects should demonstrate a tangible benefit to the community in one or more of the prioritized areas. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, applicants are implicitly encouraged to propose projects with clear objectives and a demonstrable positive impact on Dickinson County residents. The foundation's strategic priority is to act as a catalyst for community development and improvement by providing financial support to local organizations and initiatives, thereby strengthening the social and civic infrastructure of the county.

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.

The FY 2025 Latino Community Development Grant (LCDG), solicited by the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA), aims to bolster Latino-serving programs within the District of Columbia. This grant seeks to enhance initiatives across various critical areas, including Education (all ages), Workforce and Economic Development, Housing Services, Civic Engagement, Legal Services, Public Safety, Crisis Intervention, Health and Wellness, and Arts, Culture, and Humanities. This aligns with MOLA's mission to support and empower the Latino community in the District. The grant targets the District of Columbia’s Latino community, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life and fostering stronger communities. The expected outcomes include strengthening the middle class, ensuring access to job opportunities, and enabling residents to build better lives for themselves and their loved ones across all eight wards. By investing in these key areas, the program intends to create a more equitable and prosperous environment for Latino residents. Key funding priorities include the "Downtown Comeback," which seeks to reimagine Downtown DC as a vibrant center for living, working, and playing, positioning the District as a global and forward-thinking leader. Another critical priority is "Public Safety," aiming to create significant, lasting change by reducing all forms of violence, including gun violence. "Education" is also a core focus, with the goal of ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential through strong schools, reading, math, recreational activities, and civic and youth engagement. The strategic approach of this grant is rooted in the belief that investing in education, housing, and economic development will lead to improved public safety and overall quality of life for residents. By empowering the District to remain a city for people of all ages and stages of life, and by fighting to protect the middle class, the program aims for comprehensive community upliftment. The grant’s theory of change posits that targeted support for CBOs providing direct services will result in tangible progress towards these community-wide goals.

The City of Des Moines introduces the Ladder Up Social Equity Grant program, designed to support community organizations that work towards addressing economic disparities among marginalized and underrepresented residents. This initiative is part of the city's commitment to enhancing economic opportunities and fostering equitable outcomes. Funding Source Each year, the program allocates a total of $100,000 from Local Option Sales & Services Tax revenues to fund these critical efforts. The goal is to boost the local economy and strengthen the purchasing power within the community. Eligibility Criteria Organizations eligible to apply must: Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or have a fiscal partner that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Be based in Des Moines or demonstrate service to City of Des Moines residents. Have a proven track record of successful economic opportunity programming and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. Supported Equity Efforts The grant supports a variety of initiatives, including but not limited to: Upskilling Programs: Training and education to enhance job skills. Small Business Support: Start-up assistance and ongoing coaching for underserved residents. Community Outreach: Targeted efforts towards specific marginalized groups. Language Accessibility: Increasing access to services through language support. Proactive Services: Quality services aimed at underserved communities. Economic Connection: Programs that link residents to economic opportunities. Grant Details Award Amounts: Organizations can receive between $10,000 and $25,000. Use of Funds: The grant covers operational costs such as program administration, supplies, and training. Funds must be used to expand or create programs specifically designed to serve historically marginalized communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Linn County, Iowa, for urgent expenses or unexpected opportunities that address critical community needs.