Iowa Local Grants

Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s Black Hawk County Grants one-time grants awarded to organizations and projects that benefit residents of Black Hawk County, Iowa. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa State: Iowa County: Black Hawk County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Areas Arts and Culture Access- Programs that offer new and expanded access to arts and cultural opportunities. Infrastructure– Programs and projects that protect history and make long-lasting impacts in the community. Talent Development- Programs that help grow the visual and performing creative class in their community Community Betterment Economic Development– Programs that create or expand businesses, create new jobs opportunities, and leverage outside financial support. Civic Engagement– Programs that support civic action, service learning, and cross-cultural understanding. Shared Amenities- Through the creation or expansion of public amenities like parks and trails, libraries, farmers’ markets, etc. Education and Youth Development Child Care-Programs that address the academic, health, and social/emotional needs of children pre-kindergarten. Mentorship-Through K-12 programs that provide guided and continuous mentoring, coaching, and teaching during or outside regular school hours that improve academic performance. Career Readiness- Through 9-12 programs that support postsecondary attainment and workforce readiness. Environment and Animal Welfare Conservation- Through projects that protect ecosystems and minimize their use of natural resources. Restoration- Through projects that work to re-establish the healthy functions of ecosystems. Education- Programs that foster a stronger awareness and understanding of environmental and sustainability issues. Health Case Management- Programs that provide guided and continuous behavioral healthcare and wellness services. Prevention- Programs that focus on education, physical health screening, and suicide prevention. Access- Programs that expand access to high-quality physical and mental healthcare Human Service Case Management- Through programs that help people overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. Prevention- Programs that focus on prevention of child abuse, violence, and substance abuse. Basic Needs- Programs that meet basic human needs of food, shelter, housing, transportation, and emergency assistance. The Community Foundation prioritizes requests that align with their community initiatives and program areas and embraces organizations that work to address two or more of these. The Community Foundation has identified community initiatives to provide focus on what we fund and how they spend the time in community initiatives and leadership. Those include: Advancing Racial Equity – They are committed to supporting organizations and initiatives that are BIPOC-led and/or support BIPOC populations. Expanding Child Care – They strive to increase equitable, accessible, and sustainable child care opportunities. Enhancing the Arts – They work to enrich and enhance an inclusive arts community that amplifies diverse voices and viewpoints. Strengthening Workforce Readiness – They support the community-wide need to create a more qualified, prepared workforce for the future. Building Nonprofit Capacity – They want to build the capacity of their nonprofit partners so their work is strengthened to serve their community well. Funding Information The majority of competitive grants range from $5,000 to $25,000. Eligibility Criteria Organizations must provide benefits to the people of Black Hawk County and meet the following criteria: Be classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or be a government entity. Tax-exempt organizations classified as other than 501(c)(3) are also eligible if and only if the project is deemed charitable. For groups, projects, or initiatives that do not meet the above eligibility requirement, we will consider projects submitted through a fiscal sponsor. Fiscal sponsors must be classified as a 501(c)(3) or a government entity. CFNEIA prefers the fiscal sponsor’s mission closely align with the sponsored project. Applicants must be current with all state and federal reporting requirements. In addition, the following conditions must be met: Applicants must not have any past due grant reports for previous CFNEIA grants. Applicants with a separate supporting, eligible organization (like a “friends of” or a foundation) can apply through either the organization or through its supporting organization, but not both. The Foundation encourages applications to be submitted through the supporting organization. The Foundation will consider requests for capital campaigns but will not provide multiple grants (in subsequent years) for the same campaign. For more information, visit CFNEIA.

The Ackley Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa is seeking applications to support charitable capital projects, activities, services, programs, and organizations that will improve the quality of life for the residents of Ackley, Iowa. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa State: Iowa City: Ackley Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Ackley Community Foundation will provide grants to improve life in Ackley, Iowa. The Foundation wants to help develop a community where people want to live, work, play and stay. Areas of giving are: Art and Culture Community Betterment Education & Youth Development Environment and Animal Welfare Health Human Service Funding Priorities The ACF Committee places high priority on funding requests that: Address a community-based need, demonstrate broad community support, and benefit the whole community. Show the organization’s ability to leverage funding and support from other sources, with budgets clearly showing all matching funds for the request. Maximize community resources through cooperation and collaboration with other organizations in the community and avoid replication of services, programs, or projects. Reflect organization and staff’s capacity to achieve the desired results of the request. Show sustainability without additional long-term financial commitments from Ackley Community Foundation Funding Information Minimum request amount is $500. Most grant amounts range from $500 – $3,000. Eligibility Criteria Organizations must provide benefits to the people of Ackley and must meet the following criteria to apply for a grant: Be classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or be a government entity. Tax-exempt organizations classified as other than 501(c)(3) are also eligible if the project is deemed charitable; please contact office to discuss the project’s eligibility prior to submitting a proposal. Be current with all state and federal reporting requirements, such as filing of 990 forms. No past due grant reports for previous Ackley Community Foundation grants. Requests that include or require participation in inherently religious activities such as religious worship, instruction, or proselytization or activities that promote specific religious doctrine are not eligible. Application must be completed by the due date using the online application and CFNEIA grant site For  more information, visit CFNEIA.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Dickinson County Endowment Fund. Donor Name: Dickinson County Endowment Fund State: Iowa County: Dickinson County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Minimum funding request is $500. Eligibility Criteria  Charitable, non-profit groups and organizations [501(C)(3) or 170(b) units of government organizations] are encouraged to apply. A group lacking one of these designations may apply through a qualified fiscal agent. Funds awarded by the DCEF must be used for civic, educational, public, charitable, patriotic or religious projects. Ineligibility The DCEF will not support “for-profit” entities, annual campaigns, endowments or projects that do not serve Dickinson county residents. For more information, visit Dickinson County Endowment Fund.

Community Impact Grants are awarded from the unrestricted funds of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque to improve policies and practices affecting the Greater Dubuque community and have the greatest possible impact. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque State: Iowa County: Clayton County (IA), Clinton County (IA), Dubuque County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community Impact Grant program is designed to support capacity-building efforts among nonprofits serving Clayton, Clinton, and Dubuque counties. Project proposals can focus on a variety of areas, including: Community programming Individual and team leadership Organization-wide planning and development Equity, diversity and inclusion Network development Communications Evaluation and learning planning Digital and physical security. Funding Information The Community Foundation will make awards between $3,500-$20,000. Eligibility Criteria  Nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations, churches, schools, or government organizations that provide services in Clayton, Clinton and Dubuque counties. Organizations that do not have a 501(c)3 status are encouraged to find a qualifying agency to serve as their fiscal sponsor. Ineligible for Grants Individuals Lobbying activities Debt retirement or budget deficits Tuition, scholarships or core operating expenses for public schools, charter schools, private schools, or universities and colleges Annual campaigns, fundraising campaigns or events Religious organizations for religious purposes Political activities Purchases or activities that occur prior to grant decisions Grants that are solely focused on capital improvements. For more information, visit CFGD.

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.

The Arts & Culture Capacity Building Grant Program provides funding to support initiatives that aim to create a more sustainable and effective organization. Donor Name: City of Dubuque State: Iowa City: Dubuque Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Eligible organizations may apply for grants of up to $8,000 to support capacity-building initiatives. The organization must maintain a cash operating expense budget, exclusive of other City of Dubuque grant support, of no less than $10,000 per year. A total of $35,000 in funding is available. Examples of capacity-building initiatives include: strategic planning creating a development plan and/or fundraising strategy donor experience improvements staff and/or board member nonprofit 101 training leadership development project or program development program management volunteer management Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) training. Grant Period Funding is available in fiscal year 2025 (FY25), which runs from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Applicant is an arts and culture organization as defined by grant guidelines. Applicant is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with at least two years of programming documentation and two Form 990s. Applicant’s official business address is located in the city limits of Dubuque (P.O. Boxes will not be accepted). Applicant serves residents of Dubuque and programming occurs within the city limits. Applicant will have a clean record of compliance and be in good standing with the City of Dubuque’s Arts and Culture Grant Program(s). For more information, visit City of Dubuque.

Johnson County puts forth a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Permanent Supportive Housing designed for households with children, that reduce barriers to housing and promote housing stability. Donor Name: Johnson County State: Iowa County: Johnson County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/20/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The program shall provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, inter-disciplinary services that effectively engage families with complex needs. Services must be comprehensive, coordinated, readily accessible, and family centered. This RFP seeks bids that demonstrate racial equity in providing the proposed services. Permanent Supportive Housing is an intervention that combines affordable housing with voluntary support services to address the needs of households experiencing repeated and chronic homelessness. Access to affordable housing is a strong indicator of whether families living in poverty will experience homelessness. At times, some families experience long episodes of homelessness and return to homelessness even after being rehoused. These households face multiple barriers to housing stability including living in poverty, brain health disorders, substance use, or other chronic health conditions. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is a successful model in providing housing stability for many families experiencing long-term homelessness and often leads to other positive outcomes. Funding Information Up to $220,000 will be awarded under this RFP annually with renewal for up to three years. Contract Term July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Priority Target Population  Through this RFP, Johnson County is requesting submissions of proposals from organizations interested in providing support services in combination with rental assistance to families who experience repeated and/or chronic homelessness and who have incomes at or below 30% area median income as defined by HUD at the time of entering housing. Project plans should describe the needs for this population within Johnson County. Eligible Organizations Nonprofit organizations providing services in and for Johnson County residents. For more information, visit Johnson County.

The City of Marion is now accepting grant applications from any non-profit organization for a project that increases tourism within Marion. Donor Name: City of Marion State: Iowa City: Marion Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The funding source for these grants is the City’s share of taxes collected on overnight stays at hotels and motels within the city. Funding Information Approximately $50,000 is expected to be available for the competitive grant program in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Eligibility Criteria  Non-profit Organizations are eligible to apply. For more information, visit City of Marion.

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:

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

Business Innovation & Support Grants are available for small businesses in Iowa with one to 10 employees. This program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered in partnership with the City and Chamber of Commerce, aims to provide financial support to small businesses that have faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant funding ranges from $5,500 to $15,500, and recipients will also receive up to five hours of mandatory business counseling from a pre-approved business coach, with $500 reserved from each cash award for this coaching fee.

The Cultural Capacity Building grants provide general operating support over a three-year period to eligible arts, cultural and humanities organizations in Iowa. Donor Name: Iowa Arts & Culture State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Organizations with annual operating expenses above $10,000 that demonstrate a commitment to enhancing their cultural and managerial excellence and community service are eligible to apply. Funding for the program is made possible by an annual appropriation from the Iowa Legislature to the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Funding Information Grant recipients will receive up to $5,000 in each fiscal year, for a total maximum award of $15,000 over three years, to support opera ng expenses that are incurred within each eligible funding period. Funding Period The three-year funding period will be in effect from July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027. Who Qualifies? Iowa 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations whose primary mission and purpose is focused on arts or culture and arts or cultural divisions of a municipal government. Eligible entities must maintain a cash operating expense budget of no less than $10,000 per year. Applicant must have a minimum of one dedicated staff or volunteer position that works for the organization year-round and is responsible for oversight and management of the organization. For more information, visit Iowa Arts & Culture.