Iowa Private Grants

This grant provides financial support to small food processors and value-added agriculture businesses in rural Iowa to help them grow through equipment upgrades and expert consultations.

The River Bluff Community Foundation in Iowa is offering the Impact Grant, ranging from $1000 to $10,000, to nonprofit organizations that aim to improve the quality of life in Clinton and Camanche through initiatives in health, education, community development, environment, family services, and arts and culture, with applications due by September 30, 2024.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities that enhance the quality of life for residents in Hancock County, Iowa.

Greater Des Moines offers general operating support to all eligible arts, culture, heritage and interpretive sciences organizations in the Greater Des Moines region. Donor Name: Bravo Greater Des Moines State: Iowa County: Polk County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The mission is to leverage community resources to maximize impact of arts, culture and heritage to advance regional priorities.  Funding Information Awards will generally fall within the following target ranges:  First  Annual Operating Expenses: $2 million and above  Maximum Annual Award: $500,000 Second Project Period The 2025 grant period (GC25) runs January 1 – December 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Be a 501(c) organization exempt from tax under the Internal Revenue Code with at least 6 months of active programming history or be an agency, division or department of the State of Iowa which operates a facility open to the public. Have headquarters in and conduct most of its activities within one of Bravo’s partner local governments. Demonstrate a primary organizational purpose of arts, culture, interpretative science, and/or heritage that focuses on the collection, preservation, production, presentation and/or promotion of artistic expression, traditions, customs, or stories within creative, educational, or historic contexts. Mission language, programming, public access, support materials, partnerships, and budget must all clearly illustrate arts, culture, interpretative science or heritage as the organization’s primary purpose (at least 60%) in Greater Des Moines. Ineligible applicants for operating support include, but are not limited to: Individual artists Fiscally sponsored organizations Private organizations, clubs or groups that do not offer public programming Political, religious, or academic organizations Public libraries Those formed with the express purpose of fundraising on behalf of, supporting and/or promoting applicants that are not otherwise eligible for funding (e.g. friends societies, etc. for libraries, political, religious or academic organizations) Nonprofit organizations whose primary mission and work advances other sectors such as social services (food, housing, childcare, schools, mental health and wellness, etc.), economic development, business and entrepreneurship, financial services, sports and recreation, technology, etc., even if arts and culture programming is used to deliver some of the organization’s mission. For more information, visit Bravo Greater Des Moines.

The Iowa Tourism Grant Program, funded by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to Iowa-based tourism-related entities for marketing initiatives, meetings, and events that align with IEDA's marketing plan, with a total of $300,000 available for projects to be implemented in the 2025 fiscal year.

Grants for Tech is an innovative approach to assist nonprofits that do not employ IT staff within the Dubuque area. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Through a partnership with the University of Dubuque nonprofits can apply to receive technology assessments. The grant program will pay for technology improvements, training and services for nonprofits to help make their organizations more effective and grow stronger. Funding Information Grants awarded will be a minimum of $2,000, with a maximum grant award of $10,000. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible organizations are within the Dubuque area including 501(c)3 nonprofits, church, school or government organizations that do not employ IT staff. Organizations must operate in a manner that no applicable anti-discrimination laws are violated. Only one proposal may be submitted per organization each year. For more information, visit CFGD.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profits, schools, churches, and government organizations in Jones County to enhance community well-being through projects focused on education, economic development, food security, and healthcare access.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits, schools, and government organizations in Anamosa to enhance community well-being through projects focused on education, health, tourism, and recreation.

The Grant W. Brissman & Virginia M. Brissman Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations and governmental agencies in the Village of Milan, Illinois, aiming to enhance youth and community development, support cultural activities, and aid underprivileged individuals, with applications demonstrating specific benefits to the village and its residents being prioritized.

This grant provides financial support for economic, civic, or community development projects in Clinton County, allowing organizations to request up to $75,000 with a required 25% match.

The Endowment Challenge Grants supports nonprofit organizations with a matching grant to help start and build endowment funds for sustainability. Donor Name: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation State: Iowa County: Linn County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 5 Years Details: The matching endowment fund is opened and held at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. Nonprofit endowment funds invest in the mission and the future of the organization by providing general operating support, stability during cyclical income variances, and income for areas of high importance to the organization. Funding Information $25,000 and five years to meet the match. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit organizations that are at least seven years old (based on the date of the IRS letter of determination) and hold 501(c)(3) status may apply if they meet two or more of the following criteria: The organization is based in Linn County, Iowa The organization serves residents of Linn County, Iowa An awarded Endowment Challenge Grant will only serve residents of Linn County, Iowa The organization currently holds one or more nonprofit endowed funds at the Community Foundation. The fund(s) must have been opened AND have a balance at or above the $10,000 fund minimum at least one year prior to the date of application. For more information, visit GRCF.

This program provides financial assistance to developers for constructing new housing in Iowa cities affected by recent disasters, focusing on permanent residences for sale or rent.

The Pella Community Foundation Impact Grants, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000, are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental agencies for projects that significantly improve Pella's quality of life, demonstrate community impact, and show evidence of long-term planning and sustainability.

The Rural Housing Assessment Grant program supports the use of publicly available, online information and rural community efforts to interpret publicly available hard data to implement changes through development codes, local ordinances, and housing incentives specific to individual community needs. Donor Name: Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: In partnership with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach’s Rural Housing Readiness Assessment workshops, program funding will empower communities to assess the current development environment and enact changes resulting in the creation of policies and procedures attractive to potential developers. The program is administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Center for Rural Revitalization in consultation with the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative Task Forces and ISU Extension and Outreach. The Rural Housing Assessment Grant Program provides funding for housing assessment data collection and ISU Extension and Outreach Rural Housing Assessment Readiness Workshop. Funds may be used to fulfill that process at the discretion of the grant recipient but must contribute to the completion of the housing assessment report, workshop or implementation of the workshop outcomes within the contract period. Funding Information Grant Recipients will be awarded up to $20,000. Funding Period All project activities and incurred expenses must occur within the eligible contracted funding period of October 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026. Eligible Project Requirements Requirements for Rural Housing Assessment Interpretation and Implementation grant awards include, but are not limited to the following: Applicants must demonstrate the capacity for grants administration. Applications must demonstrate the feasibility of completing the proposed activities with the funds requested and contract period. Applications must identify and describe any other sources of funding for the proposed activities. Applications must provide $5,000 cash match for each city or full county partnering on the application. Applications must agree to utilize information available on the Iowa Profile tool. Applications must agree to contract with ISU Extension and Outreach for the facilitated Rural Housing Assessment Readiness Workshop. Applications must identify any additional partner organizations that will be utilized in additional data collection or implementation processes. Eligibility Criteria Local city and county governments, or federally recognized tribal governments physically located in Iowa. Projects/programs must exist in and benefit a community in Iowa with a population of 20,000 or fewer and not contiguous to a city with a population of 40,000 or greater. If a countywide project, must be in one of the 88 least populous counties. For more information, visit IEDA.

This grant provides financial support to organizations that address essential needs such as food, shelter, education, and health for families and children in the community.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa has announced the Women’s Fund Grant Program to support organizations and programs benefiting women and girls in Black Hawk County. 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: The Women’s Fund supports organizations and programs addressing issues that lead to long-term change for Black Hawk County women and girls. This grant opportunity provides funding in the following focus areas: Education and Literacy  Organizations and programs providing education and literacy to all ages that enhance the leadership, cognitive, and/or knowledge skills of women and girls. Educational opportunities for girls and women to learn and experience things that will expand skills leading to long-term economic, personal, and career development. Health and Healthcare Organizations and programs that concentrate on identifying and addressing healthcare issues specific to women and girls. Organizations that offer specialized programs addressing the mental, emotional, and/or physical health for women and girls. Poverty and Homelessness  Organizations and programs that address the unique challenges for women and girls dealing with poverty and homelessness. Programming that provides concrete assistance in obtaining housing, moving out of poverty, and creating long-term solutions to these issues. Violence and Safety  Organizations and programs that focus on the safety of women and girls within their community, homes, and schools. Violence prevention efforts include educating on the individual, institutional, and societal level through specific programming and advocacy strategies. Funding Priorities The Women’s Fund Committee prioritizes grant requests according to the following criteria: Requests that address barriers to racial equity and/or work to reverse the systems of racism for women and girls in Black Hawk County. Requests that address a critical and urgent need by fostering a solution-based approach. Requests for effective programming focused on creating significant and direct impact to women and girls in Black Hawk County. Requests that show innovative approaches to advancing women’s and girls’ growth and success. Requests that show other funding and/or community support or that will use this grant to leverage additional funding support Funding Information Request minimum is $5,000 and maximum is $20,000. Eligibility Criteria Organizations must provide benefits to women and girls of Black Hawk County 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, and only if, the request is deemed charitable; Organizations with fiscal sponsors are eligible. Be current with all state and federal reporting requirements, such as filing of 990 forms. Must not have any past due grant reports for previous Women’s Fund grants. For more information, visit CFNEIA.

The Economic Development Match Grant aims to support economic development projects in Woodbury County, Iowa, by encouraging collaboration and higher funding levels. Eligible projects must align with at least one of MRHD’s four focus areas: job creation and retention, workforce development, impactful new projects or services, and community development for improved quality of life. Proposals must be sustainable without further grants, demonstrate community priority, be available to Woodbury County citizens, and leverage diverse resources. The application period runs from June 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, with funding decisions announced by August 2, 2024. Awards range from $250,000 to $1,000,000, with a total of $1,000,000 available for the FY24 cycle. Grant recipients must complete projects within four years and match awarded funds dollar-for-dollar. Eligible applicants include educational entities, local governments, and tax-exempt organizations based in Woodbury County, IA. Only one application per funding opportunity is allowed per tax-exempt organization, whereas educational entities and local governments can submit multiple applications from different units. Applications are submitted online via Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager software and must include detailed budgets, proof of eligibility, and letters of support.

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 Economic Development Match Grant is designed to bring other funders together, and to support economic development projects within Woodbury County that need potentially higher levels of funding and collaboration. Donor Name: Missouri River Historical Development State: Iowa County: Woodbury County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The project submitted must align with at least one of MRHD’s four economic development focus areas: creation and retention of jobs,  development of a critical job force,  new project or service having a substantial impact on the community, and  improved quality of life and community development project.  To be considered, proposals must: be sustainable after the allowable grant period and not require additional grants to maintain over the long term, The project outcomes should be clearly stated, measurable and if applicable, have a sound evaluation process.  be a demonstrated priority by the community (supporting evidence is required), This may be demonstrated in a variety of ways. Examples include survey results, studies or reports, and letters of support from stakeholders, government officials and community leaders.  exhibit an intention to be made available to citizens of Woodbury County. Proposals should demonstrate the lasting impact to the community and how the project will impact economic development in Woodbury County and/or the target population. leverage private, public and/or community resources and maximize collaboration with stakeholders throughout the community. Projects should demonstrate an effort to utilize local resources and community partners. include a project budget with line-item detail for expenditures and income. The project budget should be clearly laid out and supported by quotes, bids, or other documentation. It must also include evidence of the match, or how that support is attainable within required time to complete the project. be complete and concise. Proposals should include available images and marketing materials of the completed project along with their detailed description. Funding Information In total, $1,000,000 is available for the FY24 grant cycle. Maximum Award: $250,000 up to $1,000,000. Eligibility Criteria  Applications will only be accepted from educational entities, local governments, and tax-exempt organizations whose principal place of business and project are in Woodbury County, IA.    Tax-Exempt Organizations may only submit one (1) application per funding opportunity, whereas Local Governments and Educational Entities may submit more than one (1) application per funding opportunity as “individual units” within these organizations are considered separate and may each submit one (1) application per funding opportunity. Each funding request must be for a distinctly different project or a distinctly different phase of a larger, multi-phase project. For more information, visit MRHD.

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.