Iowa grants for Nonprofits

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is being released prior to appropriation and/or apportionment of funds for fiscal year 2024. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the potential availability of funding for agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources, addressing local natural resource issues, encouraging collaboration and developing state-and-community-level conservation leadership. Proposals must be for projects based in Iowa and focus on conservation issues. Collaborative projects that provide on-the-ground support for Iowa NRCS Field Offices are highly encouraged. Research proposals will not be accepted, nor considered. NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY 2024 will be up to $5,000,000.00, however, budget constraints may prevent NRCS from funding 2024 proposals. Proposals are requested from City or township governments, county governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, state governments, nonprofits having a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education), or institutions of higher education for competitive consideration of awards for projects between 2 and 5 years in duration. Awarded organizations may be required to present project updates in the form of a formal presentation to the Iowa NRCS Leadership. Organizations may use this opportunity to request additional funding for existing Iowa IPC agreements. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 7th, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by June 7th, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 16, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

This program provides training and support for small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations in Iowa focused on arts, culture, history, and humanities to help them overcome unique challenges.

Arts Midwest is offering Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations rooted in communities of color, providing general operating support for those with annual expenses up to $500,000 in selected states.

This grant provides unrestricted funding to nonprofit organizations in Polk, Warren, and Dallas counties, Iowa, that focus on improving the safety, education, and economic empowerment of girls and women.

The Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

Our grantees work to build on the entrepreneurial spirit, strong community ties, and untapped potential within Native nations, communities of color, rural communities, and other resilient communities who have fewer opportunities to thrive on their own terms. We envision strong, vibrant communities where people are connected to good jobs and have the financial capability to build their assets and provide a secure future for their families and communities. A Need to Close the Opportunity Gaps Our economic system doesn’t work for everyone. It widens income and opportunity gaps, restrains economic mobility, and traps people and communities in a cycle of poverty and injustice. A disproportionate number of Native Americans, people of color, refugees, immigrants, and rural Americans are living in crisis—or just a paycheck away from it. Nationally, six in 10 families of color don’t have the cash on hand to cover basic expenses—like rent, medical emergencies, or the need to fix a car—for three months.

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 City of Marion is offering a grant program for non-profit organizations to increase tourism within Marion. The funding for these grants comes from the city's share of taxes collected on overnight stays at local hotels and motels. Approximately $50,000 is expected to be available for this competitive grant program in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This initiative aligns with the city's broader mission to enhance local economic activity and community vibrancy through strategic tourism development. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit organizations that can propose projects directly contributing to tourism growth in Marion. The impact goal is to significantly boost the number of visitors and tourism-related revenue within the city. This will be achieved by supporting projects that create new attractions, enhance existing ones, or promote Marion as a desirable travel destination. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate a clear potential to attract tourists and generate economic benefits for the city. While the specific focuses are not explicitly detailed beyond increasing tourism, it implies an emphasis on innovative and engaging initiatives that highlight Marion's unique appeal. Eligibility is limited to non-profit organizations, ensuring that the funded projects serve a public benefit. Expected outcomes include an increase in tourist numbers, higher occupancy rates for hotels and motels, and an overall boost in local commerce. Measurable results will likely be assessed through metrics such as visitor statistics, tourism-related tax revenue increases, and the number of new or enhanced tourism offerings. The City of Marion's strategic priority is to leverage its tax revenues from overnight stays to reinvest in the local tourism infrastructure, operating under the theory of change that direct investment in tourism initiatives will lead to a proportional increase in economic benefits for the community.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve community health and healthcare services in Muscatine and surrounding areas.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers with employment services, training, and housing solutions.

The Forecast Public Art’s Midwest Memory Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, is open to non-profit organizations in rural Midwest communities, aiming to elevate and preserve the stories of BIPOC communities through monuments, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and advancing racial justice.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska that focus on improving financial literacy and employment readiness to help individuals achieve financial stability.

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 funding for community projects in Humboldt County that enhance arts, health, education, environmental initiatives, and social services.

The Iowa Community Cultural Grant program helps cities, county governments, tribal councils, and nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations support the development of community programs that provide jobs for local Iowans while promoting Iowa’s cultural, ethnic, and historical heritages through festivals, music, drama, cultural programs, and tourism projects. The program is administered by the Iowa Arts Council within the Iowa Economic Development Authority and is funded through an appropriation by the Iowa Legislature.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to artists and organizers in Nebraska and Iowa who are working to challenge societal norms, foster community engagement, and promote collaboration through their creative endeavors.

Johnson County in Iowa is offering a two-year Social Services Block Grant, in collaboration with United Way and local cities, to support established nonprofit organizations that aim to improve the quality of life, address basic human and emergency needs, health, and child and family well-being for Johnson County residents, with applications due by 10/15/2024.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) Trees for Kids Grant Program is designed to educate children, teenagers, and young adults about the importance of trees and their many benefits. It also aims to provide hands-on experience in tree planting and maintenance. This program aligns with a mission to increase and diversify tree canopy in public areas within Iowa communities, supporting environmental stewardship and community engagement. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are youth in Iowa, specifically children, teenagers, and young adults, who will gain direct experience with tree planting and care. Indirectly, the entire community benefits from increased tree canopy in public spaces such as parks, community centers, and public schools. The program's impact goals include fostering environmental education, promoting community involvement in green initiatives, and enhancing the ecological health and aesthetic appeal of public lands across Iowa. The program prioritizes projects that involve significant youth participation in planting, mulching, and initial watering. A key focus is on ensuring proper techniques are learned through required DNR-led demonstrations. Funding is specifically allocated for the purchase of trees and mulch, reinforcing the program's core objective of tangible tree planting. Projects must occur on public or private school grounds, or on public lands like parks and right-of-ways, ensuring the benefits are widely accessible. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tree canopy in participating communities, as well as an enhanced understanding among youth about tree care and environmental benefits. Each project aims to result in successfully planted and mulched trees, with initial watering ensuring their establishment. The program's theory of change posits that by engaging youth directly in these activities and providing necessary resources, a greater appreciation for nature will be cultivated, leading to more resilient and diverse urban forests across the state. This initiative contributes to the DNR's broader strategic priority of conserving and enhancing Iowa's natural resources for current and future generations.

The Linn County Grants, facilitated by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, aim to bolster the quality of life and community development in non-metropolitan areas of Linn County, Iowa. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster thriving communities by investing in programs and projects that address local needs and enhance the well-being of residents outside the immediate urban centers. The grant program seeks to empower smaller communities by providing crucial funding for local initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, governmental organizations, and non-501(c)(3) organizations utilizing a fiscal sponsor. A key focus is on projects benefiting non-metro Linn County, with a particular emphasis on proposals from organizations based within these communities or those from the Cedar Rapids area that demonstrate strong support and partnerships within the served community. The impact goals are centered around fostering community development and improving the overall quality of life in these non-metropolitan regions. Priority is extended to applications that are well-designed, responsive to existing community conditions, and innovative in their approach. The program also favors initiatives that effectively utilize community resources and are poised to test or demonstrate viable solutions to pressing community issues. Capital projects are also eligible for consideration, indicating a commitment to both program development and infrastructure improvement. The grants support a wide range of activities that can contribute to the vitality of Linn County's smaller towns and rural areas. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of programs and projects that lead to tangible improvements in community conditions. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the $10,000 funding amount and 12-month project period, the emphasis on well-designed, responsive, and innovative programs suggests that successful applications will clearly articulate their anticipated impact. The foundation's strategic priority is to support initiatives that strengthen the social fabric and economic health of Linn County's diverse communities, operating on a theory of change that targeted investment in local initiatives will lead to sustainable community growth and improved quality of life.