Iowa Arts Grants

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.

This program provides financial support for a variety of arts-related projects in Iowa, targeting organizations and initiatives that promote regional and statewide arts events or align with strategic arts goals.

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

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.

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 Monona County Community Partners Foundation (MCCPF) grant program aims to address present and emerging needs within Monona County, Iowa, by awarding grants in areas such as Arts & Culture, Civic, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. The grants are available to nonprofit organizations, units of local government, and public education institutions that serve Monona County and are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The application process opens on December 1, and the deadline is March 1, with final determinations made in the first week of April. Grants typically range from $250 to $15,000, focusing on projects with potential for long-term impact and collaboration with other community groups. The MCCPF provides funding every other year. Applicants funded in 2024 are not eligible for the 2025 cycle. Priority is given to projects that collaborate with other nonprofits and have potential for long-term community impact.

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 Iowa Arts Council, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, administers Art Project Grants to support high-quality arts and cultural projects in Iowa. These grants are available to individual artists and various organizations, including nonprofits, schools, and government agencies located in Iowa. For artists, the grants support a range of arts-related activities, prioritizing projects that exhibit artistic excellence and serve Iowans. Organizations can apply for grants to fund arts events, performances, exhibitions, and other arts-related activities, with a focus on community engagement and public value. Applications are accepted online, with a deadline of May 15, 2024, for the funding period of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Grant renewed every year.

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.

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.

The "Grants for Tech" program, an initiative by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD), aims to support nonprofits in the Dubuque area that lack dedicated IT staff. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen local organizations by enhancing their technological capabilities. By providing funding for technology improvements, training, and services, CFGD seeks to empower these nonprofits to operate more effectively and achieve greater growth within the community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are 501(c)3 nonprofits, churches, schools, and government organizations within the Dubuque area that do not currently employ IT staff. The program's impact goals are centered on improving the operational efficiency and overall strength of these organizations through technological advancements. A key focus is on addressing the digital divide for smaller nonprofits, ensuring they have access to the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The program prioritizes technology assessments through a partnership with the University of Dubuque, which allows nonprofits to identify their specific technological needs. Following assessments, the grant will fund improvements, provide essential training, and cover the costs of various technology services. This comprehensive approach is designed to provide holistic support rather than just one-off funding, ensuring sustainable technological growth and development within the recipient organizations. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the operational effectiveness of participating nonprofits, improved delivery of services to their constituents, and a stronger organizational capacity. While specific metrics are not explicitly detailed beyond the "more effective and grow stronger" statement, it can be inferred that these outcomes would be measured through the successful implementation of technology solutions, increased staff proficiency, and ultimately, a greater positive impact on the communities they serve. This grant program reflects the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque's strategic priority of investing in the organizational health and capacity of its local nonprofits. Their theory of change appears to be that by addressing a critical operational need like technology, they can create a ripple effect, leading to more resilient, efficient, and impactful organizations. This, in turn, contributes to a stronger, more vibrant Dubuque community as a whole.

The City of Dubuque’s Small Business Support Grant is a program designed to assist small business owners with operating costs, offering up to $5,000 in reimbursement for eligible expenses. The program's core goal is to cover immediate business expenses while simultaneously equipping business owners with strategies for sustained success. The City partners with the Fountain of Youth Program to administer the grant, integrating a developmental component into the financial aid. The grant targets small business owners residing within the City of Dubuque limits. Eligible businesses must have fewer than five employees, have been operational for at least 12 months, and the applicant must have filed their 2022 and/or 2023 personal and business income taxes. A key criterion for eligibility is that the applicant must be an individual from a low- to moderate-income household, ensuring the support reaches those who need it most within the community. The program's priorities and focus are twofold: providing short-term financial assistance and fostering long-term business improvement. Recipients are required to participate in an eight-week personal and professional development program facilitated by Fountain of Youth and will be matched with a business mentor. This structured support aims to help business owners enhance their practices and increase their income, moving beyond just immediate financial relief. Expected outcomes include not only the continued operation of businesses due to covered expenses but also improved business practices and increased income for participating owners. The reimbursement model, contingent on participation in personal and professional development activities, reinforces the program's commitment to both immediate aid and sustainable growth. The grant details do not mention a specific "foundation" or its mission alignment, strategic priorities, or theory of change, as this is a city-run grant program.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to Iowa businesses with at least 75 employees to develop or expand child care facilities, particularly in high-demand areas, to help address local child care shortages.

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.

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.

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.