Iowa Capacity Building Grants

The Underserved Farmer to Farmer grant program, managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico division, is a $3 million, 5-year initiative. This program aligns with the mission of addressing critical environmental challenges by empowering historically underserved farming communities. The DNR's strategic priority is to enhance the capacity of these communities to combat nutrient pollution and frequent flooding, thereby fostering environmental resilience and sustainable agricultural practices. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are "underserved farmers" as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture. This includes beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, veteran farmers, and those with limited resources. Other classifications may also be supported through negotiation. The program aims to increase the ability of these farmers to implement practices that mitigate nutrient pollution and reduce the impact of frequent flooding, leading to improved water quality and land management. The grant prioritizes projects that directly address nutrient pollution and flooding. The expected outcomes include a reduction in nutrient runoff into waterways and enhanced flood resilience within historically underserved farm communities. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of projects funded, the types of conservation practices implemented, and the environmental improvements achieved in the targeted areas. The theory of change suggests that by providing financial resources and support to underserved farmers, the program will lead to widespread adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices. Projects funded through this grant can receive up to $250,000, with $700,000 currently remaining for subawards. Eligibility for subawards extends to a broad range of entities, including conservation districts, institutions of higher learning, local or state government entities (such as Watershed Management Authorities), NGOs and nonprofits, Tribal nations, beginning farmer groups, and U.S. military veteran farmer groups. This inclusive approach ensures that various stakeholders can contribute to the program's overarching goals and amplify its impact across Iowa's agricultural landscape.

The Arts & Culture Capacity Building Grant Program, offered by the City of Dubuque, is designed to support initiatives that foster more sustainable and effective arts and culture organizations within the city. This program aligns with a mission to strengthen the operational capacity of local arts and culture entities, ensuring their long-term viability and ability to contribute to the community. Funding is available for fiscal year 2025, from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, with a total of $35,000 allocated for grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, although eligible organizations can apply for up to $8,000. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are arts and culture organizations that are nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, have at least two years of programming documentation and two Form 990s, and are officially located within the city limits of Dubuque. These organizations must serve residents of Dubuque and conduct programming within the city. The program aims to impact these organizations by enhancing their capacity in various key areas, ultimately leading to improved organizational health and effectiveness. The program prioritizes a range of capacity-building initiatives. These include strategic planning, creating development plans and/or fundraising strategies, improving donor experience, providing nonprofit 101 training for staff and board members, leadership development, project or program development, program management, volunteer management, and Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) training. These focus areas are intended to address common challenges faced by arts and culture organizations and equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive. Expected outcomes include organizations with stronger strategic frameworks, enhanced fundraising capabilities, improved donor engagement, more skilled staff and board members, and more effectively managed projects and programs. Measurable results would involve the successful implementation of these capacity-building initiatives, which could be tracked through reports detailing new strategic plans, implemented fundraising strategies, attendance at training sessions, and improved operational metrics. The City of Dubuque's strategic priorities for this grant program appear to be rooted in a theory of change that by investing in the foundational and operational strength of its arts and culture sector, it will foster a more vibrant, resilient, and inclusive cultural landscape for its residents.

This grant provides financial assistance to businesses and building owners in downtown Ames for improving their building façades, with a focus on historically significant features.

This grant provides expert-led innovation support to eligible nonprofit organizations in Alliant Energy's service areas, helping them strengthen their missions and enhance community impact without offering direct financial assistance.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Johnson County, Iowa, focusing on enhancing their operational capacity through infrastructure and technology upgrades.

This grant provides funding to a diverse range of organizations across the USA, including nonprofits, startups, researchers, local governments, and small businesses, to support projects that align with the Trust's areas of interest.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Greater Des Moines for collaborative projects that enhance community support and inter-organizational partnerships.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, churches, and schools in Lee County, Iowa, for projects that address community needs and enhance local capacity.

This program provides up to $5,000 in funding and business support to small business owners in Iowa City who are certified or eligible as Targeted Small Businesses, focusing on those owned by women, minorities, service-disabled veterans, or individuals with disabilities.

This program provides leadership training and funding to small to mid-sized nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Iowa to enhance their operational capacity and sustainability.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community initiatives that aim to improve lives and strengthen communities in southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska.

This program provides tailored consulting services to nonprofit organizations in Iowa and select counties in Illinois and Wisconsin, helping them improve operational efficiency and community impact without offering direct financial support.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving financial literacy and employment readiness for residents in Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota.

This grant provides financial support to organizations and projects that benefit the African American community in Omaha and surrounding areas, focusing on areas such as arts, basic needs, community development, health, and capacity building.

This funding opportunity is designed to improve maternal healthcare access in rural Iowa by supporting hospitals and healthcare networks in providing comprehensive services for pregnant and postpartum individuals.

This grant provides $100,000 to a nonprofit organization in the Greater Cedar Rapids area for a specific project that addresses significant community challenges and demonstrates measurable impact.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and municipal entities in Audubon County, Iowa, for projects that enhance community life in areas such as health, education, culture, and social services.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofits and public agencies in designated U.S. states to initiate and promote community-driven historic preservation projects.

This program provides funding and technology assessments to small nonprofits in the Dubuque area that lack dedicated IT staff, helping them improve their technology infrastructure and operational efficiency.

This grant provides financial support for housing initiatives in Muscatine County, Iowa, aimed at improving housing stability and quality for low- and moderate-income residents.