Best Black Hawk County Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

The Diamond Arts & History Fund, administered by the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, supports innovative projects in the arts and history of Cedar Falls. With $4,000 available this year, nonprofit organizations and local schools are encouraged to apply for funding, fostering community engagement through interactive and multisensory experiences. This initiative aims to enhance cultural appreciation and accessibility in the Cedar Falls area, reflecting the foundation's commitment to public good since its inception in 1976.

The Uplift Grants program by the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa offers one-year discretionary grants aimed at enhancing life in Black Hawk County. With a minimum request of $5,000 and a maximum of $18,236 for projects focused on beautifying Waterloo's downtown and residential areas, these grants support nonprofits and government entities in fostering community well-being. The initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to create positive community change and improve the quality of life for local residents.

The Uplift Grants - Chamber Music Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, supports classical chamber music performances in Black Hawk County. Eligible organizations can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $7,390 to enhance cultural programming. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate charitable impact in the community. This initiative aims to foster artistic expression and enrich the local arts scene, benefiting residents through quality musical experiences.

The Uplift Grants for Opera Music, offered by the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, provide one-year discretionary funding to enhance the cultural landscape of Black Hawk County. With grant amounts ranging from $5,000 to $7,963, the program prioritizes professional classical music performances, supporting renowned singers and ensembles. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities, ensuring the community benefits from high-quality artistic endeavors.

The Black Hawk County Gaming Association (BHCGA) offers grants to enhance the Cedar Valley's community through projects that focus on capital improvements, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative efforts among organizations. Eligible applicants must be governmental entities or nonprofits with valid 501(c)3 or 501(c)19 status. The BHCGA prioritizes projects in Black Hawk County but will consider requests from neighboring counties as well, ensuring that funds contribute to making the area a better place to live, work, and play.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The Max and Helen Guernsey Charitable Foundation supports non-profit organizations in eight Iowa counties, focusing on education, family life, health, and social issues. Its mission is to enhance community vitality through partnerships that address current and future needs. The foundation prioritizes funding for programs over capital projects, aiming to benefit a broad spectrum of community needs while excluding certain organizations, such as those that are not 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

The Ed Leo Scholarship supports graduating members of the Cedar Falls High School First Robotics Competition Team who meet specific criteria. If the team disbands, the fund will assist Cedar Falls High School students engaged in STEM activities or provide grants for personal finance education. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of B+ and a composite ACT score of 26, demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to academic excellence.

The Robert Eller Study Abroad Scholarship supports eligible students in Cedar Falls by fostering their educational, professional, and personal growth. To qualify, applicants must be Iowa residents, enrolled full-time at UNI with a minimum GPA of 2.75, and have completed at least 30 undergraduate hours. This scholarship encourages students to explore international opportunities while ensuring they have sufficient academic standing and experience.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

The Donaldson Foundation offers organizational grants focused on enhancing educational opportunities and community involvement. With an annual budget of $1.2 million, the foundation supports various initiatives, including scholarships and matching grants to educational institutions. It prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a clear need and impact, especially in areas where Donaldson operates. Eligible recipients must be IRS tax-exempt and located in specific U.S. regions, ensuring the foundation's commitment to local communities.

The Melendy Spirit Award, presented by the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, honors individuals, families, groups, or organizations that have significantly contributed to the community's quality of life. Candidates can be living or posthumous, and nominations must detail how nominees have enhanced community engagement through leadership, volunteering, or personal accomplishments. This award reflects the values of Peter Melendy, whose legacy of service and commitment to Cedar Falls continues to inspire.

The GreenState Foundation, part of GreenState Credit Union, is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through financial education, affordable housing, and children's health. They actively support local nonprofits and schools, prioritizing projects that empower underserved communities. With a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community impact, they ensure funding is available within specific regions including Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska, fostering a brighter future for all.

The John Deere FIRST Tech Challenge grant supports teams engaging in STEM through robotics. It serves schools and non-profits, prioritizing those in John Deere's Inspire communities and with volunteer mentors. Grants cover registration and equipment costs, fostering innovation and inclusion among underserved students. Teams are encouraged to apply regardless of financial need, furthering John Deere's commitment to empowering youth in engineering and technology through hands-on learning experiences.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The Cedar Valley Trails Partnership offers annual Partnership Grants to enhance the Cedar Valley trail system. These grants support projects that improve recreational trails, maintain safety standards, and promote the trails as tourism destinations. Eligible projects must provide long-term benefits to the community. Since 1999, the program has funded significant trail improvements, fostering an enriched outdoor experience in Black Hawk and nearby counties. Applications are welcome from initiatives that align with these goals.

The Cedar Valley Trails Partnership offers annual Mini-Grants aimed at enhancing the Cedar Valley trail system. These grants support projects that expand, improve, and maintain the trails, promoting safety and utility. Eligible projects include educational initiatives for trail users and those that contribute to tourism. With no application deadline, the grants encourage year-round submissions, ensuring ongoing support for the local community's recreational needs.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Challenge aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams from underserved communities. Eligible teams must have a John Deere mentor and meet specific criteria related to student demographics. Grants will be awarded to teams that demonstrate commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. This initiative aligns with John Deere’s goal to reach one million underserved youth by 2030, fostering innovation and creativity in future generations.

Iowa Workforce Grant & Incentive Program

This program provides up to $2,000 in grant funding per semester for students enrolled full-time in eligible undergraduate programs of study at an eligible school. Students enrolled part-time can qualify for prorated award amounts.

Award Amount and Limits

The statutory maximum award is $2,000 per semester for full-time students. However, the maximum award for an academic year may be less depending on the funding available and the number of projected recipients. 

The funded maximum 2026-27 award is $1,125 per semester for full-time students. Recipients can receive up to four full-time grant awards or the part-time equivalent. Part-time students may be eligible for adjusted amounts. Awards are available during the fall and spring semesters.

Workforce Incentive Program

Students who complete their undergraduate degree or teacher preparation program in the same academic year in which they receive a Workforce Grant can qualify for an incentive payment of up to $2,000 if they meet the following requirements:

Within six months of completing the eligible program, begin full-time work in a high-demand job in Iowa AND apply for the incentive payment.  

Directory of high-demand jobs 

The JDF: FIRST LEGO League Explore Grant Program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance participation in STEM for underserved youth. Teams must apply for the grant before registration and ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, including training requirements. This initiative is part of John Deere's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in technology and engineering fields, ultimately seeking to impact one million youth by 2030.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.

The Waterloo Community Foundation is inviting grant proposals from qualified organizations that benefit the Waterloo community in five key areas: health and human services, arts and culture, education, economic development, and inclusion. Typical grants amount to $5,000, with all requests evaluated by community members and approved by the Board of Directors, ensuring that local needs are met effectively.

The Edwin R. Adland & Ruth H. Adland Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from Rock Island County, Illinois, or Scott County, Iowa. With awards up to $5,000 annually, this need-based scholarship aims to assist students attending Augustana College, Iowa State University, or the University of Northern Iowa. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and demonstrate good character to renew their scholarship for up to four years.

The LSB Foundation Grant, established by Lincoln Savings Bank, supports 501(c)(3) organizations serving Iowa communities. With a history of philanthropy spanning over a century, the foundation focuses on disaster relief and community enhancement. Organizations eligible for funding must operate in designated areas and be recognized as nonprofit entities. This grant aims to foster community growth and resilience through financial support, reflecting LSB's commitment to giving back.

The John Deere Foundation is partnering with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to expand access to PLTW Engineering programs in underserved communities. This initiative aims to support 1 million youth in STEM by 2030, providing essential resources and educational opportunities. Schools within 40 miles of John Deere facilities can apply for grants to implement PLTW courses. The program emphasizes inclusivity, requiring participating schools to offer multiple engineering courses over three years.

The John Deere Foundation, in partnership with PLTW, aims to enhance access to engineering programs for underserved students in its home communities. This initiative is part of a 10-year commitment to support equitable educational opportunities. By providing grants, the foundation encourages schools to expand their PLTW Engineering courses, fostering critical STEM skills to empower students. Eligible schools must be near John Deere facilities and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and student engagement in engineering education.

The PLTW Computer Science program, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM opportunities for underserved students in John Deere communities. This initiative supports schools initiating or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a commitment to inclusive education, the foundation seeks to empower students by providing essential resources and opportunities to develop critical skills that will serve them in future careers.