Best Workforce Grants in Iowa

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

Title: State Training School – Supplementary Support Services for Individuals in State Correctional Institutions

Funding Period:

July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026

General Information

The purpose of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) is to develop more fully the academic and career, and technical skills of secondary and post-secondary students who elect to enroll in career and technical education programs. Funds made available under this Act for career and technical education activities are provided to supplement and supplant non-federal funds expended to carry out career and technical education activities.

Purpose

The funds are to provide supplementary support services for individuals participating in career and technical education programs offered in State correctional institutions. The services assist these individuals in completing career and technical education programs that prepare them for high-skill, high-wage, or high-demand occupations that will lead to self-sufficiency.

Targeted Population

Individuals in State correctional institutions participating in career and technical education programs.

The Iowa Women's Foundation Core Grants aim to support organizations that address barriers to women's economic self-sufficiency in Iowa. Since 1997, over $2 million has been awarded to initiatives that offer housing, transportation, education, employment, childcare, and mentorship. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and licensed childcare centers. The foundation encourages innovative solutions that empower women and girls, fostering their independence and leadership within the community.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

The Veridian Credit Union’s Nonprofit Partnership Grants, in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, offer up to $5,000 to support nonprofit organizations enhancing financial stability through education in financial literacy and employment readiness. This funding prioritizes IRS classified 501(c)(3) public charities serving Iowa and specific Nebraska counties, focusing on organizations with a proven track record in improving financial literacy and demonstrating commitment to diversity and collaboration.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

FNBO: Capital or Major Donations aims to support nonprofit organizations through significant financial contributions for capital projects. This initiative focuses on enhancing community well-being by addressing key areas such as affordable housing, environmental stability, and education. FNBO prioritizes partnerships with nonprofits dedicated to long-term impacts, especially for historically underrepresented populations. By fostering community engagement and providing essential resources, FNBO strives to create a positive influence in the regions it serves.

FNBO's Community Sponsorships provide vital financial support to nonprofit organizations and community events that enhance the well-being of our communities. By focusing on affordable housing, entrepreneurship, education, environmental sustainability, access to arts and culture, community cohesion, and health, FNBO aims to create impactful partnerships. Monthly reviews of sponsorship requests ensure timely decision-making, emphasizing FNBO's commitment to fostering community development and empowering historically underrepresented populations.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Iowa HHS provides high quality programs and services that protect and improve the health and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified applicants to provide state-wide and local programming that supports economic mobility for Iowa families. Funds are made available through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and must achieve one of the four purposes of TANF:

• Provide assistance to needy families
• End dependence on benefits
• Prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies
• Encourage two-parent families

Priority Projects will demonstrate that they can make measurable progress in the following areas:

• Reducing barriers to consistent and stable employment for the TANF-eligible (≤ 200% FPL) population
• Enhancing opportunities for TANF-eligible Iowans who are employed to increase their income
• Reducing dependence on government-provided benefits or assistance
• Improving overall education and work-readiness gains for the TANF-eligible population
• Enhancing community-based and local programming focused on economic mobility for the TANF-eligible population

The Career Academy Incentive Fund Grant, established by the Iowa Department of Education, supports collaborations between school districts and community colleges to enhance career academy programs. Grants up to $1 million are available annually, focusing on projects that meet specified criteria. Career academies link secondary education with postsecondary opportunities through concurrent enrollment, themed coursework, and strong partnerships. Priority is given to collaborative proposals delivered via regional centers, ensuring broad access and impactful educational experiences.

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Iowa HHS provides high quality programs and services that protect and improve the health and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities.

Iowa Fatherhood Initiative

The purpose of this Request for Proposal is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified applicant to provide comprehensive fatherhood services, including family economic advancement, parenting education, access and visitation supports, financial literacy, and employment readiness programming to strengthen families and promote self-sufficiency. 

Iowa Department of Education

The Department provides oversight to the state education system that includes PK-12 public elementary and secondary schools, nonpublic schools that receive state accreditation, area education agencies, community colleges, and teacher preparation programs. The Department works to remove barriers for pursuing education beyond high school. The Department also establishes and enforces rigorous standards and licensing for Iowa educational practitioners to effectively address the needs of students.  

Work-Based Learning Leadership & Investment for Field Training (WBL-LIFT)

Purpose

Strengthening the Work-Based Learning Educator Pipeline Through Targeted Professional Preparation

Iowa school districts will have the opportunity to strengthen the educator pipeline for Work-Based Learning (WBL) through the WBL-Leadership & Investment for the Field (LIFT) Grant Opportunity. WBL-LIFT, or Work-Based Learning Leadership and Investment for Field Training, is designed to support the recruitment, preparation, and retention of career and technical education (CTE) educators by expanding access to WBL-focused professional development and credentialing pathways.

This competitive opportunity will support efforts to increase the number of educators qualified to lead, supervise, and sustain high-quality Work-Based Learning programs in Iowa. Through this initiative, school districts may support professional learning and credentialing connected to the Multioccupations (MOC) Endorsement, the Work Experience Coordinator (WEC) Endorsement, and the Work-Based Learning Supervisor Authorization.

If awarded, school districts may use funds to support activities that recruit, prepare, and retain WBL-qualified educators. Allowable uses of funds may include costs associated with professional development, credentialing, endorsement coursework, training, educator support, and other approved activities that strengthen Work-Based Learning leadership and delivery capacity.

This opportunity is intended to help school districts:

• Increase the number of educators holding WBL-related endorsements or authorizations
• Support early-career and transitioning teachers entering Work-Based Learning roles
• Strengthen educator preparation tied to high-quality WBL program design and coordination
• Improve local and statewide capacity to deliver sustainable, high-quality Work-Based Learning experiences
• Build stronger systems for educator support, credential attainment, and program implementation

The Credentials to Careers Grant supports Iowa school districts in enhancing career and technical education (CTE) programs that lead to student attainment of industry-recognized credentials. This initiative encourages districts to apply for funding based on a tiered structure, considering labor-market value. Priority is given to those districts that have not previously received funding and demonstrate sustainable integration of credential attainment into CTE pathways, empowering students with valuable skills for high-demand occupations.

2025-2026 WBL-LIFT (Work-Based Learning Leadership & Investment for Field Training)

Strengthening the Work-Based Learning Educator Pipeline Through Targeted Professional Preparation

Iowa school districts will have the opportunity to strengthen the educator pipeline for Work-Based Learning (WBL) through the WBL-Leadership & Investment for the Field (LIFT) Grant Opportunity. WBL-LIFT, or Work-Based Learning Leadership and Investment for Field Training, is designed to support the recruitment, preparation, and retention of career and technical education (CTE) educators by expanding access to WBL-focused professional development and credentialing pathways.

This competitive opportunity will support efforts to increase the number of educators qualified to lead, supervise, and sustain high-quality Work-Based Learning programs in Iowa. Through this initiative, school districts may support professional learning and credentialing connected to the Multioccupations (MOC) Endorsement, the Work Experience Coordinator (WEC) Endorsement, and the Work-Based Learning Supervisor Authorization.

High-quality Work-Based Learning depends on educators who are prepared to coordinate student experiences, build employer partnerships, manage program quality, and support safe and effective learning in workplace-connected settings. WBL-LIFT is intended to strengthen statewide capacity by supporting both early-career and transitioning teachers, while also helping school districts build stronger local systems for WBL delivery.

This opportunity is intended to help school districts:

• Increase the number of educators holding WBL-related endorsements or authorizations
• Support early-career and transitioning teachers entering Work-Based Learning roles
• Strengthen educator preparation tied to high-quality WBL program design and coordination
• Improve local and statewide capacity to deliver sustainable, high-quality Work-Based Learning experiences
• Build stronger systems for educator support, credential attainment, and program implementation

By investing in educator preparation and credentialing, WBL-LIFT will help strengthen Iowa’s capacity to deliver authentic, high-quality Work-Based Learning experiences for students across the state. Expanding the number of WBL-qualified educators will support stronger school-employer partnerships, more effective coordination of student experiences, and increased access to career-connected learning opportunities.

Funding for this opportunity is provided through Iowa’s Work-Based Learning Clearinghouse State Appropriation.

On a competitive grant basis, this opportunity will allow school districts to expand educator access to Work-Based Learning-focused preparation, endorsements, and authorizations that support local program development and long-term sustainability.

The FNBO Impact Grant Program aims to empower nonprofit organizations that eliminate barriers to economic and social opportunities. Focusing on Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, and Financial Literacy, this initiative supports projects that enhance community well-being and promote personal economic self-sufficiency. While the 2025 grant cycle is closed, interested applicants should check back in early 2026 for updates on future funding opportunities.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

The Norfolk Southern In-Kind Donation Grant supports organizations seeking physical donations of materials that align with their focus areas, including safety, sustainability, workforce development, and thriving communities. This grant is available year-round, with no application deadline. Recipients must be located within Norfolk Southern territory and are encouraged to apply for resources that will enhance their community projects and initiatives, fostering growth and resilience.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Iowa Department of Education

The Department provides oversight to the state education system that includes PK-12 public elementary and secondary schools, nonpublic schools that receive state accreditation, area education agencies, community colleges, and teacher preparation programs. The Department works to remove barriers for pursuing education beyond high school. The Department also establishes and enforces rigorous standards and licensing for Iowa educational practitioners to effectively address the needs of students.  

Credentials to Child Care Careers (C4) Grant

Grant supports districts and accredited, nonpublic schools, in providing students with a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) through local Family and Consumer Science (FCS) programming, while building the child care workforce through community partnerships with licensed child care centers.

Introduction

The Iowa Department of Education is seeking applications from Iowa school districts interested in providing a Family and Consumer Science (FCS) course series while partnering with a licensed child care center to provide service/practice hours to participating Career and Technical Education (CTE) students. Interested districts will receive a Department-approved early childhood curriculum aligned to the Child Development Associate (CDATM) Credential. The CDA is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) and is a key stepping stone to career advancement in the early education system. Grant awardees will use the approved curriculum paired with hands-on service hours to support students in completing the requirements for a CDA Credential. 

Application fund requests should be based on program size and the proposed implementation plan to be used across the school years.

Iowa Workforce Development

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is a state agency committed to providing employment services for individual job seekers and to serving employers by helping them find the skilled workforce they need. 

IWD supports employers through its Business Engagement Division and provides a variety of resources and one-on-one support. This includes helping employers to post jobs, recruit veterans, apply for qualifying federal tax credits, and connect with workforce training programs available through several state programs.

Career Training Physical Expansion Grant Program 

Program Purpose

The Career Training Physical Expansion Grant Program (CTPE) is designed to offer financial support to Iowa community colleges and unionized or nonunionized private sector apprenticeship programs to expand their capacity to provide education and training for workers in high-demand jobs in the state. Through this program, eligible applicants may receive funding to support the construction of new training facilities or the purchase of essential equipment which will increase the number of slots available in new programs training workers in high-demand jobs in Iowa.

The goal of CTPE is to ensure these institutions and new programs have the physical space and equipment necessary to educate and train more future workers in fields that are currently experiencing high demand within the state. By increasing training capacity, the program aims to prepare a larger and higher skilled workforce to meet the needs of Iowa’s high-demand industries and employers.

Iowa Workforce Development

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is a state agency committed to providing employment services for individual job seekers and to serving employers by helping them find the skilled workforce they need. 

IWD supports employers through its Business Engagement Division and provides a variety of resources and one-on-one support. This includes helping employers to post jobs, recruit veterans, apply for qualifying federal tax credits, and connect with workforce training programs available through several state programs.

Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Development (AMP’D) Iowa Program

Program Purpose

The purpose of the Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Development (AMP’D) Iowa is to increase training opportunities in the targeted industry of advanced manufacturing (manufacturing). AMP'D Iowa will reimburse Iowa manufacturing employers a portion of expenses to train and/or upskill new or current employees due to the implementation of new technology, creation of new workforce pipelines, and to address the skilled labor gap.

Iowa’s manufacturing sector spans a wide variety of industries and products including but not limited to: agricultural and construction equipment, tires, windows, lighting, medical devices and machinery, appliance/furniture, food production, fuels, and the biotech industry, impacting not just the economy of Iowa, but the entire nation. This is not an exhaustive list of Iowa’s manufacturing sector but represents a description of the variety of the manufacturing industries within Iowa.

Applicants for the AMP’D Iowa program are not limited to these stated industries and are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements for this opportunity. Through Work Based Learning (WBL), manufacturing employers will increase domestic skills of Iowa’s manufacturing workforce and ensure a well-trained workforce to meet the growing demand for the future.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Iowa Workforce Development

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is a state agency committed to providing employment services for individual job seekers and to serving employers by helping them find the skilled workforce they need. 

IWD supports employers through its Business Engagement Division and provides a variety of resources and one-on-one support. This includes helping employers to post jobs, recruit veterans, apply for qualifying federal tax credits, and connect with workforce training programs available through several state programs.

Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Development Program (84F)

As part of its commitment to growing Registered Apprenticeship (RA) across industries, Iowa provides annual RA program funding through the Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Development Program (84F). 

The Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Development Fund (84F) provides financial assistance to apprenticeship sponsors who start or expand new registered apprenticeship programs with 20 or fewer apprentices in eligible high-demand occupations. 

These competitive grants support a newly created RA program with an eligible high-demand occupation by helping with ongoing program costs, fees, or related expenses.

Awarded funds: Given as a one-time reimbursement of expenses incurred in establishing a registered apprenticeship program.

Applicants can apply for more than one grant if they have multiple eligible occupations within their registered apprenticeship program; grant awards for applicants receiving more than one grant in the same calendar year will be capped at $50,000.