Best Workforce Grants in Iowa

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.

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 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 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.

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Building Hope: Future Forward Schools Prize & Fellowship Program aims to enhance career exploration for middle and high school students. This initiative, launched by Building Hope in partnership with American Student Assistance, recognizes schools that excel in career-connected learning. Awardees receive funding, mentorship, and resources to empower students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they develop essential skills for future success. With $50,000 available for five schools, this program fosters innovation and prepares students for a changing economy.

The Municipal Workforce Learning Lab, initiated by the National League of Cities in partnership with the American Institutes for Research, aims to tackle workforce challenges faced by city governments. The program seeks three cities to engage in an 8-month action planning process focused on recruiting, training, and retaining skilled workers. Participants will receive free coaching and technical assistance, helping them enhance their workforce policies and potentially serve as national models for effective local government employment strategies.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Student Fellow Applications

Fellow applications will open for eligible students once host projects have been reviewed and finalists selected. Students will apply to be considered for a specific host project. Top student candidates will be interviewed by NCRC as well as the host organization.

Fellow Requirements

• Must provide documentation confirming active enrollment (i.e. Letter of Enrollment from Registrar or transcript)
• Must commit to fellowship for full Period of September 14, 2026-May 14, 2027 academic school year
• Must commit to a 20 hour/week fellowship
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in-office of host organization

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.