Best Davenport Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

Grants help Davenport, Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits fund affordable housing, community revitalization, skilled trades training, and clean water or sanitation projects. Organizations must be based in the U.S. within Ferguson’s geographic footprint, including Scott County, Iowa, to be considered for partnership support from Ferguson.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

The PLTW Gateway program expansion, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved students in John Deere communities. With a commitment to support 1 million youth by 2030, this initiative provides grants to schools seeking to expand their existing PLTW programs. Eligible schools must be within proximity of John Deere facilities and demonstrate a significant enrollment of students participating in free and reduced lunch programs, ensuring equitable educational opportunities.

The PLTW Gateway program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education access for underserved communities. By 2030, they intend to assist 1 million youth through inclusive educational opportunities. Schools within 40 miles of John Deere facilities can apply for grants to implement PLTW Gateway units, promoting real-world skill development. Priority is given to schools that demonstrate need and ensure student enrollment in these programs, fostering a strong foundation for future success.

Nonprofit organizations and schools in Davenport, Iowa working on financial education, children’s health, or affordable housing can apply for funding from GreenState Credit Union. Grants support projects that serve local communities within GreenState’s geographic footprint, including underserved populations and efforts in economic empowerment, children’s mental health, and equitable, affordable homeownership.

Nonprofit agencies serving Scott County, including Davenport, Iowa, can apply for Moline Regional Community Foundation’s Community Action Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $24,999 for capital or program expenses. Eligible projects span arts and culture, education, environmental conservation, community and economic development, and health and human services within the foundation’s Illinois–Iowa service region.

The PLTW Launch program, in partnership with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education access for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in implementing PLTW Launch modules, fostering equitable opportunities for students. With a commitment to enroll at least 50% of students from the Free and Reduced Lunch program, the program focuses on real-world skills development to prepare youth for future challenges. The goal is to empower one million students by 2030.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion grant, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their PLTW programs and includes training for teachers and resources for students. Priority is given to schools near John Deere facilities that demonstrate need and a commitment to student participation in STEM activities. The project aligns with the foundation's goal to impact one million youth by 2030.

Female junior or senior college students in engineering with a home or school address in the Davenport, Iowa area can receive more than US $1,000 to pursue a BS at an ABET-accredited school. With a mission to advance women in engineering, Society of Women Engineers supports students within specified IA and IL ZIP codes who are or will become SWE members.

Davenport, Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on food access, hunger relief, or education may be eligible for funding or in-kind product support. Focused on food security, Hormel Foods invites organizations in Scott County to propose specific initiatives that expand nutritious, affordable meals, improve community wellbeing, or address social issues through impact programming.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

Davenport, Iowa nonprofits and community entities planning youth recreational facility projects can access funding through the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust; awards are up to US $25,000. Priority goes to projects in Scott County and nearby counties that improve school or municipal athletic facilities and demonstrate strong local fundraising and volunteer support.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

Davenport, Iowa nonprofits focused on culture and arts, education, or social welfare can access funding through the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation for capital projects, programs, and operating support. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving Scott County may benefit, including those offering after-school education, mental health services, food and housing support, or services for immigrants and refugees.

The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust provides grants primarily to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in Iowa and parts of Illinois. Focused on enhancing educational opportunities, the Trust supports projects in elementary and secondary education, higher education, medical research, youth services, and recreation. By funding innovative initiatives, it aims to improve access to educational resources and foster scientific advancement, while also addressing the recreational needs of youth and supporting community development.

Brinker International provides Davenport, Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits with monetary or in-kind dining certificate support for programs serving children, youth, and hunger relief. Eligible organizations must submit requests at least six weeks before an event, and may receive support once per calendar year through the online application process.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions running food access and nutrition education programs in Davenport, Iowa can access funding through Bayer Fund to address malnutrition and hunger. Eligible, established 501(c)(3)s, government units, and qualifying schools in Scott County may be invited to apply for behavior-change nutrition initiatives and food security efforts like pantries, backpack programs, and community gardens.

Davenport, Iowa nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions can access funding through Scott County Regional Authority for defined projects serving Scott County residents in areas like education, arts, public safety, health, and social services. Eligible 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) organizations must have a local office, local board, and use funds within twelve months of the grant cycle.

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.

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.

Community and Economic Development Department 

The City of Davenport Community and Economic Development department focuses on fostering growth and improving the quality of life in Davenport, Iowa. It offers various programs and incentives aimed at supporting small businesses, commercial development, and housing initiatives.

This department also oversees urban planning and development services, ensuring compliance with local regulations and facilitating community engagement. Its initiatives, such as the DREAMFRESH Initiative, aim to enhance the overall economic landscape of the city.

HOME Investment Partnership

Each year the City receives two primary community development grants from the federal government: 

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), approximately $1 million per year
• HOME Investment Partnership, approximately $300,000 per year

These funds are for activities benefiting low and moderate income residents and are restricted to uses that meet federal regulations in the areas of affordable housing, community development, and economic development.

General information about eligibility and federal requirements can be found here: National Objectives, Subrecipients Handbook.

HOME funds are awarded to affordable housing activities on a project by project basis. Consideration by the City Council may be required based on the size and/or cost of the affordable housing development being proposed.

CED staff oversees the application, construction, and compliance process for HOME funds.

The QC River Connections Grant, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports projects addressing environmental challenges faced by the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities. It promotes inclusive community engagement and nature-based solutions to enhance relationships between communities and the river. Eligible projects include restoration, education, and access initiatives. The grant aims to uplift underrepresented communities impacted by environmental issues, ensuring equitable participation in environmental stewardship.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Discover program aims to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields by providing grants to teams that meet specific eligibility criteria. Teams must be associated with an educational institution or nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to recruiting underserved and underrepresented students. The initiative is part of John Deere’s goal to empower one million youth by 2030, fostering innovation and better decision-making in local communities.

Nonprofit organizations improving community health in Davenport, Iowa, can seek funding to strengthen operations and expand services. With a mission to mobilize philanthropy for better health, Better Health Foundation provides capacity building and service support grants of US $10,000 - US $75,000 for management development, sustainability planning, fundraising, and expanding or enhancing health services, especially for underserved communities.

Nonprofit organizations addressing community health emergencies in Davenport, Iowa and the greater Quad Cities region can request up to US $8,000 for unforeseen expenses that hinder service delivery or basic operations. With a mission to improve community health, Better Health Foundation provides discretionary support for crises such as disasters or destroyed equipment within its 9-county service area.

The Mark W. Schwiebert Fund for Environmental Studies, established in 2016, supports educational programs and research addressing climate change and resource depletion. It emphasizes projects that are financially and technically feasible, with a focus on public education and impactful returns on investment. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, universities, and governmental entities, particularly those serving Rock Island County, Illinois, and Scott County, Iowa. Funding is not available for marketing campaigns, deficit funding, or projects already completed.