Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

Iowa communities working on workforce housing and affordable housing strategies can apply for the Iowa Thriving Communities initiative if they were invited after a pre-application. This Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority program recognizes communities showing best practices in planning, financing, and development, offering visibility and advantages when competing for related housing tax credits and programs.

With a mission to strengthen economic and community vitality, Iowa Economic Development Authority provides Iowa local governments with up to US $30,000 per unit to replace failing roofs on low- and moderate-income, owner-occupied homes. Cities and counties (excluding HUD entitlement areas) can apply to preserve and stabilize their community’s affordable housing stock.

Local governments, state agencies, public schools, universities, and eligible private nonprofits in Iowa can access funding for CDBG-DR eligible disaster recovery and buyout projects. Grants from Iowa Economic Development Authority help Iowa communities cover FEMA non-federal match requirements and enhance buyout efforts, with priority for low- and moderate-income areas and counties designated as most impacted and distressed.

Nonprofit organizations in Iowa planning capital campaigns or major projects for equitable and affordable housing can apply for First National Bank of Omaha’s capital or major donations. Funding supports construction, renovation, and other large-scale initiatives that strengthen community development, neighborhood stability, and related community focus areas in FNBO’s service communities.

Nonprofit and community applicants in Iowa working on rural housing planning and policy can seek up to US $20,000 to improve local development codes, ordinances, and housing incentives. With a mission to strengthen rural communities, Iowa Economic Development Authority supports use of Rural Housing Readiness Assessment workshops and data-driven planning to attract housing developers.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on affordable, stable housing or economic mobility can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected organizations receive a two-year leadership development experience plus a capacity-building grant to strengthen programs in income creation, workforce readiness, small business resiliency, and affordable housing solutions in eligible Iowa communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa working on basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or community empowerment can apply for local funding from Bank of America Charitable Foundation. Eligible groups must serve low- and moderate-income communities and be based in an approved market, supporting vulnerable populations through affordable housing and related community development efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa working on equitable and affordable housing, supportive housing, or shelters may be eligible for grants that advance safe and affordable housing. Grants from US Bank Foundation help Iowa housing-focused nonprofits that also address economic advancement or community arts and culture, especially those led by people of color and serving designated U.S. Bank communities.

Nonprofit organizations in Iowa seeking support for affordable housing, neighborhood stability, or related community initiatives can apply for community sponsorships that fund events, general operations, and seasons. Focused on community impact, First National Bank of Omaha invites housing and community development nonprofits, including those serving underrepresented populations, to request support across its broader community focus areas.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing in Iowa can receive up to US $1,000 in matched donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for recent retirees. Eligible gifts from Regions retirees support economic and community development, including affordable housing, within the bank’s service footprint.

With a mission to strengthen economic opportunity, First National Bank of Omaha provides Iowa nonprofits working on equitable and affordable housing, workforce development, and financial education with Impact Grants. Funding supports affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization, small business and job creation, and adult financial literacy, education, and vocational training in eligible FNBO communities.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Iowa working on equitable and affordable housing and related community development can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Eligible charities receive matched donations from full-time associates and recent retirees, supporting efforts like affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and other qualifying community initiatives within the Regions footprint.

Focused on equitable and affordable housing, Iowa Health and Human Services invites Iowa housing developers to seek tax incentives for workforce housing projects. The Workforce Housing Tax Incentive Program offers up to US $1,000,000 in state investment tax credits and tax refunds for eligible new construction or rehabilitation that expands affordable workforce housing, including in smaller communities.

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

AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation strengthens financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems.

AARP empowers people to choose how they live as they age. There are 125 million Americans who are 50 or older, and people want their money, health and happiness to last as long as they do. We are a wise friend and fierce defender, focusing on the priorities of older Americans.

Purpose Prize® from AARP

Honoring extraordinary people 50-plus who put their purpose into action.

Purpose is a powerful force for good. The Purpose Prize from AARP honors extraordinary older Americans who put their purpose into action to support AARP’s mission of empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Winners receive $75,000 and a year of organizational support from AARP to grow the impact of their nonprofits. Examples of organizational support include data and evaluation, governance and succession planning, fundraising strategy, and prospectus development.

Nonprofit organizations working on hunger, housing, or financial education in Iowa can apply for annual support to strengthen local services and long-term stability. Grants from RRCU Gives Foundation help expand affordable housing efforts, reduce food insecurity, and improve financial literacy for communities in need. Applications open in June, with awards in August.

The CIF Capacity Builder Awards by Endeavor Health focus on enhancing community health through strategic investments. With over $38.5 million allocated to local partnerships, these awards aim to address critical areas like healthcare access, food insecurity, and workforce development. Designed for nonprofit organizations, the awards range from $100,000 to $500,000 annually for 1-2 years, fostering long-term community impact and advancing health equity in the service areas.

Nonprofits and public housing entities serving residents of HUD-assisted housing in Iowa can seek funding for emergency-related service coordination and limited direct services through the ROSS Rapid Response Program. Administered by US HUD: Office of Public and Indian Housing, these cost-reimbursable grants provide US $112,500 - US $250,000 to address urgent social, economic, or health needs in affordable housing communities.

Iowa nonprofits and public agencies supporting senior services, affordable housing, homelessness reduction, and related community needs can access funding through Volunteer Mississippi’s AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Opportunity. Grants up to US $75,000 support volunteer-driven programs that engage adults 55+ to assist older adults and caregivers, build strong families, support behavioral health, and help address housing instability.

Nonprofit community development organizations in Iowa working on affordable housing, small business, or workforce development can apply to host a graduate-level NCRC fellow to advance a defined project. Host partners must be NCRC members with in-person office capacity and can gain skilled support on equitable housing and related community development initiatives.

Graduate students in urban planning, policy, public administration, economics, or related fields can apply for the NCRC Fellowship for Equitable Development, which provides a US $20,000 stipend for community development projects. Iowa nonprofits working on equitable and affordable housing, small business, or workforce development may host fellows if located near an anticipated host site.

Iowa local governments, public housing agencies, and partners focused on equitable, affordable housing can access funding through US HUD to implement comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plans. These Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants, up to US $75,000,000, support redeveloping distressed HUD-assisted housing, improving surrounding neighborhoods, and providing services that enhance residents’ economic mobility and quality of life.

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 Level 1 Fair Housing Grant, offered by the National Association of REALTORS®, supports initiatives aimed at educating REALTORS® on fair housing issues. Grants can fund classes, forums, or workshops, with a maximum award of $3,000. Starting in 2025, the grant will also support expenses related to the At Home With Diversity class to align with new training requirements. This initiative ensures REALTORS® have the resources to promote diversity and inclusion in their communities.

The Level 1 Housing Opportunity Grants, provided by the National Association of Realtors, aim to enhance education on housing affordability for REALTORS® and the community. Grants of up to $3,000 support various initiatives, including forums, speakers, and stakeholder meetings. This initiative encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing to address pressing housing issues and promote affordability in communities. Eligible associations can receive one grant annually, with reimbursement requests due by December 19, 2025.

The Level 2 Housing Opportunity Grants, provided by the National Association of REALTORS®, aim to address affordable housing challenges within communities. With a maximum award of $7,500, these grants encourage collaborations among local agencies to enhance housing access. Eligible activities include forums, expos, and studies that promote housing opportunities. Associations can receive one grant per year, and funds are disbursed via a reimbursement process, with requests due by December 19, 2025.

The Level 3 Housing Opportunity Grants, offered by the National Association of Realtors, support innovative projects aimed at enhancing housing opportunities. These grants are designed for initiatives that involve collaboration with non-REALTOR® partners and require significant REALTOR® involvement. Eligible projects should demonstrate potential for community impact and cannot include activities previously funded by Housing Opportunity grants. This initiative aims to foster growth and diversity within communities.