Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

About

The Advancing Communities grant program helps communities across Nebraska and southwest Iowa develop or enhance spaces that are inviting to all citizens, enabling connection through social, recreational, historical and civic engagement. By supporting capital projects that make great community assets — from libraries and youth rec centers to parks, trails, museums and more — we encourage our neighbors to get out and explore.

Advancing Communities Grant

Projects for consideration should align with the following themes:

• Shared spaces such as libraries, parks, trails and community centers — that encourage engagement and make towns more vibrant places to live, work and gather.
• Innovative ideas and forward-thinking approaches that engage multiple generations, introduce new ideas or bring fresh energy into existing community spaces.
• Community-led efforts, including partnerships among public, private and nonprofit sectors, with priority given to initiatives that demonstrate collaboration, local investment and community-driven vision.
• Sustainable, ready-to-launch projects that have secured at least 60% of their total funding and show clear plans for long-term maintenance, sustainability and measurable community benefit.

Grant amounts:

Applicants may request up to $250,000 for one time capital support.

Deadlines:

Applications for this program can be submitted at any time.

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

State Historical Society of Iowa

The State Historical Society of Iowa is the official historical repository of the State of Iowa, providing grants, education, and outreach about Iowa’s history.

The society preserves and provides access to Iowa’s historical resources through programs, exhibitions and projects while advocating for Iowa’s past and serving as a connector to the future.

Historical Resource Development Program

The program provides grant funding to help preserve, conserve, interpret, enhance, and educate the public about Iowa’s historical assets. The Historical Resource Development Program provides funding for documentary collections, historic preservation and museums. 

Emergency Historical Resource Development Program

Emergency HRDP applications will be accepted each year on July 1. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The differences between the regular grant application process and the emergency application process are as follows:

• Please contact the grants manager by email or phone to see if funds are available.
• Attach a cover letter that explains the threat to the resource.
• The threat to the resource cannot be due to delinquency on the part of the current owner.
• If new ownership is the reason for the emergency, the new owner must have taken ownership within the previous 12 months.
• The maximum grant request is $15,000.
• Funds become available at the beginning of each fiscal year, July 1st. There isn’t a specific deadline. Submit the application as soon as it is ready, as long as it is not prior to July 1st if you are requesting funds from the next fiscal year.
• Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all emergency funds for each grant category are expended.
• A staff grants steering committee reviews the applications. Allow up to 30 days for review.
• Eligible properties in the historic preservation category will have an opinion of eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places from the State Historic Preservation Office.

The McKnight Foundation's Midwest Climate and Energy Grant focuses on funding initiatives that address the climate crisis while promoting equity in the Midwest. The foundation supports projects that transform energy systems, decarbonize transportation and buildings, and enhance community resilience. It aims to engage diverse populations and foster innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance sustainable practices. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, governmental entities, and those in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, with an emphasis on collaborative, impactful projects.

The Lila D. Rankin Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, literary, and educational initiatives, particularly in the Fort Madison, Iowa area. It emphasizes the encouragement of art and the prevention of cruelty to children and animals. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Individuals cannot apply. This grant is an opportunity for local organizations to receive funding for impactful projects in various program areas including animal welfare, arts, culture, education, and science.

Iowa Economic Development Authority

Mission

Strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. Through two main divisions – business development and community development – IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. IEDA works to achieve its mission and goals to benefit Iowans while maintaining a high level of transparency. 

CDBG 2024 Disaster Recovery - Buyout

Purpose

This grant program is designed to help local jurisdictions move forward with critical infrastructure and recovery efforts following a disaster. FEMA requires state and local governments to contribute a “local share” or “match” toward eligible projects, but these costs can be difficult for communities already stretched thin by emergency response, recovery needs, and reduced revenues. The Non‑Federal Match Program provides CBG-DR funding support as match to ease that burden for FEMA’s HMGP and FEMA-Project Assistance Programs. In addition to assisting with required match funding, CDBG‑DR resources may also be used to enhance HMGP Buyout projects when communities can demonstrate remaining unmet recovery needs, lack of alternative funding options, and a clear connection to long‑term resilience and restoration goals.

The Rural BOOST Grant Program in Iowa is designed to aid rural communities, nonprofits, and businesses facing growth challenges. It offers personalized technical assistance from expert teams to develop actionable growth plans. With a focus on communities with populations under 20,000, the program provides financial support of up to $10,000 for eligible projects, requiring a minimum cash match of $5,000. This initiative aims to empower local leaders to foster sustainable development and economic revitalization.

The Rural Child Care Planning Grant Program in Iowa aims to assist rural communities in analyzing their child care needs. With a $20,000 grant, applicants must provide a $10,000 cash match to secure funding for strategic solutions. This program focuses on planning initiatives that engage professional partners to address child care challenges, thereby benefiting communities with populations of 20,000 or fewer. It emphasizes data-driven approaches to enhance local child care services.

The Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

The GIG Fund, managed by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, provides grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to support public arts projects in Midwestern communities. This initiative aims to enhance access to arts for underserved audiences, including rural and economically disadvantaged groups. Eligible activities include performances and art festivals, with a focus on engaging professional artists. The funding period extends from December 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and requires a 1:1 match.

The GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 to support projects that blend arts and wellness. Open to non-profit organizations, hospitals, and clinics across the Midwest, this fund aims to enhance community well-being through artistic initiatives. Eligible applicants must engage professional artists and provide activities that promote health and creativity. This funding round supports activities occurring between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, emphasizing the importance of arts in fostering wellness.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Iowa support rural communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that threaten access to safe drinking water. Potential qualifying events include droughts, floods, and chemical spills. Grants can fund water transmission line projects up to $150,000 and water source construction up to $1,000,000. This program aims to restore access to clean water, benefiting households and local businesses in eligible rural areas.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Iowa provides essential funding for clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and stormwater drainage in eligible rural areas. This program supports state and local governments, nonprofits, and tribes in acquiring, constructing, or improving infrastructure. It also covers related costs, such as legal fees and equipment. With a focus on rural communities with populations under 10,000, it aims to enhance public health and safety.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The Fort Dodge Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, enhances community well-being through the County Endowment Funding Grant. By fostering partnerships and providing grants to local organizations, it addresses pressing community needs and promotes charitable causes. The Foundation emphasizes economic vitality, recreational development, and community betterment, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently to improve the quality of life for citizens in Fort Dodge and surrounding areas. This initiative exemplifies their commitment to philanthropic engagement and sustainable community growth.

The Black Hawk County Grants aim to enhance community welfare through funding initiatives that address local needs. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 and support various sectors including arts, education, and health. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or government entities. The foundation prioritizes projects that tackle racial equity, expand child care, and strengthen workforce readiness. Applications are encouraged from groups significantly impacted by recent challenges, ensuring diverse community representation and collaboration.

The Akron Community Foundation Grant, facilitated by the Siouxland Community Foundation, aims to address charitable needs in the Akron, Iowa area. Established in 2001, the Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and local government units by providing grants in various sectors including arts, education, health, and human services. The grant prioritizes projects that enhance community quality of life and address emerging needs. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) and serve the local community.

The Monona County Community Partners Foundation Grant, offered by the Siouxland Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Monona County by supporting nonprofit organizations and public education institutions. Grants focus on vital areas such as arts, health, education, and human services, responding to community needs. Priority is given to projects with long-term impact and collaboration among local entities. The grant program will transition to biennial funding starting in 2024, emphasizing thoughtful and sustainable initiatives.

The Community Foundation of Lyon County Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Lyon County by addressing community needs through charitable grants. It supports nonprofit organizations and local governments in areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. The foundation prioritizes projects with long-term impact and sustainability. Grants are intended to connect donors with meaningful causes, ensuring that resources are mobilized effectively to benefit the community. This grant fosters collaboration and addresses pressing local issues.

The Sioux County Community Foundation Grant aims to address emerging needs in Sioux County through charitable support for nonprofit organizations and local government units. Grants focus on areas such as arts, education, health, and human services, promoting community betterment and sustainability. Priority is given to projects with county-wide benefits and collaborative efforts, while generally excluding general operating expenses and multi-year grants. This initiative enhances the quality of life for Sioux County residents by connecting caring donors with impactful causes.

The O’Brien County Community Foundation Grant supports charitable purposes through grants to nonprofit organizations and local government units serving O’Brien County, Iowa. This fund aims to address community needs in areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. By fostering permanent charitable giving, the foundation enhances the quality of life for current and future generations, ensuring that diverse community programs receive necessary funding to thrive.

The Country School Grant Program, part of Iowa's Historical Resource Development Program, offers funding for preserving one-room and two-room school buildings. Grants up to $5,000 are available to various eligible entities, including nonprofits and governmental units. The program emphasizes the importance of Iowa's historical resources, encouraging projects that enhance public education and cultural heritage. With an annual budget of $25,000, it aims to support community development through historical preservation.

The Historical Resource Development Program Annual Grant supports the preservation, conservation, and education of Iowa's historical resources. Established by the Code of Iowa, it offers funding to nonprofit corporations, governmental units, and individuals, with a focus on projects that enhance economic and cultural development. While grants can reach $100,000, applicants are encouraged to request up to $50,000. Key priorities include projects involving trained professionals and documentary collections with significant historical value.

Historical Resource Development Program (HRDP) - Documentary Collections

You should apply in the Documentary Collections category if your project focuses on preserving historical materials that contain recorded information such as documents, records, newspapers, photographs or similar types of items.

Resources in this category can include a variety of resource formats, such as albums, atlases, blueprints, broadsides, diaries, drawings, electronic records, films, ledgers, letters, maps, memoirs, minutes, newspapers, newsletters, oral histories, pamphlets, postcards, plats, photographs, photographic negatives, programs, reports, videotapes, and other multimedia materials.

Examples of documentary collections category projects include: 

• Processing collections – organizing, sorting, cataloging, arranging/describing, producing indexes, lists, inventories, and finding aids.
• Microfilming documents and records, with the proper preparation of material and adherence to professional microfilming standards
• Purchasing archival supplies such as UV filters, acid-free folders, boxes, envelopes, Mylar and tape for encapsulation.
• Formatting alternatives such as paper, microfilm, fiche, electronic, and also preparation of materials for re-formatting.
• Format or convert historical records collections, digitize for public access and make them freely available online.
• Provide consistent onsite researcher access to physical collections.
• Demonstrate the value of the informational contents of the collections to the understanding of Iowa’s history.
• Outlining in projects the use of archival best practices.
• Developing budgets that accomplish the project in a cost-effective manner.
• Outlining activities that bring researchers to the collections included in the project as well as the rest of the repository’s holdings.

State Historical Society of Iowa

The State Historical Society of Iowa is the official historical repository of the State of Iowa, providing grants, education, and outreach about Iowa’s history.

The society preserves and provides access to Iowa’s historical resources through programs, exhibitions and projects while advocating for Iowa’s past and serving as a connector to the future.

Historical Resource Development Program

The program provides grant funding to help preserve, conserve, interpret, enhance, and educate the public about Iowa’s historical assets. The Historical Resource Development Program provides funding for documentary collections, historic preservation and museums. 

There is a required match. Match ratios vary.

Historic Preservation

Project Types

Examples of projects in the Historic Preservation category are:

• Acquire, develop or preserve real property listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Purchase equipment to rehabilitate a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Survey historic and prehistoric sites
• Nominate properties to the National Register of Historic Places
• Interpret historic properties and sites
• Educate the public; train staff; or hire consultants who are experts on historic preservation

Eligible Property Types & Activities

• A National Historic Landmark: The National Park Service defines this as a “historic property evaluated and found to have significance at the national level and designated as such by the Secretary of the Interior.” There are only 29 such properties in Iowa.

• Individually Listed on the National Register of Historic Places: A historic property that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places on its own, not as part of a historic district. It may also be contributing to a listed historic district, but is also listed on its own.

• A Contributing Resource to a Property or District Listed on the National Register of Historic Places: The National Park Service defines this as a “building, site, structure, or object adding to the historic significance of a property.” These contributing resources must be part of the National Register nomination for the property or district and must still be considered contributing to the property or district. A “district” is defined by the National Park Service as a “significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, or objects united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical development.”

• A Property or District That Has an Opinion of Eligibility for Listing on the National Register of Historic Places: Properties or districts that meet the eligibility criteria, but have not yet been listed, are eligible for HRDP funds to nominate the property or district to the National Register or for emergency grants, through our emergency application process. Emergency applications are accepted until each year’s funds are expended. The emergency allocation is replenished each July 1st.

• A Historic or Prehistoric Site Survey: The National Park Service defines survey as the “process of identifying and gathering data on a community’s historic resources.” It is strongly encouraged that you discuss this type of project with the State Historic Preservation Office prior to application.

• Educating the Public About Historic Preservation: HRDP can fund workshops or conferences to educate the public about historic preservation. Funds can also be used to train staff or hire consultants who are experts in historic preservation.

Historical Resource Development Program (HRDP) 

The program provides grant funding to help preserve, conserve, interpret, enhance, and educate the public about Iowa’s historical assets. The Historical Resource Development Program provides funding for documentary collections, historic preservation and museums. 

What:

• Up to $50,000 with a required match. Match ratios vary.

Museum Project Types

If your project focuses on the care and collection of museum objects, you will want to apply in the museums category.

Projects in this category may include, but are not limited to:

• Public education, staff training, or consultation related to museum activities
• Cataloging
• Conservation survey of collections
• Treatment of collections
• Artifact acquisition
• Artifact conservation
• Interpretation of artifact collections
• Exhibitions
• Equipment, supplies, and facilities related to artifact preservation

The Rural Business Development Grants in Iowa support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas or towns outside urbanized regions. Funding is available through Opportunity and Enterprise grants, prioritizing smaller requests. Enterprise grants focus on emerging businesses, allowing funding for training, land development, and community improvements. Opportunity grants promote economic development, feasibility studies, and long-term planning. This program is critical for fostering rural economic growth and sustainability.