Best Technology Grants in Iowa

Nonprofits, schools, and public agencies in Iowa can seek funding for traffic safety, driver education, or financial literacy initiatives through the Auto Club Group Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $15,000. Technology-focused projects, including passive speed enforcement equipment like speed display signs, may be competitive if they advance these priorities.

Iowa 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and IRS-recognized tribes working in STEM education, early learning, or environmental science can seek project support that advances innovative, equitable solutions. Focused on systemic change, Change Happens Foundation prioritizes national or global initiatives, with occasional community grants that may benefit Iowa-based technology and education programs.

Nonprofit organizations and schools planning community events in Iowa and other eligible Honda communities can apply for American Honda Motor’s sponsorships, with awards up to US $25,000. Funding supports parades, festivals, galas, runs, walks, and similar cultural or recreational events, which may include technology or digital literacy components that engage local residents.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Iowa

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Public 501(c)(3) charities in Iowa planning capital projects can apply for Ash Grove Charitable Foundation grants, with awards up to US $25,000 for construction, renovation, or facility improvements. Organizations incorporating STEM education, skilled trades training, nature-focused projects, or community gathering spaces that may include technology or digital literacy components may be competitive.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits and schools running environmental sustainability programs can seek US $25,000 - US $100,000 for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use projects. Grants from American Honda Motor help eligible states, including Iowa, fund initiatives like energy efficiency upgrades, onsite solar or wind, recycling, composting, and other green infrastructure efforts in Honda communities.

Nonprofit organizations and schools supporting disability care and mobility technology in Iowa can apply for Honda USA Foundation’s Mobility Pillar Award, offering US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programmatic support. With a mission to expand mobility access, the foundation funds therapeutic and adaptive programs, comprehensive care, and mobility modifications or assistive technology in Honda communities.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

FIRST Robotics Competition teams in Iowa affiliated with a school or 501(c)(3) can apply for John Deere Foundation support to help cover participation costs and expand STEM opportunities. Eligible teams are near John Deere Inspire communities or have committed John Deere mentors, with priority for underserved, underrepresented, or rural student groups in technology-focused programs.

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.

Iowa child care centers needing help with required staff compliance costs can access funding through the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, including sites in Dubuque County and the cities of Cascade and Dyersville. Grants provide more than US $145 per employee for HHS-required expenses like background checks, CPR/First Aid training, and physical examinations, which may benefit tech-enabled child care operations.

Licensed child care centers in Dubuque County and the cities of Cascade and Dyersville can receive up to US $5,000 for HHS-approved professional development and center-wide technology upgrades. Grants from Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque help Iowa providers strengthen child care services and support staff who deliver direct care year-round.

Licensed child care centers in Dubuque County and the cities of Cascade and Dyersville can use this grant to supplement staff wages and retain qualified caregivers. Grants from Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque offer up to US $1,000 per full-time employee and US $500 per part-time employee for incentive-based bonuses, with certain staff eligibility requirements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Iowa seeking support for technology access and digital literacy projects can apply to the John K & Luise V Hanson Foundation. With a mission to enhance quality of life, the foundation funds initiatives in north central Iowa, especially Forest City, that strengthen families through education, youth development, and community programs.

Nonprofit organizations in Iowa serving agricultural education, hunger and nutrition, or rural disaster relief and essential services can apply for Farm Credit Services of America’s Working Here Fund grants, with awards up to US $25,000. Rural programs that incorporate technology for ag education, food distribution, or first responder equipment may be especially competitive.

Healthcare organizations in Iowa recruiting providers for rural communities can receive up to US $120,000 in incentives such as relocation support or signing bonuses through Iowa Health and Human Services. Funding must go directly to healthcare providers who commit to serving at least five years, helping strengthen rural health care access and delivery.

Iowa nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving Black Hawk County residents can seek one-year funding for operations, programs, equipment, materials, and capital projects, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Black Hawk County organizations working on technology access or digital literacy within arts, education, health, human services, environment, or community betterment may be eligible.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, and Tribes in Iowa can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve environmental quality and farm operations. Grants from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Iowa help address soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and on-farm energy and resource conservation, which may benefit tech-enabled conservation or monitoring projects.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship advocates for Iowa’s farmers and protects consumers, animals, our food supply and our shared soil and water resources. Our programs strengthen rural communities, support a thriving agriculture economy, and build a stronger future for all Iowans. 

Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants

Introduction

Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, Iowa raised and Iowa made food, beverages, and other agricultural products. A marketing initiative overseen by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Choose Iowa builds on the growing demand for local foods.

Choose Iowa creates new markets for Iowa farmers and provides consumers with more local choices. The Choose Iowa Value-Added cost-share grant was created to assist Iowa farmers with their efforts to increase or diversify their agricultural product offerings, add value to agricultural products, enable new technologies and support alternative marketing strategies.

Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants increase sales of Iowa agricultural products by increasing production capacity or expanding market access for value-added projects. The highly competitive cost-share grant expands access to Iowa-grown, Iowa-made, and Iowa-raised food, beverages, and other agricultural products.

Grant funds are paid out as a reimbursement after grant project(s) are completed.

Preference will be given to small and medium-sized businesses. The Iowa Economic Development Authority defines small-sized businesses as having less than 50 full-time employees, medium-sized businesses with 51-250 employees, and large businesses as more than 250 employees. 

Organizations running agricultural cooperative education programs in Iowa and other CHS trade area states can apply for CHS Foundation’s Cooperative Education Grant to support program-related costs. Eligible projects educate middle school through college students and young producers about the ag cooperative business model, using technology and innovative approaches with clear engagement strategies and measurable outcomes.

Iowa 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofits, public school districts, political subdivisions, and religious organizations can apply for Prairie Meadows Race Track & Casino’s Youth Sports and Recreational Grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $50,000 for equipment, uniforms, facilities, technology, and other enhancements. Projects must primarily serve youth 19 and under in specified central Iowa counties and may include tech-related upgrades.

Network member organizations in Iowa using technology to expand access to health and biomedical information can apply for the National Library of Medicine’s Health Information Outreach Award, with awards of US $25,000. Funding supports projects that improve digital access to NLM resources, health literacy, and health equity, especially for underrepresented populations.

Abous Us

For Good. Forever

Established in 2004, the Keokuk Area Community Foundation receives charitable gifts and grants from individuals, families, business, and corporations to establish permanent endowments for the benefit of Southeast Iowa, Western Illinois, and Northeast Missouri.

The mission of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation is to build endowments to assist community needs, foster growth for leadership, and create flourishing nonprofit organizations, charities, schools, and

The Hellman Lee County Impact Fund

Merlin Hellman (1935 – 2021) lived a life of service for Lee County. He was a man people called for help and advice, a man who was there for his family, friends, neighbors and community. Merlin served on multiple area boards of directors, including the Boards of Marquette and Aquinas, Parish Councils, and Diocesan Stewardship Committees. He was a founding member of the Southeast Iowa Economic Development Committee, but he was most proud of his volunteer accomplishments.

North Lee County’s philanthropic story began with Merlin’s generosity. Merlin established the North Lee Community Foundation, the Lee County Charitable Fund and funded endowments to support Holy Trinity Catholic Schools, Holy Family Parish, the Fort Madison Public Library and Hope Haven.

The North Lee Community Foundation and the Lee County Charitable Fund honor the life Merlin Hellman by creating the Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grant. Starting in 2026, the Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grant will distribute multiple $25,000 - $100,000 IMPACT Grants to Lee County nonprofit organizations.

Iowa school districts can apply for grants supporting secondary career and technical education programs that lead to state-approved, industry-recognized credentials, including technology-related pathways. Grants from Iowa Department of Education may fund assessment fees, instructional materials, equipment, software, and other costs that directly support credential attainment, with awards up to US $50,000 based on credential tier.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Iowa can obtain funding to provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure that support small rural businesses and technology-based economic development. USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grants offer US $10,000 - US $500,000 for projects like business counseling, feasibility studies, rural business incubators, and community or technology-focused economic development.

Iowa and Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations running youth cultural, arts, or educational programs, including technology and natural science, can access funding through Omaha Community Foundation. Grants of More than US $20,000 support primarily programmatic work for organizations serving at least 1,000 students annually, with most awards focused on the Omaha metro and some extending across Nebraska and southwest Iowa.

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.