Best Des Moines Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

The Small Grants That Enrich Communities Grant Program, supported by The Amcor Cares Foundation, aims to enhance community welfare through funding for various initiatives. Eligible organizations include 501c3 designated nonprofits and accredited educational institutions. The program supports youth sports, educational enrichment, and community events, while it does not accept applications from individuals or political organizations. Committed to community development, Amcor Cares has been actively contributing since 1959.

The Andersen Corporate Foundation, established in 1941, aims to enhance lives and strengthen communities where its employees reside. It has contributed over $65 million to various causes, focusing on housing, healthcare, hunger relief, and education. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, primarily supporting nonprofit organizations that align with these areas, particularly in communities where Andersen operates, ensuring a lasting impact on local initiatives.

The John Deere Foundation is partnering with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to expand access to PLTW Engineering programs in underserved communities. This initiative aims to support 1 million youth in STEM by 2030, providing essential resources and educational opportunities. Schools within 40 miles of John Deere facilities can apply for grants to implement PLTW courses. The program emphasizes inclusivity, requiring participating schools to offer multiple engineering courses over three years.

The Bravo Greater Des Moines Public Art Grant provides funding to local government partners for public art projects that enhance community spaces and foster artistic expression. Applicants must meet with Bravo staff prior to applying. This grant prioritizes projects that involve community participation in the design process and are unique to the applicant's locality. Projects can be permanent or semi-permanent installations that are freely accessible to the public.

Bravo Greater Des Moines offers Operating Grants to support the essential administrative expenses of nonprofit cultural organizations in the Greater Des Moines area. This funding is crucial for enhancing the region's arts, culture, and heritage, helping to elevate the community's vibrancy. Returning applicants must complete an interest form, while new applicants are required to meet with Bravo staff prior to applying. The program aims to maximize the impact of arts and culture in the region.

Bravo Greater Des Moines offers the Capital Project Grant to support eligible arts, culture, and heritage organizations with capital projects in the Greater Des Moines area. This grant facilitates funding for projects requiring significant external funds and promotes community engagement in arts and culture. Eligible applicants must be in good standing with Bravo and meet specific deadlines. The aim is to enhance the region's cultural landscape through impactful projects, ensuring a vibrant and enriched community.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The John Deere Foundation, in partnership with PLTW, aims to enhance access to engineering programs for underserved students in its home communities. This initiative is part of a 10-year commitment to support equitable educational opportunities. By providing grants, the foundation encourages schools to expand their PLTW Engineering courses, fostering critical STEM skills to empower students. Eligible schools must be near John Deere facilities and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and student engagement in engineering education.

The PLTW Computer Science program, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM opportunities for underserved students in John Deere communities. This initiative supports schools initiating or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a commitment to inclusive education, the foundation seeks to empower students by providing essential resources and opportunities to develop critical skills that will serve them in future careers.

The PLTW Computer Science program, in collaboration with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access and participation in STEM for underserved students in John Deere home communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing Computer Science programs in schools, ensuring equitable educational opportunities, and developing critical skills through real-world challenges. The partnership is part of a commitment to support 1 million underrepresented youth by 2030, fostering inclusivity in education.

The West Bancorporation Foundation Grant supports charitable programs in Central and Eastern Iowa and Minnesota, focusing on low- and moderate-income individuals. Eligible nonprofit organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) IRS Exemption Letter. The foundation prioritizes contributions to human services, education, and arts and culture, while excluding requests from certain organizations and activities, including endowments, fellowships, and political groups. This ensures targeted support to effective community initiatives.

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.

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 Viking Foundation of Lincoln is dedicated to enhancing the lives of young people facing challenges such as poverty and educational barriers. By providing modest grants, typically between $5,000 and $10,000, the foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the Lincoln, NE, Denver, CO, and Des Moines, IA areas. Emphasizing core values like equal opportunity and community well-being, the foundation seeks innovative projects that promote health, education, and environmental sustainability.

The STEM + Families Science Festival, sponsored by Bayer Fund, is designed for elementary schools, providing $1,500 in funding to 40 selected PTAs. This initiative encourages hands-on STEM experiences for students and their families, fostering engagement and exploration in science. To qualify, PTAs must conduct in-person events within a 55-mile radius of designated regions. This program emphasizes the importance of connecting families through fun and educational STEM activities.

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.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

The CFGDM Leadership Grants aim to enhance quality of life in Greater Des Moines by supporting projects that align with community needs and promote equity. These grants focus on critical areas such as housing, health, economic development, and community engagement. By fostering collaborative efforts and addressing systemic barriers, the program seeks to create lasting positive change and empower local organizations to make a significant impact on community issues.

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines offers Capacity Building Grants to enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations. These grants support initiatives like strategic planning, governance improvements, and financial stability efforts, ensuring nonprofits can thrive and fulfill their missions. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and projects should benefit the Greater Des Moines community. This program aims to build resilient organizations that contribute positively to the local community.

The Black Hills Charitable Giving Program supports community growth by providing sponsorships and donations to eligible organizations. Focused on thriving communities, conservation, and nurturing future leaders, it invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and schools. Funding priorities include critical needs like food security and education, while requests benefiting individuals or political causes are generally not funded. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made within 120 days.