Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

The Rural Innovation Grant program seeks to support creative ideas that address current issues and challenges faced by rural communities. This grant opportunity aims to increase available housing stock in rural Iowa by leveraging funding programs, driving private investment, and rewarding creative solutions. The goal is to provide funds to communities that have demonstrated significant progress on housing initiatives and that propose to bring innovation into implementation with a definitive outcome. 

This program is administered by the Center for Rural Revitalization, a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), in consultation with the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative Task Forces.

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. 

Rural Innovation Grant Program

The Rural Innovation Grant program seeks to support creative ideas that address current issues and challenges faced by rural communities. This grant opportunity aims to increase available housing stock in rural Iowa by leveraging funding programs, driving private investment, and rewarding creative solutions. The goal is to provide funds to communities that have demonstrated significant progress on housing initiatives and that propose to bring innovation into implementation with a definitive outcome. 

Funding is awarded on a reimbursement basis — grant recipients will be reimbursed only after eligible expenses have been incurred and paid for approved project activities during the designated time frame.

National Housing Trust Fund

Federal Resources, Local Compassion

It takes compassion and commitment to create and sustain affordable living options around Iowa. The National Housing Trust Fund does just that. The program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, complements existing federal, state and local efforts to increase and preserve the supply of affordable housing for extremely low-income and homeless families.

How Funds Are Used

Funds may be used for the production or preservation of permanent affordable rental housing through new construction, adaptive reuse and/or rehabilitation projects. Proposed projects addressing the needs of extremely low-income renters—those with incomes below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI)—are a high priority for the Iowa Finance Authority.

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

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.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Guided by this commitment, DVNF developed its Health & Comfort programs, offering emergency financial assistance, housing transition support, food assistance, comfort kits, and wellness initiatives. These programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and to provide practical solutions that restore hope and stability. Today, DVNF continues to grow as a trusted national nonprofit. Every day, our team works with a clear purpose: to change lives for the men and women who have served our country.

Homeless To Housing Program - Household Comfort Support

DVNF is dedicated to assisting disabled and at-risk veterans in their transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Recognizing that securing a home is a significant milestone, DVNF understands that true stability is achieved when a house becomes a home, furnished with essential items that provide comfort and functionality. We help cover essential costs related to securing and creating comfortable housing for at-risk veterans.

The H2H Program offers comprehensive support to veterans by providing: Household Comfort Support of up to $2,000 worth of essential household items to ensure veterans have a stable, safe, and comfortable living environment.

For Financial Assistance: Payments are processed through two payment cycles each month, around the 15th and 30th. For Furniture Assistance: Once the List of Items form is completed, DVNF staff will purchase the requested items, which should arrive within 7-10 business days.

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.

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.