Best Environmental Education Grants in Iowa

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and IRS-recognized tribes working on environmental education and related STEM initiatives, including in Iowa, may be eligible for project support. Change Happens Foundation funds programs in environmental science, early education, and STEM learning, with an emphasis on equity, innovation, and broad national or global impact.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting vulnerable children and youth through health, housing, education, or family services can access funding through Mid-Iowa Health Foundation to address social determinants of health. Programs in central Iowa counties that improve health outcomes or reduce social barriers for young people may be especially competitive.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in select Iowa communities working on environmental, civic, or education programs can receive support for local initiatives, including environmental education. Valero Energy Foundation provides Iowa organizations with funding across four pillars—basic needs, health care, education, and civic and environmental projects—in counties such as Buena Vista, Floyd, Kossuth, O'Brien, Webster, and others where it has major operations.

With a mission to strengthen local communities, Alliant Energy provides Iowa environmental education groups with community grants for conservation, public education, school programs, and outdoor projects. Eligible organizations must be located in communities Alliant Energy serves and may also request support for related needs like parks, trails, safety, housing, workforce readiness, and disaster relief.

Nonprofits, governments, schools, universities, and organized community groups in Scott County, Iowa can receive funding for environmental projects benefiting the Mississippi River and its watershed. Quad Cities Community Foundation supports nature-based solutions, cleanups, education, and equity-focused community engagement that align with the Mississippi River Equity Vision, with awards up to US $50,000.

Environmental and education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations can seek storytelling project support to highlight their impact, including work in Iowa. Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation help organizations within its preservation, education, and wellness pillars share their environmental education, conservation, or wellness stories through media and communications efforts. Awards are more than US $50,000.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Worth County, Iowa can seek funding for community improvement projects, including environmental and animal welfare, education, health, and human services. With a mission to strengthen local quality of life, Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa provides grants that may support environmental education and related initiatives that benefit county residents.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and other eligible tax-exempt organizations serving Howard County can access funding through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa for projects in environmental education, environmental health, youth development, arts, community betterment, health, and human services. Grants from the Howard County Community Foundation range from US $1,000 - US $15,000 for community-focused projects.

Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines improves quality of life for all by promoting charitable giving, connecting donors with causes they care about and providing leadership on important community issues…we’re simply better together.

Enhance Henry County Community Foundation

The mission of the Enhance Henry County Community Foundation is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the conditions of the county. To these ends, it will promote endowment building, community, grantmaking, organizational collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of Henry County.

Enhance Henry County Community Foundation Grants

The Enhance Henry County Community Foundation will provide grants to improve life in Henry County, Iowa. We want to help develop all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as to benefit rural areas of the county. Areas of Foundation giving are: arts & culture, community affairs & development, education, environmental protection, health, historic preservation and human services.

Grants are available to 501(c)3 organizations and government entities serving Henry County. Grant selections are made in an effort to create a better quality of life for people in Henry County. The local governing committee reviews the applications from charitable organizations serving their community.

Keokuk County Community Endowment Foundation

The KCCEF was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. The founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that our county’s charitable programs were supported now, and in the future. We work together with many individuals, families, businesses and organizations to establish endowment funds that will provide grant awards for years to come.

What We Offer

The Keokuk County Community Endowment Foundation is here to assist our county’s organizations contribute to the local quality of life, and one of the ways that is done is through grant funding. KCCEF accepts grant applications to enable projects and programs impacting a wide range of needs in the community. In the past, grants have been awarded for projects involving arts and culture, health & human services, community betterment, historic preservation, and more. Proof of non-profit status, or sponsorship by a government entity is required. 

Major Grant

What We Support

The Keokuk County Community Endowment Foundation will provide grants to improve life in Keokuk County, Iowa by supporting projects relating to: arts & culture, community affairs & development, education, environmental protection, health, historic preservation and human services.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible schools running environmental programs on decarbonization, clean energy, or efficient resource use can apply for American Honda Motor support, with awards of US $25,000 - US $100,000. Grants from American Honda Motor help fund education, awareness, and infrastructure projects that advance sustainability in communities where Honda associates live and work.

Iowa institutions of higher learning, government agencies, school districts, nonpublic schools, area education agencies, organizations, and Iowa-resident individuals can seek funding for conservation and environmental education projects in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Conservation Education Program offers up to US $350,000 statewide for curricula, program materials, and educator stipends that build environmental awareness and stewardship.

Iowa communities seeking support for public greening and beautification projects can apply for Alliant Energy’s Community Tree Planting Program, administered by Trees Forever. Focused on environmental stewardship, Trees Forever invites Iowa communities in Alliant Energy’s service area to request up to US $5,000 for locally purchased, landscape-sized trees on public property.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa working on community development, basic needs, or volunteer-driven initiatives can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s national Community Grants program. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with support for hunger relief, housing and shelters, workforce readiness, financial literacy, arts education, and neighborhood revitalization, with priority near key employee centers.

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership was formed as a community foundation to distribute Iowa’s County Endowment Fund money and support charitable giving in Warren County, Iowa.

For more than a decade, the foundation has responsibly distributed charitable dollars through grants to community nonprofit organizations. Since our inception, we have awarded more than $1 million into the community for beneficial projects.  As we move into the future, our goal is to continue grantmaking, but also to assist citizens in their charitable giving plans, work closely with city leaders and other organizations for organizational collaboration, and improve the quality of life in Warren County.

WCPP is an Affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and is governed by a Board of Directors under the direction of Warren County Economic Development Corporation, made up of passionate individuals invested in making decisions to improve Warren County.

WCPP Grants

Program Area of Focus

Applications should fall under one of these focus areas: 

• Arts/Culture/Humanities: Museums, historic preservation, exhibits, art and music
• Education: Schools (all ages) and adult learning programs
• Environment/Animals: Environmental protection, beautification, animal-related issues
• Health: General public health, rehabilitation, mental health
• Human Services: Public protection and safety, recreation, youth development (other than education), food insecurity, general human services
• Community and Economic Development: Community improvement and development, capacity-building, tourism, civil rights

Project Type

Projects should fall under one of two types:

• Capital-Based: request refers to the building of or physical improvement or a project that helps maintain or improve an asset, such as equipment, new construction, renovation or replacement.
• Program-Based: request refers to activities or general programmatic support, such as purchase of educational materials or items needed to support a program or service.

Grant Type

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership currently offers three grant options: Community Grant; Trails Grant; and High Impact Grant.

High Impact Grant

For High Impact Grants, we are looking for applications which:

• Are for larger investment projects that benefit multiple communities and a larger percentage of the citizenship of the entire county.
• Address a significant community issue or need, especially a need effecting the entire county.
• Demonstrates considerable impact on the county, such as a project that could increase the marketability of the county, has an effect on tourism or on economic development for the entire county.
• Presents an innovative or creative way to strengthen the county with vision toward future growth and development.
• Encourages cooperation and partnerships, and reduces duplication of services among organizations.

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership was formed as a community foundation to distribute Iowa’s County Endowment Fund money and support charitable giving in Warren County, Iowa.

For more than a decade, the foundation has responsibly distributed charitable dollars through grants to community nonprofit organizations. Since our inception, we have awarded more than $1 million into the community for beneficial projects.  As we move into the future, our goal is to continue grantmaking, but also to assist citizens in their charitable giving plans, work closely with city leaders and other organizations for organizational collaboration, and improve the quality of life in Warren County.

WCPP is an Affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and is governed by a Board of Directors under the direction of Warren County Economic Development Corporation, made up of passionate individuals invested in making decisions to improve Warren County.

WCPP Grants

Program Area of Focus

Applications should fall under one of these focus areas: 

• Arts/Culture/Humanities: Museums, historic preservation, exhibits, art and music
• Education: Schools (all ages) and adult learning programs
• Environment/Animals: Environmental protection, beautification, animal-related issues
• Health: General public health, rehabilitation, mental health
• Human Services: Public protection and safety, recreation, youth development (other than education), food insecurity, general human services
• Community and Economic Development: Community improvement and development, capacity-building, tourism, civil rights

Project Type

Projects should fall under one of two types:

• Capital-Based: request refers to the building of or physical improvement or a project that helps maintain or improve an asset, such as equipment, new construction, renovation or replacement.
• Program-Based: request refers to activities or general programmatic support, such as purchase of educational materials or items needed to support a program or service.

Grant Type

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership currently offers three grant options: Community Grant; Trails Grant; and High Impact Grant.

Community Grant

For Community Grants, we are looking for applications which:

• Are for small to large projects which benefit a single community, smaller percentage of the citizenship or for the entire county.
• Address a community need in a community within Warren County or for the entire county.
• Successfully shows the need and how funds will cover equipment, capital and program items necessary to support the community need.

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership was formed as a community foundation to distribute Iowa’s County Endowment Fund money and support charitable giving in Warren County, Iowa.

For more than a decade, the foundation has responsibly distributed charitable dollars through grants to community nonprofit organizations. Since our inception, we have awarded more than $1 million into the community for beneficial projects.  As we move into the future, our goal is to continue grantmaking, but also to assist citizens in their charitable giving plans, work closely with city leaders and other organizations for organizational collaboration, and improve the quality of life in Warren County.

WCPP is an Affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and is governed by a Board of Directors under the direction of Warren County Economic Development Corporation, made up of passionate individuals invested in making decisions to improve Warren County.

WCPP Grants

Program Area of Focus

Applications should fall under one of these focus areas: 

• Arts/Culture/Humanities: Museums, historic preservation, exhibits, art and music
• Education: Schools (all ages) and adult learning programs
• Environment/Animals: Environmental protection, beautification, animal-related issues
• Health: General public health, rehabilitation, mental health
• Human Services: Public protection and safety, recreation, youth development (other than education), food insecurity, general human services
• Community and Economic Development: Community improvement and development, capacity-building, tourism, civil rights

Project Type

Projects should fall under one of two types:

• Capital-Based: request refers to the building of or physical improvement or a project that helps maintain or improve an asset, such as equipment, new construction, renovation or replacement.
• Program-Based: request refers to activities or general programmatic support, such as purchase of educational materials or items needed to support a program or service.

Grant Type

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership currently offers three grant options: Community Grant; Trails Grant; and High Impact Grant.

Trails Grant

Awarded to a project specifically benefitting a recreational walking or cycling trail or the entire trail system located within Warren County. For Trails Grants, preference will be given to:

• Projects going toward the maintenance and improvement of trails due to damage or aging.
• Projects improving the safety, use and accessibility of the trails.
• Although priority is given toward maintenance and improvement, we may also consider projects which lead to the beautification and aesthetic appeal of the trails, as well as projects providing something missing from the trail such as benches or drinking fountains.
• May be awarded to the county, county entities or organizations which support trails or to a city where a trail is located. 

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and municipalities serving Clayton County residents can seek funding for health, human services, education, environment, community development, arts, and youth programs. Focused on community well-being, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque invites projects that may include environmental education or stewardship efforts benefiting local residents; awards up to US $2,000 with a 50% cash match.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit organizations, colleges, universities, and government entities conducting environmental education or climate-focused research in select Illinois and Iowa counties can apply for up to US $2,850 to support their projects. With a mission to strengthen community-focused philanthropy, Quad Cities Community Foundation provides funding for programs that educate the public or research sustainable solutions, which may benefit environmental education efforts in Iowa, especially in Scott and Clinton Counties.

Nonprofit community organizing groups in Iowa working on social justice, civic engagement, and democracy can seek multi-year general operating support to build power among low- and moderate-income communities. Needmor Fund for Social Justice prioritizes strong, democratically run organizations with intersectional agendas and a focus on long-term base building and systemic change.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Scott County, Iowa with environmental education, culture and arts, or social welfare programs can apply for Hubbell-Waterman Foundation grants. Funding can support capital projects, multi-year programs, or related operating expenses, and may benefit Iowa groups offering sustainability-focused education, youth enrichment, or community services in the Quad Cities area.

Community governmental entities and volunteer or service organizations in Iowa can apply for Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Urban Forestry Development Grant, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for urban forestry projects and education. Funding supports community forestry plans, urban food forests, educational programming, internships, and other environmental education efforts in local parks and public spaces.