Best Grants for Preschools in Iowa

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 Bill and Hilda Macomber and Alta Kahl Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, provides need-based financial assistance of up to $1,000 to high school seniors residing in Buffalo, Blue Grass, or Walcott, Iowa. Applicants must enroll full-time in an Iowa college or technical school, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. This scholarship aims to support local students' pursuit of higher education.

Public schools, Head Start agencies, licensed nonprofit child care centers, community action agencies, and other public nonprofits in Iowa can apply for the Parent Support Grant to provide educational support services for parents of at-risk children from birth to age five. Programs serving parents of children birth to three may be especially competitive, which can include preschool-connected family services.

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 Prairie Meadows Legacy Grant Program offers substantial funding ranging from $100,000 to $1 million for impactful projects in central Iowa. This initiative supports various categories including arts, economic development, education, and health services. By funding iconic projects like the Principal Riverwalk and Pappajohn Sculpture Garden, the program plays a vital role in revitalizing the Greater Des Moines area, enhancing community resources and fostering cultural growth.

The PMRTC Community Betterment Grant Program by Prairie Meadows supports small to medium projects aimed at enhancing community well-being. Grants range from $100 to $99,999 and target various sectors including arts, education, health, and economic development. This initiative aims to uplift Iowans by funding essential services, creating educational opportunities, and improving access to arts for underserved populations. The program reflects Prairie Meadows' commitment to fostering positive change in Central Iowa communities.

The Iowa Farm Bureau offers sponsorships to support events and fundraisers across Iowa, focusing on agriculture, rural communities, and education. Their priorities include promoting health and wellness, fostering youth leadership, and enhancing the viability of farm families. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. However, they do not fund projects outside Iowa, political entities, or construction projects. This initiative aims to strengthen community ties and nurture future agricultural leaders.

The Variety Grant Program, run by Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, offers funding to nonprofits dedicated to supporting at-risk and underprivileged children. Annually, various agencies can apply for grants that aid in critical care, camp activities, and transportation for children facing health challenges or poverty. The program emphasizes tangible projects that directly benefit children, ensuring that applicants demonstrate financial stability and organizational impact.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations and local government entities in Iowa and other Midwest states can seek matching funds to renovate baseball and softball fields, with awards from US $5,000 - US $15,000. Grants from Royals Charities help upgrade essential components like sod, infields, fencing, dugouts, and other safety-related field improvements.

Iowa nonprofit organizations running oral health education programs can receive in-kind toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss donations to support their activities. Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation provides these supplies on a rolling basis, which may benefit preschools and early childhood programs that incorporate oral health education into their services.

Iowa-based organizations running community health, wellness, or preventive healthcare projects can apply for Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation’s Community Health Grants, offering US $10,000 - US $100,000. Preschools and early childhood programs in Iowa may be eligible if their initiatives advance oral health, wellness, or community health education for children and families.

Iowa health-focused organizations, including those serving preschool-aged children, can apply for Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation’s System and Capacity Building Grants; awards more than US $25,000 for infrastructure, equipment, or major system changes. Funding supports oral health, integration of oral and overall health, and overall health through education, advocacy, access, prevention, policy, and research.

Preschools and other educational organizations in Iowa can seek funding for one-time, short-term dental health education projects, such as providing educational kits and oral health supplies. Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation’s Smile Grants offer up to US $5,000, with applications opening in January and accepted on an ongoing basis until funds are allocated.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

The NRA Foundation supports projects promoting shooting sports and firearm safety through grants. Eligible organizations must hold a Federal Employer Identification number and can include 501(c)(3) entities, government bodies, and state-recognized nonprofits. Grants fund educational programs and public service initiatives but exclude commercial ventures and personal benefits. The Foundation emphasizes inclusivity, requiring applicants to avoid discrimination based on age, race, or sex. Overall, the Foundation aims to enhance community engagement in shooting sports and education.

FNBO's Community Sponsorships provide vital financial support to nonprofit organizations and community events that enhance the well-being of our communities. By focusing on affordable housing, entrepreneurship, education, environmental sustainability, access to arts and culture, community cohesion, and health, FNBO aims to create impactful partnerships. Monthly reviews of sponsorship requests ensure timely decision-making, emphasizing FNBO's commitment to fostering community development and empowering historically underrepresented populations.

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 Iowa Barn Foundation's Matching Grant - IBF Restoration Grant aims to preserve Iowa's iconic barns, which are vital to the state's heritage. With over $1 million awarded in matching grants, the foundation supports barn owners in restoring structures that are at least 50 years old or hold historical significance. Projects that enhance the rural landscape receive priority, ensuring these agricultural symbols are maintained for future generations.

The Iowa History Field Trip Grant Program, offered by the Iowa History Center at Simpson College, provides funding for K-12 students to explore Iowa's rich history through educational field trips. Grants cover student tuition and may include transportation costs, with a maximum of $500 per trip. Local schools can apply, ensuring that students in grades 3-10 gain hands-on experience at museums and historic sites. This initiative promotes awareness and appreciation of Iowa's heritage.

CSA Midwest Region: Beth Dunlap Award

 The Midwestern Region presents The Beth Dunlap Award at the Regional Symposium. The award will be offered to a person who has made contributions worthy of the highest commendation and the achievements will have continued importance. Beth Dunlap was one of the founding members of the Midwestern Region. A fashion illustrator and artist, she passed away in 2009.

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

The ALDI Community Gift Card Program provides financial support ranging from $100 to $1,000 to eligible nonprofits and schools that focus on after-school and out-of-school youth programs, as well as food banks. This initiative aims to empower organizations dedicated to child development and combating food insecurity. By applying, you can gain access to essential resources to further your mission and make a positive impact in your community.

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa focused on financial literacy or employment readiness can receive general operating support, up to US $5,000, to help individuals achieve greater financial stability. The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa manages these Veridian Credit Union Nonprofit Partnership Grants, which may benefit preschool-serving organizations whose core programming addresses financial education for families.

The Norfolk Southern In-Kind Donation Grant supports organizations seeking physical donations of materials that align with their focus areas, including safety, sustainability, workforce development, and thriving communities. This grant is available year-round, with no application deadline. Recipients must be located within Norfolk Southern territory and are encouraged to apply for resources that will enhance their community projects and initiatives, fostering growth and resilience.

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.