Best Grants for Preschools in Iowa

The Working Here Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming, providing funding options tailored to rural community needs. With a focus on agricultural education, hunger relief, and disaster assistance, the program has awarded over $13.5 million since 2013. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, with eligibility for organizations demonstrating alignment with FCSAmerica's mission. Priority is given to IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fostering sustainable solutions for local challenges.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

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.

About QuikTripQuikTrip believes in investing in the communities in which our employees live and work. Every year, QuikTrip donates 5% of our annual net profit to qualified 501c3 non-profit agencies, which includes our United Way campaign match, support for National Safe Place agencies, Folds of Honor scholarships and many other agencies that support at-risk youth and early childhood education.Mission: To wisely invest dollars in community efforts that will help impact (in measurable terms) individuals in our society who are dependent on the charitable support of others. We believe the most effective way to do that is to invest our contribution dollars and volunteers in strategic efforts that help those at risk reach their functional capacity as successful, independent citizens.About QuikTrip Charitable GrantsQuikTrip funds 501c3 agencies located in the cities in which we have stores and our employees live and work. Funding can include: “in-kind” products (coupons, gift cards or product donation), formal grants, fundraiser/event sponsorships and employee volunteer time.Focus Areas:

• Creating Safe Communities
  • First Responders: QuikTrip is proud to partner with law enforcement and first responders in every market we serve, making sure that they have the tools, training and support they need to keep our communities safe and to return home safely to their families after each shift.
  • Homeless Outreach & Alternatives to Police Response: To significantly reduce non-emergency calls and help people in crisis get back on their feet, QuikTrip funds dedicated homeless outreach teams across our communities. These teams engage individuals experiencing homelessness and living in encampments – connecting people to services, shelter, detox and long-term care.

• Creating Strong Communities
  • Ending Homelessness: We support emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing, diversion and prevention programs, and more.
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse : We know that healthy communities are safe communities, which is why we invest in detox and substance abuse treatment centers, and behavioral health centers and services to end the perpetuation of cycles of trauma and addiction.
  • At-Risk Youth: We especially prioritize services for at-risk youth – those aging out of foster care, justice-involved or without stable support systems.
• Additional Community Commitments
  • United Way: Employee donation matching in all markets.
  • Folds of Honor: Scholarships for families of fallen or wounded service members and first responders.
  • National Safe Place: QT stores serve as Safe Place locations for youth in crisis, with trained staff ready to assist.

The Alan Peterson Agricultural Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support Minnesota residents pursuing agricultural studies at accredited universities. This scholarship respects natural resources, promotes innovation in agriculture, and encourages research while advocating for the agricultural sector at all levels. Eligible applicants must be entering their junior or senior year in a four-year college, with no GPA requirement. The program seeks to empower future leaders in agriculture and foster community engagement.

Fort Dodge Community Foundation and United Way

The Fort Dodge Community Foundation is a unique philanthropic organization. In July 2007, United Way of Greater Fort Dodge and the Community Foundation of Fort Dodge and North Central Iowa merged into one philanthropic organization. Both organizations shared a common mission – to advance the common good and improve the quality of life of people in our community and region through charitable giving. Merging the two organizations provided the opportunity to leverage resources and reduce duplication in philanthropy. This collaborative model is the first of its kind in the nation and offers our community and region a “one-stop-shop,” for community-based charitable giving. The new organization, the Fort Dodge Community Foundation and United Way is certified by the National Council on Foundations and United Way Worldwide.

Merrill Family Foundation 5M Scholarships

George and Doris Merrill Family Foundation 5M Scholarship aka Merrill Family Foundation 5M Scholarship is administered by the Fort Dodge Community Foundation.

Scholarships are given directly to community college, college, university, or trade school and may be renewable (Undergraduate studies only).

Award announcements available yearly the first of August.

The Iowa Public Library Grant Award Program, funded by the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, supports the enhancement of library services across Iowa. Grants up to $80,000 assist with construction, renovation, and technology initiatives, especially those benefiting youth. Projects are evaluated on community needs and local investment. However, funding for joint school-library projects or accessibility improvements is excluded. Successful applicants must wait five years before reapplying.

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 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 Midwest Culture Bearers Award honors and supports nine folk arts practitioners annually, providing each with a $5,000 unrestricted grant. This initiative aims to amplify the essential work of culture bearers across the Midwest, fostering opportunities for recognition and community connection. By prioritizing traditional practices and knowledge sharing, the award not only celebrates cultural heritage but also strengthens the creative roots of the region, ensuring vibrant artistic expression for future generations.

Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Rural Ready Grant Program

The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company is proud to offer the Rural Ready grant program. It is designed to give rural schools the flexibility to address the needs and opportunities that matter most in their communities. Rural Ready grants will support projects that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and relationships they need to thrive in our ever-changing world while strengthening the communities they call home. 

Funding

• Total amount to award is $185,000.00. 
• Applicants may apply for up to $7,000 in funding for this grant cycle.

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.

STEM BEST® Program

The STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program focuses on teachers and industry professionals working side-by-side to craft curriculum and projects that prepare students for exciting STEM careers local to their community in manufacturing, information technology, bioscience (agriculture and medicine), finance and more. 

The goal of the STEM BEST® Program is to support the launch of new or expanded STEM BEST® K-12 Program models specifically focused on creating work-based and career connected learning opportunities that allow students to develop future-focused, high-demand skills through real-world experiences. These future-focused skills align with the Iowa Academic Standards and Universal Constructs and create opportunities for students to become leaders and innovators of a future-focused Iowa. 

The STEM BEST® funding opportunity offers:

• award amounts up to $50,000.
• a 16 to 17-month timeframe to spend funds.
• a cost-share match of 2:1 is required ($50,000 state funds to $25,000 awardee match).

Richard P Kimmel And Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation Inc

The Richard P. Kimmel and Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation was incorporated in 1988. Its spirit, however, can be traced back to the Kimmels’ farm and orchard near Nebraska City, to their lifelong commitment to agricultural education and research, and to their many years of civic charity and leadership.

Just as Kimmel Orchard has grown and diversified over the years, so too has the Kimmel Foundation’s grant support for education and innovative ideas that offer benefits to many and that may encourage others to contribute similar or even larger grants. The Kimmel Foundation supports proposals that contribute to an organization’s mission and service and offer leadership particularly in the areas of Education, Arts, Agriculture, Humanities and Human Services.

Kimmel Foundation Grants

The Kimmel Foundation provides funds to organizations in Nebraska and Iowa that are exempt from tax and classified as public charities by the Internal Revenue Service, giving highest priority to proposals for funding in five areas below:

• Education, particularly programs of broad impact in Art, Agriculture and Business.
• Arts, including the improvement of art education, appreciation and exhibition.
• Agriculture, notably the teaching and study of significant changes that have broad effects on agricultural practices, with emphasis on horticulture.
• Human Services, including broad community improvements that emphasize partnerships among agencies and stakeholders, eliminate duplication, and improve the awareness of human services.
• Humanities, with priority given to improvements in the teaching of the humanities including increased accessibility to underserved audiences.

Emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, application of new research and organizational collaboration. The Foundation supports ideas that provide leadership in a field, encourage matching grants of equal or greater size, and contribute substantially to an organization’s mission and service to its constituents.

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.

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.

Regional secondary career and technical education partnerships in Iowa can use this grant to strengthen CTE planning, professional development, guidance systems, and equipment purchases. Grants from Iowa Department of Education help education stakeholders, including school districts and community colleges, collaborate regionally to expand equitable access to high-quality, high-demand career and technical programs for students.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

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 Iowa Arts Council offers Art Project Grants for Organizations to foster arts projects that enhance community vitality in Iowa. This program prioritizes innovative and collaborative projects that serve the public and align with the Council's strategic goals. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, and governmental entities. Funding is provided through state appropriations and the National Endowment for the Arts, ensuring support for diverse artistic initiatives. Interested applicants are encouraged to review guidelines and seek assistance well before deadlines.

The CHS Foundation's Ag Leadership Grant aims to enhance agricultural leadership and cooperative education. This program supports projects that cultivate a diverse pipeline for future agricultural leaders, focusing on education and career training for high school students to young professionals. Priority is given to initiatives that impact multiple states within the CHS trade area, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model in agriculture.

Alliant Energy’s Community Tree Planting Program, part of the One Million Trees Initiative, is a recognized program aimed at enhancing community and environmental health. Collaborating with Trees Forever, this initiative supports communities in Iowa and Wisconsin to plant trees, fostering energy efficiency and stewardship. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for purchasing local landscape-sized trees. The program helps ensure a greener future by engaging citizens in tree planting efforts, thereby improving local ecosystems and community vitality.

The Iowa Council of Foundations (ICoF) offers Affiliate Training Grants to support community foundations in Iowa. These grants, up to $2,500 annually, aim to enhance the education and training of volunteer and staff affiliates. With over 130 community foundations, ICoF strengthens philanthropy across the state, ensuring effective governance and outreach. The initiative reflects ICoF's commitment to empowering local foundations and fostering a robust philanthropic network in Iowa.

The Iowa's Living Roadways Community Visioning Grant Program aims to enhance transportation in small Iowa communities by fostering strategic planning and community engagement. Participants develop conceptual plans to address local transportation needs, focusing on pedestrian and bicycle facilities, safety education, and beautification efforts. With a commitment of $2,000, eligible communities under 10,000 residents can seek funding sources and technical assistance for project implementation, ensuring that their transportation vision aligns with federal guidelines.

The Black Hills Energy Power of Trees Grant Program, offered in partnership with Trees Forever, supports Iowa communities in tree planting initiatives that promote energy efficiency and environmental beautification. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for projects on public and private properties. This program aims to foster community engagement while enhancing local landscapes and energy conservation efforts.

Preschools, schools, and nonprofit partners in Iowa seeking to run after-school academic and enrichment programs can apply for the Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC grants, which offer US $50,000 - US $150,000 per year. With a mission to expand community learning centers, Iowa Department of Education supports K–12 students’ academic, social-emotional, and developmental growth outside regular school hours.