Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Iowa

The St. Croix Valley Foundation serves six counties bordering the St. Croix River through local partnerships and place-based philanthropy. We serve:

• Minnesota: Chisago County, Washington County
• Wisconsin: Burnett County, Pierce County, Polk County, St. Croix County

Since our founding in 1995, we’ve:

• Grown to 500+ charitable funds and $100M+ in assets
• Facilitated $100M+ in grants and scholarships, including $5.8 million in 2024
• Partnered with local community affiliates led by volunteers who help guide grantmaking, grow local endowments, and connect donors to opportunities close to home.

Humane Organization Grant Program 

Mission

To enhance the quality of life of shelter/ rescue animals and to increase their chances for adoption. 

The St. Croix Valley Foundation (SCVF) Humane Organization grant program funded by the Compassionate Animal Fund, is accepting applications (invitation only) from Managed Open Admission humane organizations located in the upper Midwest. The grants, ranging up to $3,000, can cover items on your “wish list” including food, supplies, infrastructure needs, and veterinary cost. 

Funding Criteria

Grants are intended to provide funds for items such as food, supplies, medicine, spay/neuter programs (for in-house animals to aid in adoption) newsletters, or other needs and/or programs that most benefit the humane organization.

​We understand that shelters may differ in the services or alternatives they offer during the waiting period prior to intake. If your facility is at capacity, you must provide a clear statement outlining how emergency surrenders and stray animals are handled, including the procedures your organization follows to operate as an Open Admission shelter.  

The Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust – Falk Catalyst Awards support high-risk, high-reward biomedical research with up to $350,000 in funding over one to two years. These awards aim to address critical scientific challenges and enable the translation of innovative research into clinical practices. Projects focus on identifying biological markers, therapeutic targets, and developing interventions to disrupt disease processes, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients.

The Destination Iowa Fund Grant Program, funded with $6.5 million, aims to enhance tourism in Iowa by supporting cities, counties, and non-profits in developing vertical infrastructure for Primary Destinations. Eligible projects can receive grants covering up to 25% of costs, with minimum project thresholds of $5 million for urban and $1.5 million for rural areas. This initiative seeks to boost community quality of life and drive economic development, particularly in rural regions.

Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation offers the DDIF: Community of Health Grants to foster partnerships that enhance the health of Iowans. This initiative focuses on projects aligned with their core values and strategic areas. By investing in community-driven efforts, the foundation aims to transform lives and improve oral health outcomes. Eligible projects should reflect a commitment to collaboration and innovation in community health initiatives, ensuring a lasting impact on the well-being of local populations.

The Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation offers System and Capacity Building Grants to enhance the health and well-being of all Iowans. These grants, starting at $25,000, focus on significant infrastructure and system changes aligned with core initiatives such as oral health integration and health equity. The Foundation encourages applicants to consult staff before applying, ensuring that projects align with strategic goals in education, advocacy, access, prevention, and research.

The DDIF: Smile Grants provide funding of $5,000 or less for short-term, educational projects related to oral health. Although all current funding has been allocated, new opportunities will be available starting January 2024. These grants are intended to assist with educational kits and oral health supplies. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until funds are fully allocated.

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 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.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

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 Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

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.

Description

The purpose of the IOWAccess Revolving Fund is to create and provide a service to Iowa’s citizens that will serve as a gateway for one-stop electronic access to governmental information, transactions, and services at state, county, or local levels. In this role, the fund supports agency proposals for funding of electronic projects. The IOWAccess Revolving Fund has been and continues to be an important funding source for a variety of e-Government projects, from licensing services to providing website accessibility training for agency employees. 

Overview and General Information

In 1988, the Iowa Legislature established Iowa Code 256A creating the Child Development Coordinating Council (CDCC) and funding the Shared Visions Preschool Programs. The mission of the CDCC is to advocate for Iowa’s children and families and support comprehensive programs for children meeting risk factors and their families. The CDCC advises the Iowa Department of Education (Department) regarding the administration and implementation of state funded at-risk programs for children ages birth to five. The Department administers the Shared Visions Preschool Program which provides comprehensive quality preschool program experiences for children meeting identified risk factors who are ages three to five years. 

The Department is issuing a competitive application to fund Shared Visions Preschool Programs. The purpose is to solicit applications that will enable the CDCC to select grantees who will provide a Shared Visions Preschool Program created in accordance with Iowa Code section 256A, Iowa Code section 279.51, and the rules in 281—Iowa Administrative Code 64.

Shared Visions Programs

Iowa’s Shared Visions Programs are state-funded early childhood initiatives that support the healthy development and early learning success of young children across the state. Through high-quality preschool and parent support services, these programs help build strong foundations for learning, strengthen families and ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Together, these programs represent a vital investment in the future of Iowa’s youngest learners.

Grant Purpose and Requirements:

Districts identified with a Priority rating on the Iowa School Performance Profile are eligible for support to build district-level capacity and strengthen alignment of processes through professional development. Grant funds must be used for professional learning that aligns with and supports district and building action plans, ensuring effective implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) and high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). Professional development should focus intentionally on identified student groups, particularly students with disabilities, and align the district’s IDEA-DA designation with building-level ESSA action plans. District plans must include monitoring of professional learning through implementation of district-level EBPs, regular data collection, embedded coaching, and ongoing analysis to support reflection and refinement. Anticipated outcomes include a reduction in the achievement gap between the overall student population and identified student groups, improved overall school performance, and the establishment of a sustainable system of support to ensure coordinated and intentional implementation of building-level improvement plans.

Purpose:

The purpose of this competitive grant is to strengthen internal coherence and sustainability between IDEA-DA and ISPP supports in order to enhance district leadership capacity, infrastructure, coaching systems, and school improvement efforts. Through this alignment, the grant aims to accelerate progress in narrowing the achievement gap for students with disabilities by ensuring that evidence-based practices are implemented with fidelity, resources are strategically leveraged and supports are embedded into long-term district systems. This initiative seeks to build sustainable structures that improve outcomes, increase equity across buildings and districts and ensure that students with disabilities receive high-quality instruction and inclusive opportunities across all educational settings.

Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) # COMPADM26001 is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified applicant to provide Rural Iowa cancer service providers with expertise, assessment and evaluation, and technical assistance on evidence-based strategies for designing, implementing, and sustaining cancer-focused Hub and Spoke models for achieving success in the Combat Cancer Projects of Iowa's Rural Health Transformation Grant. Activities in the Combat Cancer initiative of the Healthy Hometowns project include the development of hub and spoke models for cancer care, including the development of rural provider strategic partnerships. This includes developing and implementing arrangements that include exchanging best practices and coordination of care (which includes but is not limited to remote care services), expanding access to specialty services in a financially sustainable manner, streamlining or centralizing functions to create cost savings, improving the financial viability of rural providers, preserving independence of rural providers, keeping care local in rural communities when possible and appropriate, and developing models of sustainability for rural cancer providers. Other efforts include the coordination of patient navigation and survivorship services and the oversight of fidelity to evidence-based cancer screening, treatment, and care coordination practices. The Contractor will also support long-term sustainability planning, including workforce development, tele-oncology integration, and alignment with Commission on Cancer (CoC) standards. This work implements a portion of the Combat Cancer: Prevent and Treat initiative of the Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project, funded through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) # COMPADM26002 is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified applicant to provide technical assistance to Rural Iowa healthcare organizations and providers. This technical assistance will support providers with planning, partnership building, assessment and evaluation, and overall implementation of Hub and Spoke models of care in the areas of maternal and child health, mental/behavioral health, cardiovascular health, and/or chronic disease prevention and management.  

This technical assistance should allow Rural healthcare organizations to achieve success in future Health Hubs Projects of Iowa's Rural Health Transformation Grant. Activities in the Health Hubs Project will include the development of hub and spoke models for health care, including the development of rural provider strategic partnerships and agreements. It will also include developing and implementing arrangements for exchanging best practices, coordinating care across regions via telehealth and referral networks, expanding access to specialty services in a financially sustainable manner, streamlining or centralizing functions to create cost savings, improving the financial viability of rural providers, preserving independence of rural providers, keeping care local in rural communities when appropriate and possible, and developing models of sustainability for rural health care. The Contractor will support the Health Hubs on the items listed above, while also assisting with long-term sustainability planning, workforce development, and telehealth integration. This work implements a portion of the Hometown Connections initiative of the Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project, funded through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. 

Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) # PHTHORC26009 is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified Rural organizations in Iowa to receive funding support for medical equipment procurement and installation, including Minor Alterations and Renovations if needed. The goal of this opportunity is to provide new lines of service not currently available in the region and/or increase the sustainability of providing high quality healthcare in Rural communities. This work implements a portion of the Hometown Connections initiative of the Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project, funded through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. 

Title: State Training School – Supplementary Support Services for Individuals in State Correctional Institutions

Funding Period:

July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026

General Information

The purpose of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) is to develop more fully the academic and career, and technical skills of secondary and post-secondary students who elect to enroll in career and technical education programs. Funds made available under this Act for career and technical education activities are provided to supplement and supplant non-federal funds expended to carry out career and technical education activities.

Purpose

The funds are to provide supplementary support services for individuals participating in career and technical education programs offered in State correctional institutions. The services assist these individuals in completing career and technical education programs that prepare them for high-skill, high-wage, or high-demand occupations that will lead to self-sufficiency.

Targeted Population

Individuals in State correctional institutions participating in career and technical education programs.

Program Description

The Iowa Department of Education’s Bureau of Iowa College Aid is offering a grant opportunity for community colleges: the Pathway to Completion Grant, which is aimed at re-engaging students who have stopped out of college due to being unable to register for classes because they owe minimal amounts of institutional debt. The origins of this grant stem from Take 2, Hawkeye Community College’s successful program focused on this same goal. By removing institutional debt as a barrier to students returning to classes, Hawkeye and Take 2 continue to show a positive return on investment for both the college and students. 

The Pathway to Completion Grant seeks to replicate the success of Take 2 at the statewide level. Successful grantees will join a Community of Practice, including leaders from Hawkeye, to share knowledge, strategies, and best practices related to re-enrolling Iowans to complete postsecondary programs.

Court Reporter Equipment Grant

Students enrolled in a court reporter training program in Iowa. The maximum award is up to $2,000 to reimburse students for the purchase of court reporter equipment and software for the court reporter training program.

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.