Best Parent-Teacher Organization Grants in Iowa

Iowa K-12 schools planning Iowa history-focused field trips can receive up to US $500 to help cover student tuition and transportation costs. Grants from Iowa History Center at Simpson College reimburse eligible trips to museums, living history farms, the state capitol, and historic sites, which may benefit parent-teacher organizations coordinating educational outings.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits and schools running after-school or out-of-school youth programs, or operating food banks and pantries, can access funding through the Aldi Foundation via community gift cards. Awards of US $100 - US $1,000 can help purchase groceries and essentials for K–12 education, youth development, and food security efforts.

Parent-teacher groups, schools, libraries, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Iowa can seek funding to support family-focused literacy programs, including adult education, children’s education, and parent-child learning time. Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports K–12 and family literacy within 15 miles of its stores, offering up to US $10,000 for direct-service programs.

Iowa K–12 school districts, PTAs/PTOs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, and first responder agencies can access funding for traffic safety, driver education, and K–12 financial literacy programs; awards US $5,000 - US $15,000. Grants from The Auto Club Group Foundation may support Iowa parent-teacher organizations improving student safety and financial skills.

Public school districts in Iowa seeking to create or enhance K-12 therapeutic classrooms for students ages 3 to 21 with emotional, social, or behavioral needs can apply for the Therapeutic Classroom Grant. Funding from the Iowa Department of Education may also benefit districts collaborating with PTAs/PTOs or nonprofit mental health providers supporting school-based services.

Schools and nonprofit partners in Iowa seeking to create or expand K–12 after-school and enrichment programs can apply for the Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC grants, with awards from US $50,000 - US $150,000 per year. With a mission to support community learning centers, Iowa Department of Education provides funding for academic support, youth development, arts, STEM, and family engagement activities.

Grants help Iowa K-12 educators who already hold a Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement cover costs related to this specialized training. Grants from Iowa Department of Education support teachers employed by Iowa educational institutions in roles serving students with dyslexia, offering up to US $2,000 through the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement Stipend Program.

Iowa K–12 school districts and elementary teachers already registered for Summer 2026 Elementary Computer Science Professional Development in Iowa can seek reimbursement for required computer science materials. The Iowa Department of Education covers only specified, required devices when teachers attend all sessions and districts submit proof of purchase, which may benefit parent-teacher organizations collaborating with schools.

About the Iowa Department of Education

The Department provides oversight to the state education system that includes PK-12 public elementary and secondary schools, nonpublic schools that receive state accreditation, area education agencies, community colleges, and teacher preparation programs. The Department works to remove barriers for pursuing education beyond high school. The Department also establishes and enforces rigorous standards and licensing for Iowa educational practitioners to effectively address the needs of students. Under the leadership of the Iowa Department of Education Director and in partnership with the State Board of Education, Department team members, in collaboration with a wide range of community partners, support schools and districts as they prepare students for college and career training and ensure they receive the support needed to succeed.

Iowa's Bold Vision, Mission & Priorities

Building an excellent education system that empowers all students to achieve their full potential.

Ensure all students experience a world-class education.

Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant

In 2024, Iowa was awarded a total of $24 million from the federal competitive Comprehensive Literacy State Development (IA-CLSD) grant. The award includes $4 million in planning subgrants and the opportunity for an additional $5 million annually in implementation subgrants over four years, 2025 through 2029, to support Iowa school districts and public charter schools in strengthening literacy programs for students from birth through grade 12.

Goals of the IA-CLSD Grant

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).

Nonprofit organizations, school sports programs, and government-run programs providing K-12 recreational sports in low income communities can seek youth sports funding from All Kids Play. With a mission to expand access to sports, this U.S.-wide grant may benefit Iowa education-focused groups, including parent-teacher organizations partnering on school-based recreational athletics.

With a mission to reimagine education, NewSchools Venture Fund provides Iowa PK-12 education innovators with US $150,000 - US $250,000 in one-year general operating support to improve outcomes for students with learning differences. Early-stage U.S.-based organizations and new initiatives, including those connected to parent-teacher groups, can propose school, learning solution, or teaching innovations.

Iowa K–12 schools and education-focused organizations seeking to expand student mental health services can apply for funding that includes a fully funded on-campus mental health professional and discretionary awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network prioritizes under-resourced schools serving grades 6–12 with high economic need, absenteeism, behavioral challenges, and dropout risk, which may include parent-teacher organizations partnering with eligible schools.

Middle and high school science teachers in Iowa and other U.S. locations can receive up to US $3,000 to improve chemical safety in their classrooms and labs. The American Chemical Society funds curriculum integration of safety, professional development, and infrastructure upgrades, which may benefit educators collaborating with parent-teacher organizations on K-12 education initiatives.

Full-time preK–12 classroom teachers seeking customized professional development experiences can apply for fellowships that enhance their instructional practice and student learning. With a mission to strengthen teacher leadership, Fund for Teachers provides Iowa educators and others nationwide with support to design self-directed learning that they will bring back to their classrooms and school communities.

K-12 teachers and educators in Iowa can seek funding for insect-focused classroom or youth programs, including supplies, services, travel, and educator stipends. The Entomological Society of America supports K-12 insect science education through the Chrysalis Fund, offering up to US $2,500 for creative projects that get students engaged with entomology.

Parent-teacher groups and K-12 education partners in Iowa working with their county or state Farm Bureau can seek funding to build agricultural literacy programs. Focused on agricultural education, the American Farm Bureau Federation invites Farm Bureaus nationwide to apply for up to US $1,000 to start or expand reusable K-12 ag literacy projects.

With a mission to promote quality of life for children and families, the Sauey Family Foundation provides community-focused organizations in Iowa and other Nordic Group locations with support for K–12 education, youth services, and family stability. Iowa parent-teacher groups working on school-based or family-centered initiatives may be eligible to request donations.

Iowa school districts, education nonprofits, and parent-teacher groups working with pre-K–12 students can access funding through the National Institutes of Health Science Education Partnership Award to develop STEM and biomedical science education projects. Eligible projects include classroom curricula, teacher support, and informal or after-school science programs that build quantitative and computational skills.

The Christina Sue Lilja Resource Grants support agricultural literacy by providing funds for educators to purchase resources from the Ag Foundation store. In 2025, 100 educators will receive $100 in store credits, selected randomly if applications exceed this number. This initiative, backed by the CSL Foundation, honors Christy Lilja's legacy of advocating for agricultural education. The grants aim to enhance classroom resources and improve students' understanding of agriculture, ensuring access to accurate information.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

The Harry Sudakoff Foundation Grant supports qualified charities in Sarasota, Florida, focusing on arts, community, education for youth, environment, human services, and science. Established by builder Harry Sudakoff, the foundation prioritizes organizations with a history of support. Grants are restricted to 501(c)(3) entities, excluding individuals and certain funding types like endowments and operating expenses. A commitment to impactful contributions is central to the foundation's mission.

The SHAPE America: Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an exemplary role model committed to fostering student engagement in professional activities. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of membership in SHAPE America and serve as full-time faculty at a higher education institution. This award emphasizes mentorship through professional behavior, involvement in student projects, and providing academic guidance, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials. 

Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund

The Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund was initially financed by friend and colleague, Susie Stephenson. The fund is an option for donors who want to help young people experience and learn to play bluegrass music. Instead of funding a specific scholarship or grant, the Breen Fund will be used by the IBMA Foundation where needed most, in a variety of ways that benefit individuals age 21 and younger. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Bill was an Associate Professor and Professor of Finance at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University from 1971-2002, going on to serve as Chairman of the Finance Department and Head of Doctoral Studies for the Kellogg School. In addition to playing the banjo, Bill was an avid sailor and fly fisherman, and he never met a dog he didn’t like. His friends and family say it’s fitting that a man so passionate about the banjo, bluegrass music, and education is memorialize with a bluegrass youth education fund.

The OneAmerica Financial Community grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, workforce development, safety, wellness, and community vibrancy. With a commitment to making a difference, OneAmerica aims to transform lives through strategic philanthropy. Their initiatives include disaster relief, arts support, and civic engagement, fostering resilient communities. By investing in meaningful change, they build a foundation for shared success across the country, ensuring that community needs are met and future generations thrive.

The C4O Organizing Grant, offered by the National Education Association Staff Organization, supports collaborative strategic organizing projects. It provides resources for training, coaching, and workshops aimed at enhancing member engagement and addressing equity in education. Eligible projects include those that align with NEA Strategic Goals, fostering leadership among members on critical issues affecting their practice. This grant aims to empower educators and improve opportunities for all students.

The NEA Professional Excellence Grants aim to empower state and local affiliates by providing funding for innovative practices and resources that enhance the education profession. These grants support initiatives focused on student success, professional development, and the establishment of a quality educator workforce. Typical funding ranges from $3,000 to $25,000, enabling affiliates to implement programs that address specific learning needs and foster community partnerships.