Best Iowa Grants for Nonprofits

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.

Focused on basic human needs, The Amcor Cares Foundation invites Iowa nonprofits to apply for grants supporting hunger relief, homelessness services, disaster aid, STEM education, and more. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in Iowa may benefit from funding that empowers local efforts to strengthen community well-being and growth.

The Auto Club Group Foundation provides Iowa nonprofits and public agencies with funding for traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy initiatives. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, and first responder agencies. Iowa groups working to improve roadway safety or promote financial literacy may benefit from this support.

Grants from Change Happens Foundation A Delaware Nonprofit Corporation help Iowa nonprofits advance STEM education, environmental science, and community health initiatives. Organizations focused on early learning, environmental stewardship, or nutrition programs may be eligible. 501(c)(3) public charities in Iowa can apply for projects promoting innovation, equity, and resilience across these priority areas.

Grants from Seed Savers Exchange help Iowa nonprofits and community organizations expand horticulture and gardening initiatives by providing free seed donations. Eligible applicants include schools, seed libraries, and gardens with a nonprofit status or sponsorship. These donations may benefit Iowa nonprofits focused on agriculture, education, or community development.

With a mission to uplift communities, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. provides Iowa nonprofits with support for community events, cultural celebrations, and local festivals. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and schools hosting events that enrich Iowa’s heritage and community life may benefit from this sponsorship opportunity.

Grants from Valero Energy Foundation help Iowa nonprofits address basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives. Organizations serving disadvantaged children and families in communities like Buena Vista, Floyd, Kossuth, O'Brien, and Webster counties may be eligible. Funding supports a wide range of charitable projects throughout the state.

Iowa community service organizations can access funding through Ash Grove Charitable Foundation for capital projects that strengthen local communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits may apply for support to develop gathering spaces, promote STEM education, conserve nature, or expand skilled trades opportunities. Priority is given to projects in Ash Grove’s regional markets within Iowa.

Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation provides Iowa nonprofits with support for agriculture, education, food access, health, environment, and public safety initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving Iowa communities may benefit, especially those addressing local needs or involving Perdue associates. Endorsement by a Perdue Associate is required to apply.

Focused on community betterment, Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation invites Iowa nonprofits to apply for support in areas such as agriculture, food access, education, health, environment, and public safety. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with a Perdue associate endorsement may benefit from this opportunity to strengthen their local impact.

The West Bancorporation Foundation Grant supports charitable programs in Central and Eastern Iowa and Minnesota, focusing on low- and moderate-income individuals. Eligible nonprofit organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) IRS Exemption Letter. The foundation prioritizes contributions to human services, education, and arts and culture, while excluding requests from certain organizations and activities, including endowments, fellowships, and political groups. This ensures targeted support to effective community initiatives.

Grants from Needmor Fund For Social Justice help Iowa organizations focused on social justice, civic engagement, and democracy strengthen their community organizing efforts. Nonprofits in Iowa working to empower low- and moderate-income communities, advance equity, and build grassroots power may be eligible for multi-year general operating support through this program.

With a mission to foster economic growth, Old National Bank provides Iowa nonprofits with funding for community development, affordable housing, workforce readiness, and financial empowerment. Organizations serving underrepresented or low- to moderate-income communities may benefit from these grants, supporting initiatives that enhance quality of life across Iowa.

With a mission to support education, Donaldson Foundation provides Iowa nonprofits with funding for impactful educational initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa communities where Donaldson operates may apply for grants that address local education needs, offer scholarships, or expand opportunities for underserved groups. Programs demonstrating strong community connection are preferred.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $49,999 to support community health initiatives. Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration and addressing social needs to foster well-being. Eligible organizations include non-profits, schools, and government agencies. The fund prioritizes projects that align with the Community Health Improvement Plan, focusing on health equity, civic engagement, and neighborhood enhancement. This initiative aims to empower communities and improve health outcomes while fostering corporate social responsibility.

Iowa nonprofits focused on arts, education, health, or social justice can access funding through Cowles Charitable Trust. The Trust welcomes 501(c)(3) organizations and supports general operating costs. Iowa organizations working in these fields may be eligible, especially if they demonstrate a broad base of community support.

Telligen Community Initiative supports family services and social determinants of health in Iowa by funding community-based projects that build resiliency among youth and families. Nonprofit organizations working in areas such as parenting education, maternal health, and school health may be eligible for two-year funding cycles to strengthen families and communities.

Alliant Energy supports community development, hunger relief, and environmental programs in Iowa by funding projects for basic human needs, education, and public safety. Nonprofit organizations working to improve housing, literacy, workforce readiness, or environmental stewardship in Iowa may be eligible for support through this grant opportunity.

Iowa nonprofits can access funding through W R Berkley Corporation Charitable Foundation for initiatives in health, human services, youth development, education, and food security. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving their local communities may benefit from this grant, which emphasizes demonstrated impact and community betterment.

Grants from Arts Midwest help Iowa arts and cultural organizations present creative projects and educational events featuring professional artists. Nonprofits with budgets under $1 million can receive $2,000–$4,000 to support artist fees, program costs, and community engagement. Iowa nonprofits providing arts programming may be eligible for this flexible funding.

TruStage Foundation supports education and housing initiatives in Iowa by funding programs that promote economic mobility. Nonprofits focused on literacy, mentoring, tutoring, affordable housing, and homelessness services may be eligible for support. Iowa organizations working to reduce racial and socioeconomic disparities are especially encouraged to apply for these annual grants.

With a mission to encourage local preservation, National Trust for Historic Preservation provides Iowa nonprofits with funding for planning and educational activities related to historic preservation. Eligible organizations can use grants for technical expertise, community forums, or outreach efforts. Nonprofits focused on preservation in Iowa may benefit from this opportunity.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

Iowa nonprofits and schools can access funding through American Honda Motor Co. for workforce preparation and manufacturing education initiatives. Programs that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, or introduce automation and artificial intelligence are encouraged to apply. Organizations focused on education and job readiness may benefit from this opportunity.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

Focused on community services, First Citizens National Bank Charitable Foundation invites Iowa nonprofits to apply for funding. Priority is given to projects in North Central Iowa that benefit low-to-moderate income households. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can support local initiatives and enhance community well-being through these grants.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. Home is where life happens, where plans are made, and futures begin. It is the foundation for dignity, health, education, wealth, and community. Yet rents keep going up, paychecks don’t keep pace, and good homes in strong neighborhoods are increasingly out of reach.

The system doesn’t work. It must be changed, and it must be changed by us.

Enterprise has the breadth, scale, and expertise to do it. We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve.

Together with our partners, we focus on the greatest need — the massive shortage of affordable rental homes — to achieve three goals:

• Increase the supply of affordable homes
• Advance racial equity after decades of systematic racism in housing
• Support residents and strengthen communities to be resilient to the unpredictable, and make upward mobility possible

Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

National Housing Innovation Grant Competition

Home is foundational. It’s where we plant roots, raise and care for our families, and build community bonds. Yet in every corner of the country, millions of people of all ages and backgrounds need a home they can afford.

Wells Fargo is meeting this moment with a powerful grant opportunity. Together with Enterprise, Wells Fargo has launched the third iteration of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. The 2026 cycle of the housing innovation competition will identify and propel proven, ready-to-scale solutions that transform current practices and increase housing choice and access.

Eligible applicants will compete for five individual grants of $2 million to advance their innovation and drive meaningful, systems-level change in the housing and adjacent industries. Winners will gain access to mentorship and coaching from industry leaders and experts and join a powerful network of Breakthrough Challenge innovators.

Focus Areas

This third cycle of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge aims to meet the nation’s affordable housing challenges across all types of communities: Native, rural, suburban, tribal, and urban.

Proposals must encompass one or more of three focus areas:

• Design and Construction
• Finance
• Service Delivery and Programs

Applicants will be asked to show how their proof of concept or pilot program has achieved clear outcomes and success, and provide a clear pathway to expanding the innovation’s reach and impact

Round 1: Criteria and Scoring

Your innovation must meet the criteria below to advance to the official scoring stage.

Type of Community

Innovations can serve all types of communities:

• Rural
• Urban
• Suburban
• Tribal

Location

Priority scoring will be given to applications from entities that are based in – or whose innovations are designed for – one or more of these 28 states, plus D.C.:

• Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

Affordability

Innovations must serve residents at these income levels:

• Rental: 80% AMI or below
• Homeownership: 120% AMI or below
• Workforce housing: 120% AMI or below