Best Disaster Preparedness and Relief Grants in Iowa

Nonprofit organizations serving rural communities in Iowa with agriculture education, hunger and nutrition, or rural disaster relief and essential services projects can apply for funding from Farm Credit Services of America. Grants up to US $25,000 support efforts like first responder equipment, disaster relief, food security, and agricultural education facilities in the Farm Credit Services of America service area.

Local governments, state agencies, public schools, universities, and eligible private nonprofits in Iowa can seek funding to match FEMA disaster recovery projects and support buyout-related infrastructure and resilience work. Grants from Iowa Economic Development Authority help Iowa disaster preparedness and relief efforts in HUD- and state-identified MID counties, with priority for low- and moderate-income communities.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government entities can seek support for disaster preparedness, first responder readiness, and humanitarian relief projects, as well as broader community resilience efforts. Marathon Petroleum provides funding within its marketing area, with preference for communities near its operations, and also supports sustainability, workforce development, and thriving community initiatives.

Iowa Economic Development Authority

Mission

Strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. Through two main divisions – business development and community development – IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. IEDA works to achieve its mission and goals to benefit Iowans while maintaining a high level of transparency. 

Opportunities and Threats Fund

A portion of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are reserved for communities facing an imminent threat to the public requiring immediate assistance. These funds may also be used by communities seeing an opportunity to demonstrate sustainable community activities.

The program is funded through the federal CDBG program. The goal of this program is to provide economic opportunities for people, especially those of low- and moderate income.

Health and Safety Threat Projects

• An immediate threat must exist to health, safety or community welfare that requires immediate action
• The threat must result from unforeseeable and unavoidable circumstances or events
• Must meet one of the three national objectives of the CDBG program
• No known alternative project or action would be more feasible than the proposed project
• Sufficient other local, state or federal funds (including the competitive CDBG program) either are not available or cannot be obtained within the time frame necessary to address the problem

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits and independent volunteer emergency response organizations can access funding for disaster preparedness, community safety, and resilience projects through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible programs must primarily serve Iowa communities on the Union Pacific service list and align with the foundation’s safety or related priority areas.

Legal services organizations in Iowa providing disaster-related civil legal aid can apply for Equal Justice Works’ Disaster Resilience Program host organization funding. Focused on disaster relief and humanitarian aid, it supports Attorney and Student Fellows to deliver free legal assistance in disaster-impacted Midwest communities, with awards up to US $146,800 per host organization.

Iowa K-12 public schools with existing libraries that suffered significant library damage from recent disasters can access funding through Dollar General Literacy Foundation to rebuild books, media, and equipment. Eligible schools must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center and apply within 36 months of the disaster.

Nonprofit organizations working on disaster preparedness and relief in Iowa can access funding through the McKesson Foundation, with awards up to US $25,000 for programs in the U.S. and Canada. Eligible projects may include emergency preparedness, disaster relief and recovery, and medicine and food support for vulnerable communities, especially those facing health and food insecurity.

Iowa nonprofits and research institutions working on disaster preparedness, relief, or related resilience issues can access funding through the Japan Foundation’s Japan–U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations collaborate with Japanese partners on policy-oriented research, dialogue, and exchange projects addressing global challenges like climate change, disaster prevention, public health, and sustainable, resilient communities.

Iowa public entities and regional partners working on disaster recovery, preparedness, and economic development can access funding through the Economic Development Administration under this national FY25 Disaster Supplemental program. Grants up to US $50,000,000 support readiness planning, implementation projects, and large-scale industry transformation efforts in communities economically impacted by 2023–2024 natural disasters.

Eligible U.S. educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Iowa can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants to support safety, community development, and education initiatives. Programs focused on disaster preparedness, mitigation, or recovery, as well as broader community resilience efforts, may be competitive.

Nonprofit organizations improving health equity, cancer care, crisis response, or healthcare workforce diversity across the U.S. or Canada, including Iowa, can apply for McKesson Foundation grants over More than US $25,000. Grants may support disaster preparedness and relief, food and medicine access, and related programs serving vulnerable and underserved communities.

Nonprofit and local government organizations providing essential services through disaster preparedness and relief can apply for US $300,000 in backup power project funding from Hillman Family Foundations. Focused on disaster readiness, the Powered & Prepared Initiative supports 501(c)(3) entities and municipal agencies that maintain critical operations during emergencies, which may benefit Iowa-based resilience efforts.

With a mission to strengthen communities, International Paper Company Foundation provides Iowa nonprofits and eligible public entities with US $2,500 - US $10,000 for disaster preparedness, disaster relief, hunger, health, education, and critical community needs. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) or similar, in good standing, and located where International Paper operates or serves nearby communities.

Eligible community organizations in Iowa communities served by Alliant Energy can apply for Alliant Energy Foundation’s Community Grants to support disaster preparedness, disaster relief, and related community safety efforts. Year-round applications are reviewed three times annually and may also fund housing, basic needs, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and public spaces projects.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance program aims to enhance flood mitigation funding delivery, focusing on the needs of disaster survivors. This federal initiative, managed by FEMA, provides essential funds to states, territories, and local governments to mitigate flood risks and reduce repetitive damage to properties insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. The program supports various activities designed to lower the financial exposure of the NFIP while promoting community resilience against flooding.

Nonprofits, academic institutions, and individuals worldwide working on long-term global catastrophic risk mitigation, especially AI-related x-risk and disaster preparedness, can apply for US $1,000 - US $500,000 from the Centre for Effective Altruism USA. Iowa organizations planning research, governance, or movement-building projects in these areas may be strong candidates.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

The Bertin Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the foundation's mission of community strengthening and compassion. Grant requests are accepted annually from July 1 to August 31, focusing on program or project support rather than general endowment. The foundation values measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.

Screen Actors Guild American Federation

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering comprehensive professional development and educational resources as well as emergency financial and health assistance programs to SAG-AFTRA artists nationwide.

The Foundation values the essential contributions of performing artists to entertainment, media, the arts, and culture. In a rapidly changing industry and world, the Foundation is dedicated to providing SAG-AFTRA actors, voiceover artists, broadcasters, dancers, and other members with new and valuable tools to navigate industry shifts, along with training opportunities to hone and develop their craft.

In addition, the Foundation supports SAG-AFTRA artists throughout the various phases of a career in the arts, offering emergency assistance and scholarship programs to ensure no performer faces tough times alone.

The Foundation also encourages celebrated performers to give back through its children’s literacy program, Storyline Online, fostering a love of reading in millions of children worldwide.

Committed to education and community, the Foundation strives to create a supportive and innovative environment where performers can expand their skills to achieve their highest potential while staying grounded and knowing they have support in times of urgent need.

Emergency Financial Assistance

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation offers critical financial assistance programs for eligible SAG-AFTRA members experiencing urgent financial need due to an unexpected life crisis.

This program cannot replace government unemployment/disability assistance and is meant to provide temporary relief during unexpected crises. The financial programs adhere to IRS guidelines to qualify as an emergency hardship program; grants cannot be given simply because someone is a SAG-AFTRA member, and the programs are not offered as a membership benefit.

We Help Members Facing:

• Eviction, foreclosure, or immediate temporary housing emergencies (only once per member’s lifetime)
• Catastrophic damage rendering primary residence dangerous or uninhabitable
• Auto or other accidents causing injury or personal property destruction
• Costs associated with the burial or cremation of a SAG-AFTRA member, or a member’s spouse/legal dependent
• Financial impacts of experiencing a verifiable crime
• Senior members, age 65 and older, experiencing a life crisis
• Medical expenses due to serious illness or injuries (not covered by insurance)
• In limited cases, we can help pay your SAG-AFTRA health insurance or COBRA premiums (restrictions apply). We cannot extend health insurance eligibility, which is determined by the SAG-AFTRA Pension & Health Plan based on qualifying SAG-AFTRA earnings
• Other emergencies as described in IRS guidelines for emergency financial grants to individuals

The Disaster Resilience Program Fellowship supports low-income communities affected by disasters by mobilizing lawyers and law students to provide free civil legal aid. This initiative ensures access to essential legal services, helping families navigate recovery barriers. Attorney Fellows receive a salary while Student Fellows earn a stipend for their service. Participants engage in outreach, build community relationships, and receive comprehensive training to enhance their legal skills, contributing to the resilience of affected communities.

The CareQuest Emergent & Relief Fund aims to address the unique challenges faced by historically underserved communities in the healthcare system, particularly in oral health. This fund supports innovative approaches, urgent clinical responses, and immediate relief efforts for community crises. Grants are targeted at organizations demonstrating commitment to equity in health services, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. With a focus on transformative change, this initiative seeks to enhance access and improve health outcomes across diverse populations.

The NAILBA Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support small, well-managed U.S. charities that assist those in need, particularly children. Grants are available to organizations with backing from a NAILBA member and that meet specific criteria, such as nonsectarian operation and appropriate fiscal accountability. Since its inception in 2002, the foundation has invested in community transformation by funding initiatives that directly engage in beneficial services, thereby enhancing the welfare of underprivileged groups.

The Disaster Grants Program by LSC provides vital funding to organizations aiding survivors of government-declared emergencies. It empowers legal aid groups to deliver essential services to low-income disaster survivors, ensuring access to legal assistance during crises. The program also educates communities on disaster legal services and prepares them for future emergencies, enhancing resilience and response capabilities. By supporting various grant types, the initiative addresses immediate needs and fosters long-term recovery strategies.

The Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship supports residents of western North Carolina whose education funding has been affected by Hurricane Helene. Offered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, this scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students attending two- or four-year colleges. The minimum award is $1,000, aimed at helping students overcome financial hardships caused by the disaster and continue their educational pursuits.