Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Iowa

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Iowa working on climate and energy systems change can seek operating or project support to cut greenhouse gas emissions and advance equity. The McKnight Foundation funds efforts such as clean energy transition, decarbonizing transportation and buildings, climate-smart working lands, and democratic participation that can benefit environmental justice initiatives.

Wabtec Foundation provides Iowa environmental justice and advocacy nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $10,000 for community programs in counties where Wabtec operates. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations should emphasize measurable impact in environmental stewardship or education and, when possible, engage local Wabtec employees as volunteers to strengthen community outcomes.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, or groups with a fiscal sponsor working on environmental justice and related equity issues can access funding through Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Fund for Community Good. Support focuses on anti-racist, community-led efforts in areas like environment, education, health, housing, arts and culture, and economic prosperity; pre-applications are accepted year-round.

Patagonia supports environmental organisations with bold, direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change.

We support innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities. We focus on places where we’ve built connections through outdoor recreation and through our network of retail stores, nationally and internationally.

We believe local battles to protect a specific stand of forest, a stretch of river, an indigenous wild species or a community from a polluting refinery build public support and confront larger, more complex issues like climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental justice.

We encourage work that brings underrepresented communities to the forefront of the environmental movement and defends communities whose health and livelihoods are threatened by environmental exploitation.

We support multipronged campaigns that push for greater environmental protections and force the government to abide by its own laws.

We fund work that:

• builds an equitable, inclusive and diverse environmental movement
• confronts systemic bias, discrimination and injustice in environmental policy or outdoor spaces
• is action-oriented
• focuses on root causes
• has a clear strategy
• identifies specific goals and objectives that can be effectively measured to evaluate success
• builds public involvement and civic engagement

Patagonia believes that the most direct path to real change is through building grassroots momentum.

Our funding focuses on organisations that have or can create a strong base of support. Because we’re a privately held company, we have the freedom to fund risk-taking, off-the-beaten-track groups, and that’s where we believe our small grants are most effective.

Indigenous-led frontline, grassroots, and community-based groups and organizations in Iowa working on environmental justice and climate-related direct actions can apply for NDN Collective’s Community Action Fund, with awards up to US $15,000 for supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel. Eligible U.S., Canadian, Mexican, and related island nation applicants may also include individual Indigenous organizers.

Conservation districts, state and territory conservation associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in Iowa can apply for National Association of Conservation Districts technical assistance grants; awards Approximately US $18,000,000 to hire staff and expand conservation outreach, education, and technical support. Projects addressing environmental justice and community resilience may be competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans through environmental justice, conservation, recreation, education, arts, family support, or health initiatives in the U.S. and its territories can seek project funding. With a mission to empower collective giving, Impact100 Global Veterans provides up to US $100,000 for new or expanding veteran-focused programs, including work that may benefit Iowa communities.

Nonprofit arts organizations and individual artists creating environmental justice and climate-focused art projects in Iowa can seek support from the Puffin Foundation. With a mission to open doors for underrepresented artistic voices, Puffin provides funding for U.S.-based environmental artistic activism projects across disciplines, prioritizing solution-focused work and smaller budgets without AI components.

Youth leaders ages 13–23 in Iowa and across the U.S. can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, awarding up to US $5,000 for youth-led social impact projects. Funding supports projects inspired by kindness, including environmental justice efforts, with a 12‑month leadership program, coaching, and peer community.

Youth environmental leaders ages 13 to 22 in Iowa working on environmental justice and related issues can receive recognition and US $3,000 in support for their projects. Earth Island Institute’s Brower Youth Awards also provide a week of leadership development, media training, and networking with other young environmental changemakers across North America.

Youth-led groups pursuing environmental projects in Iowa can apply for microgrants to grow ambitious, youth-driven initiatives. Grants from Earth Island Institute help young leaders nationwide advance environmental conservation, stewardship, and justice projects, which may include environmental justice and advocacy efforts in their local communities.

Filmmakers creating short documentaries on climate change and environmental justice can apply for Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Bloomberg Green Docs competition, which offers a US $25,000 grand prize. Grants from Bloomberg Philanthropies help Iowa environmental justice and advocacy storytellers share under-10-minute films highlighting climate urgency, restored ecosystems, and emerging zero-carbon communities.

Scientists and engineers interested in environmental policy and justice in Iowa can apply for the Science Policy Fellowship, a 1–2 year placement on the American Chemical Society Government Affairs team. Focus areas include federal research funding, STEM education, green chemistry, environmental and regulatory policy, with fellows completing a tailored policy project.

Nonprofit environmental organizations working on environmental justice and advocacy in Iowa can apply for Patagonia Org’s Grassroots Collaborative Program, with awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000 for bold, action-oriented campaigns. Groups focused on root causes, civic engagement, and protecting affected communities may be eligible if they meet the funder’s international country and charity requirements.

Youth-led climate justice and socio-environmental groups worldwide, including those serving communities in Iowa, can apply for flexible grants from the Youth Climate Justice Fund to strengthen organizing and capacity. Eligible collectives are led mainly by people 35 or younger and may receive up to US $40,000 for local or national community-based work.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofits focused on environmental justice, climate solutions, or sustainability can receive up to US $25,000 plus intensive operational support through this 18‑month program. Focused on nonprofit growth and development, Levine Impact Lab invites eligible Iowa organizations to advance strategic and financial priorities such as fundraising, strategic planning, and program expansion within a national cohort.

The Richard L and Freda K Flerlage Foundation

Our Mission

Working to empower underserved populations through small grants in support of literacy, healthcare, reduction of poverty, and the promotion of social and environmental justice.

We are a small family foundation, when possible we aim to support organizations with relatively small operating funds where our small grants will have their greatest possible impact.

Our average grant is $3,800.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and their international equivalents working on environmental justice, conservation, education, or sustainable development across the Americas, including Iowa, can seek support for projects advancing these goals. Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas prefers programs in regions with a strong corporate presence or employee volunteer opportunities; most grants follow solicited proposals early in the year.

Iowa environmental justice and advocacy nonprofits can seek project funding to protect wild species and habitats. Focused on grassroots ecological campaigns, Fund for Wild Nature invites small, tax-exempt organizations in the U.S. or Canada with budgets under $250,000 and no government support to propose bold efforts that challenge destructive environmental policies and actions.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The IEN-WMAN Mini-Grant Program provides crucial financial support to Indigenous communities and grassroots organizations impacted by mining in the U.S. and Canada. With over $200,000 distributed annually in $4,000 grants, the program aims to address mining-related environmental and health issues. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate a direct impact on affected communities, particularly Indigenous-led initiatives, ensuring that financial assistance is directed where it is most needed.

The Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, supports small, community-led organizations in the U.S. working to confront social and environmental injustices. Grants of up to $30,000 per year are available for two years, prioritizing organizations with budgets under $350,000. The program emphasizes grassroots organizing and community empowerment, inspired by the legacy of John Lewis. Eligible applicants must focus on collective action and local leadership to drive social change.

The Harris and Frances Block Foundation, established in 2001, supports small grassroots organizations focused on social and environmental justice. They prioritize equitable solutions and sustainable community development, funding initiatives related to environmental education, justice, and food security. Grants are available to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations in specific geographical areas including Vermont, North Carolina, Virginia, and New York City, excluding funding for lobbying, land acquisition, and scholarships.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The Ittleson Foundation Environmental Program Grants support innovative projects that enhance environmental activism through education and grassroots efforts. In 2025, grants will focus on initiatives that strengthen environmental movements and engage new constituencies, particularly in environmental equity. The Foundation has provided resources since 1932 to improve public policy and community welfare, alternating its grantmaking focus annually between mental health and environmental initiatives.

The Rockefeller Family Fund's Climate Grant focuses on reducing fossil fuel production to combat climate change. It supports initiatives that hold polluters accountable and fosters citizen engagement for climate action. The fund prioritizes programs that seek to limit oil and gas production, enforce climate damages in court, and promote sustainable energy solutions. By addressing the fossil fuel industry's resistance, the grant aims to create meaningful progress towards climate goals and ensure that those responsible for climate disruption contribute to adaptation efforts.

CHEJ Small Grants Program

The Small Grants Program has officially relaunched. Applications are now open.The Center for Health, Environment & Justice’s (CHEJ) Small Grants Program is for grassroots groups working on environmental health and justice issues related to the presence of “toxics” (toxic chemicals or hazardous substances) in their immediate communities. CHEJ prioritizes community-based organizations aiming to have local, state and regional impact through their own strategies and actions.