Best Grants for the Arts in Iowa

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation offers Program Support Grants to foster innovative programs and sustain existing initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa. With a funding cap of $15,000 for new projects and up to $30,000 for ongoing efforts, these grants are designed for nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status or those partnered with a fiscal sponsor. The grants aim to promote effective community engagement and support vital local services.

FNBO: Capital or Major Donations aims to support nonprofit organizations through significant financial contributions for capital projects. This initiative focuses on enhancing community well-being by addressing key areas such as affordable housing, environmental stability, and education. FNBO prioritizes partnerships with nonprofits dedicated to long-term impacts, especially for historically underrepresented populations. By fostering community engagement and providing essential resources, FNBO strives to create a positive influence in the regions it serves.

The John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation, established in 1970, focuses on enhancing community quality of life in north central Iowa. With over $72 million in assets, the foundation has awarded $64 million to nearly 1,000 organizations, supporting arts, culture, family recreation, and youth education. Their mission emphasizes innovative projects that strengthen families, with a commitment to community engagement and philanthropic ties to the Mayo Clinic, ensuring a lasting positive impact.

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 XENO PRIZE for Performance Arts, awarded by Franklin Furnace, supports early-career LGBTQ+-identifying performance artists creating new work in 26 states with restrictive gender-affirming laws. This annual prize, established in 2023, offers $5000 to a selected recipient from proposals submitted for the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2025, encouraging innovative voices in the contemporary performance art landscape.

The Partnership Grant by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs supports projects that enhance Iowa's arts and culture landscape. These discretionary grants align with the Iowa Arts Council's strategic goals for 2022-2026, focusing on regional arts convenings and initiatives that foster community well-being. Eligible organizations can apply to strengthen collaboration and improve arts practices, thereby enriching the quality of life in Iowa through cultural engagement.

The Arts Midwest GIG Fund offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to support creative projects and educational events across the Midwest. This funding is available for nonprofit organizations with budgets of $1 million or less, focusing on the arts. Eligible applicants include arts organizations and tribal entities located in specific states. The fund prioritizes those who have not received a grant in the last two years, ensuring diverse cultural engagement and access.

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 JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

The PMRTC Community Betterment Grant Program by Prairie Meadows supports small to medium projects aimed at enhancing community well-being. Grants range from $100 to $99,999 and target various sectors including arts, education, health, and economic development. This initiative aims to uplift Iowans by funding essential services, creating educational opportunities, and improving access to arts for underserved populations. The program reflects Prairie Meadows' commitment to fostering positive change in Central Iowa communities.

The Prairie Meadows Legacy Grant Program offers substantial funding ranging from $100,000 to $1 million for impactful projects in central Iowa. This initiative supports various categories including arts, economic development, education, and health services. By funding iconic projects like the Principal Riverwalk and Pappajohn Sculpture Garden, the program plays a vital role in revitalizing the Greater Des Moines area, enhancing community resources and fostering cultural growth.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Burlington Capital Foundation focuses on community-driven initiatives with significant impacts in Nebraska and Iowa, particularly in the areas of Military/Veteran support, senior communities, education, and the arts. They encourage applications from local organizations and those with national reach that can benefit these regions. Grant requests should be submitted at least one week before scheduled committee meetings, which occur quarterly.

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Art Project Grant for Organizations Program Guidelines - Creative Abundance Special Round

The Art Project Grant for Organizations program is administered by the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority (the IEDA). Through the program, the IEDA provides financial incentives to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations; schools; local, county, state and federal governmental agencies; and tribal councils to support a wide variety of arts-related activities.

The program is funded through an appropriation by the Iowa Legislature to the IEDA and a grant by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Applicants must comply with federal requirements, including but not limited to 2 CFR Part 200.

Prairie Meadows Event Sponsorships & Donations provides vital support to nonprofit organizations in Iowa, enhancing community initiatives through event sponsorships and in-kind donations. As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, Prairie Meadows focuses on promoting arts, culture, education, and economic development. Applications for funding are accepted year-round, ensuring a broad range of projects can benefit from their resources, fostering growth and community engagement throughout the region.

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.

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. 

CDBG Planning Grants

Approximately $60,522 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are available to cities and counties through the state of Iowa’s Planning Grants Program. All incorporated cities and all counties in the State, except those designated as HUD entitlement areas, are eligible to apply for and receive funds under this program.

The Planning Grants Program allows communities to seek funding for three types of planning tools: Capital Improvement Plans, Asset Management Plans, and Historic District Surveys. Each plan can help communities understand their needs and create long-term strategies for protecting public health, strengthening economies, and sustaining critical infrastructure. These plans allow communities to best steward public, cultural, and historical resources and become more resilient and fiscally stable for generations to come.

Applicants must demonstrate at the time of application that they have, at minimum, a dollar-for-dollar match to the requested award amount.

The Planning Grant Program will not have a HUD National Objective; however, plans developed with CDBG funds must state how they will develop future CDBG projects.  

CFR 200 Audit Requirements

CDBG contracts may be subject to audit. Federal Code (2 CFR 200) requires that recipients that expend $750,000 or more in federal funds within a fiscal year must have a single or program specific audit. When budgeting for CDBG funds, applicants should be aware of these audit requirements:

• For recipients of $750,000 or more in federal funds received from more than one source of federal funding, an organization-wide audit must be conducted in accordance with federal requirements outlined in 2 CFR 200.514
• For recipients of $750,000 or more in federal funds received from a single source, a project audit, targeting only transactions dealing specifically with the project, may be performed in lieu of an organization-wide audit.

Communities should consult with their accountants regarding the applicability of an audit and audit requirements.

Audit costs are a CDBG-eligible expense. Organization-wide audits can be paid with CDBG funds proportional to the amount of all other funds included in the audit. The total cost of a project audit can be paid with CDBG funds.

The Lee County Charitable Fund offers an Impact Grant of up to $25,000 for nonprofit organizations in Lee County, Iowa, focused on immediate community benefits. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply annually, but those who receive the grant cannot apply the following year. Instead, they may seek a smaller grant of up to $7,500. This funding supports projects in arts, culture, education, healthcare, and human services.

The North Lee Community Foundation Grant provides funding up to $5,000 to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Lee County, Iowa. This grant supports projects in arts, culture, education, health, and community betterment, emphasizing practical solutions and community engagement. Eligible organizations can apply for recurring grants but must submit one application per year. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate community impact, leadership development, and collaboration among diverse groups.

The Community Foundation of Des Moines County Grant provides funding ranging from $500 to $2,500 to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental agencies in Des Moines County, Iowa. The grants support projects in arts, culture, education, healthcare, and human services. Exceptional needs may warrant larger amounts. Organizations are limited to one application per project, ensuring focused support for local initiatives that enhance community well-being.

The Eichacker + Lofton Grant Fund, established by the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Tri-State Area, covering Hancock County, Illinois, Clark County, Missouri, and Lee County, Iowa. This fund supports nonprofit organizations focusing on arts, culture, education, health, and community betterment. Grants up to $5,000 are available to initiate projects that address local needs, promote collaboration, and foster leadership and self-sufficiency within the community.

The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine offers the annual CFGM: Impact Grant to support non-profit organizations enhancing the quality of life in Muscatine County. With various funds available, including the County Endowment Re-Granting Program and others targeting specific needs like mental disabilities and homelessness, grants can reach up to $117,888.27. Applicants must be non-profits, schools, or government units serving the region. Each program has a $10,000 limit and requires final reports within 10 months.

The Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship, established in 2002, offers $5,000 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. The scholarship is awarded based on a panel's evaluation of work samples and character. This initiative honors Elaine Ehlers' legacy, promoting arts education and supporting students pursuing their creative passions at accredited institutions.

The Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, offered by Morris Arts, awards $1,500 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. Applicants are evaluated by a panel of experts based on their work samples, essays, and dedication to the arts. The scholarship directly supports tuition at the chosen college or arts program, continuing the legacy of Eugenie R. Coladarci, a passionate advocate for young artists.

The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation Grants support tax-exempt organizations working to enhance lives through arts, healthcare, education, and youth programs. The foundation requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) from all applicants, emphasizing its mission to select grant recipients who align with its values. Grants are not available for political purposes, endowment campaigns, or organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion. This framework ensures a focused impact on community betterment.

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Grant supports the Armenian community in Armenia and the U.S., focusing on Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. The Foundation prioritizes education, healthcare, arts, and youth development through grants to registered non-profits. Proposals should demonstrate sustainability and community impact, with favorable consideration given to projects that engage local stakeholders and foster collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round, with a maximum funding limit of $10,000 for operational expenses.

The Strategic Projects: Capital Grants by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust offer vital funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest. These grants support transformative projects that enhance community well-being through construction, renovation, and infrastructure investments. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. The Trust emphasizes projects that demonstrate strong community impact and funding diversification, ensuring sustainable growth and lasting benefits for the communities served.