Best Homelessness Grants in Iowa

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in Iowa serving people experiencing homelessness can seek community support grants to fight hunger and homelessness. The Amcor Cares Foundation offers awards of more than US $1,000 in Polk and Appanoose Counties, which may also cover related basic needs and health and wellness services.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture in Iowa can apply for US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program. Organizations addressing homelessness through affordable or supportive housing and related services, especially those led by people of color, may be prioritized within designated U.S. Bank communities.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding that may also benefit people experiencing homelessness. Focused on child and family wellbeing, Costco Foundation invites organizations to apply for support in communities where it does business, with decisions based on community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diversified funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human and social services programs in Iowa can seek support to address social problems in new ways. Creag Foundation supports innovators in human services by invitation-only grants; eligible groups may first submit a letter of inquiry if they have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Iowa with audited expenses over $2 million can seek Hearst Foundation support for arts and science programming, including artist development, arts education, and STEAM-focused science initiatives. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help U.S. organizations offering impactful cultural programs that may complement services for people experiencing homelessness; awards are typically more than US $100,000.

Iowa homelessness and housing organizations serving urban low-income children or youth through education, health, or family economic stability programs can access funding through Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and similar organizations in the U.S. seeking more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling work.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits with charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs that use funds within the U.S. can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust. Organizations serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness may be eligible if their programs advance general welfare and meet the trust’s broad service and impact goals.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) charities active for over three years can seek single-year support for poverty relief, family services, and related human needs projects that may benefit people experiencing homelessness. Focused on relieving hardship, Robinson Foundation also considers programs in education, health, disaster relief, veterans’ issues, and spiritual endeavors, excluding capital projects.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Municipal or county animal shelters, animal control agencies, and 501(c)(3) animal welfare nonprofits in Iowa’s Cedar Rapids/Marion communities can seek funding for life-saving animal care, spay/neuter, microchipping, or humane education initiatives. Friends Helping Friends Foundation supports projects that ultimately benefit Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control and may aid organizations serving homeless pet owners or unhoused populations with animals.

Nonprofits and community organizations addressing hunger, housing, and shelter in Iowa communities served by Alliant Energy can seek Community Grants to support specific programs or projects. Alliant Energy Foundation also funds workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety initiatives, which may benefit homelessness services and related support efforts statewide.

Iowa homelessness service nonprofits addressing shelter, supportive housing, or related basic needs can access funding through Ameriprise Financial community grants to support programs serving people experiencing housing instability. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations that align with Meeting Basic Needs or Supporting Community Vitality and can demonstrate Ameriprise volunteer engagement and strong outcomes may be competitive applicants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa seeking project support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can apply for grants from the Dr Scholl Foundation. Focused on improving communities, the foundation offers US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one-year initiatives, which may include homelessness-related services.

Nonprofit organizations providing homelessness services or affordable housing in Iowa can seek funding for education and housing initiatives that advance economic mobility. With a mission to strengthen communities, TruStage Foundation provides grants and sponsorships, prioritizing Madison/Dane County, Wisconsin, and Cedar Valley, Iowa, while also supporting efforts to reduce racial and socioeconomic disparities nationwide.

Nonprofits, schools, and municipalities serving Clayton County residents with health, human services, homelessness support, education, youth, community development, environment, or arts projects in Iowa can apply for this grant, with awards up to US $2,000. With a mission to strengthen local quality of life, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque prioritizes youth enrichment and requires a 50% cash match.

Iowa 501(c)(3) wildlife conservation nonprofits seeking to tell impactful stories about their work can access funding through the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant. Awards of more than US $50,000 support storytelling projects that highlight conservation, preservation, education, or wellness efforts, which may include programs that intersect with homelessness services or housing stability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa communities served by O’Reilly Auto Parts can seek funding for homelessness services, hunger relief, poverty alleviation, and related supports through the O'Reilly Automotive Foundation. Grants may provide project, general operating, or capital support for programs improving economic stability, health, and overall quality of life for underserved residents.

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.

National Housing Trust Fund

Federal Resources, Local Compassion

It takes compassion and commitment to create and sustain affordable living options around Iowa. The National Housing Trust Fund does just that. The program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, complements existing federal, state and local efforts to increase and preserve the supply of affordable housing for extremely low-income and homeless families.

How Funds Are Used

Funds may be used for the production or preservation of permanent affordable rental housing through new construction, adaptive reuse and/or rehabilitation projects. Proposed projects addressing the needs of extremely low-income renters—those with incomes below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI)—are a high priority for the Iowa Finance Authority.

Grants from Iowa Womens Foundation help Iowa nonprofits, licensed child care centers, and grassroots groups fund initiatives that expand economic self-sufficiency for women and girls, including those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Eligible programs may address housing, transportation, education and training, employment, childcare, or mentorship, with awards up to Up to US $50,000 for operational expenses.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

With a mission to support community-serving organizations, Quad Cities Community Foundation provides Iowa nonprofits and public entities with flexible operating or program funding. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, government entities, and charitable programs in Scott County, IA (and nearby areas for select funds) can request US $5,000 - US $20,000 for homelessness services and related human needs work.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.