Best Youth Sports Grants in Iowa

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

The Black Hills Energy Power of Trees Grant Program, offered in partnership with Trees Forever, supports Iowa communities in tree planting initiatives that promote energy efficiency and environmental beautification. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for projects on public and private properties. This program aims to foster community engagement while enhancing local landscapes and energy conservation efforts.

The Iowa's Living Roadways Community Visioning Grant Program aims to enhance transportation in small Iowa communities by fostering strategic planning and community engagement. Participants develop conceptual plans to address local transportation needs, focusing on pedestrian and bicycle facilities, safety education, and beautification efforts. With a commitment of $2,000, eligible communities under 10,000 residents can seek funding sources and technical assistance for project implementation, ensuring that their transportation vision aligns with federal guidelines.

Alliant Energy’s Community Tree Planting Program, part of the One Million Trees Initiative, is a recognized program aimed at enhancing community and environmental health. Collaborating with Trees Forever, this initiative supports communities in Iowa and Wisconsin to plant trees, fostering energy efficiency and stewardship. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for purchasing local landscape-sized trees. The program helps ensure a greener future by engaging citizens in tree planting efforts, thereby improving local ecosystems and community vitality.

The MRC/SOT Early Career Toxicologist Award, presented by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes an outstanding Midwest toxicologist with up to 10 years of experience. This prestigious award honors candidates actively contributing to the field or recently retired, showcasing their unique research achievements and teaching proficiency. Winners receive an engraved plaque and an honorarium, celebrating their commitment to advancing toxicology and enhancing human, animal, and environmental health.

PFund Foundation

PFund Foundation builds equity with LGBTQ+ communities across the Upper Midwest by providing grants and scholarships, developing leaders, and inspiring giving.

Community Grants

PFund Community Grants are for LGBTQ+ serving nonprofits in the Upper Midwest. These grants range from $1,000-$20,000+ and include organizational membership to the PFund Leadership Institute, a monthly cohort based learning and networking opportunity.

• PRISM Fund

PRISM (Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities). Fund supports rural LGBTQ+ serving nonprofit organizations. Grants are made possible by the Northwest Area Foundation.

• TRANScend Fund

TRANScend Fund supports Trans & gender nonconforming serving nonprofit organizations and programs. Grants are made possible by Drop Deadlift Gorgeous and donors.

• Bi+ Fund

Bisexual Fund supports noprofit organizations primarily serving the bisexual community, including but not limited to bisexual, omnisexual, pansexual, polysexual, or sexually fluid. Grants are made possible by an endowed fund. 

The Communities of Care Technical Assistance Provider Grant aims to enhance rural Iowa service providers' capabilities by offering expert guidance, assessments, and technical assistance. This initiative, supported by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, focuses on evidence-based methods to improve care delivery. Key activities include co-location, cost-sharing agreements, and optimizing patient flows within the Communities of Care Projects, contributing to the broader Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project.

The Doula Technical Assistance Grant aims to support and empower doulas serving pregnant and postpartum women in Iowa. This initiative, led by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, seeks applications from qualified applicants who can provide essential support and technical assistance to enhance the quality of care for mothers and their families. The grant is a vital resource to strengthen the doula profession and improve maternal health outcomes.

The Combat Cancer Prevention and Screening Grant aims to enhance the health of rural Iowans by providing essential screening test kits and telehealth equipment for early cancer detection. It focuses on raising awareness about cancer risk factors through media outreach and decreasing radon gas exposure via home test kits and mitigation support. This initiative is part of the Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project, funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Rural Health Transformation Program.

The Center of Excellence Grant aims to establish regional hubs within a hub-and-spoke care model to enhance healthcare access for rural Iowans. This initiative, backed by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, focuses on improving care coordination in maternal health, mental health, specialty care, and chronic disease management. By leveraging shared resources and collaboration among healthcare providers, the program seeks to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care, ultimately promoting innovation and improving health outcomes in underserved communities.

The Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment Grant aims to enhance healthcare access in rural Iowa by recruiting qualified healthcare providers. This initiative, aligned with Iowa's Healthy Hometowns program, seeks to address workforce shortages and improve health outcomes through competitive incentives for providers. By fostering partnerships and investing in technology, the program focuses on creating sustainable care models that ensure quality healthcare delivery in underserved communities, ultimately aiming to elevate the standard of care in rural areas.

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 Rural Business Development Grants in Iowa support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas or towns outside urbanized regions. Funding is available through Opportunity and Enterprise grants, prioritizing smaller requests. Enterprise grants focus on emerging businesses, allowing funding for training, land development, and community improvements. Opportunity grants promote economic development, feasibility studies, and long-term planning. This program is critical for fostering rural economic growth and sustainability.

The FNBO Impact Grant Program aims to empower nonprofit organizations that eliminate barriers to economic and social opportunities. Focusing on Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, and Financial Literacy, this initiative supports projects that enhance community well-being and promote personal economic self-sufficiency. While the 2025 grant cycle is closed, interested applicants should check back in early 2026 for updates on future funding opportunities.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Iowa provide funding to qualified organizations for local self-help housing construction projects. These grants enable low-income families to build their own homes with technical assistance and supervision, fostering community involvement and skill development. Eligible applicants include government non-profit organizations and federally recognized tribes. Funds may be utilized for technical support and recruitment, but not for hiring construction workers or purchasing materials.

The IA AmeriCorps Formula Grant, offered by Volunteer Iowa, aims to enhance community service and volunteering in underserved areas. This grant prioritizes projects that serve communities facing poverty, improve youth mental health access, support veterans, and promote environmental stewardship. Organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in these critical areas can receive funding to foster civic engagement and build resilient communities, ultimately contributing to national service efforts across the state.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Rethink Your Drink Grant Program, initiated by the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, aims to enhance the oral and overall health of Iowans by promoting water consumption. This initiative provides water bottle filling stations in schools, libraries, and public spaces across Iowa, prioritizing locations that lack such facilities and serve communities with high rates of free or reduced lunch. The program emphasizes the importance of accessible hydration to improve health outcomes.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Iowa provides essential funding to develop community facilities in rural areas, supporting services such as healthcare, education, and public safety. Eligible areas include towns with up to 20,000 residents, including Federally Recognized Tribal Lands. Funding can cover construction and equipment costs, with grant assistance based on community income levels. The program aims to improve the quality of life by enhancing facilities vital for community development.

The Elam Baer and Janis Clay Epilepsy Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, aims to eliminate financial barriers for students with epilepsy. This scholarship is open to residents of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or Iowa, who are high school seniors or current college students. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to enroll in accredited institutions. The program reflects a commitment to accessibility and support for underrepresented students.

The Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship offers unique research opportunities for graduate students from member universities. Eligible candidates can conduct research at the Smithsonian in diverse fields such as anthropology, ecology, and history of science. The fellowship provides a stipend of $45,000 per year, with additional research allowances, and supports both U.S. and international students. This initiative fosters collaboration among leading academic institutions to advance knowledge and innovation.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Iowa provides essential funding for clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and stormwater drainage in eligible rural areas. This program supports state and local governments, nonprofits, and tribes in acquiring, constructing, or improving infrastructure. It also covers related costs, such as legal fees and equipment. With a focus on rural communities with populations under 10,000, it aims to enhance public health and safety.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused Collaborations Program (RII-FEC) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by fostering partnerships among government, higher education, and industry. This program supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers to tackle significant challenges in STEM fields, promoting diversity and broadening participation. By integrating Minority-Serving Institutions and early-career faculty from underrepresented backgrounds, RII-FEC seeks to build sustainable STEM capacity and drive impactful discoveries across regions.

Greenlight Grant

Greenlight Grants are intended to provide entrepreneurial and collaborative Iowa filmmakers with a financial boost to launch a well-written script to screen and the opportunity to stretch creatively, think big and tell an important story that needs to be told to a larger audience. A goal of the Program is for Iowans to become job creators that grow our film and media industry.  

Through the Program, the IEDA provides financial incentives to Iowa filmmakers who are ready to produce films and media projects that can take them to the next level in their careers and contribute to a more robust film and media industry and creative economy in Iowa.   

The Greenlight Grant is administered by the Iowa Arts Council and Produce Iowa within the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The program is funded through an annual appropriation by the Iowa Legislature.