Best Iowa County Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services may be eligible for funding that supports marginalized communities in Iowa County, Iowa and worldwide. Semnani Family Foundation supports programs in areas like healthcare access, children’s and women’s health, disaster relief, literacy, and human and social services for vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

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.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies improving community health and well-being can apply for Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation’s Thriving Community Impact Fund Core Contribution Grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $49,999. Organizations in the 21-county Western Wisconsin, Southeast Minnesota, and Northeast Iowa service region, including those serving Iowa County, Iowa, may be eligible for programs in health, poverty, and neighborhood improvement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running cultural arts, education, or health and wellness programs in the Greater Cedar Rapids area may be eligible for program support, including those serving Iowa County, Iowa. Grants from Carleen And Eugene Grandon Charitable Foundation help fund charitable programs, not building projects, that benefit people in need locally.

Iowa Rural Heritage Revitalization Grants

The Iowa Rural Heritage Revitalization Grant supports the rehabilitation of historic properties in rural Iowa. Funded through the National Park Service's Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program, this initiative provides subgrants for physical preservation projects involving properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places or designated as National Historic Landmarks. All work must follow The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation and comply with applicable federal requirements.

Funding Details

• Total funding available: $750,000
• Grant range: $75,000 to $150,000
• Match requirement: 30% cash match (state and federal funds cannot be used as match)
• Reimbursement: Quarterly reimbursement; final 20% released after approval of final report, site visit and recording of the required preservation easement
• Eligible costs: Physical preservation work, architectural/engineering services (up to 20% of total project cost), consultant fees, travel, required signage, easement recording and allowable indirect costs

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups seeking program funding in Linn County, Iowa can apply for Program Support Grants, with awards up to US $30,000. Grants from Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation help organizations across education, health, human services, arts and culture, environment, and community services that may also serve Iowa County residents.

High school seniors from Pierce County, Wisconsin, or the Harlan Community School District in Iowa planning to attend trade school, college, or university can apply for the Stinn & Oebser Scholarship, awarding US $2,000 for education costs. Students connected to Iowa County, Iowa, nonprofits through school or community activities may benefit.

Students pursuing agriculture-related education who are residents or high school graduates of Pike or Calhoun County, Illinois, can receive the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship for US $4,000 toward study in Illinois, Missouri, or Iowa. Community Foundation of the Quincy Area supports higher and agricultural education; Iowa County, Iowa students meeting these criteria may be eligible.

Nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, schools, and government agencies in Iowa County, Iowa can access funding through Iowa Arts Council for arts education and arts participation projects, with awards from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Eligible projects must demonstrate artistic excellence and meaningful service to Iowans through high-quality arts and cultural activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Iowa County, Iowa can seek more than US $2,500 to support community projects in areas like arts and culture, education, health, environment, human services, historic preservation, and community betterment. Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa prioritizes countywide impact, leveraged funding, collaboration, and sustainable initiatives.

Iowa County, Iowa nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and tribal councils can access funding through the Iowa Economic Development Authority to run arts projects with Iowa artists serving people with disabilities. Grants of US $15,000 support arts programming that engages Creative Abundance Consulting and expands arts access for disabled populations in Iowa.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families with education, housing, food security, or environmental programs in Iowa County, Iowa may be eligible for the True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000. Focused on youth development and community impact, Chick Fil A Foundation invites applications from U.S.-based nonprofits and equivalent charities in select countries.

Iowa Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation is the steward of Iowa’s transportation system. We make lives better through transportation.

Iowa Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program

The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) is soliciting proposals from eligible

entities for participation in the State of Iowa’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Program (DERA) in Iowa.

DERA Overview

As part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) appropriates funds for projects to reduce diesel emissions from diesel fleets. Thirty percent of the annual DERA appropriation is made available by the Environmental Protection Agency to support grant, loan or rebate programs administered by states and territories to achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions through the use of certified engine configurations or verified emission control technologies.

How it Works

Two-thirds of the state/territory portion of funding is provided to participating states and territories, while the remaining third is used as an incentive to those states and territories that provide a voluntary match equal to the base funding. If the state/territory provides a voluntary match that equals or exceeds the base amount, a bonus of half the base amount will be added to the grant total by the EPA.

DERA grant funding is available for profit, nonprofit, and public entities that own or operate diesel fleets and equipment in any of the 99 counties in the state of Iowa. 

Nonprofit children’s organizations in Iowa County, Iowa that provide care, treatment, activities, or shelter for at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or special-needs children can receive vans to transport youth to appointments and activities. Variety the Children's Charity of Iowa supports transportation needs so children can access doctors, therapy, and program-related outings.

Iowa cities and counties serving low- and moderate-income residents through essential services, homelessness programs, or food pantries can apply for Iowa Economic Development Authority’s CDBG Public Services funding; awards up to US $100,000 support local safety nets. Eligible local governments in Iowa County, Iowa partner with nonprofit subrecipients and a certified grant administrator, and must provide at least $5,000 in match.

Developers planning workforce housing projects in Iowa, including Iowa County, can access funding through the Workforce Housing Tax Incentive Program, offering up to US $1,000,000 in state investment tax credits and tax refunds. Grants from Iowa Health and Human Services help expand and rehabilitate affordable housing to support community growth and workforce needs.

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.

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.

Nonprofits, local governments, schools, and higher education institutions planning rural child care solutions in Iowa can receive up to US $20,000 for professional third-party market studies and strategy development. Focused on rural child care planning, Iowa Economic Development Authority invites eligible Iowa communities, including those in Iowa County, Iowa, to apply with a required cash match.

Focused on disaster recovery and resilience, eligible Iowa local governments, state agencies, public schools, universities, and qualifying nonprofits can use this program to match FEMA HMGP and Public Assistance projects and enhance buyout efforts. Funding supports CDBG-DR eligible activities in HUD- and state-identified MID counties, which may include areas beyond Iowa County as needs are identified.

Iowa Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation is the steward of Iowa’s transportation system. We make lives better through transportation.

Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP)

The Iowa DOT is now accepting applications for the Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP). Eligible project activities continue to include improvements to motor vehicle traffic flow, public transit service expansions, and reductions in single occupant vehicle travel.

Program Intent

The intent of the ICAAP program is to help finance transportation projects and programs in Iowa that result in attaining or maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) with a focus on volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and under certain conditions particulate matter. Projects likely to be competitive will be costeffective uses of federal funds that result in increased travel speed, reduce travel delay, or reduce single occupancy vehicle trips and reduce vehicle emissions in areas with higher transportation related air pollution or traffic congestion.

Cost Reimbursement and Required Match

Funds awarded thought the ICAAP Program are provided to project sponsors on a reimbursement basis and are not provided as lump sum or cash payment in advance of costs being incurred. All projects require project sponsors to pay 100 percent costs up front. ICAAP funds may reimburse for up to 80 percent of eligible project costs or up to the approved grant maximum, whichever is less. 

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on financial literacy or employment readiness in Iowa County, Iowa may be eligible for general operating support up to US $5,000. Focused on financial stability, Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa invites nonprofits in Veridian Credit Union’s Iowa and Nebraska service area to strengthen community financial well-being.