Best Early Childhood Development Grants in Iowa

About the Iowa Department of Education

The Department provides oversight to the state education system that includes PK-12 public elementary and secondary schools, nonpublic schools that receive state accreditation, area education agencies, community colleges, and teacher preparation programs. The Department works to remove barriers for pursuing education beyond high school. The Department also establishes and enforces rigorous standards and licensing for Iowa educational practitioners to effectively address the needs of students. Under the leadership of the Iowa Department of Education Director and in partnership with the State Board of Education, Department team members, in collaboration with a wide range of community partners, support schools and districts as they prepare students for college and career training and ensure they receive the support needed to succeed.

Iowa's Bold Vision, Mission & Priorities

Building an excellent education system that empowers all students to achieve their full potential.

Ensure all students experience a world-class education.

Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant

In 2024, Iowa was awarded a total of $24 million from the federal competitive Comprehensive Literacy State Development (IA-CLSD) grant. The award includes $4 million in planning subgrants and the opportunity for an additional $5 million annually in implementation subgrants over four years, 2025 through 2029, to support Iowa school districts and public charter schools in strengthening literacy programs for students from birth through grade 12.

Goals of the IA-CLSD Grant

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa supporting children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for monetary program funding. Grants from Costco Foundation help early childhood development and related child-focused programs demonstrate measurable outcomes, address identified community needs, and collaborate locally, with applications typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting early childhood development and youth welfare, including those in Iowa, can apply for DanPaul Foundation grants up to US $15,000. Funding supports programs for children’s health, education, development, and enrichment, including child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, environmental education, refugee enrichment, and related workshops or scholarships.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups supporting early childhood development can seek funding for programs serving young children in select Iowa counties. Dekko Foundation supports early learning and broader youth development, including middle childhood, adolescence, and community development, for communities in Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Ringgold, and Union Counties in Iowa.

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.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Iowa and across the U.S. can seek funding for arts and science programs that engage youth and have lasting impact. William Randolph Hearst Foundation supports performing arts organizations, museums, arts schools, and STEAM-focused programs with program, capital, and limited general or endowment support, typically awarding more than US $100,000.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

With a mission to support humanitarian, educational, and community initiatives, Roche provides Iowa charities with funding for youth services, children’s health, and related early childhood programs. Accredited charities managing innovative, high-quality projects that promote sustainable development and engage Roche expertise and employees may be eligible, with local affiliate offices handling country-specific giving.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa working on early childhood development or related education, health, or scientific programs may be eligible for this funding, which must be used in the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust support well-managed charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that demonstrate broad impact and contribute to general welfare.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, churches, hospitals, and public agencies in Iowa can seek support for early childhood development and related community programs through the Fort Dodge Community Foundation. Focus areas include youth reading and literacy, early childhood development, positive youth development, family well-being, and other quality-of-life projects in eligible north-central and northwest Iowa counties.

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 Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa can seek project funding in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs, including early childhood development initiatives, for US $5,000 - US $25,000. With a mission to improve our world, Dr Scholl Foundation provides primarily U.S. organizations with one-year, project-based support through an annual October–March grant cycle.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local government units serving the 51001 zip code in Iowa can seek Siouxland Community Foundation’s Akron Community Foundation Grant for early childhood development, education, health, arts, and human services projects. Funding supports programs that enhance quality of life in Akron, address emerging needs, and leverage community resources and volunteerism.

Preschool providers in Iowa offering classroom-based programs for at-risk children ages three to five can apply for the Shared Visions Preschool Program Grant to support high-quality early learning. Administered by the Iowa Department of Education, this competitive funding backs comprehensive preschool services at specified locations and classrooms within an applicant organization.

Nonprofit organizations, local governments, and public education institutions serving Monona County in Iowa can access funding for early childhood development and related community programs through Siouxland Community Foundation’s Monona County Community Partners Foundation Grant, with awards from US $250 - US $15,000. Grants from Siouxland Community Foundation help Iowa early childhood organizations and other service providers enhance quality of life across arts, education, health, human services, and more.

Nonprofit organizations and local government units serving Sioux County, Iowa can apply for Siouxland Community Foundation’s Sioux County Community Foundation Grant, with awards from US $250 - US $15,000 for community projects, including early childhood development and daycare. Programs with county-wide benefits, long-term impact, and strong collaboration receive priority consideration.

Nonprofit organizations and local government units serving O’Brien County in Iowa can apply for Siouxland Community Foundation’s O’Brien County Community Foundation Grant, with awards of US $250 - US $15,000 for projects. Funding can support early childhood development, education, health, human services, arts, environment, and community betterment initiatives that enhance quality of life.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving underserved children and families through early childhood development, health, or family support programs can seek funding for project, general operating, or capital needs. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports U.S. community-based organizations working on childhood development, literacy, health and social services, economic stability, workforce readiness, and disaster relief in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

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 True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government units serving the Siouxland tri-state area in Iowa can access funding through Siouxland Community Foundation to support education, early childhood development, and related community programs. Grants up to US $5,000 also cover health, human services, arts, culture, and civic projects that enhance quality of life within a 50-mile radius of Sioux City.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government agencies serving Ft. Madison or Keokuk with community-wide programs can access funding through Freeport-McMoRan Foundation for education, workforce development, economic opportunity, and leadership initiatives. Early childhood development efforts, including PK–12 and early learning programs that boost achievement and remove barriers for young children, may be strong candidates for support over $20,000.