Best Environmental Education Grants in Iowa

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and IRS-recognized tribes working on environmental education and related STEM initiatives, including in Iowa, may be eligible for project support. Change Happens Foundation funds programs in environmental science, early education, and STEM learning, with an emphasis on equity, innovation, and broad national or global impact.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa that support children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for program funding. Grants from Costco Foundation help community-based initiatives serving youth and families, with decisions based on demonstrated community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support, including environmental education efforts that fit these priorities.

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.

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.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting vulnerable children and youth through health, housing, education, or family services can access funding through Mid-Iowa Health Foundation to address social determinants of health. Programs in central Iowa counties that improve health outcomes or reduce social barriers for young people may be especially competitive.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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 select Iowa communities working on environmental, civic, or education programs can receive support for local initiatives, including environmental education. Valero Energy Foundation provides Iowa organizations with funding across four pillars—basic needs, health care, education, and civic and environmental projects—in counties such as Buena Vista, Floyd, Kossuth, O'Brien, Webster, and others where it has major operations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Scott County, Iowa with environmental education, culture and arts, or social welfare programs can apply for Hubbell-Waterman Foundation grants. Funding can support capital projects, multi-year programs, or related operating expenses, and may benefit Iowa groups offering sustainability-focused education, youth enrichment, or community services in the Quad Cities area.

Community governmental entities and volunteer or service organizations in Iowa can apply for Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Urban Forestry Development Grant, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for urban forestry projects and education. Funding supports community forestry plans, urban food forests, educational programming, internships, and other environmental education efforts in local parks and public spaces.

With a mission to strengthen local communities, Alliant Energy provides Iowa environmental education groups with community grants for conservation, public education, school programs, and outdoor projects. Eligible organizations must be located in communities Alliant Energy serves and may also request support for related needs like parks, trails, safety, housing, workforce readiness, and disaster relief.

Nonprofits, governments, schools, universities, and organized community groups in Scott County, Iowa can receive funding for environmental projects benefiting the Mississippi River and its watershed. Quad Cities Community Foundation supports nature-based solutions, cleanups, education, and equity-focused community engagement that align with the Mississippi River Equity Vision, with awards up to US $50,000.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Worth County, Iowa can seek funding for community improvement projects, including environmental and animal welfare, education, health, and human services. With a mission to strengthen local quality of life, Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa provides grants that may support environmental education and related initiatives that benefit county residents.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and other eligible tax-exempt organizations serving Howard County can access funding through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa for projects in environmental education, environmental health, youth development, arts, community betterment, health, and human services. Grants from the Howard County Community Foundation range from US $1,000 - US $15,000 for community-focused projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Southern U.S. with environmental education, conservation, or related programs may be eligible for funding supporting programmatic work, not capital projects. Focused on areas like nature and wildlife conservation, poverty relief, and youth and family services, the Robinson Foundation invites single-year proposals from established organizations active for more than three years.

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 Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible schools running environmental programs on decarbonization, clean energy, or efficient resource use can apply for American Honda Motor support, with awards of US $25,000 - US $100,000. Grants from American Honda Motor help fund education, awareness, and infrastructure projects that advance sustainability in communities where Honda associates live and work.

Iowa institutions of higher learning, government agencies, school districts, nonpublic schools, area education agencies, organizations, and Iowa-resident individuals can seek funding for conservation and environmental education projects in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Conservation Education Program offers up to US $350,000 statewide for curricula, program materials, and educator stipends that build environmental awareness and stewardship.

Iowa communities seeking support for public greening and beautification projects can apply for Alliant Energy’s Community Tree Planting Program, administered by Trees Forever. Focused on environmental stewardship, Trees Forever invites Iowa communities in Alliant Energy’s service area to request up to US $5,000 for locally purchased, landscape-sized trees on public property.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and municipalities serving Clayton County residents can seek funding for health, human services, education, environment, community development, arts, and youth programs. Focused on community well-being, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque invites projects that may include environmental education or stewardship efforts benefiting local residents; awards up to US $2,000 with a 50% cash match.

Nonprofit organizations, colleges, universities, and government entities conducting environmental education or climate-focused research in select Illinois and Iowa counties can apply for up to US $2,850 to support their projects. With a mission to strengthen community-focused philanthropy, Quad Cities Community Foundation provides funding for programs that educate the public or research sustainable solutions, which may benefit environmental education efforts in Iowa, especially in Scott and Clinton Counties.

Nonprofit community organizing groups in Iowa working on social justice, civic engagement, and democracy can seek multi-year general operating support to build power among low- and moderate-income communities. Needmor Fund for Social Justice prioritizes strong, democratically run organizations with intersectional agendas and a focus on long-term base building and systemic change.

Nonprofit organizations in Iowa with strong, replicable community partnerships may be eligible for national recognition and support through the Community Partnership Award, which honors U.S. nonprofits leading collaborative efforts to address significant social issues. Mutual of America Foundation selects six exemplary partnerships annually, which can include environmental education initiatives built on cross-sector collaboration.

Non-sectarian nonprofits working on poverty, disability, disaster relief, or other human and social services can receive US $5,000 - US $250,000 to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. Gupta Family Foundation provides funding to smaller organizations worldwide, which may include Iowa-based 501(c)(3)s or groups operating in its current focus countries.