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Search Through Grants for Children in Iowa

The Dekko Foundation Grant supports the development of children and young people from birth to age 18, focusing on their economic freedom through tailored learning environments. The foundation prioritizes early childhood development, middle childhood growth, adolescent skills, and vibrant community support. Organizations eligible for funding must be nonprofit or have a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3). Proposals should connect to communities where the founder had a vested interest.

The GreenState Foundation, part of GreenState Credit Union, is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through financial education, affordable housing, and children's health. They actively support local nonprofits and schools, prioritizing projects that empower underserved communities. With a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community impact, they ensure funding is available within specific regions including Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska, fostering a brighter future for all.

The HealthConnect Innovation Grants, provided by the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, aim to address social determinants of health and create opportunities for vulnerable children and youth in central Iowa. By targeting disparities in health outcomes influenced by economic and environmental factors, these grants support initiatives that foster community well-being. Eligible organizations include nonprofit entities exempt from federal tax. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly, encouraging innovative solutions to improve health equity.

The Valero Energy Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in communities where Valero operates. With a focus on basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives, the foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2019, it provided approximately $40 million to support disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing a commitment to corporate citizenship and community well-being.

The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust provides grants primarily to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in Iowa and parts of Illinois. Focused on enhancing educational opportunities, the Trust supports projects in elementary and secondary education, higher education, medical research, youth services, and recreation. By funding innovative initiatives, it aims to improve access to educational resources and foster scientific advancement, while also addressing the recreational needs of youth and supporting community development.

The Iowa Women's Foundation Core Grants aim to support organizations that address barriers to women's economic self-sufficiency in Iowa. Since 1997, over $2 million has been awarded to initiatives that offer housing, transportation, education, employment, childcare, and mentorship. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and licensed childcare centers. The foundation encourages innovative solutions that empower women and girls, fostering their independence and leadership within the community.

The Variety Grant Program, run by Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, offers funding to nonprofits dedicated to supporting at-risk and underprivileged children. Annually, various agencies can apply for grants that aid in critical care, camp activities, and transportation for children facing health challenges or poverty. The program emphasizes tangible projects that directly benefit children, ensuring that applicants demonstrate financial stability and organizational impact.

The Van Program by Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa offers vital transportation services to at-risk and underprivileged children. Over 40 years, the program has provided over 400 vans to nonprofits, ensuring children can attend medical appointments, therapy sessions, and recreational activities. This initiative supports families facing financial strain while fostering community connections and inclusivity. With a mission to enhance the lives of children with special needs, Variety is committed to making a positive impact across Iowa.

The Annual Community Grant by the Greater Jefferson County Foundation supports educational, cultural, and civic initiatives in Jefferson County, Iowa. With over $1.79 million awarded, grants assist local non-profits with capital improvements and operational costs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 or government units, focusing on projects that benefit children, families, and community development. However, funding excludes past projects, individuals, and religious purposes. This initiative fosters community betterment and engagement across various sectors.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

The Operations and Program Grant by the Quad Cities Community Foundation provides essential operating and program support to nonprofits, enhancing their long-term sustainability. Eligible organizations must be located in specific counties in Illinois and Iowa, with a focus on diverse fields such as health, education, and community development. This grant favors applications for general operating support and those from successful existing programs. Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $20,000, allowing for flexible funding options.

The Lila D. Rankin Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, literary, and educational initiatives, particularly in the Fort Madison, Iowa area. It emphasizes the encouragement of art and the prevention of cruelty to children and animals. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Individuals cannot apply. This grant is an opportunity for local organizations to receive funding for impactful projects in various program areas including animal welfare, arts, culture, education, and science.

The Story County Community Foundation offers the McCallsburg, Iowa Legacy Grant to enhance community well-being. This grant is aimed at nonprofit organizations and government entities in McCallsburg, focusing on projects that directly benefit local residents. Funding is subject to the available balance of the McCallsburg Legacy Fund. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote art, education, health, and community welfare while fostering an inclusive environment. For inquiries regarding eligibility and funding amounts, contact the Foundation directly.

The Competitive Donor-Advised Funds program by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation offers grants aimed at enhancing community welfare in Linn County, Iowa. This initiative encourages local corporations and family foundations to support diverse causes, including programmatic support, capital projects, event sponsorships, and more. With a focus on children's needs, these grants typically provide funding for up to 12 months, with average awards around $3,000, ensuring a significant impact on the community.

The GIG Fund, managed by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, provides grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to support public arts projects in Midwestern communities. This initiative aims to enhance access to arts for underserved audiences, including rural and economically disadvantaged groups. Eligible activities include performances and art festivals, with a focus on engaging professional artists. The funding period extends from December 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and requires a 1:1 match.

The Women's Development Initiatives Grant Program, funded by Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation, focuses on enhancing education and economic opportunities for women in various communities. This initiative aims to empower women through skills training, small business development, and leadership programs, ultimately fostering their participation in economic growth. Eligible organizations must directly serve women and girls in specified locations, demonstrating measurable impacts and sustainability beyond funding.

The Title IV, Part B - Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Program in Iowa aims to provide funding to schools and community organizations for establishing community learning centers. These centers will offer academic support and enrichment activities to ensure the safety and development of children during after-school hours. Grants range from $50,000 to $300,000 per year, with a focus on helping Title I eligible schools.

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 Dubuque County Child Care Solutions Fund Grant, administered by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, aims to enhance childcare access and quality in the region. This program supports childcare providers by addressing wage challenges while keeping tuition affordable for families. With a focus on promoting career opportunities through AccessDubuqueJobs.com, the initiative underscores the importance of childcare in fostering a thriving community. Eligible providers must meet specific criteria, ensuring quality care for children in Dubuque County.

The Dubuque County Child Care Solutions Fund Grant focuses on enhancing childcare access and quality in Dubuque County. With support from the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, this program aims to address critical childcare wage challenges while minimizing tuition increases for families. Eligible childcare providers can receive funding to cover state-required costs such as background checks, CPR training, and physical examinations for staff. This initiative is vital for supporting the community's working families.

The Dubuque County Child Care Solutions Fund Grant is a vital initiative aimed at enhancing professional development and technology upgrades for childcare providers in Dubuque County. With funding up to $5,000, the program supports essential training and technology improvements, ensuring quality care and education for children. This grant addresses the challenges of childcare wages while minimizing tuition increases for families, fostering a sustainable and supportive childcare environment in the community.

The Dubuque County Child Care Solutions Fund Grant provides vital wage support for childcare providers in Dubuque County. Designed to enhance employee compensation, this fund aims to retain qualified professionals while maintaining affordable tuition for families. With grants of up to $1,000 for full-time and $500 for part-time staff, it addresses the pressing issue of childcare wages. This initiative, managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, ensures quality care and access to essential services for the community.

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 Akron Community Foundation Grant, facilitated by the Siouxland Community Foundation, aims to address charitable needs in the Akron, Iowa area. Established in 2001, the Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and local government units by providing grants in various sectors including arts, education, health, and human services. The grant prioritizes projects that enhance community quality of life and address emerging needs. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) and serve the local community.

The Monona County Community Partners Foundation Grant, offered by the Siouxland Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Monona County by supporting nonprofit organizations and public education institutions. Grants focus on vital areas such as arts, health, education, and human services, responding to community needs. Priority is given to projects with long-term impact and collaboration among local entities. The grant program will transition to biennial funding starting in 2024, emphasizing thoughtful and sustainable initiatives.

The Sioux County Community Foundation Grant aims to address emerging needs in Sioux County through charitable support for nonprofit organizations and local government units. Grants focus on areas such as arts, education, health, and human services, promoting community betterment and sustainability. Priority is given to projects with county-wide benefits and collaborative efforts, while generally excluding general operating expenses and multi-year grants. This initiative enhances the quality of life for Sioux County residents by connecting caring donors with impactful causes.

Parent Support Grant

The Shared Visions Parent Support Program grants provide funds for educational support services to parents of children ages birth to five and who are determined to meet certain at-risk criteria as defined in 281—Iowa Administrative Code 64. Priority for funding will be given to applicants who serve parents of children ages birth to three years and meeting at-risk criteria. Iowa Code 279.51 governs these grants. 

Overview and General Information

In 1988, the Iowa Legislature established Iowa Code 256A creating the Child Development Coordinating Council (CDCC) and funding the Shared Visions Parent Support Program. The mission of the CDCC is to advocate for Iowa’s children and families and support comprehensive programs for families with children meeting risk factors. The CDCC advises the Iowa Department of Education (Department) regarding the administration and implementation of state funded at-risk programs for families with children ages birth to five. The Department administers the Shared Visions Parent Support Program which provides comprehensive educational support services for families with children meeting identified risk factors who are ages birth to five years. 

The Department is issuing a competitive application to fund Shared Visions Parent Support Programs. The purpose is to solicit applications that will enable the CDCC to select grantees who will provide a Shared Visions Parent Support Program created in accordance with Iowa Code section 279.51 and the rules in 281—Iowa Administrative Code 64.