Best Grants for Children in Iowa

The LSB Foundation Grant, established by Lincoln Savings Bank, supports 501(c)(3) organizations serving Iowa communities. With a history of philanthropy spanning over a century, the foundation focuses on disaster relief and community enhancement. Organizations eligible for funding must operate in designated areas and be recognized as nonprofit entities. This grant aims to foster community growth and resilience through financial support, reflecting LSB's commitment to giving back.

The Father's Table Foundation Grant aims to glorify God by addressing the immediate and future needs of women and children globally. This selective grant process emphasizes building self-sufficiency and resilience among beneficiaries, focusing on proven partners capable of expanding their impact. The foundation supports a diverse range of projects, including employment assistance, education, humanitarian aid, and health care, ensuring that aid not only meets urgent needs but also fosters long-term sustainability.

The JA Community Foundation focuses on funding solutions that address the needs of the Japanese American and broader Asian American communities. They prioritize programs that enhance senior health, promote history, arts, culture, and support youth. Eligible applicants must be registered 501c3 organizations and can apply from all 50 states. However, organizations with open grants cannot submit new applications until their current grants are closed.

The Skatepark Project Grants aim to support underserved communities in building public, free, concrete skateparks for youth. Eligible applicants include public charities and local agencies committed to designing inclusive spaces. The projects must engage local skaters in planning and fundraising, promote safety, and be open year-round without entry fees. The initiative fosters community involvement and addresses social inequalities, ensuring that all types of skatepark users can benefit from these vital recreational resources.

The RJCCT Youth Recreational Program, supported by the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust since 1995, funds projects that enhance youth recreational facilities in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. The program prioritizes communities in specific counties and aims to strengthen local initiatives. Grants typically cover up to 25% of project costs, with a maximum of $25,000. Emphasis is placed on projects with significant local funding and volunteer support, ensuring a lasting impact on youth engagement in recreational activities.

The A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust supports organizations committed to enhancing the lives of children and young adults. They focus on educational institutions, health-related initiatives, and community services in the St. Marys, Pennsylvania area. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations demonstrating accountability and measurable outcomes, with a preference for projects that benefit the community at large. The Trust encourages collaborative funding efforts and endeavors that inspire hope and vision.

The Legacy Youth Alliance Grant supports youth-led projects and organizations in Wapello County, aiming to enhance education and health opportunities for local youth. The fund prioritizes innovative initiatives that demonstrate community impact and collaboration. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits or those with a fiscal sponsor. Notably, it excludes funding for individuals, for-profits, and projects lacking youth focus. The foundation seeks to empower youth through impactful programs.

The Clark and Ruby Baker Foundation Grant aims to support charitable organizations that align with the philanthropic mission of the Baker family, focusing on Methodist-affiliated educational institutions, aid for disadvantaged children, and assistance for the sick in Georgia. The Foundation considers funding for construction projects of educational and medical facilities, ensuring that grants are awarded to meet specific community needs and promote long-term benefits.

The McInnes Charitable Trust, founded by Sally and John McInnes, aims to support organizations in Colorado focused on animal welfare, children's health, education, and empowerment. The Trust prioritizes funding for exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) with a proven track record. It typically does not fund capital improvements or multi-year commitments. By fostering a spirit of generosity, the Trust honors the McInnes family's legacy and commitment to various charitable causes.

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 Lubrizol Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with community investment priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on quality education, health, and sustainable communities. Established in 1952, the foundation emphasizes support for initiatives in Cleveland, Ohio, and Houston, Texas. Grant applications are evaluated based on alignment with Lubrizol's investment pillars, with a commitment to fostering social impact and community well-being through financial support.

The Bruce J. Heim Foundation Grant supports organizations that empower young individuals with exceptional potential in academics and the arts. Established in 1986, this private foundation aims to provide financial assistance that fosters skill enhancement and personal growth. The Board evaluates grant requests monthly, assessing the viability and significance of each organization’s project. The Foundation's goal is to inspire recipients to realize their potential and contribute to philanthropic efforts, echoing the support they received.

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation administers the Kirschner Trusts, established to honor Phil and Roberta Kirschner's philanthropic legacy. These trusts focus on supporting young individuals with disabilities, Muskogee nonprofits, and Jewish causes. Since their transfer to the foundation in 2013, the trusts have continued to provide vital grants to organizations that align with the Kirschners’ values, ensuring their charitable impact persists in the community.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

Singing for Change Grant Program

Singing for Change empowers people to become more self-sufficient.

Singing for Change supports nonprofit organizations that inspire, empower, and equip people to become more self-sufficient.

Our grantees encourage personal growth among people who are marginalized. They care about the community as a whole, as well as promote the belief that collectively, people can bring about positive change and sustainable self-sufficiency through connected, diverse communities.

Most likely to be considered are organizations that keep their overhead low and collaborate with other groups in their community to find innovative ways of solving a common problem.

Singing for Change (aka SFC Charitable Foundation, Inc.) was created by Jimmy Buffett in 1995, and receives one dollar from each ticket Jimmy sells at his shows. We envision a world where nonprofit organizations, large and small, provide compelling opportunities for individuals to discover their power to make a difference. The foundation promotes work on the forefront of social change - helping people and communities become smarter, safer, stronger, healthier, and whole. 

Singing for Change (SFC) partners with progressive, community-based organizations addressing the root causes of social or environmental problems. We recently narrowed our focus to projects designed to promote self-sufficiency. 

Specifically, we look for groups that are: 

• Working to engage individuals in their communities 
• Helping people realize their full potential
• Creating lasting change in the communities they serve

We will fund operating expenses for those organizations that we feel are accomplishing these goals.

Areas Of Interest:

Children and families: Grants are awarded to programs fostering self-sufficiency and stability. Individual therapy is not funded, nor are therapeutic or recreational camps or wish-fulfillment programs.

Disenfranchised groups: SFC defines these groups as people who have been marginalized in society because of their low levels of skill, education or income, people with disabilities, and people who are homeless. 

Grants range in size from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation offers the Competitive Donor-Advised Funds - Diamond V Grant to enhance the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa. This grant supports nonprofit organizations and governmental entities focusing on health-related programs and capital needs. With an average award of $7,500 over a 12-month duration, eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status or secure a fiscal sponsor. Funding priorities vary based on donor advisors.

The Nationwide Insurance Foundation Grant aims to enhance community quality of life by providing support to nonprofits in areas where many Nationwide members reside. Since 2000, the foundation has donated over $700 million to various organizations, focusing on food security, crisis stabilization, economic empowerment, and children's wellbeing. Grants are available for general operating support, project/program support, and capital support, with a commitment to matching associate contributions.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

The Fund For Siouxland Grant, managed by the Siouxland Community Foundation, supports charitable initiatives in the Siouxland area. With a focus on arts, civic affairs, education, health, and human services, the fund aims to enhance community quality of life. Grants typically do not exceed $5,000, prioritizing projects that demonstrate collaboration, innovation, and broad community impact. The foundation is committed to serving diverse populations and addressing emerging needs without duplicating existing services.

The Community Foundation of Lyon County Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Lyon County by addressing community needs through charitable grants. It supports nonprofit organizations and local governments in areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. The foundation prioritizes projects with long-term impact and sustainability. Grants are intended to connect donors with meaningful causes, ensuring that resources are mobilized effectively to benefit the community. This grant fosters collaboration and addresses pressing local issues.

The Ida County Community Betterment Foundation Grant, administered by the Siouxland Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Ida County, Iowa. The grant supports nonprofit organizations, local government units, and educational institutions addressing community needs in areas such as health, education, arts, and human services. Prioritizing sustainable projects, the grant encourages collaboration and innovative solutions while excluding requests for general operating expenses and political activities.

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 O’Brien County Community Foundation Grant supports charitable purposes through grants to nonprofit organizations and local government units serving O’Brien County, Iowa. This fund aims to address community needs in areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. By fostering permanent charitable giving, the foundation enhances the quality of life for current and future generations, ensuring that diverse community programs receive necessary funding to thrive.

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.