Best Grants for Churches in Iowa

Keokuk Area Community Foundation

Established in 2004, the Keokuk Area Community Foundation receives charitable gifts and grants from individuals, families, business, and corporations to establish permanent endowments for the benefit of Southeast Iowa, Western Illinois, and Northeast Missouri.

The mission of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation is to build endowments to assist community needs, foster growth for leadership, and create flourishing nonprofit organizations, charities, schools, and churches. 

Kowzan / Sandrock Grant Fund

It’s been twenty years since the North Lee Community Foundation founders dreamed of what could happen if they pooled their resources and worked with others to resolve their community’s challenges and build on their strengths. The mission they embraced was to give back to Lee County, create leaders, and promote nonprofit organizations. The Sandrock Trust and Joe Kowzan were instrumental in spreading that mission. To honor both Joe Kowzan and Sandrock, the North Lee Community Foundation renamed its grant fund the Kowzan/Sandrock Grant Fund in 2025.

All projects should serve the charitable fields of arts and culture, community betterment, education, health care and human services.

Churches and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and eligible civic groups in Butler County, Iowa can seek more than US $1,000 to improve local quality of life through arts, education, health, human services, environment, and community betterment projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa supports charitable, community-focused church projects and broader county initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations, government entities, and fiscally sponsored community groups in Kossuth County, Iowa can apply for more than US $1,000 to support arts, community betterment, education, health, human services, environment, and animal welfare projects. Grants from Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa may benefit churches when projects provide community services or activities rather than inherently religious programs.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and other eligible tax-exempt organizations serving Howard County can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $15,000 to support projects in arts and culture, community betterment, education, health, environment, and human services. Churches may be funded for charitable community services or activities that benefit local residents.

Enhance Hamilton County Foundation

The mission of the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the quality of life for citizens in Hamilton County. To these ends, the Foundation will promote endowment collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of the designated area.

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Greater Des Moines Foundation. The founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that our communities’ charitable programs were supported now and in the future.

EHCF Annual Grant Program - Arts/Culture/Humanities

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation will provide grants to improve the quality of life throughout Hamilton County, Iowa. We want to help develop all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as, to benefit rural areas of the county.

The Foundation supports the spirit of giving throughout Hamilton County by providing outstanding support and services to our donors, volunteers, other charitable-focused agencies, grant seekers, and the community. We achieve this by:

• Helping people realize their dreams of making a difference and finding the best vehicle to achieve that, by designing and implementing their charitable giving plans.
• Facilitating and supporting the works of charitable-focused organizations in Hamilton County through strategic grant making.
• Acting as stewards for the community by managing donor funds.
• Bringing diverse groups together for the common good.

Competitive grants are made available yearly from unrestricted funds, one of which is: Arts/Culture/Humanities – Museums, historic preservation, etc

Enhance Hamilton County Foundation

The mission of the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the quality of life for citizens in Hamilton County. To these ends, the Foundation will promote endowment collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of the designated area.

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Greater Des Moines Foundation. The founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that our communities’ charitable programs were supported now and in the future.

EHCF Annual Grant Program - Capital-Based Funding

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation will provide grants to improve the quality of life throughout Hamilton County, Iowa. We want to help develop all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as, to benefit rural areas of the county.

The Foundation supports the spirit of giving throughout Hamilton County by providing outstanding support and services to our donors, volunteers, other charitable-focused agencies, grant seekers, and the community. We achieve this by:

• Helping people realize their dreams of making a difference and finding the best vehicle to achieve that, by designing and implementing their charitable giving plans.
• Facilitating and supporting the works of charitable-focused organizations in Hamilton County through strategic grant making.
• Acting as stewards for the community by managing donor funds.
• Bringing diverse groups together for the common good.

Competitive grants are made available yearly from unrestricted funds, one of which is:

Capital Based Funding– the building of or physical improvement of something

Enhance Hamilton County Foundation

The mission of the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the quality of life for citizens in Hamilton County. To these ends, the Foundation will promote endowment collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of the designated area.

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Greater Des Moines Foundation. The founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that our communities’ charitable programs were supported now and in the future.

EHCF Annual Grant Program - Education

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation will provide grants to improve the quality of life throughout Hamilton County, Iowa. We want to help develop all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as, to benefit rural areas of the county.

The Foundation supports the spirit of giving throughout Hamilton County by providing outstanding support and services to our donors, volunteers, other charitable-focused agencies, grant seekers, and the community. We achieve this by:

• Helping people realize their dreams of making a difference and finding the best vehicle to achieve that, by designing and implementing their charitable giving plans.
• Facilitating and supporting the works of charitable-focused organizations in Hamilton County through strategic grant making.
• Acting as stewards for the community by managing donor funds.
• Bringing diverse groups together for the common good.

Competitive grants are made available yearly from unrestricted funds, one of which is: 

 Education – Schools (of all ages), adult learning programs

Enhance Hamilton County Foundation

The mission of the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the quality of life for citizens in Hamilton County. To these ends, the Foundation will promote endowment collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of the designated area.

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Greater Des Moines Foundation. The founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that our communities’ charitable programs were supported now and in the future.

EHCF Annual Grant Program - Environment/Animal

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation will provide grants to improve the quality of life throughout Hamilton County, Iowa. We want to help develop all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as, to benefit rural areas of the county.

The Foundation supports the spirit of giving throughout Hamilton County by providing outstanding support and services to our donors, volunteers, other charitable-focused agencies, grant seekers, and the community. We achieve this by:

• Helping people realize their dreams of making a difference and finding the best vehicle to achieve that, by designing and implementing their charitable giving plans.
• Facilitating and supporting the works of charitable-focused organizations in Hamilton County through strategic grant making.
• Acting as stewards for the community by managing donor funds.
• Bringing diverse groups together for the common good.

Competitive grants are made available yearly from unrestricted funds, one of which is: Environment/Animals – Environmental protection, beautification, animal-related issues

Enhance Hamilton County Foundation

The mission of the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the quality of life for citizens in Hamilton County. To these ends, the Foundation will promote endowment collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of the designated area.

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Greater Des Moines Foundation. The founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that our communities’ charitable programs were supported now and in the future.

EHCF Annual Grant Program - Health

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation will provide grants to improve the quality of life throughout Hamilton County, Iowa. We want to help develop all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as, to benefit rural areas of the county.

The Foundation supports the spirit of giving throughout Hamilton County by providing outstanding support and services to our donors, volunteers, other charitable-focused agencies, grant seekers, and the community. We achieve this by:

• Helping people realize their dreams of making a difference and finding the best vehicle to achieve that, by designing and implementing their charitable giving plans.
• Facilitating and supporting the works of charitable-focused organizations in Hamilton County through strategic grant making.
• Acting as stewards for the community by managing donor funds.
• Bringing diverse groups together for the common good.

Competitive grants are made available yearly from unrestricted funds, one of which is: 

 Health – General, rehabilitative, mental, etc.

Enhance Hamilton County Foundation

The mission of the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the quality of life for citizens in Hamilton County. To these ends, the Foundation will promote endowment collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of the designated area.

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Greater Des Moines Foundation. The founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that our communities’ charitable programs were supported now and in the future.

EHCF Annual Grant Program - Human Services

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation will provide grants to improve the quality of life throughout Hamilton County, Iowa. We want to help develop all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as, to benefit rural areas of the county.

The Foundation supports the spirit of giving throughout Hamilton County by providing outstanding support and services to our donors, volunteers, other charitable-focused agencies, grant seekers, and the community. We achieve this by:

• Helping people realize their dreams of making a difference and finding the best vehicle to achieve that, by designing and implementing their charitable giving plans.
• Facilitating and supporting the works of charitable-focused organizations in Hamilton County through strategic grant making.
• Acting as stewards for the community by managing donor funds.
• Bringing diverse groups together for the common good.

Competitive grants are made available yearly from unrestricted funds, one of which is: 

Human Services – Public protection/safety, recreation, youth development, social support, general human services

Enhance Hamilton County Foundation

The mission of the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the quality of life for citizens in Hamilton County. To these ends, the Foundation will promote endowment collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of the designated area.

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Greater Des Moines Foundation. The founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that our communities’ charitable programs were supported now and in the future.

EHCF Annual Grant Program - Other

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation will provide grants to improve the quality of life throughout Hamilton County, Iowa. We want to help develop all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as, to benefit rural areas of the county.

The Foundation supports the spirit of giving throughout Hamilton County by providing outstanding support and services to our donors, volunteers, other charitable-focused agencies, grant seekers, and the community. We achieve this by:

• Helping people realize their dreams of making a difference and finding the best vehicle to achieve that, by designing and implementing their charitable giving plans.
• Facilitating and supporting the works of charitable-focused organizations in Hamilton County through strategic grant making.
• Acting as stewards for the community by managing donor funds.
• Bringing diverse groups together for the common good.

Competitive grants are made available yearly from unrestricted funds, one of which is: 

Other – Use this category only if the grant cannot be categorized as Arts/Culture/Humanities, Education, Environment/Animal, Health, Human Services and Public/Society Benefit.

Enhance Hamilton County Foundation

The mission of the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the quality of life for citizens in Hamilton County. To these ends, the Foundation will promote endowment collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of the designated area.

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Greater Des Moines Foundation. The founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that our communities’ charitable programs were supported now and in the future.

EHCF Annual Grant Program - Public/Society Benefit

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation will provide grants to improve the quality of life throughout Hamilton County, Iowa. We want to help develop all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as, to benefit rural areas of the county.

The Foundation supports the spirit of giving throughout Hamilton County by providing outstanding support and services to our donors, volunteers, other charitable-focused agencies, grant seekers, and the community. We achieve this by:

• Helping people realize their dreams of making a difference and finding the best vehicle to achieve that, by designing and implementing their charitable giving plans.
• Facilitating and supporting the works of charitable-focused organizations in Hamilton County through strategic grant making.
• Acting as stewards for the community by managing donor funds.
• Bringing diverse groups together for the common good.

Competitive grants are made available yearly from unrestricted funds, one of which is: 

Public/Society Benefit – Community improvement/development, philanthropy/volunteerism, capacity building, civil rights, etc

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and eligible faith-based organizations serving Franklin County can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 for community projects. With a mission to improve quality of life, Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa supports arts, education, health, human services, environment, and community betterment initiatives, which may include church-led community service activities.

Churches and other eligible nonprofits improving community life in Iowa’s Grundy County can seek grants of more than US $1,000 for charitable projects and programs. The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa funds arts and culture, community betterment, education and youth, environment and animal welfare, health, human services, and rural development initiatives that benefit county residents.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and fiscally sponsored community groups in Tama County, Iowa can apply for the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s Tama County Grants, with awards of More than US $1,000 for charitable projects. Funding supports opportunity and access, health and safety, vibrant communities, and youth empowerment, including certain community-focused church projects.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and fiscally sponsored community groups can seek US $3,000 - US $20,000 to improve quality of life in Winneshiek County. The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa funds arts, education, health, human services, environment, and community betterment projects; churches may apply for community service activities that benefit local residents.

Focused on youth development, this grant invites Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, churches, schools, and public agencies to strengthen youth programs in Jackson County. Eligible youth-serving organizations, including Christian congregations, can request up to US $1,000 for projects building life skills in areas like STEM, healthy living, leadership, agriculture, and the arts.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving seniors, advancing community health, or supporting ELCA church ministry can apply for Immanuel Vision Foundation grants up to US $75,000. Grants from Immanuel Community Vision Foundation help eligible Iowa and select county organizations fund programs that meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, especially for adults over 65 and faith-based community service.

Churches, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities in Iowa proposing projects in Pottawattamie County can seek $500 - $5,000 to improve local quality of life. Community Foundation for Western Iowa funds initiatives in arts and culture, education, environment and animals, health, human services, youth, and community improvement that occur after the mid-May selection date.

Abous Us

For Good. Forever

Established in 2004, the Keokuk Area Community Foundation receives charitable gifts and grants from individuals, families, business, and corporations to establish permanent endowments for the benefit of Southeast Iowa, Western Illinois, and Northeast Missouri.

The mission of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation is to build endowments to assist community needs, foster growth for leadership, and create flourishing nonprofit organizations, charities, schools, and

The Hellman Lee County Impact Fund

Merlin Hellman (1935 – 2021) lived a life of service for Lee County. He was a man people called for help and advice, a man who was there for his family, friends, neighbors and community. Merlin served on multiple area boards of directors, including the Boards of Marquette and Aquinas, Parish Councils, and Diocesan Stewardship Committees. He was a founding member of the Southeast Iowa Economic Development Committee, but he was most proud of his volunteer accomplishments.

North Lee County’s philanthropic story began with Merlin’s generosity. Merlin established the North Lee Community Foundation, the Lee County Charitable Fund and funded endowments to support Holy Trinity Catholic Schools, Holy Family Parish, the Fort Madison Public Library and Hope Haven.

The North Lee Community Foundation and the Lee County Charitable Fund honor the life Merlin Hellman by creating the Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grant. Starting in 2026, the Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grant will distribute multiple $25,000 - $100,000 IMPACT Grants to Lee County nonprofit organizations.

Lee County, Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits and qualified governmental agencies can access funding through Keokuk Area Community Foundation for community-building projects in arts and culture, education, health care, human services, and community services. Churches and faith-based organizations with charitable intent in Iowa may apply for US $25,000 - US $100,000 in project support serving Lee County residents.

Nonprofit organizations, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups serving Buchanan County, Iowa can apply for project grants from the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, ranging from US $1,000 - US $20,000. Funding supports arts and culture, community betterment, education, environment, health, human services, and historic preservation; church-based community service projects may be eligible.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and fiscally sponsored community groups in Emmet County, Iowa can apply for Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s Emmet County Community Foundation Grants; awards US $3,000 - US $20,000 for projects in areas like arts, community betterment, education, health, human services, and more. Churches may apply for community service projects.

Iowa churches and other eligible tax-exempt organizations can seek funding for projects that attract people through population growth, retention, and tourism while improving community well-being. Dubuque Racing Association prioritizes capacity-building efforts and material purchases that strengthen organizations in the Dubuque tri-state area, including nearby counties in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Nonprofit organizations in Marion County, Iowa can seek project-based funding to enhance local health, education, culture, religion, recreation, or heritage. Grants from Marion County Community Foundation support creative, innovative programs and capital projects up to US $3,000, with preference for collaborative efforts and initiatives serving broad segments of the community, including church-based programs with wider public benefit.

Churches and other eligible tax-exempt organizations in Iowa’s Dubuque-area tri-state region can seek funding for people-attraction projects that boost population growth, retention, and tourism. Dubuque Racing Association offers up to US $50,000, prioritizing capacity-building efforts such as planning, operations improvements, marketing, professional development, and related material purchases that strengthen community impact.

Iowa churches, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities significantly serving Johnson County and focused on immigrant and refugee support can apply for this opportunity. Focused on immigrant and refugee services, Community Foundation of Johnson County invites eligible organizations to seek more than US $12,000 to strengthen local support for newcomers through programs and services.