Best Grants for Community Centers in Iowa

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

The Rural YMCA Grant Program in Iowa offers $250,000 to improve facility infrastructure at rural YMCA locations. This funding, from the Iowa Legislature, supports projects that address social needs in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Eligible projects include renovations, land acquisition, and site development, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, requiring a cash match of at least 50% of the requested amount.

The PMRTC Community Betterment Grant Program by Prairie Meadows supports small to medium projects aimed at enhancing community well-being. Grants range from $100 to $99,999 and target various sectors including arts, education, health, and economic development. This initiative aims to uplift Iowans by funding essential services, creating educational opportunities, and improving access to arts for underserved populations. The program reflects Prairie Meadows' commitment to fostering positive change in Central Iowa communities.

The Honda USA Foundation provides funding to support mobility initiatives that empower individuals, particularly those facing disabilities, by removing barriers and expanding opportunities. Focused on sustainable change in underserved communities, the Foundation encourages applications for programs in education, infrastructure, and technology that align with its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be based in the U.S. with appropriate tax-exempt status and can apply for multiple funding opportunities while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

The AdvoCare Foundation, established in 1993, aims to promote health and wellness for children through its grant program. Focused on year-round initiatives, the foundation supports local communities where AdvoCare distributors operate. Grants typically last one year with an average funding of $25,000, although multi-year support may be available. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster positive health changes and encourages collaborative efforts with previous grantees.

The Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation offers System and Capacity Building Grants to enhance the health and well-being of all Iowans. These grants, starting at $25,000, focus on significant infrastructure and system changes aligned with core initiatives such as oral health integration and health equity. The Foundation encourages applicants to consult staff before applying, ensuring that projects align with strategic goals in education, advocacy, access, prevention, and research.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks.

Just as importantly, the DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education. Our mission is to conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.

IRA Iowa Tree Planting Grant

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, through the USDA Forest Service & National Association of State Foresters 2023 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), received funds to plant trees in public spaces.

The Iowa Tree Planting Grant provides reimbursable grants to purchase trees, mulch, tree staking/protection and supplemental watering by contractor or city staff. The grant is a two-year program.

The Iowa Tree Planting grants are available to community governmental entities, volunteer organizations, and service organizations involved with local urban and community forest services, to plant trees on publicly owned properties within the community to diversify the tree canopy, increase tree benefits, help with energy costs and health disparities, and increase access to parks and nature. 

The Prairie Meadows Legacy Grant Program offers substantial funding ranging from $100,000 to $1 million for impactful projects in central Iowa. This initiative supports various categories including arts, economic development, education, and health services. By funding iconic projects like the Principal Riverwalk and Pappajohn Sculpture Garden, the program plays a vital role in revitalizing the Greater Des Moines area, enhancing community resources and fostering cultural growth.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks.

Just as importantly, the DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education. Our mission is to conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.

Urban Forestry Development Grant

Through the USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a pass-through partner for the Urban Forestry Development grants for communities.

The Urban Forestry Development Grant provides reimbursable grants to complete projects such as creating community forestry plans, building urban food forests, hosting educational programming, and workforce development through forestry internships. The grant is a two-year program.

The Urban Forestry Development grants are available to community governmental entities, volunteer organizations, and service organizations involved with local urban and community forest services, to improve management, care, and public engagement with trees growing in parks, natural areas, and along public rights-of-way. Grants will also support projects in Iowa communities through investments in community-identified urban forestry needs, advancing environmental or health benefits.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused Collaborations Program (RII-FEC) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by fostering partnerships among government, higher education, and industry. This program supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers to tackle significant challenges in STEM fields, promoting diversity and broadening participation. By integrating Minority-Serving Institutions and early-career faculty from underrepresented backgrounds, RII-FEC seeks to build sustainable STEM capacity and drive impactful discoveries across regions.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

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 Strengthening Families and Communities Grant by Telligen Community Initiative focuses on enhancing the resilience of youth and families through community-based funding. This initiative is transitioning to two-year funding periods, with applications due in March and October for different states. The grant aims to address social determinants of health, providing targeted support based on extensive applicant feedback. The program emphasizes a narrowed applicant pool to ensure more consistent funding for impactful projects.

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.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $49,999 to support community health initiatives. Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration and addressing social needs to foster well-being. Eligible organizations include non-profits, schools, and government agencies. The fund prioritizes projects that align with the Community Health Improvement Plan, focusing on health equity, civic engagement, and neighborhood enhancement. This initiative aims to empower communities and improve health outcomes while fostering corporate social responsibility.

The Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (Region 4) aims to empower small businesses by providing essential outreach and support. Funded by the US Department of Transportation, this initiative offers financial and technical assistance, training programs, and counseling to help small businesses effectively compete for DOT-related contracts. By enhancing their capabilities, the program seeks to improve the participation of small enterprises in transportation projects at federal, state, and local levels.

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.

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.  

College and Career Transition Counselor Grant

Description of the Project

The start-up grants for the project will help offset the funding needed to start new College and Career Transition Counselor positions in Iowa. College and Career Transition Counselors will work directly through the community college and secondary schools to support college transition and career exploration through targeted connections with students and families during crucial time frames, including preparation, transition to enrollment, and persistence through their postsecondary program. These counselors will work closely with students in grades 11 and 12 in partner high schools throughout the summer after high school graduation and as the first-year advisor for students coming out of this program at the coordinating community college. The positions will be hosted at the community college and partner with at least one school district.

Purpose of the Grant

Financial support to expand the College and Career Transition Counselors across the state is provided by the Department of Education, Bureau of CTE and Post Secondary Readiness. Grant recipients will receive funding for a three-year period of time. 

The Fiscal Year 2026 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program aims to enhance flood risk awareness and mitigation through the development of flood hazard data and maps. Managed by FEMA, the program supports communities in making informed decisions about flood risk. With a total funding of $41 million across nine regions, CTPs play a crucial role in promoting responsible planning and decision-making within local governments and the private sector.

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Iowa HHS provides high quality programs and services that protect and improve the health and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified applicants to provide state-wide and local programming that supports economic mobility for Iowa families. Funds are made available through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and must achieve one of the four purposes of TANF:

• Provide assistance to needy families
• End dependence on benefits
• Prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies
• Encourage two-parent families

Priority Projects will demonstrate that they can make measurable progress in the following areas:

• Reducing barriers to consistent and stable employment for the TANF-eligible (≤ 200% FPL) population
• Enhancing opportunities for TANF-eligible Iowans who are employed to increase their income
• Reducing dependence on government-provided benefits or assistance
• Improving overall education and work-readiness gains for the TANF-eligible population
• Enhancing community-based and local programming focused on economic mobility for the TANF-eligible population

The Disaster Resilience Program, supported by Equal Justice Works, aims to provide free civil legal aid to communities affected by disasters in the Midwest. With funding for attorney and summer law student fellows, the program addresses the unique legal needs of low-income families, helping them recover from the impacts of disasters. This initiative not only stabilizes lives but also promotes resilience in communities by ensuring access to essential legal services.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is inviting proposals for Round 2 Opioid Settlement Funding (RFP BHTHPTR26113) to support local opioid abatement strategies across seven districts. Eligible applicants may propose new projects distinct from previous funding. The agency aims to enhance health and resiliency in communities through innovative services. Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received funding, ensuring a diverse range of strategies to combat opioid-related issues.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Iowa support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas or towns outside urbanized regions. Funding is available through Opportunity and Enterprise grants, prioritizing smaller requests. Enterprise grants focus on emerging businesses, allowing funding for training, land development, and community improvements. Opportunity grants promote economic development, feasibility studies, and long-term planning. This program is critical for fostering rural economic growth and sustainability.

FY27 RFP FWBPEFS27001 for Iowa Fatherhood Initiative

Description

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) # FWBPEFS27001 is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified applicant to provide comprehensive fatherhood services, including family economic advancement, parenting education, access and visitation supports, financial literacy, and employment readiness programming to strengthen families and promote self-sufficiency. 

The Credentials to Careers Grant supports Iowa school districts in enhancing career and technical education (CTE) programs that lead to student attainment of industry-recognized credentials. This initiative encourages districts to apply for funding based on a tiered structure, considering labor-market value. Priority is given to those districts that have not previously received funding and demonstrate sustainable integration of credential attainment into CTE pathways, empowering students with valuable skills for high-demand occupations.