Best Grants for Elementary Education in Iowa

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. Under the leadership of the Iowa Department of Education Director and in partnership with the State Board of Education, Department team members, in collaboration with a wide range of community partners, support schools and districts as they prepare students for college and career training and ensure they receive the support needed to succeed.

Programs for At-Risk Early Elementary Students Grant

The Programs for At-Risk Early Elementary Students is a grant made available to eligible Iowa public elementary schools in a year in which funds are made available by the Iowa legislature. The grant provides funds to assist schools in addressing the needs of kindergarten through third-grade students who are at-risk of educational failure.

Funds are awarded to elementary schools with a high percentage of low-income families in grades K-3 as reported on the previous year’s fall certified enrollment report (SRI). Elementary schools notified by the Iowa Department of Education are eligible to participate. Funds can be used to pay for expenditures designed to improve academic achievement and to “provide activities and materials designed to encourage children’s self-esteem, provide role modeling and mentoring techniques in social competence and social skills, and discourage inappropriate drug use” (Iowa Code § 279.51).

Active local elementary-serving PTAs planning family engagement activities in Iowa can receive support to create meaningful in-school experiences that foster connection and engagement for families. National Congress of Parents & Teachers, through the Here for Healthy Schools: Quality Time Off Grant funded by Lysol, offers US $2,000 plus disinfecting wipes to five selected PTAs nationwide.

Focused on scholarships for future educators and related fields, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation invites graduating high school seniors to pursue four-year college studies. Students interested in elementary education, criminal justice or law enforcement, or healthcare-related majors may be eligible, which could benefit those planning to support elementary education in Iowa and beyond.

High school students planning to study elementary education can receive scholarship support through the Margaret Taylor Kiracofe Memorial Scholarship. Grants from Community Foundation of Carroll County help students pursue higher education in teaching; Iowa students interested in elementary education careers may be eligible if they meet the fund’s specific criteria.

Iowa elementary education students seeking college scholarships may be eligible for the Lula T. and James L. Crosby Scholarship Fund, which supports future elementary education majors from southeastern North Carolina. Graduating seniors from any high school in Cumberland, Hoke, or Harnett counties with a 3.0 GPA and church involvement can apply through Cumberland Community Foundation.

Elementary schools and other eligible education organizations in Iowa can receive up to US $4,000 to design and implement hands-on math interventions for students with disabilities in grades 2–8. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics funds materials like manipulatives and expects recipients to share successful strategies with colleagues locally and beyond.

Shelby County residents pursuing elementary education careers can apply for the Vera DoLean Ginn Kiwanis Scholarship, receiving US $1,000 toward a certificate or degree. Eligible students must have at least a 3.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need, academic ability, and community or school service; Iowa education majors may find this opportunity relevant if locally connected.

Students pursuing elementary education careers in the U.S. can receive scholarship support, typically around US $1,000, through the Eleanor C. Hungar Scholarship Endowment Fund. Administered by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, these non-renewable or renewable awards assist graduating high school seniors preparing for elementary teaching, and may benefit Iowa-focused education pathways meeting the service-area residency requirements.

Public school classroom teachers in Iowa serving grades 3–8 can receive donated Walking Classroom sets to integrate physical activity with core academic instruction. Alliance for a Healthier Generation provides materials, training, and resources to help elementary and middle school programs, especially those with higher socioeconomic or academic need, improve student health, engagement, and achievement.

Nonprofit organizations running U.S. programs in elementary education, STEM learning, or food-as-health initiatives may be eligible for Takeda’s corporate giving. Focused on reducing social disparities, Takeda supports K–8 math, broader STEM foundations, and access to nutritious food, which could benefit Iowa groups serving elementary students and their families.

Focused on early childhood education, Frances R. Dewing Foundation invites Iowa schools, districts, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek seed funding for innovative projects serving children up to sixth grade. U.S.-based applicants proposing new, untried classroom or day care approaches with broad, direct benefits to children may be eligible for support.

Emeril's Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen Grants support K-8 schools in enhancing culinary and gardening education. Schools must be 501c3 nonprofits with established programs, demonstrating the ability to impact students positively. The initiative focuses on fostering appreciation for food sources, developing life skills, and promoting healthy eating. Schools are encouraged to mentor others and must provide dedicated gardening and culinary instruction to all students. This program aims to empower children with essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

The Creche Childhood Education Fund Grant, established by the Omaha Community Foundation, aims to support educational programming for children in the Omaha metro area. Grants, totaling about $25,000, are awarded to public 501(c)(3) organizations that provide services to underserved children up to 12 years old. Organizations can apply annually but are eligible to receive funds only once every three years. Notably, grant money cannot be used for operating expenses.

K–5 classroom teachers in public or nonprofit private schools can receive up to US $1,000 for hands-on math and science project materials, including those teaching in Iowa. Toshiba America Foundation supports teacher-designed projects for use in their own schools, helping elementary educators enhance STEM learning and spark students’ curiosity.

Elementary education and youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in the greater Chicago area can seek McGraw Foundation support for programs such as elementary schooling, special needs education, tutoring, and after-school or summer enrichment. McGraw Foundation provides Iowa-focused elementary education groups with US $2,000 - US $10,000 for general operating support, specific projects, or occasionally capital needs when they meet its geographic and tax-exempt criteria.

Nonprofits and other tax-exempt agencies operating lending bookmobiles that serve underserved children in Iowa can receive US $500 - US $3,000 to purchase books for preschool through grade 8 readers. Lois Lenski Covey Foundation provides U.S. elementary education and literacy programs with funding specifically for children’s fiction and nonfiction titles available for checkout.

Nonprofit organizations supporting elementary education, middle school programs, hunger, or homelessness in Iowa communities where Cupertino Electric employees live and work may be eligible for this corporate philanthropy. With a mission to build strong communities, Cupertino Electric provides charitable support prioritizing areas like Dallas and Polk counties in Iowa.

Iowa elementary education nonprofits can access funding through Barney Family Foundation to support K–8 learning programs or related education initiatives. U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for US $5,000 - US $50,000, including projects that improve early education outcomes or advance cancer and Alzheimer’s health research benefiting children and families.

The Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant, offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to enhance career pipelines in the water utilities sector. This funding opportunity supports institutions and organizations in expanding access to water utility jobs through apprenticeship, education, and training programs. By fostering collaborations and increasing public awareness, the initiative seeks to address the workforce needs of water systems, contributing to community health and environmental protection.

McCormick & Company, Inc. actively supports charitable contributions through its Charitable Donations Committee (CDC), which prioritizes donations to non-profit organizations that enhance education, health, environment, and culture. The CDC focuses on organizations that benefit communities where McCormick employees live and work, ensuring a positive impact. Eligible groups must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination. However, donations are not made to individuals, political organizations, or entities that conflict with corporate values.

The STEM Innovation Grant by Colocation America supports innovative STEM programs for K-12 students, offering up to $7,500 in funding. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and schools with STEM-specific programming. The grant aims to inspire youth through unique learning approaches and real-world applications of STEM knowledge. Interested parties must attend a mandatory informational call, with funding available for tools, curriculum development, and professional training.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

The Sorenson Legacy Foundation Grant aims to improve lives through support for education, health care, community development, and innovation. Established by James and Beverley Sorenson, the foundation focuses on enhancing art education, medical technologies, and community assistance in Utah. It prioritizes projects that foster artistic growth, promote innovative solutions, and address health care challenges while aiding vulnerable populations. The foundation's commitment to enriching lives reflects a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and community engagement.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

The Madelyn L. Laschober Endowment Fund, established by the Partners of the Americas Foundation, supports projects focused on youth, education, and microenterprise development. Offering an annual grant of up to $1,000, this initiative honors Mrs. Laschober's legacy and her contributions to Latin America. Through this fund, Partners of the Americas aims to empower communities and foster meaningful connections across the Western Hemisphere, reinforcing the importance of education and entrepreneurship.

The JTMF Foundation Grant focuses on improving the lives of individuals in need, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. By partnering with organizations addressing immediate needs and long-term challenges, the foundation supports children, older adults, veterans, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Guided by Catholic values, JTMF aims to empower communities while seeking innovative solutions to societal issues. Organizations that align with these focus areas are encouraged to connect, fostering a collaborative effort towards meaningful impact.