Best Grants for Elementary Education in Iowa

Iowa elementary educators and school districts already registered for the Summer 2026 Elementary Computer Science Professional Development can receive funding to purchase required instructional materials. Focused on teacher professional learning, the Iowa Department of Education reimburses districts for specified devices and resources when proof of purchase is submitted and all participation conditions are met.

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.

Local elementary school PTAs and PTSAs in Iowa that are in good standing and want to run in-person digital safety and well-being programs can apply for National Congress of Parents & Teachers’ PTA Connected: Ready, Tech, Go! grants. Awards are US $1,500 to support parent-focused discussions on screen readiness and healthy device use.

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.

Elementary school PTAs in Iowa offering hands-on STEM and family engagement events can receive US $1,250 - US $5,000 to host in-person STEM + Families Science Festivals. Sponsored by Bayer Fund and administered by the National Congress of Parents & Teachers, these grants support fun, school-based science experiences that bring students and families together.

PTAs and PTSAs in good standing that want to run digital citizenship and safety programs for elementary and middle school students in Iowa can apply for the PTA Connected Be Internet Awesome grants, awarding US $1,500. Grants from National Congress of Parents & Teachers help schools engage families around online safety and healthy digital habits.

PTAs and PTSAs serving elementary school students can receive US $1,250 to run hands-on STEM and engineering family events, including in Iowa. Grants from National Congress of Parents & Teachers help local parent-teacher groups host design challenges, use ready-to-go activity guides, and involve families in exploring STEM and skilled-trades careers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Wild Ones Seeds for Education Grant Program aims to engage youth in environmental stewardship by funding projects that promote the use of native plants. This initiative supports schools and community organizations in creating native plant gardens, fostering a deeper understanding of biodiversity and sustainable practices among students. By providing necessary resources, the program encourages hands-on learning experiences for preschool through high school students, aligning with Wild Ones' mission to enhance natural landscapes.

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 Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

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.