Best Grants for Museums in Iowa

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

The ALDI Community Gift Card Program provides financial support ranging from $100 to $1,000 to eligible nonprofits and schools that focus on after-school and out-of-school youth programs, as well as food banks. This initiative aims to empower organizations dedicated to child development and combating food insecurity. By applying, you can gain access to essential resources to further your mission and make a positive impact in your community.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers the Habitat Management Grants Program to support projects enhancing wildlife diversity in Iowa. Grants, up to $7,500, are available for eligible organizations focused on wildlife management. Projects may include habitat reconstruction, restoration, and equipment purchases, with no match required. These grants encourage sustainable practices and stewardship among Iowans, ensuring the conservation of natural resources for future generations.

Court Reporter Equipment Grant

Students enrolled in a court reporter training program in Iowa. The maximum award is up to $2,000 to reimburse students for the purchase of court reporter equipment and software for the court reporter training program.

The Workforce Housing Tax Incentive Program in Iowa offers financial incentives for the development and rehabilitation of housing. This includes tax credits of up to 20% for eligible projects, with $35 million available for funding. The program specifically supports smaller communities and aims to enhance housing availability and community growth. Eligible projects must meet specific criteria, including new construction on greenfield sites or the rehabilitation of existing structures. This initiative addresses widespread workforce housing needs throughout the state.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources offers small grants for research and education projects that enhance wildlife diversity in Iowa. Funded through donations, these grants support initiatives that promote conservation and stewardship of natural resources. Eligible projects can receive up to $5,000 and must be executed within Iowa's borders. The program encourages public education efforts in addition to research, fostering a deeper understanding of Iowa's natural heritage.

State Historical Society of Iowa

The State Historical Society of Iowa is the official historical repository of the State of Iowa, providing grants, education, and outreach about Iowa’s history.

The society preserves and provides access to Iowa’s historical resources through programs, exhibitions and projects while advocating for Iowa’s past and serving as a connector to the future.

Historical Resource Development Program

The program provides grant funding to help preserve, conserve, interpret, enhance, and educate the public about Iowa’s historical assets. The Historical Resource Development Program provides funding for documentary collections, historic preservation and museums. 

There is a required match. Match ratios vary.

Historic Preservation

Project Types

Examples of projects in the Historic Preservation category are:

• Acquire, develop or preserve real property listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Purchase equipment to rehabilitate a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Survey historic and prehistoric sites
• Nominate properties to the National Register of Historic Places
• Interpret historic properties and sites
• Educate the public; train staff; or hire consultants who are experts on historic preservation

Eligible Property Types & Activities

• A National Historic Landmark: The National Park Service defines this as a “historic property evaluated and found to have significance at the national level and designated as such by the Secretary of the Interior.” There are only 29 such properties in Iowa.

• Individually Listed on the National Register of Historic Places: A historic property that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places on its own, not as part of a historic district. It may also be contributing to a listed historic district, but is also listed on its own.

• A Contributing Resource to a Property or District Listed on the National Register of Historic Places: The National Park Service defines this as a “building, site, structure, or object adding to the historic significance of a property.” These contributing resources must be part of the National Register nomination for the property or district and must still be considered contributing to the property or district. A “district” is defined by the National Park Service as a “significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, or objects united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical development.”

• A Property or District That Has an Opinion of Eligibility for Listing on the National Register of Historic Places: Properties or districts that meet the eligibility criteria, but have not yet been listed, are eligible for HRDP funds to nominate the property or district to the National Register or for emergency grants, through our emergency application process. Emergency applications are accepted until each year’s funds are expended. The emergency allocation is replenished each July 1st.

• A Historic or Prehistoric Site Survey: The National Park Service defines survey as the “process of identifying and gathering data on a community’s historic resources.” It is strongly encouraged that you discuss this type of project with the State Historic Preservation Office prior to application.

• Educating the Public About Historic Preservation: HRDP can fund workshops or conferences to educate the public about historic preservation. Funds can also be used to train staff or hire consultants who are experts in historic preservation.

State Historical Society of Iowa

The State Historical Society of Iowa is the official historical repository of the State of Iowa, providing grants, education, and outreach about Iowa’s history.

The society preserves and provides access to Iowa’s historical resources through programs, exhibitions and projects while advocating for Iowa’s past and serving as a connector to the future.

Historical Resource Development Program

The program provides grant funding to help preserve, conserve, interpret, enhance, and educate the public about Iowa’s historical assets. The Historical Resource Development Program provides funding for documentary collections, historic preservation and museums. 

Emergency Historical Resource Development Program

Emergency HRDP applications will be accepted each year on July 1. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The differences between the regular grant application process and the emergency application process are as follows:

• Please contact the grants manager by email or phone to see if funds are available.
• Attach a cover letter that explains the threat to the resource.
• The threat to the resource cannot be due to delinquency on the part of the current owner.
• If new ownership is the reason for the emergency, the new owner must have taken ownership within the previous 12 months.
• The maximum grant request is $15,000.
• Funds become available at the beginning of each fiscal year, July 1st. There isn’t a specific deadline. Submit the application as soon as it is ready, as long as it is not prior to July 1st if you are requesting funds from the next fiscal year.
• Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all emergency funds for each grant category are expended.
• A staff grants steering committee reviews the applications. Allow up to 30 days for review.
• Eligible properties in the historic preservation category will have an opinion of eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places from the State Historic Preservation Office.

The Drexel Fund Founders Program is a one-year paid fellowship that helps outstanding leaders already on the path to launching a school continue to plan and open an innovative and effective private school in one of The Drexel Fund’s target states: Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The tenth cohort of the Founders Program is designed for entrepreneurs who will begin the fellowship in Summer 2027 and be ready to launch a new private school in Fall 2028.Through the fellowship, school founders will develop their school’s education model and finalize the nuts and bolts of their school launch, including board and budget development, market analysis, facility location, student recruitment and staff hiring. Founders will create a plan that will make it possible for their school to achieve top-tier results for children while maintaining a sustainable financial model.

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation offers Program Support Grants to foster innovative programs and sustain existing initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa. With a funding cap of $15,000 for new projects and up to $30,000 for ongoing efforts, these grants are designed for nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status or those partnered with a fiscal sponsor. The grants aim to promote effective community engagement and support vital local services.

The Wildlife Habitat Grant, managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, supports County Conservation Boards in acquiring and developing land for wildlife habitat. This program offers cost-sharing of up to 75% for eligible projects, which must meet specific criteria, including being open to hunting and trapping. It aims to enhance Iowa's natural resources and promote sustainable practices among communities while ensuring that acquired lands are not used for incompatible activities.

The Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides crucial federal funding for outdoor recreation projects in Iowa, supporting 50% cost share for development and land acquisition. It has facilitated popular projects such as skate parks, playgrounds, and multipurpose trails since its establishment in 1964. Applicants should anticipate a timeline of 12-24 months from application to the start of construction, ensuring thorough planning and execution of their recreational initiatives.

The Miccio Foundation offers Standard and Mini Grants to organizations in Iowa dedicated to animal welfare. Eligible groups include shelters and humane societies with 501c3 status. Grants can fund projects like spay/neuter programs and facility renovations, aiming for immediate, measurable impacts in local communities. Standard grants may reach up to $10,000, while Mini grants offer up to $1,500. The Foundation prioritizes projects that enhance animal health and operational efficiency.

The Jean M. Walker Grant, administered by The Miccio Foundation, aims to enhance public awareness regarding the humane treatment of animals, focusing primarily on companion animals. It supports educational initiatives and actions to end inhumane treatments, such as workshops and media campaigns. Projects that demonstrate measurable impacts on animal welfare and can be replicated in other communities are particularly encouraged. Grants are available to qualifying organizations dedicated to animal welfare.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

The FNBO Impact Grant Program aims to empower nonprofit organizations that eliminate barriers to economic and social opportunities. Focusing on Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, and Financial Literacy, this initiative supports projects that enhance community well-being and promote personal economic self-sufficiency. While the 2025 grant cycle is closed, interested applicants should check back in early 2026 for updates on future funding opportunities.

The Elam Baer and Janis Clay Epilepsy Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, aims to eliminate financial barriers for students with epilepsy. This scholarship is open to residents of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or Iowa, who are high school seniors or current college students. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to enroll in accredited institutions. The program reflects a commitment to accessibility and support for underrepresented students.

The Preparedness, Innovation and Energy Education (PIEE) program is federally funded and designed to implement innovative strategies to advance energy security, strengthen energy education and reduce energy use.

The PIEE program supports innovative projects that:

• Increase energy resiliency during natural disaster response or recovery efforts through a combination of skill-building and supplies
• Advance economic development by improving energy efficiency in commercial and industrial buildings
• Develop Iowa’s clean energy workforce through energy education

The Iowa Water Trails Mini Grant provides money to water trail developers (county conservation boards, cities, non-profits) to support projects to establish water trails. Water trails enhance recreational experiences for all water recreation enthusiasts. Efforts often involve canoeists and kayakers.The Iowa Legislature appropriated funds for fiscal year 2026 for the development of dam mitigation and water trail projects. A portion of the funds are available competitively for water trail enhancement cost-share grants. Local divisions of Iowa government are encouraged to apply for cost-share assistance for infrastructure or infrastructure improvements along state designated water trails or water trails on track for state designation.

Cost share requirement for this cycle is 20%.

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.

Water Recreation Access Cost Share Program

The Water Recreation Access Cost-Share Program (WRAC) is available for constructing or improving boat access facilities to Iowa's lakes and streams. Projects can include:

• Boat ramps
• Loading/off-loading docks
• Other structures to enhance use by the public

The project must have a cost share eligible estimate of $1,000. The application must be submitted and approved prior to expenditure of funds by the local sponsor or it is ineligible.

Funding Possibilities

Approved projects are funded on a 75% state to 25% local cost share. If a political subdivision is managing DNR property under a long term agreement, the funding can be 100% state. 

Sponsors wishing to furnish their own equipment and labor can receive 100% of the cost of materials for the project. 

If federal match dollars are available, the awardee will be notified as construction or design work funded through the grant cannot start until after the beginning of the federal fiscal year which starts annually on October 1. Design, permitting, and bid letting can be completed prior to October 1 if no funding is requested for those actions.

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.

Derelict Building Program

The Derelict Building Program is available for Iowa towns of 5,000 or fewer residents to address neglected commercial or public structures that have sat vacant for at least 6 months. 

The Program’s main focus is landfill diversion through the recycling and reuse of building materials and the elimination of hazards both inside and out posed by these empty structures.  

For applicants who are seeking funding assistance with: 

• conducting asbestos inspections
• asbestos abatement
• structural engineering analysis
• phase I and phase II site assessments
• building deconstruction
• building renovation expenses

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.  

Teachers Accelerating Learning Grant

The Teachers Accelerating Learning grant opportunity was created for districts to develop measures of teacher effectiveness and recognize teachers who significantly accelerate student learning beyond one year’s growth with supplementary pay. This grant opportunity is open to public school districts.

Participating districts commit to:

• Develop systems to identify and recognize teachers who accelerate student learning beyond one year’s growth based on transparent and objective qualitative and quantitative metrics.
• Develop a methodology for recognizing highly effective teachers, which must include the EVAAS growth measure for grades 4-8: Review, update and validate classroom EVAAS rosters for ISASP-tested grades and subjects; Participate in training on the EVAAS system, reports, and classroom rostering.
• Offer supplementary teacher pay for up to 25% of teachers who significantly accelerate student learning beyond one year’s growth.

Funding & Use

Awards support supplementary teacher pay for two years who demonstrably accelerate student learning beyond one year’s growth.

• Administrative costs may not exceed 5% of the total award. 95% of the total award must support supplementary teacher pay.
• Max per teacher amount: $15,000 total: Teacher is defined as instructional staff, including teachers, instructional coaches, and interventionists.

Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Development Program (84F)

Supports newly established RA programs in high-demand fields.

The Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Development Program (84F) specifically provides funding for sponsors who create a new RA program in an eligible high-demand occupation or add a high-demand occupation to their existing program.

Available Funding

• $760,000

Awarded Amount

• One-time reimbursement of expenses incurred in establishing a registered apprenticeship program, up to a maximum of $25,000.

STEM BEST® Program

The STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program focuses on teachers and industry professionals working side-by-side to craft curriculum and projects that prepare students for exciting STEM careers local to their community in manufacturing, information technology, bioscience (agriculture and medicine), finance and more. 

The goal of the STEM BEST® Program is to support the launch of new or expanded STEM BEST® K-12 Program models specifically focused on creating work-based and career connected learning opportunities that allow students to develop future-focused, high-demand skills through real-world experiences. These future-focused skills align with the Iowa Academic Standards and Universal Constructs and create opportunities for students to become leaders and innovators of a future-focused Iowa. 

The STEM BEST® funding opportunity offers:

• award amounts up to $50,000.
• a 16 to 17-month timeframe to spend funds.
• a cost-share match of 2:1 is required ($50,000 state funds to $25,000 awardee match).

Richard P Kimmel And Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation Inc

The Richard P. Kimmel and Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation was incorporated in 1988. Its spirit, however, can be traced back to the Kimmels’ farm and orchard near Nebraska City, to their lifelong commitment to agricultural education and research, and to their many years of civic charity and leadership.

Just as Kimmel Orchard has grown and diversified over the years, so too has the Kimmel Foundation’s grant support for education and innovative ideas that offer benefits to many and that may encourage others to contribute similar or even larger grants. The Kimmel Foundation supports proposals that contribute to an organization’s mission and service and offer leadership particularly in the areas of Education, Arts, Agriculture, Humanities and Human Services.

Kimmel Foundation Grants

The Kimmel Foundation provides funds to organizations in Nebraska and Iowa that are exempt from tax and classified as public charities by the Internal Revenue Service, giving highest priority to proposals for funding in five areas below:

• Education, particularly programs of broad impact in Art, Agriculture and Business.
• Arts, including the improvement of art education, appreciation and exhibition.
• Agriculture, notably the teaching and study of significant changes that have broad effects on agricultural practices, with emphasis on horticulture.
• Human Services, including broad community improvements that emphasize partnerships among agencies and stakeholders, eliminate duplication, and improve the awareness of human services.
• Humanities, with priority given to improvements in the teaching of the humanities including increased accessibility to underserved audiences.

Emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, application of new research and organizational collaboration. The Foundation supports ideas that provide leadership in a field, encourage matching grants of equal or greater size, and contribute substantially to an organization’s mission and service to its constituents.