Best Grants for Preschools in Iowa

The Water and Environment Grant Program by the American Water Charitable Foundation supports innovative community projects aimed at improving watersheds, conserving water, and enhancing access to recreation in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions located within American Water's service areas. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and applicants should consider budget feasibility when requesting funds. Certain organizations and projects, such as those not classified as 501(c)(3), are ineligible.

Office of the Attorney General

The attorney general is the State of Iowa's chief legal officer. The attorney general has general charge, supervision and direction of the state's legal business. The Office of the Attorney General provides legal advice and representation to most of the state's major departments, boards, commissions, authorities, officials and institutions. The office further represents the State of Iowa in state administrative law and Iowa District Court matters, the Iowa Court of Appeals, the Iowa Supreme Court, lower federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Training and Technical Assistance Competitive Grants

The Victim Assistance Section of the Iowa Department of Justice (“Department”) seeks applications from qualified nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, and governmental organizations to provide trauma-informed and victim-centered training and technical assistance in Iowa. 

Purpose

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to distribute state and federal funding to eligible applicants who will support victim services organizations, agencies within the criminal justice system and other organizations with training and technical assistance to promote healing, stability, and justice for those directly impacted by violent crimes, their families, and their communities

Project Period

The first year in the grant cycle is the competitive grant year. The following two grant years are continuing (non-competitive) grant years, subject to funding availability and program performance. 

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

Bob's Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation supports non-profit organizations with resources rather than individual sponsorships. They require requests to be submitted on the letterhead of a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. This ensures that assistance reaches those in need through established channels. Interested parties should provide specific details regarding their requests to facilitate the application process. With a commitment to fairness, Bob's Cares aims to effectively support community initiatives across the country.

About Us

Your centralized resource for business and community development information and programs from the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Finance Authority.

Art Project Grant for Organizations Program Guidelines - Creative Abundance Special Round

The Art Project Grant for Organizations program is administered by the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority (the IEDA). Through the program, the IEDA provides financial incentives to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations; schools; local, county, state and federal governmental agencies; and tribal councils to support a wide variety of arts-related activities.

The program is funded through an appropriation by the Iowa Legislature to the IEDA and a grant by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Applicants must comply with federal requirements, including but not limited to 2 CFR Part 200.

Iowa Tourism Grants

The Iowa Tourism Marketing Grant program provides funding for tourism partners around the state to market Iowa's places, attractions and events to out-of-state audiences. The grant may not be used for infrastructure and is not intended to pay expenses associated with the implementation of an event. 

Successful applicants are executing marketing campaigns and initiatives that benefit both the state and local economies. Preference is given to applications that support the overall marketing plan of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, especially in terms of target audience and messaging. The Administrative Rules that govern the program and provide further guidance are in Iowa Administrative Code 261.42.

In September 2025, the Iowa Tourism Office received FY26 applications from private and public tourism-related entities across the state. Thirty-three grants, totaling $299,800, were ultimately awarded funding for implementation of campaigns and projects in calendar year 2026. Individually and collectively, the projects will elevate Iowa on the world stage, increase Iowa’s ability to recruit visitors, strengthen Iowa’s economy and make Iowa a destination. They will also help Iowa recruit a workforce that is exploring new employment opportunities and relocation options while traveling.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship advocates for Iowa’s farmers and protects consumers, animals, our food supply and our shared soil and water resources. Our programs strengthen rural communities, support a thriving agriculture economy, and build a stronger future for all Iowans. 

Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants

Introduction

Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, Iowa raised and Iowa made food, beverages, and other agricultural products. A marketing initiative overseen by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Choose Iowa builds on the growing demand for local foods.

Choose Iowa creates new markets for Iowa farmers and provides consumers with more local choices. The Choose Iowa Value-Added cost-share grant was created to assist Iowa farmers with their efforts to increase or diversify their agricultural product offerings, add value to agricultural products, enable new technologies and support alternative marketing strategies.

Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants increase sales of Iowa agricultural products by increasing production capacity or expanding market access for value-added projects. The highly competitive cost-share grant expands access to Iowa-grown, Iowa-made, and Iowa-raised food, beverages, and other agricultural products.

Grant funds are paid out as a reimbursement after grant project(s) are completed.

Preference will be given to small and medium-sized businesses. The Iowa Economic Development Authority defines small-sized businesses as having less than 50 full-time employees, medium-sized businesses with 51-250 employees, and large businesses as more than 250 employees. 

The IBF Emergency Grant, offered by the Iowa Barn Foundation, aims to support barn owners in preserving their historical structures. With funding up to 50% of the project's total cost, this initiative addresses urgent needs for stabilization and preservation. Eligible applicants include barn owners whose structures are at least 50 years old or have unique architectural significance. The program prioritizes projects that enhance public awareness of Iowa’s agricultural heritage and the vital role barns play in the region's history.

The John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation, established in 1970, focuses on enhancing community quality of life in north central Iowa. With over $72 million in assets, the foundation has awarded $64 million to nearly 1,000 organizations, supporting arts, culture, family recreation, and youth education. Their mission emphasizes innovative projects that strengthen families, with a commitment to community engagement and philanthropic ties to the Mayo Clinic, ensuring a lasting positive impact.

The Mission Grant by the Dubuque Racing Association aims to enhance community well-being through support for non-profit organizations focused on population growth, retention, and tourism. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt entities, with a preference for projects that involve capacity building. The grant does not fund endowments, political causes, or personal benefits. This initiative seeks to bolster the tri-state area, specifically targeting Dubuque and surrounding counties to promote local tourism and economic development.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers vital financial and technical support to agricultural producers and forestry operators in Iowa. This year-round program addresses environmental concerns like water quality and soil health, promoting sustainable practices. Key benefits include improved nutrient management and habitat conservation, ultimately fostering resilience against climate challenges. EQIP particularly targets vulnerable lands and prioritizes initiatives to enhance local conservation efforts, ensuring effective resource management while boosting agricultural productivity.

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 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

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 McKnight Foundation's Midwest Climate and Energy Grant focuses on funding initiatives that address the climate crisis while promoting equity in the Midwest. The foundation supports projects that transform energy systems, decarbonize transportation and buildings, and enhance community resilience. It aims to engage diverse populations and foster innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance sustainable practices. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, governmental entities, and those in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, with an emphasis on collaborative, impactful projects.

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.

Special Derelict Building Funding Round

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has launched a special $1 million funding round through the Derelict Building Grant Program to help small Iowa communities eliminate asbestos hazards in vacant structures.

This special round of funding is open to Iowa municipalities with populations under 5,000. Eligible properties must be locally owned, commercial or public buildings unoccupied for 6+ months that meet local derelict building criteria. Note: Historically listed properties are excluded.

The Iowa DNR is offering financial assistance, including covering 100% of Certified Asbestos Inspection costs and 100% of abatement costs up to $10,000 (a 50% cost-share applies to abatement amounts over $10,000). Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis upon project completion.

CSA Midwest Region: Beth Dunlap Award

 The Midwestern Region presents The Beth Dunlap Award at the Regional Symposium. The award will be offered to a person who has made contributions worthy of the highest commendation and the achievements will have continued importance. Beth Dunlap was one of the founding members of the Midwestern Region. A fashion illustrator and artist, she passed away in 2009.

National Housing Trust Fund

Federal Resources, Local Compassion

It takes compassion and commitment to create and sustain affordable living options around Iowa. The National Housing Trust Fund does just that. The program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, complements existing federal, state and local efforts to increase and preserve the supply of affordable housing for extremely low-income and homeless families.

How Funds Are Used

Funds may be used for the production or preservation of permanent affordable rental housing through new construction, adaptive reuse and/or rehabilitation projects. Proposed projects addressing the needs of extremely low-income renters—those with incomes below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI)—are a high priority for the Iowa Finance Authority.

Downtown Revitalization Fund

The Downtown Revitalization Fund brings together IEDA’s Commercial Facade and Streetscapes programs under a unified strategy to strengthen the economic and social vitality of Iowa’s downtown districts. Supported by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, these initiatives help communities reinvest in core commercial areas through coordinated improvements to both private building fronts and the public realm. Together, the programs advance HUD’s community development objectives by improving essential public facilities, enhancing local infrastructure, and supporting commercial revitalization within eligible downtown areas. Through targeted façade rehabilitation and transformative streetscape upgrades, the Downtown Revitalization Fund helps communities create safer, more inviting, and economically resilient downtown environments that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Iowa Economic Development Authority

Strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. Through two main divisions – business development and community development – IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. IEDA works to achieve its mission and goals to benefit Iowans while maintaining a high level of transparency. 

Iowa Finance Authority

We help Iowans take life-changing actions every day; whether you’re buying your first home, making a fresh start, hoping to continue your family’s farming legacy or even working to upgrade a community’s water quality infrastructure. By connecting people with affordable financing resources we help them turn their dreams into untold realities.

FirstHome Program

The FirstHome program can either give you:

• A down payment and closing costs assistance grant OR a 2nd Loan program loan, not both.

FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs Assistance: Grants

The down payment and closing costs assistance grant provides homebuyers with a $2,500 grant to assist with down payment and closing costs.

Iowa Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation is the steward of Iowa’s transportation system. We make lives better through transportation.

Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP)

The Iowa DOT is now accepting applications for the Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP). Eligible project activities continue to include improvements to motor vehicle traffic flow, public transit service expansions, and reductions in single occupant vehicle travel.

Program Intent

The intent of the ICAAP program is to help finance transportation projects and programs in Iowa that result in attaining or maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) with a focus on volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and under certain conditions particulate matter. Projects likely to be competitive will be costeffective uses of federal funds that result in increased travel speed, reduce travel delay, or reduce single occupancy vehicle trips and reduce vehicle emissions in areas with higher transportation related air pollution or traffic congestion.

Cost Reimbursement and Required Match

Funds awarded thought the ICAAP Program are provided to project sponsors on a reimbursement basis and are not provided as lump sum or cash payment in advance of costs being incurred. All projects require project sponsors to pay 100 percent costs up front. ICAAP funds may reimburse for up to 80 percent of eligible project costs or up to the approved grant maximum, whichever is less. 

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%.

CDBG Downtown Revitalization

Supported by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, these initiatives help communities reinvest in core commercial areas through coordinated improvements to both private building fronts and the public realm. Together, the programs advance HUD’s community development objectives by improving essential public facilities, enhancing local infrastructure, and supporting commercial revitalization within eligible downtown areas. Through targeted façade rehabilitation and transformative streetscape upgrades, the Downtown Revitalization Fund helps communities create safer, more inviting, and economically resilient downtown environments that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Commercial Facades

The Commercial Facades Program assists communities with impactful downtown exterior improvement projects that eliminate slum and blight conditions.  

Projects include primarily front and highly visible side facades of commercial or mixed-use buildings in a traditional downtown setting.

The maximum grant amount is $650,000. Applicants must address blighted items on a minimum of eight buildings (addresses) to request a grant of $650,000 and a minimum of six buildings (addresses) to request anything less than the maximum.  

Project buildings must be situated within a downtown target area in which at least 25% of all buildings are determined to be in fair or poor condition. Determination of building status is made through individual surveys and documentation (pictures/ descriptions) demonstrating that the building is in fair or poor condition. A local funding match, typically from the city and the participating property owners, is required.

Our Mission

Founded in 1987, the Foundation has a mission to provide resources to deliver the benefits of parks and recreation to all.

Our Vision

To build a better Iowa through parks and recreation.

Slattery / Trueblood Professional Award

The highest professional award in IPRA, the Slattery/Trueblood Professional encompasses many traits. To be considered for this award, the nominee should be a person who has given of themselves as they work with their clientele. Their everyday life should exemplify outstanding, dedicated, and unselfish service to the profession, community, and to IPRA.

Any IPRA member in good standing may nominate candidates for each award. The nominees may be endorsed by other members of the IPRA with the exception of Awards Committee members. Awards Committee members may not nominate, sponsor, or write letters of support for nominees.

The nomination should be typewritten or legibly printed and include the appropriate information as stated for each award. Nominations should include any supporting data, such as letters of support, copies of news releases, etc. Each nomination must include the nomination cover sheet, as well as all applicable nomination criteria listed in this brochure.

• New charter schools seeking authorization for the upcoming school year who also intend to apply for CSP funding
• Existing charter schools seeking to expand. Note that charters awarded CSP start-up funds are not eligible to apply for expansion funds. 

Start-up: Prepares new charter schools to open and operate.

Expansion: Grows high-quality EXISTING charter schools by raising enrollment or adding grades (program changes alone do not count).

Iowa Economic Development Authority

Mission

Strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. Through two main divisions – business development and community development – IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. IEDA works to achieve its mission and goals to benefit Iowans while maintaining a high level of transparency. 

Community Attraction and Tourism Grant

The Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) program provides grant funds to assist projects that provide recreational, cultural, entertainment and educational attractions. The funds help communities create transformational projects that enhance the vitality of a region and the state overall. The CAT Grant Program is designed to assist communities in the development and creation of multiple-purpose attractions and tourism facilities. Funds must be primarily used for vertical infrastructure (land acquisition and construction, major renovation and major repair of buildings and recreational trails.)

Amounts or percentages from cities, counties, and private sources will vary by project, there is no minimum amount or percentage required.

Eligible projects must have 65% of financing/fundraising secured at time of the application. 

No more than 50% of the project can be funded by state dollars, including the amount awarded with CAT Fund funding.