Best Grants for Preschools in Iowa

Iowa Workforce Development

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is a state agency committed to providing employment services for individual job seekers and to serving employers by helping them find the skilled workforce they need. 

IWD supports employers through its Business Engagement Division and provides a variety of resources and one-on-one support. This includes helping employers to post jobs, recruit veterans, apply for qualifying federal tax credits, and connect with workforce training programs available through several state programs.

Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Development Program (84F)

As part of its commitment to growing Registered Apprenticeship (RA) across industries, Iowa provides annual RA program funding through the Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Development Program (84F). 

The Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Development Fund (84F) provides financial assistance to apprenticeship sponsors who start or expand new registered apprenticeship programs with 20 or fewer apprentices in eligible high-demand occupations. 

These competitive grants support a newly created RA program with an eligible high-demand occupation by helping with ongoing program costs, fees, or related expenses.

Awarded funds: Given as a one-time reimbursement of expenses incurred in establishing a registered apprenticeship program.

Applicants can apply for more than one grant if they have multiple eligible occupations within their registered apprenticeship program; grant awards for applicants receiving more than one grant in the same calendar year will be capped at $50,000.

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

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.

The NCR-SARE Youth Educator Grant Program supports educators in the North Central Region to innovate ways of teaching sustainable agriculture. With funding up to $6,000, this program encourages educators to engage youth and promote sustainable practices. By sharing their experiences, grantees can create a ripple effect among peers, enhancing the reach and impact of sustainable agriculture education. This initiative aims to foster creativity and collaboration in teaching sustainable practices to the next generation.

Iowa Early Head Start State Grant 

Purpose

Renewal of existing Iowa Early Head Start (EHS) State funding opportunity.

Grant Purpose:

The purpose of the Iowa EHS State Grant is to increase the capacity of providers of Infant/Toddler services to successfully maintain adherence to requirements of the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) through collaborative partnerships within Early Head Start programs. The focus of this grant serves to increase collaboration through birth-five partnerships as an infrastructure underpinning to leverage federal funding opportunities specific to EHS grants.

Impact: 

• Increase and influence success of partnership and collaboration between Child Care and Head Start; 
• Expand the number of children, families, staff, administration and systems Iowa EHS State allocation funds influence; 
• Increase efforts in focus areas of coaching and mentoring to increase staff education, instructional practices, family support, business practices and infrastructure through systems work and collaboration with EHS. 

The NCR-SARE Partnership Grant Program aims to enhance sustainable agriculture by fostering collaboration between agricultural professionals and groups of farmers. By facilitating innovative research and educational activities, this program supports projects that test new cropping strategies, develop marketing approaches, and enhance food security. Focused on the North Central Region, it encourages partnerships that drive on-farm research, ultimately improving economic viability and environmental stewardship for communities across 12 states.

The NCR-SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports agricultural educators through competitive grants aimed at enhancing training in sustainable agriculture. This initiative promotes cross-agency collaboration, utilizing farmers as educators to address pressing issues within the farming community. Projects funded are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes, fostering knowledge and behavioral changes that lead to sustainable practices in agriculture and food systems. The program encourages diverse participation, ensuring a comprehensive approach to professional development.

The NCR-SARE Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative agricultural projects that are environmentally sound and socially responsible. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 are available for projects lasting up to 36 months, promoting collaboration among researchers, educators, and producers. This program emphasizes outreach, farmer involvement, and research on topics such as sustainable pest management, local food systems, and crop diversification, addressing the economic and environmental aspects of agriculture.

The NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program provides critical funding for farmers and ranchers seeking sustainable agricultural solutions. Launched in 1992, this competitive program supports innovative on-farm research and education projects, allowing individuals to apply for grants up to $15,000 or collaborate for up to $30,000. By empowering farmers with resources, NCR-SARE encourages practices that enhance livelihoods while promoting environmental stewardship.

About the State Library

Mission: The State Library of Iowa strengthens Iowa library services and information access for Iowans. We provide support and resources to Iowa libraries and information services to the public.

About Enrich Iowa

The State Library annually administers funding appropriated by the Iowa Legislature to libraries in Iowa. Enrich Iowa consists of three programs to aid libraries in offering improved service to Iowans: Open Access; Interlibrary Loan Reimbursement; and Direct State Aid.

To participate in any of the Enrich Iowa programs, eligible libraries must complete and submit a Letter of Agreement in the spring for the following fiscal year. Learn how to participate in Enrich Iowa programs.

Open Access

Open Access enables Iowans to check out physical materials at participating libraries, providing them with direct access to more materials and information resources.

Open Access provides Iowans with direct access to more library materials and information resources than their home library can provide. It enables eligible patrons to go to any of the nearly 500 participating public and academic libraries and directly check out physical materials.

As a result, Iowans have greater access to more library resources, more choices in library service, and the convenience of using a library where they work, shop or visit. The state reimburses the loaning library a small amount for each item checked out to offset expenses.

How Do I Participate in Enrich Iowa Programs?

For the Open Access Program:

• Sign Enrich Iowa Letter of Agreement (Reference the FY27 Terms of Agreement for the Enrich Iowa Open Access Program)
• Administer Enrich Iowa Programs: Participating libraries administer Enrich Iowa programs as agreed throughout the fiscal year of July 1 - June 30. Each (Enrich Iowa) program has different requirements for record keeping to aid in later reporting. For the Open Access program: Utilize the Open Access Worksheet & Instructions to track and determine eligible patrons; keep receipts for postage on returned items.
• Receive Funding for Participating in Enrich Iowa Programs: Funding is distributed in the first quarter of the fiscal year. Libraries are encouraged to receive funding via direct deposit, but paper checks can also be mailed.
• Submit Enrich Iowa Reports: In order to receive funding, libraries are required to submit a report on the Enrich Iowa programs they participated in once the fiscal year ends. The reports are due each year on July 31.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

The PRISM Fund Grant, offered by PFund Foundation, aims to enhance equity within LGBTQ+ communities in the upper Midwest. It focuses on supporting rural LGBTQ+ organizations through grants, training, and collaboration. The program prioritizes communities disproportionately affected by discrimination, such as queer people of color, gender-expansive individuals, and LGBTQ+ residents of North and South Dakota. By addressing unique regional challenges, the PRISM Fund fosters resilience and connectivity among these underserved populations.

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 California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

Iowa agricultural and forest producers seeking to enhance conservation on working lands can apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program, which offers annual and supplemental payments for whole-operation stewardship improvements. Administered by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Iowa, it supports practices like cover crops, no-till, grazing management, wildlife habitat, and forest and grassland conservation across eligible private and tribal lands.

Description

The purpose of the IOWAccess Revolving Fund is to create and provide a service to Iowa’s citizens that will serve as a gateway for one-stop electronic access to governmental information, transactions, and services at state, county, or local levels. In this role, the fund supports agency proposals for funding of electronic projects. The IOWAccess Revolving Fund has been and continues to be an important funding source for a variety of e-Government projects, from licensing services to providing website accessibility training for agency employees. 

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

Iowa Department of Transportation

In 1974, the 65th Iowa General Assembly created the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), albeit through a long legislative process. It placed other modal agencies, including an Aeronautics Commission, under the department’s responsibility to promote more orderly and effective planning and funding of programs, and to achieve a more balanced transportation system. In 1974, the legislature also created the Iowa Transportation Commission, consisting of seven members. Members are appointed by the governor and subject to Senate confirmation. No more than four persons can represent the same political party. Serving four-year terms, members are responsible for periodically reviewing programs of the department and making all major investment policy decisions.

For more than a century, the IHC and Iowa DOT have promoted the growth and betterment of Iowa’s transportation system. Still headquartered in Ames, the agency continues to serve the transportation needs of Iowa and its citizens.

Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy (RISE) Program - Local Development

Projects funded by the RISE program promote economic development in Iowa through the establishment, construction, and improvement of roads and streets. The RISE program is targeted toward value-adding activities that feed new dollars into the economy and provide maximum economic impact to the state on primary or secondary roads, and city streets open for public use. While all counties and incorporated cities in Iowa are eligible to apply, funding is generally limited to industrial, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and professional office developments, with few exceptions.

This funding opportunity supports local economic development but do not require an immediate commitment of funds (e.g., industrial parks, tourist attractions), or do not meet the Immediate Opportunity criteria. Projects are evaluated using the following five factors:

• Development potential
• Economic impact
• Local commitment and initiative
• Transportation need
• Area economic need

645598 - FY26 RFP PHTHOET26001 for EMS System Development and Sustainability Assessment

Funding Opportunity Details

Description

The issuance of this Funding Opportunity in no way constitutes a commitment by Iowa HHS to award a contract.

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) # PHTHOET26001 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 a statewide EMS System Development and Sustainability Assessment. This assessment will inform the design and implementation of a district-based hub-and-spoke EMS model to improve access, coordination, and sustainability of emergency medical services in rural Iowa. This work implements a portion of the Community Care Mobile initiative of the Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project, funded through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001

Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) # COMPADM26001 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 Rural Iowa cancer service providers with expertise, assessment and evaluation, and technical assistance on evidence-based strategies for designing, implementing, and sustaining cancer-focused Hub and Spoke models for achieving success in the Combat Cancer Projects of Iowa's Rural Health Transformation Grant. Activities in the Combat Cancer initiative of the Healthy Hometowns project include the development of hub and spoke models for cancer care, including the development of rural provider strategic partnerships. This includes developing and implementing arrangements that include exchanging best practices and coordination of care (which includes but is not limited to remote care services), expanding access to specialty services in a financially sustainable manner, streamlining or centralizing functions to create cost savings, improving the financial viability of rural providers, preserving independence of rural providers, keeping care local in rural communities when possible and appropriate, and developing models of sustainability for rural cancer providers. Other efforts include the coordination of patient navigation and survivorship services and the oversight of fidelity to evidence-based cancer screening, treatment, and care coordination practices. The Contractor will also support long-term sustainability planning, including workforce development, tele-oncology integration, and alignment with Commission on Cancer (CoC) standards. This work implements a portion of the Combat Cancer: Prevent and Treat initiative of the Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project, funded through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001.

Rob-See-Co is an independent seed company with regional expertise, providing customers access to leading genetics and traits through the Rob-See-Co and Innotech® seed brands. Rob-See-Co also sells Masters Choice specialty silage and forage products, as well as Streamline Ag seed-driven crop inputs. Rob-See-Co works alongside its customers, building strong relationships and helping them plant the right seed for their long-term success, while keeping the process friendly, straightforward, and simple. 

Rob-See-Co Library Grant

In recognition of National Library Day, Rob-See-Co, an independent seed company located in Elkhorn, Neb. is proud to announce the continuation of its Rural Library Grant program.

Originally launched in 2023 to commemorate the company’s 10th anniversary and honor Agnes Robinson’s dedication to the rural library in Waterloo, NE, the program continues to hold special meaning. Agnes, great-grandmother of Jim Robinson, CEO of Rob-See-Co, was a passionate advocate for rural libraries. Today, the program extends support to libraries across rural communities within the company’s footprint. 

The focus areas for grant distributions from the Rob-See-Co Rural Library Grant program will assist local libraries with expanding book collections, core educational programs for adults or children, and computer or software upgrades. Examples of this would be new books, expansion of school visits or field trips, digitizing research materials, support for funding traveling exhibits and speakers.

Rob-See-Co will award ten grants to selected rural libraries across CO, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, OK, PA, SD, TX and WI. Funds may be used for core educational, preservation and interpretive purposes, including collection development, facility improvements, traveling exhibits, guest speakers, staff training, programming, and publications. 

Grants from Iowa Department of Education help Iowa higher education institutions re-engage adult learners who stopped out due to small institutional debts. Community colleges can receive up to US $7,500 to replicate Hawkeye Community College’s Take 2 model and join a statewide Community of Practice focused on postsecondary completion, which may benefit preschool-connected family outreach pathways.

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.

Iowa correctional institutions offering career and technical education programs in Iowa can receive supplementary support services funding to help incarcerated students complete high-skill, high-wage, or high-demand training. Iowa Department of Education’s Perkins V State Training School Grant provides US $20,246 for eligible programming, which may interest education-focused organizations collaborating with justice-involved youth pathways.