Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Iowa

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The Midwest Culture Bearers Award honors and supports nine folk arts practitioners annually, providing each with a $5,000 unrestricted grant. This initiative aims to amplify the essential work of culture bearers across the Midwest, fostering opportunities for recognition and community connection. By prioritizing traditional practices and knowledge sharing, the award not only celebrates cultural heritage but also strengthens the creative roots of the region, ensuring vibrant artistic expression for future generations.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants Scholarship Fund

The Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants created this scholarship fund to award to a qualified individual majoring in an agricultural field.

The Destination Iowa Fund Grant Program, funded with $6.5 million, aims to enhance tourism in Iowa by supporting cities, counties, and non-profits in developing vertical infrastructure for Primary Destinations. Eligible projects can receive grants covering up to 25% of costs, with minimum project thresholds of $5 million for urban and $1.5 million for rural areas. This initiative seeks to boost community quality of life and drive economic development, particularly in rural regions.

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 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 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.

Parent Support Grant

The Shared Visions Parent Support Program grants provide funds for educational support services to parents of children ages birth to five and who are determined to meet certain at-risk criteria as defined in 281—Iowa Administrative Code 64. Priority for funding will be given to applicants who serve parents of children ages birth to three years and meeting at-risk criteria. Iowa Code 279.51 governs these grants. 

Overview and General Information

In 1988, the Iowa Legislature established Iowa Code 256A creating the Child Development Coordinating Council (CDCC) and funding the Shared Visions Parent Support Program. The mission of the CDCC is to advocate for Iowa’s children and families and support comprehensive programs for families with children meeting risk factors. The CDCC advises the Iowa Department of Education (Department) regarding the administration and implementation of state funded at-risk programs for families with children ages birth to five. The Department administers the Shared Visions Parent Support Program which provides comprehensive educational support services for families with children meeting identified risk factors who are ages birth to five years. 

The Department is issuing a competitive application to fund Shared Visions Parent Support Programs. The purpose is to solicit applications that will enable the CDCC to select grantees who will provide a Shared Visions Parent Support Program created in accordance with Iowa Code section 279.51 and the rules in 281—Iowa Administrative Code 64. 

Community Foundation of the Quincy Area

My Community Foundation (also known as The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in the communities it serves by connecting compassionate donors with meaningful causes. The foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit partners to gather charitable contributions, grow those funds through professional investment strategies, and grant the earnings in ways that address local needs now and into the future. It builds and manages permanent endowments tailored to donors’ goals, ensuring their philanthropic visions—whether honoring a loved one, establishing a legacy, or supporting community needs—are realized. Serving a 12-county region across West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, the foundation acts as a steward of charitable assets, helping donors make a lasting impact through customized giving opportunities, community grants, and strategic support for nonprofit organizations.

Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship

Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship provides financial support to students pursuing education in agriculture-related fields. Selection is based on academic achievement and promise, demonstrated financial need, the likelihood that the recipient will return to Pike County or Calhoun County to engage in farming, the applicant’s ability to successfully complete their chosen program, and how well the educational program aligns with the applicant’s ongoing course of study. Awards are made annually in the spring.

About the State Library

Mission:

The State Library of Iowa strengthens Iowa library services and information access for Iowans.

Enrich Iowa

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:

More About Direct State Aid

Direct State Aid funding is distributed to participating public libraries through a formula that calculates:

• A base amount dependent on Tier Level met, as set by the Accreditation & Standards program.
• The per capita amount based on the population of the city and level of compliance with quality measures.
• Three percent of the amount of funding received by the library in the previous fiscal year for service to rural residents and contracting communities.

The Big Field Fund (BFF) Research/Development Grants provide $3,000 to support artists and collectives in eastern Iowa. These grants focus on fostering publicly-engaged, experimental visual arts projects that may not qualify for traditional funding. BFF aims to support under-resourced artists and innovative ideas that engage with unique community resources. The initiative includes a public award celebration and mentorship opportunities, enhancing the artistic landscape while honoring Andy Warhol's legacy in the visual arts.

The Carleen and Eugene Grandon Charitable Foundation, established in 2004, focuses on funding programs that enhance cultural arts, education, and health services within the Greater Cedar Rapids area. Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with the Foundation's commitment to community improvement, promoting direct benefits to individuals in need. The Foundation prioritizes organizations based in Linn County, ensuring that funding goes to initiatives that foster a vibrant, educated, and healthy community.

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.

University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is one of America's premier public research universities.

Founded in 1847, it is the state's oldest institution of higher education and is located alongside the picturesque Iowa River in Iowa City.

A member of the Association of American Universities since 1909 and the Big Ten Conference since 1899, the University of Iowa is home to one of the most acclaimed academic medical centers in the country, as well as globally recognized leadership in the study and craft of writing. Iowa is known for excellence in both the arts and sciences, offering world-class undergraduate, graduate, and professional academic programs in a wide variety of fields.

Research Support Award

The Office of Undergraduate Research and the Office of the Vice President for Research provide limited funding to facilitate undergraduate research and creative scholarship. These funds are open for use for purchasing research supply materials as well as traveling to conduct research if the facilities or materials are not available at the University of Iowa. For example, if a student needed to travel to the Field Museum in Chicago to study relevant collections at that facility, these funds would be applicable. 

Awards are limited to one application per faculty mentor per academic year.

Value

OUR offers limited funding of up to $1,000 that is available for research and creative work expenses, including equipment or supplies; software; travel to access facilities, collections, or materials not available on campus; research-related interviews; on-location filming, etc. 

Projects with budgets greater than $1,000 must provide clear evidence that additional funds are available to cover the amount of money required beyond this award. Funding will be transferred into the faculty mentor's preferred 050 MFK. Award recipients have until June 10th of the fiscal year to expend the awarded funds. Those looking for summer funding should apply during the spring application cycle.

All unused funds must be returned to the OUR prior to the deadline given in post-award notifications.

The Schoen Family Charitable Trust Grant, established by John and Joan Schoen in 2005, is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Midwestern communities. With a board comprised of the founders' family members, the trust emphasizes charitable giving, allocating over 98% of funds to various causes. Their mission focuses on education, health, wellness, and family support, aiming to empower individuals and improve lives through targeted assistance and community engagement.

The Dr. William M. Walker Memorial Medical Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $9,000 grant to a postgraduate student entering their final year of medical school in Missouri or Iowa. Preference is given to veteran applicants. Eligible candidates must provide a letter of good standing, a personal essay, and a letter of recommendation. This scholarship aims to support future medical professionals in achieving their educational goals.

The Wetland Mitigation Banking Program for FY 2026 offers $3 million in grants to support the development of mitigation banks for agricultural producers with wetlands. Proposals are prioritized based on the number of wetlands and conservation compliance requests in states such as Georgia, Illinois, and Minnesota. This competitive program is designed to enhance conservation efforts while providing financial opportunities for eligible entities.

The Veridian Credit Union’s Nonprofit Partnership Grants, in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, offer up to $5,000 to support nonprofit organizations enhancing financial stability through education in financial literacy and employment readiness. This funding prioritizes IRS classified 501(c)(3) public charities serving Iowa and specific Nebraska counties, focusing on organizations with a proven track record in improving financial literacy and demonstrating commitment to diversity and collaboration.

The IWLA Iowa Division Scholarships offer two scholarships of $2,500 each to deserving Iowa students pursuing studies in environmental science, conservation, or related fields. Applicants must be graduates of Iowa high schools and have completed at least one year of college, including those entering their sophomore, junior, or senior years. This initiative supports the Iowa Division's mission to promote sustainable use and enjoyment of natural resources, fostering environmental stewardship among future leaders.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The AW Environmental Grant Program, backed by American Water Works Company, Inc., aims to support community-driven projects focused on water conservation and the protection of vital water resources. Since 2012, the foundation has invested over $15 million in innovative initiatives that enhance access to clean water and promote responsible water usage in underserved communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) charities and educational institutions committed to environmental stewardship.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

National Geographic Society: Request for Proposals

Award Overview

The National Geographic Society (NGS) is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for academic researchers and graduate students investigating topics related to geography education in select states and locations. Awards of up to $10,000 (for researchers) and $5,000 (for graduate students) are available to support research projects.

At NGS we spark curiosity, empower exploration, and inspire change. We fund inspiring changemakers around the world who use the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. 

We welcome submissions from researchers across disciplines but successful proposals must include research related to educational approaches or processes including but not limited to specific learning activities, learning outcomes, or educational tools that advance knowledge. Research that illuminates barriers and/or advances access for those farthest from opportunity is encouraged. 

Research proposals should generate new knowledge, and can either be new or scaled up versions of existing successful projects (e.g. evaluating a different group of learners or geographic area). 

The CHS Foundation's Ag Leadership Grant aims to enhance agricultural leadership and cooperative education. This program supports projects that cultivate a diverse pipeline for future agricultural leaders, focusing on education and career training for high school students to young professionals. Priority is given to initiatives that impact multiple states within the CHS trade area, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model in agriculture.

The DDIF: Smile Grants provide funding of $5,000 or less for short-term, educational projects related to oral health. Although all current funding has been allocated, new opportunities will be available starting January 2024. These grants are intended to assist with educational kits and oral health supplies. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until funds are fully allocated.

The Iowa Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) supports landowners in protecting and enhancing working agricultural lands through conservation easements. It offers financial assistance and technical support for maintaining agricultural practices while preserving wetlands and grasslands. Enrollment is open to eligible partners, including tribes and local governments, while prioritizing applications that maximize agricultural land protection. ACEP contributes up to 75% of the easement's market value for lands of special environmental significance.