Best Preservation Grants in Iowa

Academic researchers and graduate students in Iowa can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 to conduct non-commercial research on geography education. Grants from National Geographic Society help higher education institutions study educational approaches, tools, and outcomes, which may benefit projects examining historic places, community heritage, or preservation-related learning in Iowa.

Iowa cities and counties seeking planning funds for capital improvements, asset management, or historic district surveys can apply for up to US $15,000 through the state’s CDBG Planning Grants Program. With a mission to strengthen economic and community vitality, Iowa Economic Development Authority supports non-entitlement communities in developing plans that guide future CDBG projects and protect public, cultural, and historical resources.

Iowa nonprofits, government units, tribal entities, businesses, and individuals preserving historical assets can access funding for museum projects, collections, and preservation work. Iowa preservation and museum organizations can access funding through the State Historical Society of Iowa, with awards up to US $50,000 for activities like conservation, cataloging, exhibitions, education, and preservation-related equipment or facilities.

Iowa nonprofits, government units, tribal entities, businesses, and individuals preserving historical documentary materials can apply for grants up to US $50,000 to process, protect, and provide access to collections. Iowa historic preservation projects involving archival supplies, digitization, microfilming, and improved researcher access can receive support from the State Historical Society of Iowa’s Historical Resource Development Program.

Nonprofit corporations, governmental units, tribal governments, individuals, and private businesses in Iowa can receive up to US $50,000 to preserve, rehabilitate, or interpret historic properties and sites. Grants from the State Historical Society of Iowa support projects involving National Register-listed or eligible properties, historic and prehistoric site surveys, and public or staff education on historic preservation.

Nonprofits, governments, tribal entities, businesses, and individuals in Iowa can receive emergency funding to protect at-risk documentary collections through this Historical Resource Development Program grant. The State Historical Society of Iowa offers up to US $15,000 per request, with applications accepted annually starting July 1 and awards made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Iowa communities under 10,000 residents seeking to enhance surface transportation and related historic or scenic assets can access funding and planning support through the Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program. Trees Forever provides facilitation, with ISU and Iowa DOT offering technical assistance for projects like pedestrian and bicycle facilities, trail conversions, beautification, and preservation of historic transportation sites and routes.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Iowa planning historic preservation projects or education efforts can apply for National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Trust Preservation Funds, awarding US $2,500 - US $5,000 for planning and outreach. Funding can cover consultants, staff time on the project, community forums, and innovative public education reaching new audiences.

Nonprofits, governments, tribes, businesses, and individuals in Iowa can receive up to US $5,000 to preserve or interpret historic one- and two-room country school buildings. The State Historical Society of Iowa supports acquisition, conservation, interpretation, and related training projects that enhance the state’s historical resources through its Country School Grant Program.

Nonprofits, governments, tribes, businesses, and individuals preserving Iowa’s historical resources can receive up to US $50,000 for acquisition, conservation, interpretation, and related training projects. State Historical Society of Iowa provides Iowa historic preservation, documentary collections, and museum projects with matching grants that enhance public access and support the state’s economic and cultural vitality.

Nonprofit organizations, government units, tribes, individuals, and businesses in Iowa can receive up to US $5,000 to preserve or interpret one- and two-room historic school buildings. With a mission to support historic preservation, Iowa Arts Council funds acquisition, conservation, interpretation, and related training through the Country School Grant Program.

Barn owners in Iowa seeking funds to repair or restore historic agricultural structures can apply for matching grants supporting roofs, siding, and foundations. Grants from Iowa Barn Foundation help Iowa historic preservation projects that involve barns at least 50 years old, significant to the rural landscape or community, and protected by an easement agreement.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies partnered with a 501(c)(3) in Iowa can apply for Jeffris Family Foundation’s Jeffris Heartland Fund, awarding US $5,000 - US $50,000 for Historic Structure Reports. Projects must involve nationally or statewide significant historic sites in smaller communities and provide a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Valley Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Santa Clara County and beyond by supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on educational, historical, and preservation initiatives, the Foundation provides essential funding to groups dedicated to societal improvement. By fostering partnerships with like-minded entities, The Valley Foundation strives to create lasting positive change through its grant-making efforts.

The Mishler Brown Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, supports nonprofits dedicated to agriculture and historic preservation. Applications are accepted annually from October 1 to December 31, with funds awarded in January. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status but do not need to be located in Elkhart County. The fund honors Helen Mishler's legacy by preserving farming heritage, including her family's historic homestead.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on sight preservation, children's services, and environmental conservation, primarily in Utah. Established in memory of David Kelby Johnson, who tragically lost his life at a young age, the foundation aims to honor his legacy by supporting impactful charitable initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000, with a commitment to improving communities both locally and globally.

Bravo Greater Des Moines offers Operating Grants to support the essential administrative expenses of nonprofit cultural organizations in the Greater Des Moines area. This funding is crucial for enhancing the region's arts, culture, and heritage, helping to elevate the community's vibrancy. Returning applicants must complete an interest form, while new applicants are required to meet with Bravo staff prior to applying. The program aims to maximize the impact of arts and culture in the region.

Boone County Community Foundation

The Boone County Community Foundation was formed in 2005 to coordinate and provide philanthropic support for community betterment projects in Boone County. The foundation is made up of community minded individuals who have the ability to assess community needs, implement asset development, evaluate area grant applications, encourage partnerships and initiate activities to enhance Boone County.

Mission: The Boone County Community Foundation is a charitable foundation created by and for local citizens to improve the quality of life right here in our communities. We are here to help donors make a positive, local impact by offering a variety of giving tools to help people achieve their charitable giving goals and do good work in our communities that lasts forever.

Grants

Each year the foundation makes grant awards to worthwhile projects located in the county that are identified through a community grants application process. Our foundation’s areas of emphasis include: arts & culture, community affairs & development, education, environmental protection, health, historic preservation and human services.

Three types of grants based on grant amount: Simple Grant; Standard Grant and Impact Grant

Impact Grant

$15,001 and up

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans with preservation, arts, education, environment, family, or health initiatives in the U.S., including Iowa, can seek up to US $100,000 for new or expanding projects. With a mission to empower women’s collective giving, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large, transformative grants for veteran-focused programs across its defined focus areas.

Iowa entities representing historic Black churches can access funding for capital projects, planning, programming, and organizational capacity through the Preserving Black Churches Grant Program; awards range from US $50,000 - US $500,000. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports preservation of historic Black houses of worship, including endowments and staffing to steward and better utilize these culturally significant structures.

Historic preservation organizations in Iowa that are dues-paying members of the National Preservation Partners Network can seek up to US $10,000 to support advocacy, capacity building, or climate change projects. The Moe Family Fund from the National Trust for Historic Preservation backs innovative, catalytic efforts that strengthen preservation partners nationwide.

Individual engineers, architects, and other preservation-related professionals in the U.S. proposing work that advances historic preservation can receive up to US $15,000 for research or design projects. James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation’s Robert Silman Award supports innovative preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse proposals, which may benefit Iowa practitioners whose work can be shared with the broader preservation community.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Iowa preserving modern architectural sites designed by Black architects can seek US $150,000 for planning-focused historic preservation projects. Focused on conserving Black modernism, the National Trust for Historic Preservation supports research, conservation plans, feasibility studies, and limited capital improvements for significant 20th-century buildings at least 50 years old.

Pella-area 501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt nonprofits in Iowa can seek up to US $5,000 for projects that enhance community quality of life, including historic preservation efforts. Pella Community Foundation supports creative, innovative programs and capital projects in areas such as heritage, culture, recreation, health, education, and community development.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, churches, schools, hospitals, and governmental agencies can apply for the Fort Dodge Community Foundation’s County Endowment Funding Grant to support charitable projects improving community quality of life. Organizations in Webster and Northwest-Central Iowa counties may fund historic preservation, cultural heritage, and related community betterment initiatives that strengthen local communities.