Best Renewable Energy Grants in Iowa

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in Iowa working on renewable and sustainable energy, decarbonization, or efficient resource use can seek $25,000 - $100,000 in programmatic support. With a mission to support environmental sustainability, American Honda Motor provides funding for education, awareness, and infrastructure projects that benefit communities where Honda associates live and work.

Iowa tax-exempt nonprofits and government entities can seek funding for climate and clean energy efforts, including renewable and sustainable energy, electrification, and greenhouse gas reduction. The McKnight Foundation provides operating and project support to organizations advancing equitable climate solutions in energy, transportation, buildings, working lands, and democratic participation across the Midwest, with Iowa as an open state.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental sustainability, safety, workforce development, or community vitality projects in Union Pacific–served communities can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000. Programs advancing environmental stewardship or sustainable economies, including renewable energy-related efforts, may be especially competitive.

Organizations running agricultural education, leadership, or career training programs for high school students through young professionals in Iowa can access funding via CHS Foundation. Focused on ag leadership and cooperative education, this grant may benefit programs that incorporate renewable or sustainable energy topics within agriculture and the cooperative business model.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa with $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for workforce skills, inclusive prosperity, or community sustainability programs that support the transition to a net-zero economy. RBC Foundation USA provides support for initiatives like job readiness, youth career pathways, financial stability, and environmentally sustainable community spaces, which may include renewable energy or energy-efficiency projects.

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative's Catalyst Grant supports organizations in the visual arts sector to take quick, impactful actions toward sustainability. Since 2021, the initiative has awarded over $10 million, fostering a shift to carbon-neutral operations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit entities that prioritize visual arts, aiming to reduce environmental impact through clean energy, efficiency improvements, and innovative practices. This grant promotes a greener future while enhancing the importance of arts education and ecological stewardship.

Minority-serving institutions with STEM doctoral programs, including those in Iowa, can seek funding to expand research capacity and increase production of research PhDs through the CREST-RISE program. Focused on strengthening STEM research infrastructure, the National Science Foundation offers US $100,000 - US $2,000,000 for projects aligned with institutional strategic plans, including work in renewable and sustainable energy.

High school seniors pursuing STEM majors can receive up to US $50,000 in undergraduate scholarship support, including students from Iowa. Focused on STEM and renewable/sustainable energy fields, Edison International invites applicants planning full-time study in eligible majors who demonstrate financial need; recipients may also qualify for a paid summer internship with Southern California Edison.

Research institutions and partners studying fisheries and offshore wind interactions can seek up to US $400,000 for social, cultural, historical, or economic research in the U.S. Northeast. Northeast Sea Grant Consortium supports renewable and sustainable energy-related fisheries work; Iowa renewable energy groups may be eligible if collaborating with a Co-PI from NY, CT, MA, NH, ME, or RI.

Graduate-level students and researchers in renewable or sustainable energy and related security technologies in Iowa can apply for up to US $40,000 to study between Australia and the U.S. With a mission to foster advanced study and cross-national expertise, American Australian Association provides support for tuition, travel, living, and other educational or research costs.

Tribal governments and Native-serving organizations pursuing renewable energy projects can access funding for solar capacity-building and workforce development across the U.S., including Iowa. Grants from GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund help tribal communities plan and implement solar projects, expand solar job training, and strengthen long-term energy sovereignty and resilience, with awards up to US $100,000.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, public health, or related renewable/sustainable energy topics in Iowa can apply for this scholarship, which awards US $3,000 for impactful water-industry research. Focused on actionable, timely outcomes, the American Water Works Association supports future leaders addressing current challenges in water and environmental systems.

Organizations with ARPA-E–developed energy technologies seeking large-scale deployment can apply for U.S. Department of Energy support to scale subject inventions in renewable and sustainable energy, biofuels, and efficiency. This national program, open to prior ARPA-E awardees including those in Iowa, offers US $5,000,000 - US $20,000,000 for high-risk, transformative applied R&D and commercialization-ready scaleup.

Tribal governments and Tribal collaboratives seeking to build capacity for offshore wind engagement, including those serving Iowa, can apply for funding up to US $565,000 to plan and implement renewable energy engagement activities. Focused on offshore wind, the U.S. Department of Energy supports multi-phase efforts in planning, community engagement, workforce training, and environmental monitoring.

DOE provides Iowa renewable and sustainable energy innovators with competitive prize funding for industrial thermal and electric energy storage concepts. U.S.-based teams can propose industrial cooling, high-temperature storage, or hybrid heating, cooling, and power solutions. Three phased rounds award up to US $700,000 per team to design, prototype, and validate scalable technologies.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on renewable and sustainable energy or clean drinking water initiatives, including those serving Iowa, can access funding through Park Foundation’s Environment Grants program. Support is available for policy development, advocacy, organizing, corporate responsibility, and investigative reporting focused on reducing fossil fuel reliance and protecting public water resources in New York and nationally.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations with renewable or sustainable energy programming in Iowa can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives support. Funding backs initiatives that advance environmental protection, sustainable energy solutions, and related community development, with projects required to take place in Canada or the U.S.

Iowa nonprofits and community organizations working on renewable or sustainable energy, social justice, education, workforce development, or community health can access funding through AES Hawaii Foundation for programs in their communities. Projects must align with at least one of the foundation’s four impact pillars and demonstrate measurable, long-term benefits, including potential statewide impact.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on solar energy, workforce training, or renewable energy education can access funding through All Points North Foundation for U.S.-based solar projects. Grants of US $60,000 - US $100,000 support solar installations, job training for Tribal communities, and community education on solar benefits, with a preference for proven, well-managed programs.

The USDA's Tribal Colleges Extension Program - Capacity Applications (TCEP-CA) aims to support community-based projects that enhance agriculture, youth development, economic growth, and healthy lifestyles among Tribal communities. This new funding cycle, managed by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), emphasizes merit and efficiency, encouraging applicants to engage actively with local farmers and ranchers to ensure relevant and impactful initiatives.

The Sun Grant Program, supported by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, aims to enhance national energy security and promote economic growth in rural areas through biobased energy technologies. It focuses on developing diverse agricultural systems and improving coordination in bioenergy research. This initiative is designed to foster innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector while addressing energy needs, making significant contributions to rural development and energy efficiency.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on regenerative agriculture, climate justice, healthy food access, or related environmental work in Iowa and nationwide can seek general operating support from the Clif Family Foundation, with awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000. Focused on sustainability, the foundation invites groups advancing renewable and sustainable energy and broader climate solutions to apply.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Roger Arliner Young (RAY) Fellowship Program, managed by the Environmental Leadership Program, aims to foster conservation and clean energy careers for emerging leaders of color. This two-year paid fellowship provides recent graduates with professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Ideal candidates are those with a passion for social and environmental justice, who identify as part of historically marginalized groups, and are committed to community engagement. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the environmental sector.

The Caesars Foundation supports community-focused organizations through monetary and in-kind donations, prioritizing strategic areas like social equity, climate action, and mental health. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits and educational institutions operating within the U.S. Requests must align with these focus areas to enhance community impact. Organizations that discriminate or operate outside the U.S. are ineligible. By fostering collaboration, the foundation aims to uplift vulnerable populations and promote sustainable practices.

SC Johnson Grants aim to enhance community welfare through charitable contributions, focusing on health, sustainability, and opportunity. Since 1937, the company has committed five percent of its pretax profits to support registered charities and nonprofit organizations, especially in areas where it operates. The grant program prioritizes initiatives addressing healthcare access, environmental conservation, and educational equity, ensuring that efforts align with the values of community service and corporate responsibility.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.