Best School Health Grants in Iowa

Nonprofits strengthening youth and family health and resiliency, including school health efforts in Iowa, can apply for multi-year support up to US $150,000. With a mission to support social determinants of health, Telligen Community Initiative funds projects in Iowa and select states that build stronger families and communities.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering school-based nutrition education or healthy eating programs can seek support for student and family food awareness initiatives. Focused on nutrition education, the Ann B Zekauskas Family Foundation invites organizations to request funding for projects that teach seed-to-plate concepts, promote healthy choices, and improve school health outcomes, including underserved communities.

K-12 schools in Iowa participating in the National School Lunch Program can apply for US $2,000 nutrition equipment kits to expand access to healthy school meals and dairy foods. Focused on school health, National Dairy Council’s Fuel Up initiative supports equipment that boosts students’ access to and consumption of milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Graduating high school seniors in Iowa’s Independent School District #813 planning to pursue a nursing degree can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. Grants from Greater Lake City Community Foundation help school health–oriented students continue their education, recognizing strong academics, involvement in school activities, and community service as key selection factors.

School food professionals working in National School Lunch Program districts in Iowa and nationwide can apply for the Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship from the Chef Ann Foundation, which includes a grant for a capstone project. This 13‑month leadership program builds skills in nutrition, policy, procurement, finances, sustainability, and school health systems.

K-12 school districts in Iowa that self-operate their meal programs and participate in the National School Lunch Program can receive multi-year support to shift from heat-and-serve to scratch cooking models. With a mission to improve school meals, Chef Ann Foundation provides assessments, technical assistance, and system improvement grants to strengthen school health and nutrition programs.

Schools in Iowa seeking to start or strengthen in-school food pantries may be eligible for support to improve student food security and school health. Stop & Shop Helping Hands partners directly with pre-K through college schools to establish or sustain pantries that help ensure students do not attend class hungry.

Clinicians in school-based audiology or speech-language pathology roles can receive recognition and US $2,500 to advance exemplary school health services, including supervision, research, or innovative programs. Focused on school communication disorders, the American Speech Language Hearing Foundation also provides $500 to the recipient’s school system to further the awarded work.

College and university student health centers in Iowa working on school health and health care access can seek up to US $3,500 to develop innovative ways to improve student access to quality care. The American College Health Foundation supports American College Health Association institutional or individual members creating creative, sustainable approaches to understanding needs, outreach, and service delivery.

With a mission to advance school health research, the National Association of School Nurses provides Iowa school health professionals with US $1,000 - US $25,000 for studies on school nursing practice and the health of school-aged children. Eligible projects must be future research led by a NASN-member school nurse involved throughout the research process.

With a mission to support school health and safety, the Office of Elementary & Secondary Education provides Iowa school districts and other local educational agencies with funding to implement CDC-aligned COVID-19 prevention strategies. LEAs nationwide, including in Iowa, that were financially penalized by their state for such measures may be eligible for Project SAFE support.

School health and youth-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa can seek funding for programs addressing bullying, suicide prevention, human trafficking, social isolation, or related health needs through the Levin Family Foundation, with awards up to US $30,000. Grants may benefit school-based initiatives that align with the foundation’s mission and priority program areas.

Nonprofit K–8 schools with established gardens or culinary education programs can receive support to integrate gardening, nutrition, and cooking into school health curricula in Iowa and nationwide. Emeril Lagasse Foundation supports horticulture, nutrition education, and culinary arts, helping schools build teaching kitchens, provide hands-on instruction, and mentor other schools implementing similar programs.

With a mission to strengthen communities, International Paper Company Foundation provides Iowa school health and education programs with US $2,500 - US $10,000 for literacy, K-12 learning, wellness, and community services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and certain public entities in Black Hawk, Linn, or Polk Counties where International Paper operates.

Iowa 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofits working on education, health and wellness, environment, or arts programs can apply for corporate charitable contributions that may support school health initiatives. Focused on improving quality of life, McCormick & Company prioritizes organizations in communities where its employees live and work and those with active employee volunteer involvement.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

Iowa cultural and arts-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can access funding through William Randolph Hearst Foundation for arts and science programs, capital needs, or limited general support. School-based arts or STEAM initiatives that engage youth and demonstrate measurable impact may be competitive, especially those serving large or underserved populations in the U.S.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers financial support for various community projects through its Company Giving program. Focused on four key areas—Health Care, Veterans' Support, Education, and Crisis Management—this initiative aims to enhance the well-being of local communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and civic groups, while organizations that primarily benefit their members or have high management overhead may be excluded. The program underscores J.B. Hunt's commitment to corporate social responsibility.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Hearst Foundation: Education Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that promote education across various levels, focusing primarily on higher education. With a minimum grant size of $100,000, the foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating significant impact and sustainability. They support innovative educational models, professional development, and scholarships, specifically targeting underserved populations. Since the 1940s, the foundation has evolved while maintaining its commitment to fostering healthy and productive lives for all individuals in the United States.

The Hearst Foundation's Health Grant aims to support nonprofits that enhance healthcare access for underserved populations in the U.S. Focused on improving skills and increasing healthcare practitioners, the grant also emphasizes public health and medical research. With a history of funding significant projects, the foundation prioritizes programs that address the complex needs of low-income, rural, and elderly communities. This commitment ensures a sustainable impact on national health outcomes while supporting innovative healthcare delivery systems.

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program aims to enhance access to high-quality early education for low-income children. Funding up to $1.5 million is available for innovative proposals that improve professional development for early educators. Key priorities include scalable coaching models, leadership development for under-resourced communities, and community-wide substitute teacher pools. This initiative is designed to tackle significant gaps identified in early childhood education and support effective learning environments.

The WKKF Grant, offered by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a future where every child and family thrives. With a focus on nurturing early education, accessible healthcare, and equitable food systems, this grant supports initiatives that empower communities across the U.S. and parts of Mexico and Haiti. Organizations meeting IRS regulations and being legal entities, particularly 501(c)(3) nonprofits, are encouraged to apply for funding to create lasting impacts in their communities.