Best Vocational Rehab Grants in Iowa

Regional secondary career and technical education planning partnerships in Iowa can use this grant to strengthen high-quality CTE programming, equipment, and professional development. Grants from Iowa Department of Education help regional partnerships coordinate guidance systems and collaborative efforts that expand equitable access to high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand career pathways for students.

Iowa school districts can apply for the Iowa Department of Education’s Credentials to Careers Grant, offering up to US $50,000 to build or expand secondary CTE programs leading to state-approved industry-recognized credentials. Funds may cover assessment fees, instructional materials, equipment, software, and other costs that directly support credential attainment in high-demand career pathways.

Iowa nonprofit organizations planning capital campaigns or major projects for vocational and trade education facilities or programs can apply for First National Bank of Omaha’s capital or major donations. Funding supports construction, renovation, or other large-scale efforts that advance workforce development, education, and related community goals in FNBO’s Iowa service areas.

Organizations providing youth mentoring and vocational support to ORR-eligible refugee youth ages 15–24 in Iowa can apply for US $61,250 - US $245,000 to deliver mentoring and case management services. Focused on vocational and educational advancement, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services invites programs that promote positive civic and social engagement for these young people.

Norfolk Southern Foundation provides Iowa vocational and trade students with US $5,000 scholarships for post-secondary training in railway-related trades. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a qualifying institution and pursuing careers such as locomotive engineer, conductor, maintenance, welding, electrical, safety, construction, or heavy equipment operation across designated states including Iowa.

Students with an epilepsy or seizure diagnosis in Iowa planning vocational, two- or four-year college, or graduate study may be eligible for this higher education scholarship, with awards up to Up to US $1,500. Scholarship America’s Elam Baer and Janis Clay Epilepsy Scholarship also serves residents of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin pursuing similar programs.

Iowa school districts seeking to strengthen vocational and work-based learning programs can use this grant to fund educator preparation, professional development, and credentialing. Iowa Department of Education’s WBL-LIFT program supports recruitment and retention of CTE educators, prioritizing districts with low work-based learning participation that present strong plans to expand high-quality vocational experiences.

Iowa secondary schools and community colleges creating new College and Career Transition Counselor positions in Iowa can access funding through the Iowa Department of Education to support college and career transition services. Grants of Up to US $50,000 over three years help expand vocational and trade education, career preparation, and college persistence support for grades 11–12 students.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on workforce readiness, vocational training, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected organizations join a two-year leadership development cohort and receive capacity-building support to advance income creation, job readiness, entrepreneurship, financial resilience, and stable housing for the communities they serve.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this program, which includes vocational and trade education. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation support organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, with priority for leaders of color and efforts advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Iowa school districts and community colleges developing vocational and technical career academies can access funding through the Iowa Department of Education to expand regional career and technical education centers. Grants support concurrent enrollment, career-themed course sequences, and strong employer-education partnerships, and may benefit Iowa programs focused on vocational rehabilitation and workforce readiness.

Nonprofit organizations in Iowa can seek flexible community sponsorships to support vocational and trade education, workforce development, and related community programs. Focused on affordable housing, small business development, education and workforce readiness, environmental sustainability, arts and culture, community cohesion, and health and wellbeing, First National Bank of Omaha provides unrestricted support tied to events, fundraising, and general operations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa with at least three years of operation and a $100,000+ budget can seek funding for workforce preparation, vocational training, and youth career readiness programs. RBC Foundation USA supports efforts that build in-demand job skills, provide work experiences, and help people bridge education to sustained employment.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government entities can access funding for workforce development, sustainability, and thriving community programs through Marathon Petroleum. Grants support vocational and technical education, skilled trades training, youth development, disaster preparedness, and related community initiatives, with preference for projects in areas where the company has significant operations and measurable community impact.

With a mission to strengthen economic opportunity, First National Bank of Omaha provides Iowa nonprofits working on vocational and trade education, workforce development, and financial literacy with Impact Grants. Funding supports affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization, small business development and job creation, and adult education that improves financial well-being and economic self-sufficiency.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with established education or health programs, including those providing vocational and trade education in Iowa, can seek funding to expand or continue successful initiatives. L.B. Research and Education Foundation supports efforts that close opportunity gaps, especially for underserved adolescents, post-secondary learners, and adults, through innovative, research-informed programming. Awards range from US $10,000 - US $75,000.

Iowa high school and undergraduate students pursuing community college, university, or trade school education can receive scholarships for full-time vocational or higher education costs. United Way and Community Foundation of Greater Fort Dodge administers the Merrill Family Foundation 5M Scholarship, with preference for applicants from Hamilton and Webster Counties and awards announced annually on August 1.

State correctional institutions in Iowa offering career and technical education can access funding for supplementary support services that help incarcerated individuals complete vocational programs. Iowa Department of Education’s Perkins V State Training School Grant provides US $20,246 for services that prepare participants for high-skill, high-wage, or high-demand occupations, supporting vocational rehabilitation outcomes.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering workforce development, vocational training, or related community programs can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants; awards range from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible projects must primarily serve a Union Pacific community and fit priority areas like workforce development, safety, community vitality, or environmental sustainability.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Scholarships

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

ASMO Manufacturing, Inc. Scholarship Fund

The ASMO Manufacturing, Inc. Scholarship was established to provide scholarships to graduates or graduating seniors from the Battle Creek area seeking educational opportunities beyond high school. The eligible recipients are dependent children or regular employees of ASMO Manufacturing, Inc. "Employees" may be the parent, legal guardian, stepmother, or stepfather of the dependent child. Retirees and former spouses are excluded from these criteria. The recipient must be a high school graduate or a G.E.D. recipient who has been accepted to a college or university in the fall, or students who are already pursuing a full-time course of study at an accredited two (2) or four (4) year college, university, or vocational-technical school. There is a minimum GPA of 2.5. Selection criteria will be based on academic achievement, career plans, and involvement in school and community activities.