Best Linn County Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.

Nestlé Purina

Approximately US $7,500

Competitive Donor-Advised Funds - Diamond V Grant

Full proposal due Jul 2, 2027

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation offers the Competitive Donor-Advised Funds - Diamond V Grant to enhance the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa. This grant supports nonprofit organizations and governmental entities focusing on health-related programs and capital needs. With an average award of $7,500 over a 12-month duration, eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status or secure a fiscal sponsor. Funding priorities vary based on donor advisors.

Up to US $10,000

Bruce and Judy McGrath Family Fund

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation serves Linn County, Iowa, as a convenor and partner to donors, funders, and nonprofit organizations working together to build vibrant and inclusive communities where all people can thrive.

Founded in 1949 as the Community Welfare Foundation, we became a public community foundation in 1992. Today, we steward more than $261 million in charitable assets across more than 1,100 funds, generating grants for the greater good of Linn County.

We bring people together to strengthen our community through philanthropy. We inspire giving, fund important programs, advocate for equity, promote learning, and invest in community initiatives to improve the quality of life in Linn County.

Bruce and Judy McGrath Family Fund

The Bruce and Judy McGrath Family Fund supports organizations that help individuals gain access to medical, mental health, legal and educational/vocational services. Priorities

This fund supports organizations that help individuals gain access to:

medical,
mental health,
legal and
educational/vocational services.

Applications due Sep 25, 2026

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Up to US $2,500

FHFF Animal Welfare Grant

The FHFF Animal Welfare Grant, offered by the Friends Helping Friends Foundation, aims to enhance the well-being of homeless animals in Cedar Rapids through funding life-saving initiatives. This program supports local animal shelters and non-profits in providing emergency care, spay/neuter services, and humane education. By collaborating with the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, this grant seeks to improve the success rate of Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control, ensuring a brighter future for animals in need.

Friends Helping Friends Foundation

Approximately US $2,400

Competitive Donor-Advised Funds - Altorfer Inc. Grant

Purpose:

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation accepts grant applications for a number of local corporations and family funds. Funding priorities are determined by each donor-advisor and may include program or project support, capital campaigns, and/or event sponsorships.

Competitive Donor-Advised Funds are not related to the Program Support or Organization Support grant programs. Therefore, applications to Competitive Donor-Advised Funds are not subject to the application limits for those two grant programs.

Altorfer Inc. Grant

Priorities

Historic preservation,
community development

Full proposal due Sep 11, 2027

Approximately US $3,000

Competitive Donor-Advised Funds: McGrath Automotive Group Grants

The Competitive Donor-Advised Funds program by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation offers grants aimed at enhancing community welfare in Linn County, Iowa. This initiative encourages local corporations and family foundations to support diverse causes, including programmatic support, capital projects, event sponsorships, and more. With a focus on children's needs, these grants typically provide funding for up to 12 months, with average awards around $3,000, ensuring a significant impact on the community.

Applications due Jan 15, 2027

Unspecified amount

Alliant Energy Foundation: Community Grants

The Alliant Energy Foundation offers community grants to support local organizations within its service areas. With a focus on strategic areas such as hunger, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety, the foundation has invested over $76 million since 1998. Applications are accepted year-round, and funding is available for specific programs aimed at enhancing community well-being and innovation. Organizations may receive one grant per year, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to diverse community support.

Alliant Energy

Unspecified amount

Brinker International Charitable Giving Program

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

Brinker International

US $10,000

PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion (John Deere)

The PLTW Gateway program expansion, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved students in John Deere communities. With a commitment to support 1 million youth by 2030, this initiative provides grants to schools seeking to expand their existing PLTW programs. Eligible schools must be within proximity of John Deere facilities and demonstrate a significant enrollment of students participating in free and reduced lunch programs, ensuring equitable educational opportunities.

Project Lead The Way Inc

Up to US $3,000

GCRCF: Rapid Response Grants (formerly President’s Grants)

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation offers Rapid Response Grants to support local nonprofit organizations in Linn County, Iowa. These grants, up to $2,500 for a maximum duration of 12 months, are designed for emergency expenses and emerging opportunities that arise unexpectedly. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsorship agreement. The fund prioritizes projects addressing urgent needs or time-sensitive community issues.

Applications due Oct 2, 2026

US $3,000

Big Field Fund (BFF) Research/Development Grants

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.

Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts

Approximately US $9,000

Competitive Donor-Advised Funds - GreatAmerica Financial Services Corp. Grant

Applications due Mar 6, 2027

The Competitive Donor-Advised Funds from GreatAmerica Financial Services Corp. aim to support local nonprofit organizations through the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and those with fiscal sponsors. Grants can cover programmatic support, capital projects, and event sponsorships, with specific restrictions on ineligible expenses such as travel and religious purposes. This initiative fosters community engagement and growth by empowering local entities.

Unspecified amount

Western Iowa Journalism Foundation Grants

The Western Iowa Journalism Foundation (WIJF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to promoting community journalism across western Iowa. Established in 2020, WIJF provides grants to both non-profit and for-profit news organizations, enabling them to deliver accurate local news and investigative reporting. Their funding is aimed at enhancing local news coverage, ensuring long-term access to vital information for residents. WIJF prioritizes projects that align with their mission to support an independent and robust press.

Western Iowa Journalism Foundation

US $1,000 - US $10,000

Wabtec Direct Grant Program

The Wabtec Direct Grant Program focuses on creating sustainable impacts in local communities by funding 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Emphasizing education and environmental stewardship, the program supports initiatives that improve literacy, academic outcomes, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, prioritizing organizations that engage local Wabtec employees in volunteerism. The program promotes equitable access and non-discrimination while ensuring measurable results in funded projects.

Wabtec Foundation

US $20,000

PLTW Computer Science - New Program (John Deere)

The PLTW Computer Science program, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM opportunities for underserved students in John Deere communities. This initiative supports schools initiating or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a commitment to inclusive education, the foundation seeks to empower students by providing essential resources and opportunities to develop critical skills that will serve them in future careers.

Project Lead The Way Inc

US $500 - US $2,000

Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program ( Winter )

Applications due Sep 1, 2027

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships.

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.

Where would we be without Caregivers?

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated.

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

Jean Griswold Foundation (Griswold Cares Foundation)

Unspecified amount

Aegon Transamerica Foundation Grant

Applications due Nov 1, 2026

The Aegon Transamerica Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations focused on enhancing financial and social empowerment in communities where Transamerica employees live and work. Established in 2000, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster self-reliance, financial literacy, and community engagement. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) non-profits operating in specific locations such as Atlanta, GA and Denver, CO. The foundation does not fund individuals or certain types of organizations, aiming to create inclusive, resilient communities.

Aegon Transamerica Foundation

Unspecified amount

GreenState Credit Union Funding

The GreenState Foundation, part of GreenState Credit Union, is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through financial education, affordable housing, and children's health. They actively support local nonprofits and schools, prioritizing projects that empower underserved communities. With a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community impact, they ensure funding is available within specific regions including Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska, fostering a brighter future for all.

GreenState Credit Union

Unspecified amount

Ferguson Cares Grant

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Ferguson

Up to US $10,000

GCRCF: Linn County Grants

Applications due Sep 12, 2027

The GCRCF: Linn County Grants aim to improve community development and quality of life in non-metro areas of Linn County, Iowa. Priority is given to well-designed programs that demonstrate innovative solutions to local issues. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental organizations, particularly those serving non-metro communities. Capital projects are encouraged, while fundraising events and scholarships for education are ineligible. This initiative seeks to foster community-driven initiatives that effectively utilize local resources.

Full proposal due Jul 2, 2027

Up to US $5,000

Competitive Donor-Advised Funds - Lil’ Drug Store Products Grant

The Competitive Donor-Advised Funds grant, offered by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa. This grant supports nonprofit organizations with diverse funding needs, including programmatic support and capital campaigns. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental entities. Grants can be awarded for up to $5,000 for projects within Cedar Rapids, with a standard duration of 12 months.

Full proposal due Jul 2, 2027

US $500 - US $10,000

Competitive Donor-Advised Funds - World Class Industries Grant

The Competitive Donor-Advised Funds - World Class Industries Grant, offered by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Linn County, Iowa. With funding ranging from $500 to $10,000, grants prioritize basic health services, education aligned with Iowa Core Standards, and capital improvements. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and those with fiscal sponsors. The grant aims to enhance community well-being through impactful philanthropy and collaboration.

Unspecified amount

Black Hills Charitable Giving Program

The Black Hills Charitable Giving Program supports community growth by providing sponsorships and donations to eligible organizations. Focused on thriving communities, conservation, and nurturing future leaders, it invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and schools. Funding priorities include critical needs like food security and education, while requests benefiting individuals or political causes are generally not funded. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made within 120 days.

Black Hills Corporation Foundation

US $5,000

PLTW Launch - Program Expansion (John Deere)

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion grant, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their PLTW programs and includes training for teachers and resources for students. Priority is given to schools near John Deere facilities that demonstrate need and a commitment to student participation in STEM activities. The project aligns with the foundation's goal to impact one million youth by 2030.

Project Lead The Way Inc

Approximately US $2,400

Competitive Donor-Advised Funds: Altorfer Inc.

The Competitive Donor-Advised Funds program by Altorfer Inc. and the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa. It supports nonprofit organizations through various funding priorities including health services, education, and community development. With an average grant award of $2,400 over a 12-month period, it welcomes applications from eligible nonprofits and governmental organizations. This initiative fosters impactful philanthropy and community collaboration.

Approximately US $3,000

Competitive Donor-Advised Funds - Bloomhall Family Grant

The Bloomhall Family Grant, offered by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Linn County, Iowa. This grant focuses on health-related activities and is available for programmatic or capital purposes. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and those with fiscal sponsors. Grants are awarded for a duration of 12 months, enhancing community impact through various funding opportunities. The foundation prioritizes high-impact philanthropy, fostering collaboration for a better future.

US $10,000

PLTW Computer Science - Program Expansion (John Deere)