Best Louisa County Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

Greenlight Grant

Greenlight Grants are intended to provide entrepreneurial and collaborative Iowa filmmakers with a financial boost to launch a well-written script to screen and the opportunity to stretch creatively, think big and tell an important story that needs to be told to a larger audience. A goal of the Program is for Iowans to become job creators that grow our film and media industry.  

Through the Program, the IEDA provides financial incentives to Iowa filmmakers who are ready to produce films and media projects that can take them to the next level in their careers and contribute to a more robust film and media industry and creative economy in Iowa.   

The Greenlight Grant is administered by the Iowa Arts Council and Produce Iowa within the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The program is funded through an annual appropriation by the Iowa Legislature. 

The FY27 Communications and Networking Applied Research program aims to advance technologies essential for Naval operations. This initiative aligns with the Design for Maritime Superiority, focusing on the Naval Tactical Grid (NTG) to ensure seamless connectivity among distributed units. The technologies developed will operate under challenging conditions across multiple domains, enhancing command and control capabilities for effective decision-making in maritime and other operational theaters.

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) aims to combat discriminatory housing practices through funding provided to various organizations. Established by Congress in 1988 and made permanent in 1992, FHIP supports entities that educate the public and enforce fair housing rights. The program offers competitive grants across four initiatives, including the Private Enforcement Initiative, which enables national non-profit organizations to investigate violations and uphold fair housing laws effectively.

About Us

Wisconsin Sea Grant is a statewide program of basic and applied research, education, outreach and technology transfer dedicated to the stewardship and sustainable use of the nation’s Great Lakes and ocean resources.

Headquartered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the institute is housed in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research’s Aquatic Sciences Center. (See our Water and Land Acknowledgement.) Wisconsin Sea Grant is part of a national network of 34 university-based programs funded through the National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce and through matching contributions from participating states and the private sector. 

John A. Knauss Marine (and Great Lakes) Policy Fellowship

The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant College Program is accepting applications from graduate students statewide for the National Sea Grant College Program’s John A. Knauss Marine (and Great Lakes) Policy Fellowship Program. The program, established in 1979, provides a unique educational experience to applicants who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The program matches highly qualified graduate students with “hosts” in the legislative and executive branch of government located in the Washington, D.C. area, for a one year paid internship. Placement opportunities are numerous and very diverse and have typically included offices within Congress, the Executive Office of the President, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Departments of State, Treasury, Transportation, and Energy, in addition to others. Applicants from a variety of backgrounds including natural and social sciences, law, engineering, and communications can be competitive for this fellowship. Fellowships begin June 1, 2027.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) aims to enhance broadband access and adoption on Tribal lands, supporting initiatives for remote learning, telework, and telehealth. Administered by NTIA, this program provides vital funding to eligible entities under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This funding is crucial for fostering digital inclusion and improving connectivity in underserved Tribal communities.

The Native Entities Grant Program, initiated by NTIA under the Digital Equity Act of 2021, aims to support Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations. This program streamlines funding through a unified application for two significant initiatives: the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant. By focusing on reducing administrative burdens, it enhances access to digital resources and equity in underserved communities.

The DoW Bone Marrow Failure Idea Development Award supports innovative, high-impact research aimed at understanding and curing bone marrow failure diseases. This grant is available to both Established Investigators and Early-Career Investigators, with no preliminary data required for applications. Reviewers assess proposals based on specific criteria tailored to the investigator's career stage. The focus is on achieving interpretable results that contribute significantly to the field.

The DoW Bone Marrow Failure Investigator-Initiated Research Award supports innovative research aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of bone marrow failure. This funding opportunity encourages applications for translational and clinical studies, requiring preliminary data to strengthen proposals. Unique features include the ability for a partnering Principal Investigator to contribute to the research, thereby fostering collaboration while maintaining a focus on significant advancements in patient care.

The DoW Rare Cancers Idea Development Award promotes innovative research ideas for rare cancers, encouraging applicants to provide preliminary data and exploratory aims. This funding opportunity, offered by the US DOD: U.S. Army Medical Command, seeks projects with the potential for high-impact findings that can significantly benefit the patient community. It aims to foster new avenues of investigation and support discovery-driven research in the field of rare cancers.

The 2026 Rare Cancers Research Program Resource and Community Development Award aims to enhance rare cancer research through improved resources and datasets. It addresses critical gaps in research resources, communication strategies, and data sharing infrastructures. Key features include engaging patient advocates throughout the research process and ensuring sustainability of community platforms. This funding opportunity emphasizes community building and the dissemination of findings to benefit scientific and patient communities alike.

The FY26 Joint Warfighter Medical Research Program's Military Medical Research and Development Award aims to fund the continuation of previous Department of War-funded research addressing high-priority medical needs for Service Members and Military Health System beneficiaries. It supports various projects, including late-stage preclinical studies and clinical research. Eligibility requires prior DOD funding, and a Clinical Research Option is available for studies involving human subjects or biological samples.

The FY26 Bone Marrow Failure Research Program's Resource Development Award aims to create a multiomic atlas from human bone marrow failure samples. This resource will be open-access, providing essential data for researchers and clinicians to enhance their understanding of bone marrow failure diseases. A comprehensive Data Resource Sharing Plan is required to ensure timely availability of the developed resource, fostering collaboration within the scientific community.

The FY26 Parkinson’s Research Program Investigator-Initiated Research Award supports innovative, multidisciplinary research projects aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The award encourages collaboration among multiple principal investigators, requiring preliminary data and allowing clinical trials to enhance research outcomes. This initiative is vital for fostering impactful discoveries within the four specified focus areas of the program, ultimately improving patient care and management.

The BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS) invites innovative research proposals aimed at advancing technologies for understanding brain connectivity. This funding opportunity supports specialized projects focused on creating comprehensive atlases of brain wiring, emphasizing human and non-human species. Successful applications will contribute to a network aimed at enhancing the analysis and interpretation of brain circuits, ultimately leading to better strategies for treating brain disorders. Proposals must demonstrate novel approaches to data collection and integration.

The FY26 Reconstructive Transplant Research Program Concept Award encourages innovative research addressing critical issues in reconstructive transplantation. It supports groundbreaking concepts and untested theories, emphasizing creativity and relevance to specific focus areas. Notably, preliminary data presentation is prohibited, yet applications must demonstrate potential for interpretable results. Early-career investigators are particularly encouraged to apply, fostering new talent in this vital research field.

The Polly W. Roesch Vocal Music Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, supports graduating seniors from Sangamon County pursuing degrees in vocal music and performing arts. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the region. Eligible candidates include high school seniors and college students who are direct descendants of U.S. Service Members residing in specific Illinois counties. This initiative aims to foster talent in the arts and provide financial assistance to deserving students.

The Mary Lou and Dwight Pitman Scholarship supports area public high school students in Sangamon County, excluding Springfield and Chatham districts, who have siblings planning to attend college. Established through the Sangamon County Foundation in 1924, this scholarship honors the legacy of community leaders and aims to empower the next generation by aiding students' educational pursuits. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors and current college students who are direct descendants of U.S. Service Members.

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Iowa HHS provides high quality programs and services that protect and improve the health and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities.

Mobile Integrated Health

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (the Agency) is providing this notice of intent to release a request for proposal (RFP) on or around July 2026 for approximately seven Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) projects that will expand EMS‑led community care by delivering preventive, chronic disease, prenatal/postpartum, and acute care services directly to Iowans in their homes and communities. These projects will equip EMS agencies with the training, telehealth connectivity, and clinical tools needed to provide coordinated, in‑home care that reduces avoidable emergency department utilization and strengthens local access. A key objective of this initiative is to develop consistent and dependable care‑delivery patterns across rural regions, ensuring patients receive timely follow‑up, navigation support, and integrated care regardless of location. Please visit Healthy Hometowns - Iowa's Rural Health Transformation Plan | Health & Human Services for more information.

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Iowa HHS provides high quality programs and services that protect and improve the health and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities.

Maternal Health Hub and Spoke

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (the Agency) is providing this notice of intent to release a request for proposal (RFP) on or around July 2026, for Maternal Health Hub and Spoke networks. This procurement is for establishing the framework for hub and spoke networks of care for the delivery of maternal health care in Iowa. The Agency anticipates successful applicants will be required to complete some activities related to behavioral health care for the maternal health population.

The Agency anticipates that this work may include forming rural provider strategic partnerships, advancing telehealth, establishing referral networks and agreements (particularly among non-affiliated provider organizations), provider recruitment, equipment purchases and associated minor renovations, and other funds needed to establish or advance the provision of maternal health care at hub and spoke sites. Please see the Agency’s Rural Health Transformation Grant website (Rural Health Transformation (RHT) | Health & Human Services) for additional information about the Healthy Hometowns initiative.

Every Kindness is a Gift

Dollar Tree Gift Card Program 2026

Every Kindness is a Gift is a gift card grant program made possible through the generosity of Dollar Tree and managed by the team here at Gift Card Bank. We are a nonprofit organization that specializes in the distribution of gift cards and our mission is to improve well-being and build financial stability by supporting people through their time of need.

Through Every Kindness is a Gift, nonprofit organizations and Title I schools located in the 48 contiguous states may apply to receive a grant of Dollar Tree gift cards.

Gift cards received through these grants are meant to be distributed directly to individuals and families in need. A primary goal of the program is to give gift card recipients the dignity of choice by empowering them to shop for what they need themselves. By putting gift cards directly in the hands of our neighbors in need, we are able to increase access to essentials like food, school supplies, paper products, cleaning products, and hygiene items.

In 2026, there will be two rounds of grant distributions. In each round, we will award a number of grants between $2,500 and $10,000.

Round One is a summer distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round One will arrive in late June, while kids are on break and back-to-school is around the corner. Round Two is a holiday distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round Two will arrive in early November, as the end-of-year holidays approach.

We know that these are times of year when budgets are tight. Through these gift card grants, we hope to connect individuals and families directly to the essential resources they need during difficult months.

Iowa Department of Education

The Department provides oversight to the state education system that includes PK-12 public elementary and secondary schools, nonpublic schools that receive state accreditation, area education agencies, community colleges, and teacher preparation programs. The Department works to remove barriers for pursuing education beyond high school. The Department also establishes and enforces rigorous standards and licensing for Iowa educational practitioners to effectively address the needs of students.  

College and Career Transition Counselor Grant

Description of the Project

The start-up grants for the project will help offset the funding needed to start new College and Career Transition Counselor positions in Iowa. College and Career Transition Counselors will work directly through the community college and secondary schools to support college transition and career exploration through targeted connections with students and families during crucial time frames, including preparation, transition to enrollment, and persistence through their postsecondary program. These counselors will work closely with students in grades 11 and 12 in partner high schools throughout the summer after high school graduation and as the first-year advisor for students coming out of this program at the coordinating community college. The positions will be hosted at the community college and partner with at least one school district.

Purpose of the Grant

Financial support to expand the College and Career Transition Counselors across the state is provided by the Department of Education, Bureau of CTE and Post Secondary Readiness. Grant recipients will receive funding for a three-year period of time. 

Iowa Department of Education

The Department provides oversight to the state education system that includes PK-12 public elementary and secondary schools, nonpublic schools that receive state accreditation, area education agencies, community colleges, and teacher preparation programs. The Department works to remove barriers for pursuing education beyond high school. The Department also establishes and enforces rigorous standards and licensing for Iowa educational practitioners to effectively address the needs of students.  

Elementary Computer Science Integration Professional Learning

Purpose

This grant is only for those teachers and districts that have confirmed registrations in the Summer 2026 Elementary Computer Science Professional Development. This grant is the manner through which districts will be reimbursed or the purchase of the required materials for this professional development opportunity.

To receive reimbursement for purchase of the required materials, the following conditions must be met:

• Participating teachers must have access to required materials prior to the scheduled professional development.
• Participating teachers must attend all professional development sessions.
• Districts must submit proof of purchase for specified devices for reimbursement.
• Only required materials will be open for reimbursement

Iowa Department of Education

The Department provides oversight to the state education system that includes PK-12 public elementary and secondary schools, nonpublic schools that receive state accreditation, area education agencies, community colleges, and teacher preparation programs. The Department works to remove barriers for pursuing education beyond high school. The Department also establishes and enforces rigorous standards and licensing for Iowa educational practitioners to effectively address the needs of students.  

Work-Based Learning Leadership & Investment for Field Training (WBL-LIFT)

Purpose

Strengthening the Work-Based Learning Educator Pipeline Through Targeted Professional Preparation

Iowa school districts will have the opportunity to strengthen the educator pipeline for Work-Based Learning (WBL) through the WBL-Leadership & Investment for the Field (LIFT) Grant Opportunity. WBL-LIFT, or Work-Based Learning Leadership and Investment for Field Training, is designed to support the recruitment, preparation, and retention of career and technical education (CTE) educators by expanding access to WBL-focused professional development and credentialing pathways.

This competitive opportunity will support efforts to increase the number of educators qualified to lead, supervise, and sustain high-quality Work-Based Learning programs in Iowa. Through this initiative, school districts may support professional learning and credentialing connected to the Multioccupations (MOC) Endorsement, the Work Experience Coordinator (WEC) Endorsement, and the Work-Based Learning Supervisor Authorization.

If awarded, school districts may use funds to support activities that recruit, prepare, and retain WBL-qualified educators. Allowable uses of funds may include costs associated with professional development, credentialing, endorsement coursework, training, educator support, and other approved activities that strengthen Work-Based Learning leadership and delivery capacity.

This opportunity is intended to help school districts:

• Increase the number of educators holding WBL-related endorsements or authorizations
• Support early-career and transitioning teachers entering Work-Based Learning roles
• Strengthen educator preparation tied to high-quality WBL program design and coordination
• Improve local and statewide capacity to deliver sustainable, high-quality Work-Based Learning experiences
• Build stronger systems for educator support, credential attainment, and program implementation

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks.

Just as importantly, the DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education. Our mission is to conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.

Urban Forestry Development Grant

Through the USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a pass-through partner for the Urban Forestry Development grants for communities.

The Urban Forestry Development Grant provides reimbursable grants to complete projects such as creating community forestry plans, building urban food forests, hosting educational programming, and workforce development through forestry internships. The grant is a two-year program.

The Urban Forestry Development grants are available to community governmental entities, volunteer organizations, and service organizations involved with local urban and community forest services, to improve management, care, and public engagement with trees growing in parks, natural areas, and along public rights-of-way. Grants will also support projects in Iowa communities through investments in community-identified urban forestry needs, advancing environmental or health benefits.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks.

Just as importantly, the DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education. Our mission is to conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.

IRA Iowa Tree Planting Grant

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, through the USDA Forest Service & National Association of State Foresters 2023 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), received funds to plant trees in public spaces.

The Iowa Tree Planting Grant provides reimbursable grants to purchase trees, mulch, tree staking/protection and supplemental watering by contractor or city staff. The grant is a two-year program.

The Iowa Tree Planting grants are available to community governmental entities, volunteer organizations, and service organizations involved with local urban and community forest services, to plant trees on publicly owned properties within the community to diversify the tree canopy, increase tree benefits, help with energy costs and health disparities, and increase access to parks and nature. 

Office of the Attorney General

The attorney general is the State of Iowa's chief legal officer. The attorney general has general charge, supervision and direction of the state's legal business. The Office of the Attorney General provides legal advice and representation to most of the state's major departments, boards, commissions, authorities, officials and institutions. The office further represents the State of Iowa in state administrative law and Iowa District Court matters, the Iowa Court of Appeals, the Iowa Supreme Court, lower federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Criminal Justice Grants

The Victim Assistance Section of the Iowa Department of Justice (“Department”) seeks applications from qualified nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, law enforcement offices, prosecutor offices and other governmental organizations to support victims of violent crimes through the criminal justice system.

Purpose

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to distribute state and federal funding to eligible applicants who will respond to, and support victims of violence, investigate, or prosecute crimes against women, collect evidence, or provide training to those who perform these duties. 

The Mark Mayden Scholarship, established in 2006 by the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, honors the legacy of Mark Mayden, a devoted supporter of agribusiness. This $700 scholarship aims to assist hardworking students from Dickinson County in pursuing technical or vocational education, fostering opportunities for future generations. By rewarding initiative and talent, the scholarship reflects Mark's belief in the transformative power of education and hard work, ensuring that deserving students have the support they need to succeed.