Best Scott 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.

The Giving in Action Grants - Make a Difference Grant provides funding between $25,000 and $50,000 for nonprofits serving the areas of Arts & Culture, Community & Economic Development, Education, Environmental & Conservation, and Health & Human Services. Organizations located outside the service region are eligible to apply. This initiative supports special projects and expanded programming to benefit communities in specific counties of Illinois and Iowa.

The PLTW Launch program, in partnership with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education access for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in implementing PLTW Launch modules, fostering equitable opportunities for students. With a commitment to enroll at least 50% of students from the Free and Reduced Lunch program, the program focuses on real-world skills development to prepare youth for future challenges. The goal is to empower one million students by 2030.

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.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

The Better Health Foundation (BHF) offers Innovation Grants aimed at enhancing community health in the 9-county Quad Cities region. These grants encourage nonprofit organizations to explore new ideas, partnerships, and methods to address health issues. Eligible applicants include local nonprofits focusing on community health, with a strong emphasis on creativity and collaboration. Grant cycles begin with Letters of Inquiry each January, with awards made in late May. This initiative seeks to foster impactful health improvements through innovative approaches.

The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust provides grants primarily to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in Iowa and parts of Illinois. Focused on enhancing educational opportunities, the Trust supports projects in elementary and secondary education, higher education, medical research, youth services, and recreation. By funding innovative initiatives, it aims to improve access to educational resources and foster scientific advancement, while also addressing the recreational needs of youth and supporting community development.

The PLTW Gateway program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education access for underserved communities. By 2030, they intend to assist 1 million youth through inclusive educational opportunities. Schools within 40 miles of John Deere facilities can apply for grants to implement PLTW Gateway units, promoting real-world skill development. Priority is given to schools that demonstrate need and ensure student enrollment in these programs, fostering a strong foundation for future success.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Challenge aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams from underserved communities. Eligible teams must have a John Deere mentor and meet specific criteria related to student demographics. Grants will be awarded to teams that demonstrate commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. This initiative aligns with John Deere’s goal to reach one million underserved youth by 2030, fostering innovation and creativity in future generations.

The RJCCT Youth Recreational Program, supported by the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust since 1995, funds projects that enhance youth recreational facilities in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. The program prioritizes communities in specific counties and aims to strengthen local initiatives. Grants typically cover up to 25% of project costs, with a maximum of $25,000. Emphasis is placed on projects with significant local funding and volunteer support, ensuring a lasting impact on youth engagement in recreational activities.

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.

The John Deere Foundation is partnering with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to expand access to PLTW Engineering programs in underserved communities. This initiative aims to support 1 million youth in STEM by 2030, providing essential resources and educational opportunities. Schools within 40 miles of John Deere facilities can apply for grants to implement PLTW courses. The program emphasizes inclusivity, requiring participating schools to offer multiple engineering courses over three years.

The Better Health Foundation offers discretionary grants to nonprofit organizations addressing community health challenges in the 9-county Quad Cities region. These grants provide crucial support for emergencies or unforeseen expenses that hinder service delivery. Eligible organizations must focus their services within the region, ensuring funding directly benefits local health initiatives. Partnerships with non-501(c)3 entities are welcomed, but the primary grantee must hold the designation. The Foundation seeks impactful results that enhance community health.

The Giving in Action Grants - Community Action Grant by the Moline Regional Community Foundation offers funding between $5,000 and $24,999 for nonprofit organizations in various sectors, including arts, education, and health. Open to all charitable nonprofits in designated counties, this grant encourages innovative community projects. Note that organizations primarily funded through tax support are ineligible. This initiative aims to strengthen community action and support meaningful programs that enhance the quality of life.

The QC River Connections Grant, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports projects addressing environmental challenges faced by the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities. It promotes inclusive community engagement and nature-based solutions to enhance relationships between communities and the river. Eligible projects include restoration, education, and access initiatives. The grant aims to uplift underrepresented communities impacted by environmental issues, ensuring equitable participation in environmental stewardship.

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.

The Better Health Foundation's Solutions at Scale Grants aim to significantly enhance community health across the 9-county Quad Cities region. These grants support initiatives with proven effectiveness and encourage collaborations among nonprofit organizations focusing on regional health challenges. Grant cycles occur biennially, inviting proposals in February and awarding grants in August. Eligible organizations can apply to implement impactful solutions, such as widespread suicide prevention programs, benefiting diverse populations and improving overall community health.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

Community and Economic Development Department 

The City of Davenport Community and Economic Development department focuses on fostering growth and improving the quality of life in Davenport, Iowa. It offers various programs and incentives aimed at supporting small businesses, commercial development, and housing initiatives.

This department also oversees urban planning and development services, ensuring compliance with local regulations and facilitating community engagement. Its initiatives, such as the DREAMFRESH Initiative, aim to enhance the overall economic landscape of the city.

HOME Investment Partnership

Each year the City receives two primary community development grants from the federal government: 

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), approximately $1 million per year
• HOME Investment Partnership, approximately $300,000 per year

These funds are for activities benefiting low and moderate income residents and are restricted to uses that meet federal regulations in the areas of affordable housing, community development, and economic development.

General information about eligibility and federal requirements can be found here: National Objectives, Subrecipients Handbook.

HOME funds are awarded to affordable housing activities on a project by project basis. Consideration by the City Council may be required based on the size and/or cost of the affordable housing development being proposed.

CED staff oversees the application, construction, and compliance process for HOME funds.

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.

The Arts Dollars Grant Program supports artists and nonprofits in the Quad Cities area, providing funding for arts projects that foster community engagement and long-lasting benefits. Established in 1979, it offers grants up to $2,500 for individual artists and $5,000 for nonprofits. The program prioritizes first-time projects but accepts ongoing ones, ensuring artists are compensated for their work. Eligible applicants must meet specific residency and age criteria, focusing on projects within designated counties.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.

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.

The Arts dollars Grant Program is dedicated to enhancing K-12 arts education by funding projects that provide opportunities for students in the Quad Cities. Grants of up to $2,500 for individual artists and $5,000 for nonprofits and schools are available. Since 1979, Quad City Arts Inc. has empowered local artists and organizations, fostering community engagement and showcasing the transformative power of the arts in education.

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.

The Scott County Regional Authority (SCRA) provides grants to non-profit organizations and educational institutions in Scott County, Iowa, primarily funded by gaming receipts from the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf. These grants support a wide array of services, including arts, education, and social services. The application cycles occur in April and October, with specific eligibility requirements for applicants. Since 1991, SCRA has awarded over $101 million to various community initiatives.

Hormel Foods Corporation is dedicated to making a positive impact through its charitable initiatives, primarily focused on food security, community support, and educational programming. The Hormel Foods Charitable Trust provides financial support to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations that align with these giving pillars, ensuring access to nutritious and affordable meals while promoting sustainable practices. By emphasizing social responsibility, Hormel Foods aims to improve the quality of life in communities and address pressing social issues.