Best Grants for After School Programs in Iowa

Schools and nonprofit partners running after-school and summer educational programs in Iowa can seek funding to create or expand community learning centers. With a mission to support K–12 academic enrichment, youth development, and social-emotional growth, the Iowa Department of Education provides US $50,000 - US $150,000 annually for eligible high-need Title I schools.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Iowa can apply for the John K & Luise V Hanson Foundation’s grants to support arts and culture, family recreation, and youth development/education projects. After-school and summer educational programs in north central Iowa, especially around Forest City, may be particularly competitive when they strengthen families and communities.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits and schools running after-school or out-of-school youth programs, or operating food banks and pantries, can access funding through Aldi Foundation’s Community Gift Card Program. Awards of US $100 - US $1,000 are provided as ALDI gift cards to support youth development and address food insecurity, including after-school educational activities.

The Kars4Kids Small Grant Program aims to support educational initiatives globally, impacting the lives of children. This program welcomes applications from IRS-recognized nonprofit organizations focused on youth development, mentorship, and education. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on mission alignment and available funds. Kars4Kids, a national Jewish nonprofit, is dedicated to nurturing productive community members through educational and mentoring opportunities.

The Aim High Grant Program, funded by the New York Life Foundation, offers 15 two-year grants of $100,000 each to support out-of-school time programs that assist middle school students in their transition to high school. This initiative addresses chronic absenteeism and promotes educational attainment in low-income communities, enhancing the cognitive, social, and emotional development of youth. By fostering skills necessary for academic success, the program aims to create brighter futures for participants.

The Nicholas B. Ottaway Foundation offers grants through its Education Committee to support programs enhancing educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. These grants focus on initiatives like tutoring, college preparation, and internship programs. To qualify, organizations must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3). Preference is given to projects that provide ongoing support to students post-graduation, particularly in specific geographic areas such as San Diego County and the New York Metropolitan Area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, religious groups, and public schools in Iowa running after school or youth programs can receive donated unsold bread and baked goods through the Day-End Dough-Nation program. Panera Bread Foundation partners with charities that regularly pick up and distribute these items to people in need, including underserved and at-risk children and youth.

Educators and program leaders supporting girls’ and women’s sports can apply for SHAPE America’s NAGWS Legacy Award to fund research, professional development, after-school programs, or similar projects, including in Iowa. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators provide US $1,000 to advance opportunities for girls and women as sport participants and leaders.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits running education or environment programs, including after school and summer enrichment, can apply for Wabtec Foundation’s local community grants. Awards of US $1,000 - US $10,000 support measurable outcomes in literacy, academic success, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and related initiatives in counties where Wabtec operates, with preference for projects involving Wabtec employee volunteers.

Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies running after-school or youth programs for low-income, at-risk children in Iowa can access free ticketed experiences through the Tickets for Kids Grant Program. Grants from Tickets For Kids Foundation help after-school and summer educational programs enrich academic success, arts and culture access, theater, camps, and children’s mental health programming.

With a mission to advance childhood cancer research, St Baldricks Foundation provides Iowa after-school and summer educational programs with support for student summer research fellowships. Undergraduate, graduate, or medical students can receive US $5,000 stipends, paid to a mentor’s institution, to work in pediatric oncology settings, which may complement enrichment-focused youth programs.

High school students from low-income families in Iowa interested in chemistry or STEM can receive paid summer research internships and scholarships through the Project SEED Fellowship. With a mission to provide STEM research, learning, and growth opportunities, American Chemical Society offers 8–10 week lab experiences and potential college scholarships up to US $20,000.

Nonprofit organizations offering STEAM-focused workshops or camps for teens ages 13–19 can apply for Best Buy Foundation’s Mini Tech Skills Workshop Grant, with awards up to US $24,999. Focused on out-of-school learning, this opportunity may benefit Iowa after-school and summer educational programs that can partner with local Best Buy Teen Tech Centers.

Out-of-school time and afterschool programs serving middle school youth in low-income or disadvantaged communities, including Iowa, can receive US $20,000 one-year general operating support to strengthen student engagement and transition to high school. The New York Life Foundation’s Aim High program backs afterschool and summer learning initiatives with strong impact data across the U.S.

Iowa 501(c)(3) organizations running after-school, education, housing, health, or economic development programs can access funding through the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation to strengthen opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and families. The foundation offers program-related investments and grants, prioritizing self-sustaining initiatives that expand economic and educational opportunities in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing regions.

Iowa classroom teachers and after-school educators serving grades 3–8 can receive donated Walking Classroom sets to combine physical activity with academic enrichment. Alliance for a Healthier Generation supports programs in schools or sites with the greatest socioeconomic and academic need, providing materials, training, and resources to implement the “Walk, Listen, and Learn” model.

State education affiliates in Iowa and across the U.S. can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s ARP Implementation Network Grant, awarding up to US $100,000 to hire or backfill a coordinator for American Rescue Plan implementation. This dedicated role can help strengthen public education systems that may include after school and extended learning programs.

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation offers Academic Enrichment Grants to support innovative educational programs that enhance student learning for low-income children. These grants, up to $10,000 per year for two years, aim to foster creativity and critical thinking in K-12 education. Applications are accepted from educators at nonprofit organizations who engage with students directly. The initiative emphasizes collaboration and seeks projects that enrich academic experiences and inspire student curiosity.

Iowa after-school and youth-serving nonprofits can access funding through Wegmans Family Foundation to support programs in hunger relief, health, education, and youth and family services. Funding may assist after-school or summer educational programs, youth sports and activities, food access initiatives, housing stability, job training, and other efforts that help families and enrich neighborhoods.

High school graduates pursuing career and technical education can receive scholarship support for community college or vocational programs through the Arizona Community Foundation, serving Sedona/Verde Valley residents. Students in CTE majors like agriculture, automotive, culinary, nursing, paramedics, IT, or computer programming may be eligible, including those in summer educational programs.

The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the Quad Cities, focusing on culture, education, and social welfare. Funding is available for capital projects, operational expenses, and program grants, primarily targeting initiatives that enrich the community. The foundation aims to foster inclusivity and transparency, ensuring support for projects that do not discriminate based on race, religion, or other identities. Grants are limited to three years and emphasize sustainable community development.

With a mission to advance education for high-achieving students with financial need, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation provides U.S. middle school students with a selective five-year Young Scholars scholarship. Eligible 7th graders in Iowa attending U.S. schools may receive advising and funding for rigorous high school placement, after-school and summer enrichment, internships, and other learning opportunities.

After-school and summer music program directors in Iowa can request donated instruments to support K–12 music education and enrichment. Grants from Hungry for Music help after-school and summer educational programs access brass, woodwinds, strings, keyboards, percussion, amps, and accessories; U.S.-based programs may need a site visit before being added to the distribution list.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

There are more than 800 Community Foundations in the US, each devoted to a specific region. We operate independently, with a common goal in mind: to be a platform for local people who want to pay it forward. To deliver resources to effective charitable programs. And to make our communities stronger and more successful by doing these two things.

Among our peers, Napa Valley Community Foundation ranks first on several key measures of donor satisfaction and impact, according to a recent donor survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Our donors say that we deeply understand their interests, and deeply understand the needs of Napa Valley. That, in a nutshell, is our job.

Coppola Family Travel Scholarship

The Coppola Family Travel Scholarship benefits Napa County High School students in grades 10-12 who have a desire to explore the world. This one-time award (“educational enrichment grant”) can be used to pay for tuition and associated costs for participation in a summer enrichment program in the United States or in Europe. Applicants must show a commitment to hard work and diligence in the pursuit of their goals. 

Napa Valley Community Foundation

There are more than 800 Community Foundations in the US, each devoted to a specific region. We operate independently, with a common goal in mind: to be a platform for local people who want to pay it forward. To deliver resources to effective charitable programs. And to make our communities stronger and more successful by doing these two things.

Among our peers, Napa Valley Community Foundation ranks first on several key measures of donor satisfaction and impact, according to a recent donor survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Our donors say that we deeply understand their interests, and deeply understand the needs of Napa Valley. That, in a nutshell, is our job.

Ted Kohler Music Scholarship

The Ted Kohler Music Scholarship benefits Calistoga students who are committed to music and wish to advance their musical development. The scholarship can be used to pay for activities such as music lessons or summer camp, or for college tuition (where the student demonstrates their desire to continue their musical education). The Ted Kohler Scholarship was established in 1997 to promote musical participation and aspirations in honor of Ted, who upon retirement from San Francisco State University, became a full-time musician and leader of the Napa Valley Jazz Band. He encouraged people of all ages to express themselves musically.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

May Family Foundation

Eleanor Jean May established the May Family Foundation in 2000, as a gesture of gratitude to the communities that shaped her life. The May Family Foundation is dedicated to identifying programs that strongly resonate with our mission and values as we work together to empower and uplift lives within our communities.

Our foundation provides resources and opportunities that empower young individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Our goal is to create a brighter future for under-resourced youth in our local communities.

May Family Foundation After-School Enrichment Grant

Our foundation strives to be engaged in our local communities beyond grant funding. We support select programs that align with our goals and form a connection through potential volunteering opportunities, site visits, and recognition of successes.

We welcome grant applications for financial support in after-school enrichment:

• Programs with trained instructors that provide students with opportunities to participate in enrichment activities to learn new things and develop skills they will find useful in real life.