Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Iowa

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Iowa working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for the Community Possible Grant Program. New and emerging organizations submit a letter of interest, while established partners apply by invitation from US Bank Foundation community affairs managers, with priority for organizations led by a person of color.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding through Costco Foundation. Focused on community impact, the foundation prioritizes evidence-based programs with measurable outcomes and broad financial support, and reviews applications within 4–6 weeks from organizations near Costco locations.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Iowa with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and culture programs, capital projects, or limited general support. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help U.S. organizations such as museums, theaters, ballets, symphonies, and arts schools, especially those engaging youth or developing artistic talent.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Oriental Trading Company Corporate Giving Program focuses on enhancing the lives of children through education, youth programming, healthcare, and human services. With a commitment to making the world a better place, they support organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or public educational institutions. Their initiatives aim to foster community partnerships and provide essential resources to youth in need, ensuring they have access to vital services and opportunities for growth.

Iowa 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofits, public units, and certain social welfare organizations can seek event sponsorships and in-kind donations supporting arts, culture, education, economic development, and human services. Focused on community impact, Prairie Meadows accepts applications year-round for eligible events held within Iowa.

Nonprofit organizations and accredited charities in Iowa seeking support for humanitarian, science education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects may be eligible for Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy. Grants from La Roche help fund innovative, sustainable programs managed locally through Roche affiliate offices and aligned with their four focus areas and community engagement priorities.

Nonprofit organizations working on health, education, or humanitarian services in Iowa and worldwide can seek support for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable communities. Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, women’s services, and literacy, with a track record of partnering with impactful on-the-ground organizations globally.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust. Eligible tax-exempt organizations must use awarded funds within the U.S., and supported projects should be well-managed, broadly serve their target populations, and materially contribute to general welfare.

Nonprofit organizations running arts, education, environmental, or health and wellness projects or events near Stantec offices, including in Iowa, can seek support for community initiatives. With a mission to strengthen communities, Stantec provides funding for short- or long-term projects and community events that align with these focus areas and its corporate values.

Nonprofits, NGOs, and institutions with at least a $2M annual budget can seek large-scale funding for bold, proven social impact ideas through The Audacious Project, including organizations in Iowa. Grants from TED help changemakers scale multi-year initiatives in areas like global health, climate change, social justice, and education worldwide.

Nonprofit organizations working on justice, human rights, or related community programs in Iowa can seek support for projects that create meaningful, tangible impact. With a mission to improve the larger world, Zegar Family Foundation provides invited charities with funding across environment, justice, human services, education, health, arts, and community development.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking more than US $1,000 for community-focused programs can apply for corporate giving support that benefits areas where Perdue associates live and work. Grants from Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation help fund agriculture and environmental projects, education, hunger and poverty relief, health and social services, public safety, and cultural heritage initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Kossuth County, Iowa can apply for Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s Kossuth County Grants, with awards of more than US $1,000 for charitable community projects. Funding supports arts and culture, community betterment, education and youth development, environment and animal welfare, health, human services, and rural initiatives benefiting county residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Southern region with programs in areas like poverty relief, education, health, disaster relief, families, veterans, animal welfare, conservation, or religious and spiritual work can apply for Robinson Foundation support. Focused on meaningful, tangible impact, the foundation looks for fiscally responsible organizations with diverse funding that can show direct results from single-year project grants.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities near Georgia-Pacific manufacturing communities can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation support for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment programs. Eligible organizations must be within 30 miles of a GP facility and serve the surrounding community through impactful, sustainable initiatives.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, churches, schools, hospitals, and governmental agencies in Iowa communities can apply for the County Endowment Funding Grant to support charitable projects improving quality of life. Administered by the United Way and Community Foundation of Greater Fort Dodge, it prioritizes community betterment, economic vitality, youth, health, education, and public safety across North Central and Northwest-Central Iowa counties.

Community organizations and government entities in Iowa improving quality of life in Grundy County can receive more than US $1,000 for charitable projects and programs. The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa funds work in arts and culture, community betterment, education and youth, environment and animal welfare, health, human services, and rural development through its Grundy County Community Foundation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving LGBTQ+ communities in Iowa and the broader upper Midwest can apply for PFund Foundation’s PRISM Fund to build capacity and connections. Focused on LGBTQIA+ services and rights, it supports rural, queer-led efforts, with priority for queer people of color, gender-expansive people, and communities in the Dakotas.

Okoboji Foundation

The Okoboji Foundation was started in 1988, by a group of dedicated lovers of The Lakes Region who wished to improve the quality of life of those who call this area home.

Originally named the University of Okoboji Foundation, Berkley Bedell served as the first Board Chairman.  In 2006, the foundation changed its name to the Okoboji Foundation to establish the organization as a Community Foundation. Over $5.24 million has been granted to more than 80 different nonprofit agencies located around The Lakes since its inception and preserving the stories that make Iowa Great Lakes a place of local legends.

Today, the Okoboji Foundation is the center point of giving for vital capital projects. Current funding priorities focus on arts & culture, economic development, lake quality & environment, and outdoor experiences & recreation. It’s through the generosity of donors that the Okoboji Foundation continues to make a positive, lasting impact in the Lakes community.

Areas of Focus

We fund projects in the Iowa Great Lakes Region that align with one or more of the following:

• Arts & Culture – Enriching community life and sustaining nostalgia and legacy for residents and visitors.
• Outdoor Recreation – Expanding opportunities for active, healthy lifestyles.
• Lake Quality & Environment – Protecting and sustaining our lakes and natural resources

What We Fund

We fund VITAL CAPITAL PROJECTS, such as buildings, equipment, or physical property that will be available for many years of use in our Lakes communities. We want to help develop communities where people want to live, work, visit, and play

Projects should be visible, available to a large portion of the public, and have a long lasting impact in the Iowa Great Lakes region.

Professional signage must be included on structures or property funded by Foundation grants. The Okoboji Foundation will provide official logos and style guidelines for signage.

Funding Levels

There are two categories of funding: Leadership Grants and Community Needs Grants.

Leadership Grants

Grant requests of $25,000 or more will be reviewed by the Okoboji Foundation grants committee. The committee may request an in person follow-up presentation by the nonprofit. Projects should be completed and request reimbursement with receipts totaling amount of grant award within three years of the award notification.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving people in need in the Greater Cedar Rapids area can apply for the Carleen and Eugene Grandon Charitable Foundation’s program grants, supporting cultural arts, education, and health and wellness initiatives. Funding is for programmatic activities, not building projects, with preference for organizations based in Linn County or benefiting its residents.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.