Community Improvement Grants in Iowa

Explore verified institutional foundations, typical award distributions, and active grantmakers supporting community programs across Iowa.

Total Capital Deployed
$57.8M

Across 1,679 verified foundation awards

Typical Grant Size
$34,422

Median award for community in Iowa

Open to New Applicants
53%

Of active community foundations accept unsolicited proposals

Community Improvement Grant Funding Landscape in Iowa

Nonprofits focused on Community Improvement in Iowa received $57.8M across 1,679 verified foundation grants over recent tax filings. The typical (median) community grant in Iowa is $34,422, though awards range from smaller $5,000–$25,000 community programming grants up to multi-million-dollar institutional and endowment commitments.

Major Iowa funders actively supporting community initiatives include Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors INC, International Rescue Committee INC, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, alongside national foundations funding Iowa organizations, youth initiatives, and community programs. Of the active institutional grantmakers funding community in Iowa, 53% accept unsolicited grant proposals from new applicants, offering immediate funding opportunities for growing 501(c)(3) organizations.

Top Funded Cities in IowaBy Total Capital
Iowa City3,093 grants awarded
$1.17B
Ames1,608 grants awarded
$804.8M
Des Moines6,862 grants awarded
$326.8M
West Burlington106 grants awarded
$183.9M
Cedar Rapids2,645 grants awarded
$156.8M
Grant Size Distribution TiersBy Grant Count
Grassroots & Seed (<$25,000)82%
Ideal for emerging nonprofits, project pilots, and local programming
Mid-Tier & Capacity ($25K – $100K)12%
Core operational funding, staff expansion, and multi-year programs
Major Endowments ($100,000+)6%
Capital campaigns, statewide initiatives, and major institutional grants
Top Institutional Foundations Funding Community Improvement in IowaRanked by annual charitable capital distribution • Form 990-PF & Community Foundations
FoundationHeadquartersAnnual GivingTypical GrantApplication StatusAction
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors INC
EIN: 133615533
New York, NY$275M$100KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
International Rescue Committee INC
EIN: 135660870
New York, NY$55M$74KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation
EIN: 201123519
Omaha, NE$13.9M$13KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Patagoniaorg
EIN: 142004175
Ventura, CA$13.2M$15KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The Harold W Siebens Charitable
EIN: 133666768
Cedar Rapids, IA$10.9M$85KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Union Pacific Foundation
EIN: 136406825
Omaha, NE$8.2M$10KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The New World Foundation
EIN: 131919791
New York, NY$8.2M$23KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Ben & Jerry's Foundation INC
EIN: 030300865
South Burlington, VT$4.2M$2KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The Schott Foundation for Public
EIN: 043457065
Cambridge, MA$3M$15KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation INC
EIN: 136204678
Los Angeles, CA$3M$25KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The William and Mary Greve Foundation
EIN: 136020724
Norfolk, CT$2.9M$20KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
National Shooting Sports Foundation INC
EIN: 060860132
Shelton, CT$721K$20KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Comm Foundation of Carroll County INC
EIN: 201413585
Carroll, IA$375K$10KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
The West Bancorporation Foundation INC
EIN: 200523259
West Des Moines, IA$332K$3KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Masonic Education & Charity Trust
EIN: 042104701
Boston, MA$143K$31KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Showing verified grantmakers • Commercial DAFs & university endowments excludedView all in Iowa directory →

Frequently Asked Questions About Community Improvement Grants in Iowa

How much grant funding is available for community in Iowa?

Over $57.8M has been deployed across 1,679 verified foundation grants in Iowa according to recent Form 990-PF and 990 filings.

What is the typical community grant size in Iowa?

The median grant award is approximately $34,422. However, local grassroots initiatives often receive $5,000–$25,000, while regional endowments can exceed $250,000+.

Which foundations in Iowa accept unsolicited proposals?

Approximately 53% of verified institutional grantmakers funding community in Iowa accept unsolicited applications without a pre-existing relationship.

How can my nonprofit find foundations that match our mission?

Use NPO Grant to analyze peer award ledgers in Iowa, identify foundations with active giving history in your city, and contact verified program officers directly.