Foundations that fund education in Iowa
These 25 foundations made grants to education in Iowa in the most recent IRS filing I have for each. None of them ticked the box for giving only to preselected organizations, and each filing gives application instructions or a website. That doesn't prove a foundation takes applications, and some on this list may not. The text below is copied from the filings, most of them for tax year 2024, so check a foundation's website or call before you apply.
Get my shortlist
Pella Rolscreen Foundation C/O Pella Corporation
- $244,150 to Central College, Pella: Scholarships
- $25,000 to Dordt University, Sioux Center: Scholarships
- $12,410 to Dordt University Incorporated, Sioux Center: General operations
How to apply: No specific form
Restrictions: Limited to areas in which pella corporation employees live.
Roy J Carver Charitable Trust
- $245,000 to Iowa State University Foundation, Ames: Carver statewide scholarship program
- $245,000 to University of Iowa Foundation, Iowa City: Carver statewide scholarships
- $245,000 to University of Northern Iowa Foundation, Cedar Falls: Carver statewide scholarships
How to apply: Submit a written or electronic letter of inquiry before submission of a formal request. Include the following information: 1. A brief background on your organization, including a history of its existence, the size of staff and board and the type of service provided. 2. A...
Restrictions: Recipient must qualify as an exempt charitable, educational, or scientific organization under section 501(c)(3) of the u.s. Internal revenue code.
Alliant Energy Foundation Inc
- $12,050 to Iowa State University Foundation, Ames: Matching gift
- $5,165 to State University of Iowa Foundation, Iowa City: Matching gift
- $5,039 to Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation, Cedar Rapids: Matching gift
How to apply: Giving for good grant request: -identification of nonprofit organization applying for funding -description of project, including funding details, timeline, and goals of project -description of the problem or opportunity the project is addressing
Lsb Foundation
- $10,000 to Uni Foundation, Cedar Falls: Financial literacy fund support
- $5,000 to Hawkeye Community College Foundation, Waterloo: General operating support
- $2,500 to Adel Classical Academy, Adel: General operating support
How to apply: Applications for grants are available at the offices of lincoln savings bank
Deadlines: Applications are reviewed as received on a quarterly basis. All times are specified on the grant.
Restrictions: Grants are made only to tax qualified organizations with in the geographic markets served by lincoln savings bank
Max and Helen Guernsey Charitable Foundation
- $33,000 to Uni Foundation, Cedar Falls: Kaleidoscope, theatre 4 very young, talent search series pgms
- $30,000 to Grin & Grow Ltd, Waterloo: Program expenses - gap funding for low income families
- $30,000 to Hawkeye Community College Foundation, Waterloo: Hawkeye celebrates the arts! Program
How to apply: Applications should be submitted in writing identifying the purpose and amount requested. The application should be accompanied by financial statements and proof of 501(c)(3) organization status or verification that the organization will use the funds exclusively for public...
Restrictions: All awards must be to charitable, scientific, literary, or educational organizations within the meaning of irc section 501(c)(3) or exclusively for public purposes or as otherwise described in irc section 170(c)(1).
Iowa West Foundation
- $297,657 to Council Bluffs Schools Foundation, Council Bluffs: Aspire investments - stars
- $183,624 to Iowa Western Community College Foundation, Council Bluffs: Pottawattamie promise 2021-2022
- $54,577 to Iowa Western Community College Foundation, Council Bluffs: Aspire career preparedness portfolio
How to apply: Https://www.iowawestfoundation.org/grantmaking/application-process/
Deadlines: Https://www.iowawestfoundation.org/grantmaking/application-process/
Restrictions: Https://www.iowawestfoundation.org/grantmaking/what-we-fund/
Dwight and Marilyn Conover Foundation
- $50,000 to Dordt University, Sioux Center: General support
- $10,000 to East Union Eagle Pride Booster Club, Afton: Student engagement & activities
- $10,000 to Friends of Garrigan High School Inc, Algona: Student engagement & activities
How to apply: No standard form
Restrictions: The requests must be for religious, charitable, scientific testing for public safety, literary, or educational purposes
The Wellmark Foundation
- $387,672 to State University of Iowa Foundation, Iowa City: Through this project, the effectiveness of the rural vitality coalition and the...
- $31,951 to Rock Valley Community School District Foundation, Rock Valley: 35 document cameras, 75 area rugs, 4 pianos and accessories.
- $15,000 to Drake University, Des Moines: Provide financial support for up to six (6) scholarships for the 2022-2024, 2023-2025 or...
How to apply: Applications should be submitted by completing the form available through the alignment tool on the wellmark foundation's website. The form will guide applicants to provide all required information.
Deadlines: Applications have no submission deadlines.
Restrictions: Applications must align with and support the foundation's mission to fund initiatives that provide a positive impact to the health of iowans and south dakotans.
The Eagle Foundation
- $15,000 to Faith Baptist Bible College, Ankeny: Tuition reduction
- $5,000 to Dordt University, Sioux Center: Tuition reduction
- $5,000 to Wartburg College, Waverly: Tuition reduction
How to apply: Organization or individual should submit a detailed description of the individual or organization and the proposed activities and purposes of the organization or individual.
John Ruan Foundation Trust
- $1,000,000 to University of Iowa Foundation, Iowa City: General Operations
- $20,000 to Drake University, Des Moines: Schools, Colleges and Related Activities
- $10,000 to Roosevelt High School Foundation, Des Moines: Schools, Colleges and Related Activities
How to apply: No special form
Tomson Family Foundation Trust
- $250,000 to University of Northern Iowa Foundation, Cedar Falls: Center for violence prevention
- $50,000 to Clear Lake Classical, Clear Lake: Building acquisition
- $25,500 to Wartburg College, Waverly: General support, social work department
How to apply: No standard form
Restrictions: The requests must be exclusively for educational, scientific, and charitable purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the code.
Emc Insurance Foundation
- $52,500 to Iowa State University Foundation, Ames: For general support or for a capital fund drive of the respective organization
- $50,000 to University of Northern Iowa Foundation, Cedar Falls: For general support or for a capital fund drive of the respective organization
- $5,000 to Back 2 School Iowa, Des Moines: For general support or for a capital fund drive of the respective organization
How to apply: The following information should be provided: 1.Intended use of funds, 2.Verification of IRS 501(c)(3) status, 3.List of major donors
Restrictions: Generally only Iowa-based charitable organizations are funded
W E Ruebush Foundation
- $6,000 to Wartburg College, Waverly: General operating
- $3,000 to Central College, Pella: General operating
- $3,000 to Buena Vista University, Storm Lake: General operating
How to apply: No specific form.
Deadlines: No specific deadline.
Restrictions: Students in the fields of journalism, athletics, and any other fields as designated by the board. Grants are made to students attending irc sec 170(b)(1)(a)(ii) educational institutions who are pursuing train-
The Presser Foundation
- $3,000 to University of Northern Iowa Foundation, Cedar Falls: Undergraduate scholar awards
- $3,000 to Luther College, Decorah: Undergraduate scholar awards
- $3,000 to Wartburg College, Waverly: Undergraduate scholar awards
How to apply: Applications are submitted electronically via the organization's website, www.presserfoundation.org
Deadlines: Proposals must be submitted by november 15.
The West Bancorporation Foundation Inc
- $5,000 to Everybody Wins-Iowa Inc, Des Moines: Funding for power read program
- $2,500 to Regina Foundation, Iowa City: Funding for regina excellence fund
- $2,000 to Single Parent Provision, West Des Moines: Funding for single moms christmas dinner
How to apply: Written request including reason for the request and type of organization submitting request
Deadlines: January 1, april 1, july 1, and october 1
Restrictions: Focus on human services, education, and arts & culture in the des moines and iowa city, ia and rochester, mankato, owatonna, and st. Cloud, mn areas
Charlotte and William Hinson Charitable Foundation Trust
- $4,000 to University of Northern Iowa Foundation, Cedar Falls: $2,000 pre-law student scholarship support and $2,000 gallagher bluedorn performing arts...
- $2,000 to University of Iowa Foundation, Iowa City: College of dentistry priorities fund
- $2,000 to Cornell College, Mount Vernon: King chapel renovation
How to apply: A contribution request application form may be obtained by contacting richard c. Hinson, or any other trustee at the addresses listed in part viii, line 1.
Restrictions: Grants are limited to qualifying irc 501(c)(3) organizations, and may not be used for political endeavors. Grants are generally awarded for, but are not limited to art, music and educational related purposes.
Schwartz Family Foundation
- $673,746 to Maharishi International University, Fairfield: Support for digital delivery and infrastructure development
- $25,000 to Maharishi International University, Fairfield: Support for dr. Tony nader institute center for executive education
- $1,800 to Maharishi International University, Fairfield: Miu faculty and staff development lifetime achievement award support
How to apply: Applications should be written and should include all relevant information
Peter H and E Lucille Gaass Kuyper Foundation
- $80,000 to Central College, Pella: Grant - stem initiative
- $50,000 to Central College, Pella: Grant - education scholarships
- $20,000 to Central College, Pella: Grant - imagine more campaign
How to apply: Applicants should complete the grant request form on the foundation's website
Deadlines: June 30 to be considered at the july meeting; november 30 to be considered at the december meeting
Restrictions: Grants will be given to charitable organizations in pella iowa and its surrounding communities
Charles E Lakin Foundation Inc
- $11,755 to Noble Initiative Foundation, Griswold: Contribution for general purposes
- $8,000 to Malvern Community Student Loan Fund, Malvern: Contribution for general purposes
- $7,000 to Iowa Western Community College Foundation, Council Bluffs: Contribution for general purposes
How to apply: None specified
Restrictions: Limited to the following counties in iowa (mills, montgomery, pottawattamie, fremont, page and cass) and nebraska (douglas and sarpy)
Athene Charitable Foundation
- $15,000 to Jewels Academy, Des Moines: Civic & Community
- $2,450 to Investing in My Future Inc, Des Moines: Civic & Community
- $1,500 to Back 2 School Iowa, Ames: Civic & Community
How to apply: Complete copy of the donation request information application.
Deadlines: No submission deadline.
Restrictions: The following list is required in order to receive a grant: - be a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization or the foreign public charity equivalent as well as government instrumentalities (for charitable purposes). - be registered with the...
The J Paul Getty Trust
- $10,000 to Trustees of Grinnell College, Grinnell: Employee - arts and educational program
- $2,240 to Trustees of Grinnell College, Grinnell: Employee - arts and educational program
- $1,200 to Trustees of Grinnell College, Grinnell: Employee - arts and educational program
How to apply: See general explanation attachment
Deadlines: See general explanation attachment
Restrictions: See general explanation attachment
First Interstate Bancsystem Foundation Inc
- $5,000 to Marshalltown Community College Foundation, Marshalltown: General Operating Support
- $4,000 to Stanton Friends, Stanton: General Operating Support
- $2,500 to Southern Iowa Steam Academy, Chariton: General Operating Support
How to apply: Refer to Foundation website for online application.
Deadlines: Refer to Foundation website for online application.
Restrictions: The grants are intended to serve the communities of interest to First Interstate Bank.
Edward L Schwab Memorial Foundation Dacotah Bank
- $5,800 to Dordt University, Sioux Center: Scholarships
- $2,900 to Northwestern College, Orange City: Scholarships
- $1,133 to University of Dubuque, Dubuque: Scholarships
How to apply: Application forms will be distributed in the high schools
Deadlines: 180 days after publication notice
Restrictions: Henry, willow lake, clark, florance & hamlin county school districts
La Amundson Ohana Foundation
- $3,000 to Northwestern College, Orange City: Scholarship
- $2,500 to Luther College, Decorah: Scholarship
- $2,500 to Drake University, Des Moines: Scholarship
How to apply: Sample application is attached
Deadlines: March 1
Restrictions: Geographic areas: limitd locations in mn, nd, mt & ia. Emphasis areas: health care, business, and technical trades
John H & Ann Ghrist Family Foundation
- $5,000 to Iowa State University Foundation, Ames: Operations
- $1,000 to Six Degrees of Separation - Removing Barriers for Education, Des Moines: Operations
- $1,000 to West Des Moines Library Friends Foundation, West Des Moines: Operations
How to apply: Applications should contain all necessary information concerning the purpose of the grant, loan, etc., including where the applicant can be contacted.
Restrictions: Grants will be made to 501(c)(3) organizations that are not private foundations.
Get my shortlist