Best Grants for K-12 Schools in Iowa

STEM BEST® Program

The STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program focuses on teachers and industry professionals working side-by-side to craft curriculum and projects that prepare students for exciting STEM careers local to their community in manufacturing, information technology, bioscience (agriculture and medicine), finance and more. 

The goal of the STEM BEST® Program is to support the launch of new or expanded STEM BEST® K-12 Program models specifically focused on creating work-based and career connected learning opportunities that allow students to develop future-focused, high-demand skills through real-world experiences. These future-focused skills align with the Iowa Academic Standards and Universal Constructs and create opportunities for students to become leaders and innovators of a future-focused Iowa. 

The STEM BEST® funding opportunity offers:

• award amounts up to $50,000.
• a 16 to 17-month timeframe to spend funds.
• a cost-share match of 2:1 is required ($50,000 state funds to $25,000 awardee match).

The Iowa History Field Trip Grant Program, offered by the Iowa History Center at Simpson College, provides funding for K-12 students to explore Iowa's rich history through educational field trips. Grants cover student tuition and may include transportation costs, with a maximum of $500 per trip. Local schools can apply, ensuring that students in grades 3-10 gain hands-on experience at museums and historic sites. This initiative promotes awareness and appreciation of Iowa's heritage.

Iowa Department of Education

The Department provides oversight to the state education system that includes PK-12 public elementary and secondary schools, nonpublic schools that receive state accreditation, area education agencies, community colleges, and teacher preparation programs. The Department works to remove barriers for pursuing education beyond high school. The Department also establishes and enforces rigorous standards and licensing for Iowa educational practitioners to effectively address the needs of students.  

Elementary Computer Science Integration Professional Learning

Purpose

This grant is only for those teachers and districts that have confirmed registrations in the Summer 2026 Elementary Computer Science Professional Development. This grant is the manner through which districts will be reimbursed or the purchase of the required materials for this professional development opportunity.

To receive reimbursement for purchase of the required materials, the following conditions must be met:

• Participating teachers must have access to required materials prior to the scheduled professional development.
• Participating teachers must attend all professional development sessions.
• Districts must submit proof of purchase for specified devices for reimbursement.
• Only required materials will be open for reimbursement

The ALDI Community Gift Card Program provides financial support ranging from $100 to $1,000 to eligible nonprofits and schools that focus on after-school and out-of-school youth programs, as well as food banks. This initiative aims to empower organizations dedicated to child development and combating food insecurity. By applying, you can gain access to essential resources to further your mission and make a positive impact in your community.

The Title IV, Part B - Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Program in Iowa aims to provide funding to schools and community organizations for establishing community learning centers. These centers will offer academic support and enrichment activities to ensure the safety and development of children during after-school hours. Grants range from $50,000 to $300,000 per year, with a focus on helping Title I eligible schools.

The Iowa Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement Stipend Program, overseen by the Iowa Department of Education, offers financial support for educators pursuing a specialized endorsement in dyslexia. Eligible candidates must have completed a college program, possess a valid endorsement, and be currently employed in an educational setting. This program aims to enhance the skills of educators dedicated to improving reading development for students with dyslexia, contributing to a more effective educational environment.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The Therapeutic Classroom Grant, funded by the Iowa Department of Education, supports public school districts in creating therapeutic classrooms for students aged 3 to 21. These classrooms cater to learners whose emotional, social, or behavioral challenges hinder their educational success. Competitive grants prioritize districts that have previously applied without success, those collaborating with mental health service providers, and those located in behavioral health service regions. Grants facilitate essential support for students to thrive in their educational environments.

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

The Spotlight Fund Grants aim to enhance racial equity in K-12 education by providing flexible funding to BIPOC educators. With grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, these funds are essential for sourcing tools and materials that support diverse student needs. As schools face budget cuts exacerbated by COVID-19, this initiative focuses on proven strategies that foster an inclusive learning environment for students of color, ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive.

The Spotlight Fund Grants, specifically the STEM Fund, provide essential funding for K-12 educators to enhance their curriculum with necessary tools and materials for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education. Aimed at supporting under-served communities, these grants typically range from $500 to $1,000 per educator, with a cap of $5,000 per school. Priority is given to educators from high-needs schools, ensuring equitable access to quality STEM education.

The All Kids Play: Youth Sports Grant aims to support families and community-based organizations in low-income areas, ensuring access to recreational sports for children in grades K-12. This grant assists those who struggle to afford youth sports, providing essential funding on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible organizations must demonstrate budget constraints and operate in areas with high low-income student percentages, promoting inclusivity in youth sports participation.

The NewSchools Learning Differences Grant Program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students who learn differently, particularly those affected by poverty and racism. The program invests in innovative solutions and models that support personalized education for these students, ensuring they have access to quality instruction and belonging within school communities. With a focus on equity, it seeks ideas that align with its core investment areas and addresses the needs of marginalized learners.

The Principal Student Support Services Grant, offered by the School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network, aims to enhance mental health support for students in grades 6-12 at under-resourced public schools. With funding available for hiring mental health professionals and performance-based awards, this initiative addresses critical challenges like chronic absenteeism and behavioral issues. By providing targeted interventions, the grant seeks to improve academic performance and overall well-being among students facing mental health crises.

The CCS High School Chemical Safety Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society, aims to enhance chemical safety in secondary education. Educators can apply for up to $3,000 to support initiatives like curriculum integration of safety practices, advocating for safe chemical usage, and improving safety infrastructure. Eligible applicants include middle and high school science teachers in the U.S. Grants cover training, equipment, and workshops to promote a culture of safety in educational environments.

The Fund for Teachers Fellowship empowers educators to design personalized learning experiences that enhance their professional skills and student engagement. With over 20 years of experience, this initiative has supported more than 10,000 teachers, enabling them to transform their classrooms through unique fellowship opportunities. Eligible applicants include full-time teachers in the U.S. who have at least three years of teaching experience and plan to return to the classroom after their fellowship. This fellowship fosters innovative teaching practices and collaborative growth.

The Chrysalis Fund, managed by the Entomological Society of America, supports K-12 educators in fostering youth interest in insect science. Grants can cover various project expenses, including supplies and travel costs. Funding levels include micro-grants (under $500), regular grants ($500-$999), and large grants ($1,000-$2,500). This initiative encourages innovative educational programs that engage students with entomology, enhancing their learning experience and promoting science education.

The White-Reinhardt Grant offers funding for projects that enhance agricultural literacy among K-12 students. With grants of up to $1,000 available, state and county Farm Bureaus can initiate new educational programs or expand existing ones. This initiative, supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation and its Women’s Leadership Committee, honors the contributions of Berta White and Linda Reinhardt, aiming to bolster agricultural knowledge across the nation.

The W.R. & Floy A. Sauey Family Foundation, established in 1998, aims to enhance community welfare through philanthropy. It prioritizes local charities that support child and family issues, particularly in areas where Nordic Group Member Companies operate. The foundation seeks to create lasting impacts by funding initiatives that directly benefit the families associated with these companies, fostering a stronger quality of life in the communities served.

The NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) fosters innovative educational initiatives aimed at pre-college students, promoting their interest in STEM fields, especially in biomedical and behavioral sciences. This program supports both classroom projects and informal science education activities, such as after-school programs and library events. Emphasizing the development of quantitative and computational skills, SEPA seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists and thinkers through engaging educational experiences.

The Christina Sue Lilja Resource Grants support agricultural literacy by providing funds for educators to purchase resources from the Ag Foundation store. In 2025, 100 educators will receive $100 in store credits, selected randomly if applications exceed this number. This initiative, backed by the CSL Foundation, honors Christy Lilja's legacy of advocating for agricultural education. The grants aim to enhance classroom resources and improve students' understanding of agriculture, ensuring access to accurate information.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

The SHAPE America: Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an exemplary role model committed to fostering student engagement in professional activities. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of membership in SHAPE America and serve as full-time faculty at a higher education institution. This award emphasizes mentorship through professional behavior, involvement in student projects, and providing academic guidance, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers.

About NABT

Since its establishment in 1938, the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) has been the recognized "leader in life science education." Thousands of educators have joined NABT to share experiences and expertise with colleagues from around the globe; keep up with trends and developments in the field; and grow professionally.

NABT Mission

The National Association of Biology Teachers empowers educators to provide the best possible biology and life science education for all students.

Climate Education Action Award

Sponsored by NCSE, this award recognizes excellence in classroom/community education that specifically supports and promotes the accurate and robust teaching of climate science and the impact of the changing climate on society beyond the classroom. This award is presented to K-12 teachers in odd-numbered years and undergraduate and/or informal educators in even-numbered years. NCSE’s sponsorship of this award includes a $1,000 honorarium. The recipient also receives a recognition plaque to be presented at the NABT Professional Development Conference and one year of complimentary membership to NABT.

The NEA Foundation's Student Success Grants support educators in creating innovative learning experiences that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and cultural understanding among students. This initiative encourages project-based and personalized learning, enabling students to engage with real-world challenges. Applicants must be members of the National Education Association and can use grant funds for educational materials and experiences. The focus is on enhancing academic skills, communication, and collaboration, ultimately promoting joy in learning.

The Jaspers Family Foundation Fund of Worth County, established by the Jaspers Family with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, aims to enhance life in Worth County, Iowa. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, focusing on areas such as arts, education, community betterment, health, and environmental welfare. The fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate community need and sustainability, with a minimum request of $1,000 and approximately $45,000 available for funding.

The Howard County Community Foundation Grants support projects that enhance the quality of life in Howard County, Iowa. With a minimum grant request of $1,000 and awards ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, the foundation prioritizes community needs and broad-based support. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities that demonstrate feasibility and sustainability. The foundation seeks projects that foster collaboration, address community needs, and show long-term impact to create lasting legacies in the area.