Grants
Partner With Us
We are committed to staying engaged with the work of our local nonprofits and the needs of our neighbors so we can connect donors to the causes that matter. Our grant funding has supported young nonprofits as they get off the ground and those who are well-established prepare for the future.
Schedule a meeting with Program Manager Paige Price
We would love to get to know you and learn more about what your nonprofit is doing to serve Waterloo!
Paige Price
Program Manager
Grant Opportunities
Each fall, we seek grant proposals from qualified organizations benefiting the community of Waterloo in one of four areas: health and human services, arts and culture, education, or economic development. Our typical grant size is $5,000 and requests may be submitted for capacity building or programmatic projects. The application and required documents must be received by Thursday, October 10 at 5:00 p.m.
2023 Grant Recipients
We awarded $50,000 in competitive grant funding in 2023.
Allen College – ACE-SAP Free Clinic
ACE-SAP’s goal is to expand the number of low/moderate income, uninsured individuals who have access to physical, vision, and dental care, including prevention, maintenance, and early intervention. Through this collaboration between Allen College, Salvation Army, and Hawkeye Community College, dental services will be provided to 60 clients in need.
Black Hawk County Public Health – Supporting Waterloo Community Gardens to Increase Food Access Among Priority Populations
This project provides a sustainable path to community gardens for immigrant and food insecure populations. It builds on the success of the Highland Park Community Garden (HPCG), established in April 2023 through partnerships with the city of Waterloo, University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Energy & Environmental Education (UNI CEEE), Highland Neighborhood Association, and immigrant communities from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mexico, Guatemala, Liberia, and Myanmar.
Grout Museum – Sensory-Friendly and Special Needs Programming
Fulfilling a goal to make programming more accessible and inclusive, the Grout Museum District staff will launch Museum School experiences and sensory-friendly monthly events for guests with disabilities and their family members. This new program will accommodate clients of all ages from several area organizations – such as River Hills, North Star Community Services, Exceptional Persons, Inc.
Hospitality House – Bathroom Renovation
This project entails remodeling the existing bathroom at Hospitality House, which provides services for people experiencing homelessness in our community. The current bathtub will be removed, and a shower stall will be added, providing more accessibility and a more sanitary and cleaner environment.
I Believe Leadership and Sports Academy – Empowering Men Summit
The Empowering Men’s Project builds a positive connection with African American males by offering programming that helps men set life goals, feel valued within the community they live, and provide positive activities and mentoring. Each week teams play structured basketball games and spend time discussing family, friends, and culture, thus reducing racial tensions and promoting positive behavior.
Jesse Cosby Center – Fan and Heat Relief Program
The Jesse Cosby Operation Fan and Heat Relief program provides fans and heaters for Seniors, Adults with Disabilities and low to moderate income individuals and families during the winter and summer months.
Lutheran Services in Iowa – Black Hawk County Immigrant and Refugee Community Services Expansion
LSI is expanding their services and support for refugee populations to Black Hawk County. Their Initial Resettlement and Safe Release Services will provide opportunities and partnerships in the native language of refugee and immigrant families that promote greater economic independence and help them realize their goals and dreams in their new community.
One City United – To Work Program
Getting to work consistently and on time daily is essential to removing stress and experiencing a thriving life. A program of One City United, To Work was developed to provide a low-cost shuttle service that people can count on, helping them stay employed and equipped to succeed. It is just one more barrier that we can overcome to bolster our community toward success.
Payne Memorial AME Church – The Learn Hub
The Learn Hub is a new after-school program that will help to ensure high academic standards for students at partner school, Dr. Walter Cunningham School of Excellence, to pursue and empower themselves to become responsible, active, and interdependent learners through excellence.
Past Grant Recipients
- Allen College, ACE-SAP Free Clinic
- Allen College, Summer Nurse and Health Careers Camp
- Back to Basics, Youth Empowerment Program
- Black Hawk Children’s Theatre, Waterloo Schools Theatre Field Trips
- Black Hawk County Sheriff, LOST Program (Loved Ones Safe Together)
- Boys and Girls Club, Group Mentoring Program
- Boys and Girls Club, Together We Can Capital Campaign
- EMBARC, Community Producers Program
- Eye of the Needle, Bringing It All Together Again
- Eye of the Needle, Here We Go Again, with Enthusiasm
- Eye of the Needle, Mobility Increases My Ability
- Grin and Grow, Child Care for Single Moms
- Grout Museum, Engagement and Isolation Relief for Seniors
- Hawkeye Community College, Cedar Valley Health Summit
- Hawkeye Community College, Family Literacy Program
- House of Hope, Pillars Porch Replacement
- Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity
- Koats4Kids, Koats4Kids Program
- Leader Valley, Lincoln Elementary Leader in Me
- Link CCD , Link Youth Team
- Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Local Produce Purchasing Pilot Project
- North End Update, “Ms. Rocki n Chaveevah LIVE” show
- North Star, “Act-Ability” Inclusive Theatre Project
- North Star, “Inter-ACT-ion” Inclusive Community Theatre
- One City United, Momentum Program
- Quota International, Cops ‘N Kids Literacy Program
- Riverview Center, Waterloo Crisis Intervention Program
- Salvation Army of Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Waterloo Salvation Basketball
- Silos and Smokestacks, Promoting Agri-Tourist
- Together for Youth, Health Education in the Waterloo Community School District
- Try Pie, Try Pie Food Truck
- Vision to Learn, Waterloo Student Vision Care
- Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony, Evolution of African American Music Concert and Residencies
- Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony, July 4th Concert at Riverloop Amphitheater
- Waterloo Public Library – Youth Area Update
- Waterloo Youth City Council, Start Up and One Time Cost
