Black Hawk County Grants

Community foundation grants for Black Hawk County (Waterloo and Cedar Falls). Private K-12 schools can apply for programs, equipment and building projects, usually $5,000 to $25,000.

Amount: $5,000 minimum; most grants $5,000 to $25,000
Can a for-profit school apply?: Unclear: ask the funder
Deadline: Jan 15, 2027 (79 days left)
Who this fits: Private school · Microschool · Homeschool co‑opPrivate K-12 schools are listed as eligible for programming, equipment/materials and capital (not operations). A nonprofit microschool or co-op fits; others can use a fiscal sponsor.Religious schools: yes, not for religious activities
New schools: Not stated for new schools
Where: Iowa only, local area
Last checked: Oct 28, 2026on cfneia.org

See the funder’s page

Unconfirmed: check with the funder

We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.

The guidelines read are for the 2026 second cycle; first-cycle 2027 guidelines are not posted yet
Exact closing time on January 15, 2027

What to do now

Step 1: Read the Black Hawk County guidelines and the funding-type chart
Step 2: Pick a program, equipment or capital project (not operations)
Step 3: Join a grant workshop or call CFNEIA with questions
Step 4: Apply online on the CFNEIA grant site between November 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027

Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.

Who can apply

“Classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or be a government entity.”

In the funder’s own words, from cfneia.org, checked Oct 28, 2026.

The work must benefit Black Hawk County. The eligibility chart lists 'Public + Private Schools (K-12 & higher education)' as eligible for programming, equipment and capital, but not operations. One application per calendar year. Other tax-exempt groups may qualify for charitable projects after talking with CFNEIA first. Groups that don't qualify can apply through a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) or government entity. Faith hint: secular_only (requests involving religious worship, instruction or proselytization are not eligible). Paid-to hint: school.

501(c)(3), government entity or fiscal sponsor
Benefits Black Hawk County
Schools: programming, equipment/materials or capital only
$5,000 minimum request; one application per year

Timing

First cycle opens November 15, 2026 and is due January 15, 2027 (awards in March). Second cycle is usually May 15 to July 15 (awards in September).

Not legal or tax advice. Whether your school should be for-profit or a nonprofit, or take on a loan, is a decision for your CPA or attorney. Always confirm the details on the funder’s own page before you apply.

Something off?

Tell us what looks wrong and we’ll re-check it against the funder’s page. Nothing here changes until a person checks.

What to do now

Read the Black Hawk County guidelines and the funding-type chart

Pick a program, equipment or capital project (not operations)

Join a grant workshop or call CFNEIA with questions

Apply online on the CFNEIA grant site between November 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027

Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.

Who can apply

“Classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or be a government entity.”

In the funder’s own words, from cfneia.org, checked Oct 28, 2026.

501(c)(3), government entity or fiscal sponsor

Benefits Black Hawk County

Schools: programming, equipment/materials or capital only

$5,000 minimum request; one application per year

Something off?

Tell us what looks wrong and we’ll re-check it against the funder’s page. Nothing here changes until a person checks.