Iowa Department of Natural Resources (REAP)
REAP Conservation Education Program (CEP) grants
Iowa's state conservation education grants. Private schools and home schools are named; pre-K-12 small grants run $1,000 to $10,000 for field trips, workshops and outdoor lessons.
- Amount
- $1,000 to $10,000 (pre-K-12 small grants); large grants up to $80,000 with a 33% match
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- Unclear: ask the funder
- Deadline
- Next round not posted
- Who this fits
- Private school · Microschool · Homeschool co‑opIowa's rule names private schools and home schools as eligible applicants, along with organizations. A microschool or co-op fits as a private school, home school or organization.Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
- New schools
- Not stated for new schools
- Where
- Iowa only
- Last checked
- Oct 28, 2026on legis.iowa.gov
Unconfirmed: check with the funder
We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.
- Exact 2027 due date (February 19 or 22, 2027) until DNR posts it
- Whether a for-profit microschool counts as a private school or organization
What to do now
- Step 1: Open the REAP Grant Resources PDF and read the CEP Small Grant application components and scoring rubric
- Step 2: Plan a hands-on or interpretive conservation education project
- Step 3: Build the budget on the REAP CEP Budget Workbook
- Step 4: Submit in Iowa DNR SlideRoom by the February 20 (or nearest weekday) deadline
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“grant applications may be submitted by institutions of higher learning; government agencies, including local school districts; private schools and home schools”
For hands-on conservation and environmental education: workshops, field trips, classroom activities, educator stipends, signs or exhibits. The first $50,000 each year goes to public and private pre-K-12 small grants. Staff pay is capped at 40% of the request (educator stipends and workshop or training attendance costs don't count toward that cap). Food and drinks can't be bought as program costs, though travel costs are paid at state rates; no technology or construction not dedicated to the program. In-state travel only. Iowa residents get preference. Faith hint: not_stated. Paid-to hint: school or organization.
- Conservation or environmental education project
- Small grants $1,000 to $10,000 for pre-K-12; large grants need a 33% cash or in-kind match
- Apply in Iowa DNR's SlideRoom portal
- Preference for Iowa residents
Timing
Due February 20 each year, or the closest day if it falls on a weekend (February 20, 2027 is a Saturday). DNR posts the date at least 90 days ahead.