Embrace Iowa Fund
Funding Amount
Up to $500
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Rolling — applications accepted year-round
- Tracked since
- April 2026
From the program guidelines: “Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through Community Action Agencies.”
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Other requirements
- Households at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines
- First-time applicants are given priority in the review process
- Application Process: Applications are submitted through 17 Community Action Agencies across Iowa
- Contact: Apply through your local Community Action Agency
Overview
Embrace Iowa Fund
Overview: The Embrace Iowa Fund is an annual campaign by The Des Moines Register that provides grants to help Iowans with immediate financial needs.
Geographic Scope: Iowa (statewide)
Focus Areas: Grants support a wide range of needs including:
Eligibility:
Application Process: Applications are submitted through 17 Community Action Agencies across Iowa
Contact: Apply through your local Community Action Agency
Background: The Des Moines Register's partnership with Iowa Community Action Association facilitates grant distribution. Example: One applicant received $500 for plumbing supplies for home rehabilitation.
How to Apply
Application Process
1. Submit through local Community Action Agency - Contact one of the 17 Community Action Agencies across Iowa to apply
2. Meet income requirements - Verify household is at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines
3. First-time applicants receive priority in the review process
4. Specify use of funds - Clearly indicate what the grant will be used for (car repairs, appliances, utilities, medical expenses, home repairs, etc.)
Required Information:
Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through Community Action Agencies.
What Iowa Community Action Association actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2025
- Grants in 2025
- 18
- Total given
- $1.78M
- Median grant
- $72K
- Range
- $31K–$260K
- By dollars: Iowa 100%. Top recipient cities: Waterloo, IA; Graettinger, IA; Ottumwa, IA.
- 0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
- 0% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.
Example grants
Upper Des Moines Opportunity · Graettinger, IA
Rent assistance, individual disaster assistance
$260K
Sieda Community Action · Ottumwa, IA
Diaper, disaster and fiscal agent
$210K
Hawkeye Area Community Action · Hiawatha, IA
Rent assistance, individual disaster assistance
$207K
Community Action of Southeast Iowa · Burlington, IA
Rent assistance, individual disaster relief
$149K
Impact Community Action · Des Moines, IA
Rent assistance, individual disaster assistance
$125K
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
Categories
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