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Grant Writers Network

Sharing resources to benefit local non-profits.

Muscatine County has many dedicated non-profit organizations working to better the lives of residents. Here, grant writers can find information about upcoming Grant Writers Network meetings, see materials from previous events, and access resources that can help them write successful grants. 

Contact Us:

Margaret Hurlbert

Community Grant Writer

mhurlbert@givinggreater.org

563-264-3863

Margaret Headshot.jpg

GRANT WRITERS NETWORK MEETINGS

First Quarter

January 17th, 2024

10 a.m.

215 W Mississippi Dr

Grant Writing: Making the Process Simpler and More Effective

Writing an application

Third Quarter

August 21st, 2024

10 a.m.

215 W Mississippi Dr

Using Census Data to Support Your Grant Writing

Map

Second Quarter

April 17th, 2024

10 a.m.

215 W Mississippi Dr

Planning Needs Statements That Guide Your Grants

Notebooks

Fourth Quarter

October 19th, 2023

10 a.m.

215 W Mississippi Dr

Getting to Know Muscatine County's Grant Writers

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Meeting
Previous Meetins

GRANT-SEEKING RESOURCES

State and National Grant-Seeking Resources

Boilerplate Language About Muscatine and Muscatine County for Grants

Use and adapt the following introductory information about Muscatine and Muscatine County created by Meghan Nietzel as needed for your grants.

Today:

  • Muscatine, Iowa, is a rural community in east-central Iowa nestled along the Mississippi River.

  • Muscatine is the county seat of Muscatine County and the largest community in a 30-mile radius. 

  • The City of Muscatine’s population is 23,797, while Muscatine County’s population is 43,235. 

  • Muscatine is a richly diverse community. The city is approximately 73% white, 20% Hispanic, 5% multiracial, and 3% African American. The county is about 76% white, 20% Hispanic, 3% African American, 2% multiracial, and 1% Asian. 

  • The median household income in Muscatine is $54,577. In Muscatine County, it is $61,547.

  • 16% of Muscatine and 11% of Muscatine County residents live in poverty.

Historically:

  • The City of Muscatine is one of the oldest in Iowa, having been surveyed and platted in 1836. Its location on the Mississippi River directly led to the first two significant industries in Muscatine that had cascading effects globally – lumber and pearl buttons. Logs that floated down the river provided the raw product to manufacture planks, boards, and more elaborate sashes, doors, and millwork. Mussel shells from the river’s swamp-like conditions provided the material to create pearl buttons, which became the dominant product produced by Muscatine’s industries at the turn of the century. Muscatine became the world’s leading pearl button producer by 1905, as pearl buttons matured into status symbols. Muscatine produced almost 40% of the world’s pearl buttons, manufacturing about 1.5 billion annually. 

  • The Muscatine community grew alongside its industries and downtown businesses to support the influx of residents and workers migrating to the community. Historical records and photographs paint Muscatine as a lively community rich in employment and social opportunities. The development and growth of Muscatine stemmed from and can be attributed to the bustling downtown corridor. Preserving this history reminds residents of the hard work and innovation that sculpted Muscatine’s present-day out of quiet river bluffs.  

Muscatine County Data Resources

City of Muscatine

City of West Liberty

City of Wilton

Muscatine County

  • Comprehensive Plan--Information about Muscatine County and short and long-term goals for county land use, development, and more. 

Demographics

  • AARP Livability Index--Ranks communities nationwide on livability factors, including housing, neighborhood quality, transportation, environment, health, community engagement, and opportunity. 

  • Annie E. Casey Iowa Child and Family Well-Being--Offers state-level data about demographics for children of all ages, family economic conditions, housing, and more. 

  • Annie E. Casey Kids Count Data Book--Compares conditions across the United States, including child well-being, economic well-being, education, health, and family and community. It also provides detailed breakouts for each state in each area, explaining its rank, what it does well, and areas for improvement. 

  • Data.Census.gov--Provides tools to look at the finest levels of census data, including census tract, census block group, and census block data, which can be difficult to reliably find elsewhere. 

  • Diversity Index and Prevalence Maps from the U.S. Census Bureau--Includes maps and tables with county and state-level data about the racial and ethnic diversity of different areas and the most prevalent people groups living in each area. 

  • Iowa Data Drive--Looks at Iowa's statewide and county data for demographics, health, education, and more focused on each area's impact on early childhood outcomes. 

  • Iowa Profile--A multifaceted tool developed by the Iowa Finance Authority, it allows you to run custom reports looking at demographics, quality of life indicators, housing, and economic data for counties, cities, zip codes, and census tracts across Iowa and to compare different places statewide. Because IFA just released this dashboard, it has some tricky parts. If you have difficulties, use the contact information at the top of this page to get assistance. 

  • Iowa State Data Center--Provides Iowa-specific data, compiled from the census and elsewhere, for population characteristics, housing, income, migration, and more. 

  • Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Indicators Program--Features reports for the entire state, congressional districts, counties, cities, and more that collect demographic, housing, and health data into easy-to-understand and use reports. 

  • Muscatine County Census Data Quick Facts--Demographic information for Muscatine County, with the ability to search individual cities too. 

  • My Community Explorer--Looks at demographic, economic, and climate data to identify underserved communities. This tool helps lift up some of the most significant data available through tools like Data.Census.gov and makes it more digestible. 

Economic Development

  • The Federal Reserve Bank of Saint Louis Economic Data--Provides useful insights into the unemployment rate over time and two measures of income per capita (real and personal) which can be beneficial for Department of Economic Development grants. 

  • Grant Project Location Verification--Developed by the Department of Transportation, this tool identifies if regions qualify as urban, an area of persistent poverty, or as a historically disadvantaged community, all determinations that can affect eligibility for certain grants. 

  • Iowa Economic Development Authority Downtown Design Guide--Gives best practices for redeveloping downtowns to stimulate economic growth and preserve cities' character.

  • Muscatine, Iowa Laborshed Area--Created by Iowa Economic Development and Iowa Workforce Development, this 2021 study looks at employment in Muscatine County, the most common types of businesses and industries, and where employees come from. 

  • OnTheMap--This tool from the United States Census Bureau provides data about the number of workers and the inflow and outflow of workers for different geographic areas, including the county, city, census tract, and census block group level. 

  • United Way ALICE Report--Provides county and state data about those who make too much to qualify for government assistance programs but not enough to cover their basic needs.

  • Where is the Low-Wage Workforce?--Compiled by the nonprofit organization Workrise, this data tool provides state and regional (multi-county area) data on median wage, what percentage of workers qualify as low-wage (making two-thirds or less of the median wage), and what industries they typically work in. 

Education

Environment

Health

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  • Build for the Future: Invest in Sustainable Solutions Infographic and Fact Sheets--Links to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's sustainability resources relating to climate resilience, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and more. 

  • Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool--Provided by the Federal Council on Environmental Quality, this interactive map enables users to determine if individual census tracts qualify as disadvantaged based on scores related to climate change, energy, health, housing, legacy pollution, socioeconomic threshold, transportation, water and wastewater, and workforce development. Knowing these designations can help applicants determine if they can apply for select federal grants, especially those relating to energy efficiency.

  • What is Green Infrastructure?--Created by the City of Boston, this guide illustrates various green infrastructure practices that can be incorporated into grant projects requiring them. 

Historic Preservation

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Housing

Resources

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Grant Oportunites

These grants may offer valuable opportunities for area grant writers. Always check the granter-makers website for the most up-to-date information about a specific program. If you are a religious organization or school, please double-check that particular programs accept that type of applicant. If you see a grant opportunity that may benefit other local grant writers, please share it using the contact information at the top of the page!

Arts

  • Challenge America--Designed for small 501(c)(3) non-profits or state or local governments, these National Endowment for the Arts grants provide $10,000 a piece and require a $10,000 cash or in-kind match. These funds go to projects that bring the arts to underserved groups or communities, such as people in rural or low-income areas. Project types can include commissioning or presenting specific artists or pieces of art, marketing arts programs, or organizational planning. While grants can cover an activity or series of activities, they cannot cover the cost of a complete season of programming. Funds also may not go to general operating expenses. Pre-applications are due on April 25th, 2024, and full applications are due between April 30th and May 14th, 2024. All applications must be submitted online. 

  • Grants for Arts Projects--A larger National Endowment for the Arts program, these grants range from $10,000 to $100,000 and require a 100% match. Grants can support projects focused on artist communities, arts education, dance, design, folk or traditional arts, literacy arts, local art agencies, media arts, museums, music, musical theatre, opera, presenting and multidisciplinary works, theatre, and visual arts. Grants cannot cover a complete season of programming or the construction or renovation of facilities. Pre-applications are due February 15th or July 11th, 2024, and full applications are due between February 21st and 28th or July 16th and 23rd, 2024. All applications must be submitted online. 

  • Iowa Arts and Culture Calendar--Use this resource to see when upcoming Iowa Arts and Culture grants, including ones for historic preservation, are due as soon as the Department of Arts and Culture announces them. 

Economic Development

  • Demonstration Fund--Iowa businesses focused on advanced manufacturing, bioscience, and information technology with innovative technology or product ideas can get grants of up to $175,000 with a 50% match requirement to help bring their innovation to market. The Iowa Economic Development Authority accepts applications on a rolling basis and issues decisions bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September, and November.

General Support

  • Alliant Energy Foundation--This organization grants to non-profit organizations working on projects that address hunger and housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety and engagement. They accept grant applications on a rolling basis. The Alliant Energy Foundation has additional programs for in-kind donations of trees and refurbished computer equipment. 

  • Casey's General Store Charitable Giving Program--Non-profit organizations located in a city with a Casey's General Store may apply for a grant on a rolling basis, so long as the application is submitted 14 days or more before any event the funds are requested for. Grants can assist with projects focused on education, ending hunger, and community service. There is no set grant award amount, though local stores likely give smaller grants than Casey's corporate parent company does. 

  • Love's Travel Stops Community Giving Program--Though Love's gives its most substantial grants to organizations near its headquarters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, it also provides smaller ones of up to $500 to non-profit organizations in cities with a Love's Travel Stop. Muscatine currently has one Love's Travel Stop. Grants can support education, community betterment, and health and wellness-focused programs. Love's accepts applications online on a rolling basis. 

  • Menasha Corporation Foundation--In addition to giving grants in their home state of Wisconsin, Menasha also makes grants to organizations in locations with company facilities, which includes Muscatine. Grants average $500 and can go to non-profits working on education, health, environmental, civic, and cultural projects. Application directions can be found on their website, and completed applications may be submitted by email or mail. Grants are accepted quarterly by February 1st, May 1st, August 1st, and November 1st. 

  • O'Reilly Automotive Foundation--Provides Grants to non-profit organizations working on projects to improve economic stability or mobility (including hunger and homelessness), workforce development, health and human services, and disaster relief. The foundation has not published a minimum or maximum grant amount requirement and accepts applications from January 1st through July 31st yearly. Applicants must live in a city with an O'Reilly Auto Parts store. The City of Muscatine qualifies. 

  • QuikTrip Donations--QuikTrip (the parent company for Kwik-Star) provides in-kind, gift cards, and some grants to local non-profit organizations. This program is currently on hold and appears poised to reopen near the start of the 2024-2025 school year. 

  • Walmart Local Community Grants--A quarterly grant program, Walmart accepts applications from February 1st through April 15th, May 1st through July 15th, August 1st through October 15th, and November 1st through December 31st annually. Non-profit organizations, governments, and schools can apply up to 25 times yearly for $250 to $5,000 grants. Program areas include community and economic development, diversity and inclusion, education, environmental sustainability, health and human services, hunger relief and healthy eating, public safety, and quality of life.

General Support: Letters of Inquiry

These grants invite specific organizations to apply. However, new organizations can get considered for invitations by submitting a letter of inquiry giving basic information about their work. Organizations may submit letters of inquiry at any time but may benefit from contacting the organization first to learn about full application timing and award amounts. Look up these organization's 990 forms online for the most up-to-date contact information. 

  • Principal Financial Group--Gives grants to non-profit organizations with programs addressing financial empowerment and basic needs, including housing, hunger, and disaster relief.

  • State Farm Community Grants--The State Farm Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations working to improve auto or home safety, disaster preparedness or recovery, community development, and education.

  • U.S. Bank Foundation Making Community Possible Grants--This group grants to non-profit organizations investing in workforce readiness and education; housing; and arts and recreational activities.

  • Verizon Foundation--This organization provides grants to non-profit organizations working on projects that fall into three broad categories: digital inclusion, climate protection, and human prosperity. 

Historic Preservation

  • ​African American Civil Rights--Offered annually by the National Park Service, this grant of up to $750,000 helps preserve sites that tell the story of the fight for quality for African Americans from the start of the slave trade. Non-profit organizations and governments can apply for this grant. This opportunity will reopen in the fall of 2024.

  • African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund--A National Trust for Historic Preservation program, it offers grants of $50,000 to $150,000 for public agencies and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations working to preserve African American History. Projects can include restoring, rehabilitating, or stabilizing historic properties; building organizational capacity; planning restoration, educational, or capacity-building projects; or creating or expanding programs and interpretation, including having sites apply for recognition by the National Register of Historic Places at the state or national level. Applicants must submit completed applications online by February 1st, 2024.

  • Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors--This annual grant provides between $2,500 and $15,000 to government and non-profit organizations restoring, preserving, or interpreting historic interiors or individuals and for-profit organizations doing the same work for National Historic Landmarks. Projects can include hiring professionals to advise on projects, creating a professional interior restoration plan, creating a professional textile conservation plan, creating a historical furnishing plan, sponsoring a workshop on preserving historic interiors, or restoring historic interiors (including through building projects). Grant recipients must provide a 100% cash match to the grant. Applications are due on March 1st, 2024. 

  • History of Equal Rights--Offered annually by the National Park Service, this grant helps preserve sites that tell the story of groups working to gain equal rights in the United States. Non-profit organizations and governments can apply for up to $750,000 in funding. This year's applications are due by November 1st, 2023.

  • Historical Resource Development Program--Offered annually by the State Historical Society of Iowa, this grant helps cover the costs of conserving, preserving, interpreting, enhancing, or providing education about historic places, document collections, and museums. Individuals, non-profit organizations, for-profits, and governments can apply for this grant. Applicants may apply for up to $50,000. Match requirements differ depending on the type of applicant. This opportunity will reopen in 2025.

  • National Fund for Sacred Places--A collaboration between Partners for Sacred Places and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, these grants of $50,000 to $500,000 offer active congregations with historically significant houses of worship in need of major repairs, updates to accessibility to improve ADA compliance, or sympathetic renovations to make underutilized spaces available for community outreach activities. Grants require matching dollars depending on their size. Letters of  Inquiry must be submitted online by February 29th, 2024. 

  • National Trust Preservation Funds--Non-profit organizations can apply for this tri-annual grant worth $2,500 to $5,000. These grants support projects that assist in planning a historic preservation project (hiring a conservation architect to prepare a site report, engaging in capacity building, etc.) or promote education and outreach (creating programming to reach a new audience, planning a conference session or sessions, etc.). Applicants must match the grant 100% in cash or in-kind. Recipients must join the Preservation Leadership Forum as organizational-level members, a Main Street America Community, or Main Street America's general organization. Applications are due by October 1st, 2024.

  • Save America's Treasures Grant--Offered annually by the National Park Service, this grant assists places on the National Register of Historic Places with national significance in completing historic preservation projects and maintaining collections of significant artifacts and documents. Non-profit organizations, governments, and educational institutions can apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $750,000, depending on the project type. This year's applications are due by December 19th, 2023.

Housing

  • National Housing Trust Fund--An Iowa Finance Authority Program, property owners and developers can apply for building support, preserving, or rehabilitating properties into affordable rental housing. This program will reopen in the spring of 2024.

Youth Sports

  • The Kernels Foundation--The Kernels Foundation gives grants of $250 and above to non-profit organizations providing youth sports. These grants can help with program costs, equipment purchases, and facility construction. Grant applications are due on February 15th, May 15th, and August 15th. These cycles open annually. 

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