Grants for Women in Iowa

Iowa is not at the top of the list when it comes to assistance programs for women. However, there are still several out there to help you in whatever way you may need. From utility bill costs to business grants, keep reading to find out what is on offer and how it may be able to help you.

Halstead Grant for Women

This annual awards competition for women who are emerging jewelry artists, is put on by the Halstead. A first place cash prize of $7,500, along with $1,000 in jewelry supplies are up for grabs here, as well as a trip to the headquarters at Halstead. The rest of the top ten contestants will also receive smaller cash prizes. You must be a United States Citizen who already possesses a portfolio. To apply visit the website here.

Girl Boss Foundation

This bi-annual grant, is offered solely to female entrepreneurs who are pursuing endeavors that are creative in nature. Grant recipients will be awarded cash to the tune of $15,000, as well as being featured on Gilrboss’s platform and showcased to the community. A creative endeavor, as defined by Girlboss, is anything in the world of fashion, design, art, or music. You must be 18 years or older to apply, and you can do so here. You will also find a complete list of eligibility requirements and restrictions on the website.

Career Development Grant

The grant program gives funding to those women who already hold a bachelors degree and are getting ready to change careers, re-enter the job market, or advance their careers. Priority is given to women of color when considering applicants, and funds received can be used for, transport, tuition, supplies, books, etc. If chosen to receive the grant, you must attend either a two-, or four-year college that is accredited, or a fully-licensed and accredited technical school. To learn more, visit the website here.

Iowas LIHEAP Program

LIHEAP is federally-funded and the administration part is left the the Iowa Department of Human Rights. It provides qualifying low-income women and families with a once per year payment to help with heating and utility bills. Another program that works in conjunction with this one is called the Weatherization Assistance Program, or WAP for short. WAP aims to help make your house more energy efficient, via better insulation, more energy efficient appliances, etc. This program, created for low-income women and families in Colorado, is a state-run operation providing help with utility bill assistance. Cash grants are paid to households who apply and meet the eligibility requirements. Funds granted are to be used only for home utility and energy bills. This program helps thousands of people each year, to apply, visit their website, here.

The Live Your Dream Grant

The Soroptimist Foundation provides this grant to women who are the main source of income for themselves and their families and/or dependents. A large portion of the recipients of this grant are survivors of violent or sexual domestic abuse. Assistance can be gained to help acquire higher employment, education and skills, etc. To learn additional information, please visit their website here.

TANF

This program, known as The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, gives cash and service aid to families in need who care for children under 18 years of age. This is a “get back on your feet” program, intended to help people when they need it most, and is thus available for the short-term only. To see if you meet the eligibility requirements, and to begin receiving benefits as soon as possible, you can apply here.

Catherine McAuley Center Transitional Housing Program

This custom-tailored program provides support services for homeless, or near-homeless, women to get them into safe and stable housing. It aims to eventually help them become financially secure. The average length of stay in this program is only six months, though women are welcome to stay for up to two years as they work towards goals and build healthy relationships. One of the great things about this program, is that it offers support for up to six months after exiting the program. To learn more on how to apply, you can visit their website here.

Being a woman in Iowa in need of assistance doesn’t have to be a dead-end street. Review the programs above to find something that suits your needs.