New: Eligibility calculator released — see if your school qualifies

Grant Opportunities

Iowa

Iowa Reading Research Center Act

Eligible Schools

610

Max Grant Pool

$1,830,000

Not Proficient (8th Grade)

60%

State-Specific Grants

Iowa Grant Opportunities

LiteralComing Soon

Iowa Secondary Reading Proficiency Grant

A 1:1 matching grant for Iowa school districts with secondary students in the "approaching proficiency" band. Purchase access for one school — Literal funds a second at no cost.

Matching Grant
Up to $1,830,000

More Iowa-specific grants will be listed here as they become available.

Coming 2026

Open to All States

General Literacy Grant Opportunities

These grants are available to eligible organizations in Iowa and all other states.

Nora Roberts Foundation

Literacy Opportunity Fund

Grants to US-based nonprofit literacy organizations for general operating expenses, salaries, supplies, space rental, or new programming. Funded by the Nora Roberts Foundation. Four rounds per year.

Operating Grant
Up to $6,000
Quarterly — next deadline: July 1
Dollar General Literacy Foundation

Adult Literacy Grant Program

Funding for nonprofits providing adult basic education, GED preparation, or English language acquisition in communities served by Dollar General stores.

Program Grant
Varies
Wish You Well Foundation

Family Literacy Grant

Supports nonprofit organizations developing and expanding family literacy and educational programs across the United States.

Program Grant
$200 – $10,000
Rolling — decisions made quarterly
ILA

Literacy Leadership Brief Grant

ILA's Literacy Leadership Brief Grant supports classroom-based research by literacy educators. Applicants must be ILA members. Awards support practitioner research that bridges theory and classroom practice.

Research Grant
Up to $5,000
Annual — typically February
Rotary

District Grant — Basic Education & Literacy

Rotary District Grants fund small-scale literacy and education projects sponsored by local Rotary clubs. Schools and nonprofits can partner with a local club to apply. Projects must address a community need and align with Rotary's basic education and literacy focus area.

District Grant
Up to $1,500 per club
Varies by district — contact your local Rotary club
ILA

Jerry Johns Outstanding Literacy Program Award

Recognizes an outstanding literacy program in a school or district. Award includes $1,000 and recognition at the ILA Annual Conference. Applicants must be ILA members.

Program Award
$1,000
Annual — typically February