BLN Community Grant Program
The UI College of Public Health’s Business Leadership Network (BLN) Community Grant Program supports programs and activities that build collaborations and support community well-being.
The purpose of the BLN Community Grant is to foster collaboration in Iowa communities in addressing areas of identified community health or public health need. The intent is also to begin or strengthen partnerships with business and industry and to link with the University of Iowa College of Public Health experts and resources in appropriate topical issues.
“We are pleased to be supporting these local projects developed to improve community health,” says Edith Parker, dean of the University of Iowa College of Public Health. “This grant program demonstrates the strength of partnerships among the university, local businesses, and organizations to improve the well-being of Iowans.”
Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to nonprofit organizations and local government entities in communities that are located within the state of Iowa. The grant program funds, in conjunction with an equal cash or in-kind match from another organization, will be used for public health-related initiatives and projects in the recipient communities.
Support for the community grant program is provided by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.
2026 Funding Opportunity
| Timeline | Dates |
|---|---|
| Request issued | Nov. 2025 |
| Proposals due | Jan. 12, 2026 |
| Awards announced | Feb. 12, 2026 |
| Grant project timeline | March 1 – Dec. 31, 2026 |
Who is eligible: Nonprofit organizations, and local government entities within the state of Iowa. (Universities and colleges are not eligible).
Topic areas: Include but are not limited to healthy lifestyles, population health, addressing health disparities, workplace safety/wellness, community needs assessment, children and youth issues, healthy aging, arts and health collaborations, and sustainability of multi-generational, livable communities. Additional preference will be given to projects that are focused on rural areas or address nutrition or food insecurity.
Funds available: Grant awards of up to $3,000 each will be made to applicants in communities within the state of Iowa. Grants require a minimum 1:1 cash or in-kind match (not from the applicant organization).
Support for the community grant program is provided by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.
Coming Soon: Download the Community Grant Request for Proposals (RFP):
BLN Community Grant 2025 RFP (pdf)
Template: Community Grant 2025 Proposal (Word)
Template: Community Grant 2025 Budget (Excel)
Learn more about previous BLN Community Grant Program recipients:
2025 Grant Award Recipients
The following five recipients received cash grant awards of up to $3,000:
- Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health, Mason City
- Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Hiawatha
- Mid-Iowa Community Action, Inc., Marshalltown
- The Self Reliance Group, Burlington
- Webster County Health Department, Fort Dodge
Learn more about the 2025 projects.