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.
2025 Funding Opportunity
| Timeline | Dates |
|---|---|
| Request Issued | November 12, 2024 |
| Proposals Due | January 13, 2025 |
| Awards Announced | February 13, 2025 |
| Grant Project Timeline | March 1 – December 31, 2025 |
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.
Download the Community Grant Request for Proposals (RFP):
BLN Community Grant 2024 RFP (pdf)
Template: Community Grant 2024 Proposal (Word)
Template: Community Grant 2024 Budget (Excel)
View previous BLN Community Grant Program recipients:
Download a brochure on the BLN community grant program:
Learn more about the Business Leadership Network.