Variety Iowa Grant Program

Variety Iowa Grant Program is sponsored by Variety – the Children's Charity. Provides funding to nonprofit organizations delivering care, treatment, activities, and shelter to children in Iowa.

Grant Program - Variety Iowa - the Children's Charity Each year, children’s nonprofits from across the state of Iowa have the opportunity to apply for grants to support program funding related to Variety’s mission of caring for children.

Variety – the Children’s Charity provides funding to nonprofit organizations that deliver care, treatment, activities, and shelter to children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill, and living with special needs. We primarily fund brick and mortar projects, equipment, and other tangible items that directly impact children.

Administrative needs (i.e., staffing, salaries, office space, etc.) and other intangibles will not be considered for funding. Variety grants are open once a year, usually in mid-March. Grant applications should be submitted by noon on Friday, May 22, 2026 via the below portals.

Click here to access our online general grant application. Click here to access our online van application. 2026 Variety Van Funding Guidelines Grant applicants are reviewed for financial stability, and each organization is interviewed by a member of Variety’s board.

This ensures a great understanding of the specific request and potential impact of investments into applicant programs. Grant categories include: Essential Health & Wellness formerly Acute & Convalescent Nonprofits that provide critical care including: neonatal, pediatrics, and mental health services, or provide child essentials and family support.

Critical health care and/or medical equipment Child and family support and essentials formerly Preventative and Youth At Risk Nonprofits that serve children who lack social or educational opportunities, have experienced physical or chemical abuse, struggle with behavior problems, or are in need of emergency shelter.

Job readiness and/or personal development Accessible support programs Access, Independence, and Inclusion formerly Camperships, Variety at Work, and Underprivileged Nonprofits that provide services, spaces, or programs to children who are critically ill, living with special needs, or otherwise lack access due to poverty.

Inclusive experiences & adaptive and/or inclusive spaces Camps (equipment, supplies for activities, and/or other tangible items) As specified in all signed grant agreements, grant recipients are required to fill out reporting forms. The 2025 grant reporting form must be completed, signed, and sent to the Variety office by the stated deadline in your 2025 grant agreement.

2025 Grant Reporting Form Variety — the Children’s Charity of Iowa is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are at risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or living with special needs.