R.J. McElroy Trust Grants
Eligibility
Schools and nonprofits serving youth in northeast Iowa. The McElroy Trust focuses on youth education programs in Black Hawk County and surrounding northeast Iowa communities.
Program Goals
The R.J. McElroy Trust has invested over $80M in northeast Iowa youth since its founding. The trust funds education, mentoring, and youth development programs that improve outcomes for young people in northeast Iowa.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Apply online through rjmcelroy.org by September 30, 2026.
Cycle Notes
Annual deadline September 30. Monitor rjmcelroy.org for current guidelines.
Grant Award Amount
Varies by program. The McElroy Trust has granted $80M+ cumulatively to northeast Iowa youth programs.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit for real-world challenges
- Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
- Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
Schools and nonprofits serving youth in northeast Iowa, primarily Black Hawk County and surrounding areas.
What does McElroy Trust fund?
Youth education, mentoring, and development programs.
How much does the Trust grant?
Varies. Has invested $80M+ in NE Iowa youth over time.
How do NE Iowa schools apply?
Apply at rjmcelroy.org by September 30, 2026.
How can Forward Education help?
We provide curriculum alignment documents and letters of support for northeast Iowa schools.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Iowa standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
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