Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) distributes federal funds from the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) through a competitive grant opportunity. These grants are to provide adult education and literacy programs, activities and services, including programs providing activities concurrently, which will improve adult education and literacy in Iowa.
Effective March 5, 2025, IWD has opened a two-year competitive grant opportunity that is seeking service providers for the Iowa Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program for a period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. Applications were due April 21, 2025.
Notice of Funding Opportunity
A copy of the AEFLA Notice of Funding Opportunity is available on the Employment and Training Hub or by contacting the state of Iowa Adult Education and Literacy team at adulteducation@iwd.iowa.gov. .
AEFLA Grant Competition Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| March 5, 2025 | IWD publishes the AEFLA Sec. 231 and 225 as well as the Sec. 243 Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Funding Opportunity on www.iowagrants.gov. |
| March 14, 2025 | IWD hosts Applicant Information Sessions. See Applicant Information Section below for additional information. |
| April 4, 2025 | Last day for applicants to submit questions regarding the funding opportunity. |
| April 11, 2025 | IWD will provide responses to all submitted questions no later than this date. |
| April 21, 2025 (2:00 p.m. CST) | Due date for applications to be submitted through www.iowagrants.gov. |
| May 23, 2025 | IWD announces AEFLA grant applicants that will receive funding. |
| July 1, 2025 | Selected AEFLA grant providers begin multi-year grant cycle, programming, and funding. |
Grant Applications
All grant applications and required attachments will be submitted through www.iowagrants.gov. Interested applicants should search for βFunding Opportunity ID #597897 FY2026 (PY25) AEFLA, WIOA Sec. 231, 225, and 243β.
Additional information and resources related to the FY26 grant competition can be found on the Employment and Training Hub or by contacting the state of Iowa Adult Education and Literacy team at adulteducation@iwd.iowa.gov.