Best Appanoose County Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

Promoting Appanoose & Centerville Together (PACT) Iowa

Every thriving community has a strong foundation, and for Centerville and Appanoose County, that foundation got a huge boost in January 2021 with the formation of PACT. We’re proud to be the result of a thoughtful merger between three cornerstones of our community: the Centerville Chamber of Commerce, the Appanoose Economic Development Corporation, and Main Street Centerville. This powerful combination means we now have a streamlined, focused approach to uplift our unique Southern Iowa community, nestled invitingly near the tranquil waters of Lake Rathbun. 

Our core purpose is clear: to be a proactive, volunteer-driven organization. We work tirelessly to help businesses stay, grow, and settle here, creating new jobs across Appanoose County and revitalizing downtown Centerville. We’re also committed to preserving our local treasures and fostering an environment where every business can flourish.

PACT Iowa Marketing Materials Grant

The Marketing Materials Match Grant helps PACT member businesses and organizations create professional promotional materials that market their products, services, events, or experiences. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until available funds have been exhausted and are typically reviewed within seven days of submission. Applicants must submit a project quote or invoice and a copy or rendering of the proposed marketing material with their application.

The Amcor Community Support Grants Program, administered by the Amcor Cares Foundation, provides funding for projects that benefit local communities. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions that serve Amcor Flexibles North America facility communities. Focus areas include fighting hunger, supporting disaster relief, expanding STEM education, and enhancing health and wellness. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and grant amounts typically exceed $1,000.

The Alliant Energy Foundation offers community grants to support local organizations within its service areas. With a focus on strategic areas such as hunger, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety, the foundation has invested over $76 million since 1998. Applications are accepted year-round, and funding is available for specific programs aimed at enhancing community well-being and innovation. Organizations may receive one grant per year, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to diverse community support.

The PLTW Computer Science program, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM opportunities for underserved students in John Deere communities. This initiative supports schools initiating or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a commitment to inclusive education, the foundation seeks to empower students by providing essential resources and opportunities to develop critical skills that will serve them in future careers.

The PLTW Computer Science program, in collaboration with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access and participation in STEM for underserved students in John Deere home communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing Computer Science programs in schools, ensuring equitable educational opportunities, and developing critical skills through real-world challenges. The partnership is part of a commitment to support 1 million underrepresented youth by 2030, fostering inclusivity in education.

The PLTW Gateway program expansion, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved students in John Deere communities. With a commitment to support 1 million youth by 2030, this initiative provides grants to schools seeking to expand their existing PLTW programs. Eligible schools must be within proximity of John Deere facilities and demonstrate a significant enrollment of students participating in free and reduced lunch programs, ensuring equitable educational opportunities.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion grant, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their PLTW programs and includes training for teachers and resources for students. Priority is given to schools near John Deere facilities that demonstrate need and a commitment to student participation in STEM activities. The project aligns with the foundation's goal to impact one million youth by 2030.

The Small Grants That Enrich Communities Grant Program, supported by The Amcor Cares Foundation, aims to enhance community welfare through funding for various initiatives. Eligible organizations include 501c3 designated nonprofits and accredited educational institutions. The program supports youth sports, educational enrichment, and community events, while it does not accept applications from individuals or political organizations. Committed to community development, Amcor Cares has been actively contributing since 1959.

Promoting Appanoose & Centerville Together (PACT) Iowa

Every thriving community has a strong foundation, and for Centerville and Appanoose County, that foundation got a huge boost in January 2021 with the formation of PACT. We’re proud to be the result of a thoughtful merger between three cornerstones of our community: the Centerville Chamber of Commerce, the Appanoose Economic Development Corporation, and Main Street Centerville. This powerful combination means we now have a streamlined, focused approach to uplift our unique Southern Iowa community, nestled invitingly near the tranquil waters of Lake Rathbun. 

Our core purpose is clear: to be a proactive, volunteer-driven organization. We work tirelessly to help businesses stay, grow, and settle here, creating new jobs across Appanoose County and revitalizing downtown Centerville. We’re also committed to preserving our local treasures and fostering an environment where every business can flourish.

PACT Iowa Upper Story Housing Grant

The CDBG Upper Story Housing Conversion Program provides significant financial assistance to property owners looking to transform vacant or unoccupiable upper-story downtown spaces into new residential units.

Funded through the State of Iowa, this program was created to help address housing shortages while preserving and revitalizing historic downtown buildings. Grant funding can provide up to $100,000 per housing unit, with projects eligible for up to $400,000 total, making it one of the most impactful housing development tools available to downtown property owners.

Beyond creating much-needed housing, upper-story conversions bring new life to downtown buildings, support local businesses, increase foot traffic, and help preserve the historic character that makes our community unique. Successful projects turn underutilized space into quality apartments while contributing to long-term community growth and economic vitality.

The PACT Iowa Challenge Grant aims to bolster economic development in Centerville and Appanoose County by funding transformative building projects within Main Street districts. By supporting rehabilitation efforts like facade improvements and structural repairs, this competitive grant encourages local businesses to thrive and enhances the community's aesthetic appeal. PACT, a collaboration of key local organizations, is dedicated to revitalizing downtown areas and preserving the region's historical character, ensuring a vibrant future for all residents.

Promoting Appanoose & Centerville Together (PACT) Iowa

Every thriving community has a strong foundation, and for Centerville and Appanoose County, that foundation got a huge boost in January 2021 with the formation of PACT. We’re proud to be the result of a thoughtful merger between three cornerstones of our community: the Centerville Chamber of Commerce, the Appanoose Economic Development Corporation, and Main Street Centerville. This powerful combination means we now have a streamlined, focused approach to uplift our unique Southern Iowa community, nestled invitingly near the tranquil waters of Lake Rathbun. 

Our core purpose is clear: to be a proactive, volunteer-driven organization. We work tirelessly to help businesses stay, grow, and settle here, creating new jobs across Appanoose County and revitalizing downtown Centerville. We’re also committed to preserving our local treasures and fostering an environment where every business can flourish.

Meet in Appanoose Grant

The purpose of the Meet in Appanoose Grant is to encourage businesses & organizations to host group meetings, conferences, trade shows or exhibitions in Appanoose County. This grant is designed to introduce and incentive groups to discover everything Appanoose County has to offer by offering funding to offset eligible event costs. This is a competitive application and not all projects will be funded. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning August 1, 2026 and once all funds are awarded, applications will no longer be accepted.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

Healthcare Access Initiative

The Healthcare Access Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to expand access to essential healthcare services for uninsured and medically underserved individuals. Free and charitable clinics and pharmacies play a critical role in ensuring that patients who fall outside traditional healthcare systems can receive timely, high-quality care. However, many clinics face barriers related to staffing, care coordination, technology, and patient outreach that limit their ability to meet growing community needs. Through this initiative, NAFC will provide $20,000 grants to member clinics and pharmacies to strengthen programs that increase access to primary care, specialty services, and preventive care. Funding will support innovative and practical approaches that reduce barriers to care, improve patient engagement, and expand the capacity of clinics to serve vulnerable populations.

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation

The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation (NPCF) began in December 2000 when nine concerned citizens from Virginia’s Piedmont region were searching for solutions to the charitable needs in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. With modest beginnings, our funds have grown to over $39 million in support of local charities, scholarships and community need in our northern Piedmont region.

Scholarships

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation manages the scholarship application process for dozens of scholarships for students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties (as well as a handful serving students from surrounding counties too). 

Fauquier NAACP – Dr. Ellsworth Weaver Education Scholarship

The Dr. Ellsworth Weaver Education Scholarship celebrates the legacy of Dr. Ellsworth Weaver, a former president of the Fauquier County NAACP Branch 7059 and a dedicated advocate for education and equality. Each year, a $1,000 scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior from each of Fauquier County’s three public high schools. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and plan to attend an accredited trade, technical, or vocational school, community college, or four-year university. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, service, citizenship, and extracurricular involvement.

Minority students, those facing financial or personal hardships, and individuals committed to improving their communities are strongly encouraged to apply. As part of the required essay, applicants should describe a significant challenge or barrier they encountered during their educational journey and explain how they overcame that difficulty.

Gantt-McColl Scholarship Fund

In honor of Harvey Gantt and Hugh McColl, UNCF established the Gantt-McColl Scholarship Fund to provide financial assistance in an annually renewable, need-based scholarship to students who are permanent residents of North Carolina to get to and through college.

Individual Award

• Up to $30,000 over 4-Years ($7,500) per school year

Early Talent Opportunity Program

The UNCF Early Talent Opportunity Program (ETOP) is a summer experience comprised of workshops and individual sessions designed to offer customized support for undergraduate college students who are interested in securing a valuable internship experience.

The UNCF Early Talent Opportunity Program (ETOP) is a FREE summer experience comprised of a series of workshops and individual career coaching designed to offer personalized support for rising college sophomores and juniors who are interested in securing an internship for the following summer. Over 5 weeks, students participate in 1 hour 15-minute virtual workshops designed to take a deeper dive into specific topics for career development and student success. 

Early Career Talent Development General Application

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) Department works closely with some of the nation’s leading corporations and foundations to shape and execute internship programs, including both stand-alone internship programs and internship-and-scholarship programs

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) Department works closely with some of the nation’s leading corporations and foundations to shape and execute internship programs, including both stand-alone internship programs and internship-and-scholarship programs with two goals – 

• To help companies build a more diverse workforce; 
• To provide diverse students with the preparation they need to succeed in college, familiarize themselves with professional career paths, and prepare to be competitive candidates for internships and future employers after graduation.

UNCF’s SPDP partners include The Walt Disney Company, Toyota, Papa Johns, United Health Foundation, Wells Fargo, and the Walton Family Foundation. We currently serve over 1500 students annually through internship, leadership, and professional development services.

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) offer career readiness, success coaching, and paid summer and semester internships to college students. Students participating in SPDP will be exposed to career pathways and opportunities and have access to leadership and personal development training. 

SPDP students will:

• Prepare to navigate from college to early-stage careers
• Enhance professional experiences through meaningful internships
• Develop stronger project management skills
• Improve networking and communication skills
• Strengthen interviewing techniques 

Currently, the SPDP is sourcing candidates to fill for summer 2026 internships!! The Early Career Talent Development General Application is used to establish an applicant pool of potentially eligible students for these ongoing internship/student professional development opportunities that are published/unpublished. Internship or professional development opportunities using the Early Career Talent Development General Application, are restricted to students who are enrolled full time at an accredited institution within the U.S. during the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Arnold Ventures

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through evidence-based policy solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We focus on improving systems where outcomes are falling short, incentives are misaligned, and the time is right for change.

To advance this mission, we invest in rigorous research to better understand the root causes of problems and strengthen the evidence base on what works to solve them. Using this evidence, we advocate for policy reforms at all levels of government and help build durable, bipartisan coalitions for lasting change.

Causal Research on the Impacts of Cell Phone Policies in K-12 Schools

The Opportunity

Smartphones are nearly universal among children and adolescents in the United States: 95% of teens reported having access to a smartphone, giving them regular exposure to social media, gaming, and video streaming platforms. While smartphones can support learning and social connection, emerging evidence suggests that using phones during school may also interfere with important educational goals, including student engagement, attendance, and academic performance.

In response, more than 30 states have passed laws restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools in recent years. These policies vary widely, ranging from “bell-to-bell” policies to classroom-level bans on phones only during instructional time. Despite the rapid adoption of these policies, rigorous evidence on academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts remains limited. In the absence of strong research, federal and state policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, lack the information needed to make informed decisions that effectively support student success. Building a robust evidence base is critical for shaping policies and practices that improve learning and well-being in both the short- and long-term.

This RFP seeks to address these gaps by supporting rigorous, causal research on the academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts of cell phone policies in K-12 schools in the United States. We seek studies that generate actionable insights for policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, who are deciding whether and how to implement or refine such policies. This RFP will support both Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Quasi-Experimental Designs (QEDs) that can credibly estimate causal effects. While we are open to a range of research questions, we highlight 2 areas of particular interest below.

What are the overall impacts of policies restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on student-level outcomes, including academic achievement and attainment (e.g., standardized test scores, graduation rates), behaviors (e.g., engagement, attendance, disciplinary actions), and/or mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, loneliness)?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on school-level outcomes, including school safety (e.g., reported incidents), school climate (e.g., bullying, social connections), and administrative factors (e.g., costs, logistics, communications with parents)?

• Do initial impacts persist, fade, or grow as schools refine their practices over time?

What factors explain variation in the impacts of cell phone policies?

• Which students, schools, and districts are most impacted by cell phone policies?

• Which policy design features (e.g., what devices are banned, when devices are banned, how devices are stored/locked) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• Which implementation strategies (e.g., training and supports for school staff, consistent approaches for enforcement) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• How do the resource and operational implications of different policy approaches (e.g., costs, staff time, infrastructure needs) influence their effectiveness? How do these factors affect the scalability and sustainability of effective approaches?

The Pilot Projects to Enhance the Human Virome Program (R03) aims to support small-scale research projects that enhance the understanding of the human virome. This initiative encourages innovative approaches to study virome interactions and improve tools developed under the Human Virome Program. By leveraging human and animal specimens, projects should foster collaboration and expand existing research efforts, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the virome's role in health and disease.

The Cancer Center Support Grants (CCSGs) aim to bolster NCI-Designated Cancer Centers by funding comprehensive, clinical, and basic cancer research. These grants facilitate the integration of diverse research capabilities, promoting innovative approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. CCSGs encourage collaboration among researchers and the development of Shared Resources, ultimately enhancing the understanding of cancer and its treatment. This initiative supports the continuous discovery and dissemination of crucial research findings for community benefit.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

John R Stockman Scholarship

The John R. Stockman Scholarship was created to provide a life-advancement opportunity to an ambitious, driven young person who may require financial assistance to achieve higher education.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Mary J. Yamamoto Memorial Scholarship

The Mary J. Yamamoto Memorial Scholarship helps young women graduating high school seniors from Nevada and Michigan who will be attending accredited colleges, universities, trade schools to obtain a 2 or 4-year degree or certificate. This scholarship is established in memory of Mary J. Yamamoto to support equal access to education. 

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Officer Mike Scofield Memorial Scholarship

The Officer Mike Scofield Memorial Scholarship supports graduates or graduating seniors of northern Nevada high schools.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Reno and Gloria Quilici Scholarship

The Reno & Gloria Quilici Scholarship is designed for students who may not qualify for other scholarships based on GPA but demonstrates commitment, passion, and drive.

The Reno & Gloria Quilici Scholarship is designed for students who are graduating seniors and Churchill residents, and may think college is out of reach, but who show potential, have drive, and are likely to succeed. Students must agree to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and stay enrolled full-time.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Reno Pops Orchestra Scholarship Endowment

The Reno Pops Orchestra Scholarship Endowment is created to send an unending stream of income to keep the music flowing in Reno for generations.

The Mildred Soefer Scholarship Fund Award offers financial support to Jewish students from Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties who are pursuing higher education or vocational training. Applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship may cover tuition, books, and living expenses. This fund aims to foster educational growth within the community and encourages applicants to apply for multiple awards they may qualify for.

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Mary C. Dillon Scholarship

Academic Focus:

• Nursing

Award:

• $750

Established by the Dillon Family, this scholarship is awarded to a student whose primary residence is in Torrington and who pursues, or intends to pursue, a degree in nursing at an accredited university or college. Preference is given to applicants with a record of volunteering with the Red Cross or other health-related organizations. This scholarship is not financially need-based. (No FAFSA required)