Best Earth Science Grants in Iowa

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding via US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible program. Organizations based in and serving U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars, may be competitive, including groups whose earth science work supports community development or public spaces.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa that support children, education, or health and human services can seek program funding through Costco Foundation. Grants from Costco Foundation help Iowa earth science groups with youth-focused or educational programming that fits these priorities, emphasizing measurable outcomes, documented community need, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare, including environmental and clean air and water programs, can apply for up to US $15,000 from the Dan Paul Foundation. With a mission to enrich children’s lives, it supports projects in areas like earth and environmental science education in Iowa and beyond.

Focused on early-stage social impact, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation invites Iowa earth science and related organizations to seek up to US $300,000 in flexible funding. Eligible independent nonprofits and impact-first for-profits must serve underserved communities with scalable, systems-oriented solutions and clear, measurable results, operating within priority regions including the U.S.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to tackle major social challenges can seek Global Impact Cash Grants supporting crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate resilience in Iowa and worldwide. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation prioritize programs serving mostly economically underserved communities and require alignment with its social investment areas and overhead guidelines.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Iowa can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support disaster preparedness and recovery, community revitalization, financial literacy, job training, STEM and K-12 education, and related programs that may benefit earth science efforts.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in the U.S. offering arts, science, or STEAM programs, especially those engaging youth or nurturing artistic talent, may be eligible for more than US $100,000 to support program, capital, or limited general and endowment needs. Organizations in Iowa working on arts-related earth science or STEAM education may benefit from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit organizations working in health, education, or community services in Iowa may be eligible for grants supporting food pantries, healthcare access, STEM programming, and preventive health initiatives. Grants from Labcorp Charitable Foundation help U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations or equivalents advance equitable care, education, and community welfare, which may include earth science–related community programming.

Organizations working on education, health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children in Iowa and other eligible areas can seek project or scale-up support, with requests of more than US $50,000. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other entities serving children and youth in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

Nonprofit charities running environmental education, conservation, or related earth science projects in Iowa can seek philanthropic support through La Roche’s Corporate Donations and Philanthropy program. With a mission to promote sustainable development and community benefit, La Roche provides funding for accredited, country-based projects in humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural fields managed in partnership with local affiliates.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations in Iowa and worldwide can apply for Semnani Family Foundation support to advance health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities. Programs addressing healthcare access, women and children’s health, hunger, homelessness, or humanitarian crises may be eligible, and earth science–related initiatives with strong human welfare components could also fit.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in charitable, scientific, medical, educational, or related program areas can seek support for projects carried out within the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help Iowa nonprofits and other U.S. organizations, including those with earth science components, that demonstrate strong management and broad, measurable impact on their communities.

Doctoral candidates at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities conducting Smithsonian-based research in fields like earth sciences and paleobiology, including those from Iowa institutions, can receive up to US $50,000. The Smithsonian Institution fellowship provides 3–12 month stipends and research allowances for dissertation research across specified scientific and humanities disciplines.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, community services, or peacebuilding may be eligible for this funding, including those based in Iowa. Grants from Dudley T Dougherty Foundation support projects that respect people, the environment, and all life, helping organizations drive positive, future-focused change on a global or local scale.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities supporting education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment in Iowa communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can apply for funding. Georgia-Pacific Foundation provides grants to programs that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, cultural enrichment, or basic needs programs in Iowa can apply for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with support for hunger relief, shelters and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and volunteer-driven community projects.

With a mission to improve communities, Dr Scholl Foundation provides Iowa 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, and environmental projects. U.S.-based nonprofits can request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project support during the annual October 1 to March 1 grant cycle.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits working on environmental conservation and related earth science efforts in Iowa can seek storytelling support to highlight their impact. Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation help organizations in preservation, education, and wellness share powerful stories about their conservation, outdoor, and sustainability programs; awards are more than US $50,000.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Iowa communities can seek funding for programs improving economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides project, general operating, and capital support to organizations benefiting local, underserved residents in areas such as poverty alleviation, hunger, literacy, and access to health care.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits with programs in environmental sustainability, conservation, or related earth science work can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible projects must primarily benefit Iowa communities served by Union Pacific and align with its safety, workforce, community vitality, or environmental priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa working on youth education, family services, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for True Inspiration Awards grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Chick Fil A Foundation supports programs such as academic enrichment, hunger relief, housing support, community gardens, and other initiatives that benefit children, families, and local communities.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can receive national recognition and support through the Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award. Iowa nonprofits working on earth science or related social issues through cross-sector collaborations may be selected for one of six annual awards honoring measurable community impact and scalable models.