Best Grants for Minorities in Iowa

Nonprofit and community organizations in Iowa that engage AmeriCorps members in community service and volunteer programs can apply for funding to strengthen underserved communities. With a mission to improve lives through service, Volunteer Iowa provides support for initiatives such as minority services, youth mental health, poverty alleviation, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement that may benefit diverse and underrepresented Iowans.

Iowa NCAA Division III member institutions seeking to create new assistant coaching positions that increase ethnic minority and gender representation can receive salary and benefits support through this grant. National Collegiate Athletic Association provides Iowa athletic programs with two years of matching funding for a new assistant coach role to advance diversity in any NCAA-sponsored sport.

NCAA Division III conferences and institutions in Iowa and nationwide can apply for grants to create full-time, mid- to senior-level athletics administration positions advancing ethnic minority and gender representation. The National Collegiate Athletic Association supports roles involving strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare through this five-year Strategic Alliance Matching Grant.

NCAA Division II member colleges creating new assistant coaching positions to increase ethnic minority and gender representation can receive US $48,000 over three years for salary, wages, and benefits. With a mission to advance inclusive athletics, National Collegiate Athletic Association provides Iowa and other Division II institutions with support for diversity-focused coaching roles in any NCAA-sponsored sport.

Iowa NCAA Division II conferences and institutions seeking to improve ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Grants support full-time positions with responsibilities such as strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare over a five-year commitment.

Iowa NCAA Division II schools and multisport conference offices can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association to create full-time, entry-level athletics administration internships for ethnic minorities and women. Awards of US $30,000 plus professional development support one-year positions in areas like strategic planning, compliance, student-athlete welfare, and diversity initiatives.

Iowa minority health and physical education professionals who are long-time SHAPE America members can be honored for scholarship, mentorship, and service advancing ethnic minority and underserved communities. Iowa minority educators can access funding through Society of Health and Physical Educators’ E.B. Henderson Award, which recognizes up to two recipients annually across the U.S.

Presbyterian undergraduates in Iowa and across the U.S. seeking their first associate or bachelor’s degree can receive scholarship support for full-time study. Grants from Presbyterian Mission Agency help Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) members, including Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian American students, attend accredited colleges or universities during the 2025–2026 academic year, with awards up to US $6,000.

Undergraduate engineering students from marginalized ethnic or gender groups in Iowa and across the U.S. can apply for Architecture Foundation of Oregon’s renewable PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship, awarding up to US $20,000 for tuition and other direct educational costs. Applicants must study accredited engineering and show commitment to climate justice and community impact.

Graduating high school seniors or GED students pursuing higher education who are students of color and have significant financial need may be eligible for the Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship in Iowa and beyond, with awards of US $3,000. Community Foundation of South Puget Sound manages this renewable scholarship, prioritizing applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to others.

Focused on higher and technical education, The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond invites minority students to pursue postsecondary study through the John E. Thomasson Scholarship. Youth of African American or other minority heritage in Louisa or Fluvanna County (VA) public schools may be eligible for US $1,000 awards, which can complement other aid for Iowa-focused programs.

Iowa Black, Indigenous, and other students of color pursuing marketing, advertising, design, or computer science studies can seek scholarship support for their education. Focused on diversity in advertising and related digital fields, Innovia Foundation invites applicants who show academic achievement, with preference for those engaged in school activities, community service, or work experience.

Nonprofit organizations running research-backed programs to recruit or retain Black, Latina, and Native American women and girls in college-level computing may be eligible for funding in Iowa and nationwide. Reboot Representation Tech Coalition supports multi-geometry, community-embedded initiatives with strong impact data and at least five years of experience serving these minority communities.

Students of color pursuing higher education, including those from Iowa, can seek scholarship support for college costs such as tuition, fees, and room and board. With a mission to support students of color, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts provides up to US $3,000 through the Loren and Norma Hill Scholarship Fund, with preference for residents of Hampden County.

American Indian and Alaska Native students starting a STEM PhD in the U.S., including those from Iowa, can apply for Montana State University’s LSAMP Bridge to Doctorate support; awards US $88,000 for graduate study. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens and past participants in an LSAMP undergraduate program.

Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields, including those from Iowa, can apply for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society’s Indian Motorcycle Academic Scholarship, awarding US $5,000 per year for education costs. Eligible applicants must be AISES members with a 3.0 GPA and tribal, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Indigenous Canadian affiliation.

American Indian and Alaska Native college students in Iowa facing emergency financial hardships can apply for Native Forward Scholars Fund’s PNM Pueblo Relief Scholarship, which provides one-time relief for urgent education-related expenses. Eligible applicants must be full-time degree-seeking students at accredited U.S. institutions and verify Tribal affiliation or descent through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Native American and Alaska Native graduate or professional students in nursing or health-related fields, including those from Iowa, can apply for Native Forward Scholars Fund’s Ruth Muskrat Bronson Scholarship, a need-based award for full-time study at accredited U.S. institutions. Eligible applicants must document Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students in Iowa can receive need-based scholarships for full-time study in any field at accredited U.S. institutions; awards range from $100 to $30,000 per year. Native Forward Scholars Fund supports members and descendants of federally or state-recognized Tribes who can document Tribal affiliation.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

PNM Pueblo Education Endowment Scholarship

The purpose of the PNM Pueblo Education Endowment Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students from one of the nineteen Pueblo Nations of New Mexico who are pursuing a certificate, vocational trade, or degree.

This program will award 15 scholarships per academic year. This opportunity is a merit-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

PNM Pueblo Education Endowment Part-Time Scholarship

The purpose of the PNM Pueblo Education Endowment Part-Time Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students from one of the nineteen Pueblo Nations of New Mexico who are pursuing a certificate, vocational trade, or degree.

This program will award six scholarships per academic year. This opportunity is a merit-based award.

The Michael Gregory Boyd Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors from Troy-area schools who aim to pursue higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service and belong to the African American or African descent groups. This scholarship opens doors for students seeking 2- or 4-year college programs or technical training, fostering educational growth and community involvement.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

PNM Pueblo Education Endowment Everett F. Chavez Scholarship

The PNM Everett F. Chavez Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Everett F. Chavez. The purpose of the PNM Everett F. Chavez Memorial Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to eligible students from one of the nineteen Pueblo Nations of New Mexico who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the field of engineering. This opportunity is a merit-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

NextEra Energy (NEE) Foundation Scholarship

The purpose of the NextEra Energy (NEE) Foundation scholarship, in partnership with NextEra Energy Foundation, is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited institution and pursuing degrees with a focus in environment, energy, cultural sustainability, or a major in a STEM or STEM-related discipline. Native American students pursuing degrees that prepare them for the renewable energy workforce are encouraged to apply. 

This program will award 16 scholarships in the amount of $5,000 per academic year. This opportunity is a need-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Native Forward Student Relief Funding

Native Forward Scholars Fund established the Student Relief Funding to assist Native students who are facing financial hardships and challenges by providing them with a one-time relief award. The fund will be utilized to help support students in emergency situations that includes, but is not limited to, food insecurity, emergency travel costs, emergency housing costs, educational technology or technology-related resources, or other educational expenses.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Lynne Ruth Lafin Elmore Sucher Scholarship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Lynn Ruth Lafin Elmore Sucher.

The purpose of the Lynn Ruth Lafin Elmore Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students attending full-time at an accredited institution pursuing mathematics, Medicine, or life sciences are eligible to apply.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Land Conservation and Indigenous Languages Scholarship

The purpose of the Land Conservation and Indigenous Languages Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited institution and pursuing degrees with a focus in Indigenous languages, natural resources, land management, and conservation or cultural preservation. 

This opportunity is a need-based award.