Best Cedar Rapids Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

The Voya Unsung Heroes Awards Program supports educators with innovative class projects that enhance student learning. Annually, 50 selected educators receive $2,000 each, with three top awards of $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000. This initiative, backed by Voya Financial, aims to empower teachers in accredited K-12 schools across the U.S. to transform their ideas into impactful educational experiences, fostering creativity and engagement in the classroom.

The Hillman Emergent Innovation Grant supports innovative, nursing-driven solutions aimed at enhancing health equity for marginalized groups, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others facing healthcare barriers. This program encourages transformative proposals that challenge traditional care strategies, demonstrate best-in-class potential, and showcase scalability. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government entities, and faith-based organizations that adhere to inclusive practices. Priority is given to proposals fostering community engagement and measurable outcomes.

The Hillman Emergent Innovation Grant offers $50,000 for 12-18 months to support innovative nursing-driven interventions for underserved populations facing health care access barriers, including racial minorities and low-income individuals. It encourages fresh, early-stage ideas targeting serious illness and end-of-life care challenges. By fostering community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration, the program aims to transform care delivery in diverse settings, ensuring equitable health services for all.

The Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics (MMS) Program by the National Science Foundation (NSF) promotes innovative analytical and statistical methodologies for social, behavioral, and economic sciences. It offers various funding mechanisms, including Regular Research Awards, Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement (DDRI), and Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) grants. The program aims to enhance the utility of official statistics through collaborative research and supports early career development initiatives.

The Thomas J. Henry Sponsorship Requests program emphasizes community support and global outreach. With a commitment to enhancing lives, Mr. Henry has been a pivotal figure in South Texas, ensuring that his legal success translates into meaningful contributions. The program invites various organizations to apply for sponsorship, aligning with Mr. Henry’s vision of fostering closer connections through philanthropic efforts. This initiative aims to empower communities and promote collaborative growth on both local and international levels.

The Iowa History Field Trip Grant Program, offered by the Iowa History Center at Simpson College, provides funding for K-12 students to explore Iowa's rich history through educational field trips. Grants cover student tuition and may include transportation costs, with a maximum of $500 per trip. Local schools can apply, ensuring that students in grades 3-10 gain hands-on experience at museums and historic sites. This initiative promotes awareness and appreciation of Iowa's heritage.

The Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards, overseen by the Family Caregiver Alliance, recognize organizations that enhance support for family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. These awards highlight innovative approaches in three categories: Creative Expression, Increasing Access and Reducing Stigma, and Public Policy. Each award is valued at $20,000, and applicants must be non-profit organizations, government agencies, or universities operating within the U.S. that focus on the needs of unpaid caregivers.

The OTF Rapid Response Fund Grant provides urgent support for individuals and organizations facing digital emergencies that threaten their free expression. Through direct financial assistance and technical services from trusted partners, it aims to help high-risk individuals like journalists and activists mitigate digital threats. Eligible applicants can receive up to $50,000 to address specific needs, such as digital protection and tools development, ensuring swift and effective responses to oppressive situations.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation is launching a $100,000 community grant program for 2024-2026, focusing on patient navigation for cancer prevention and early detection. Community-based organizations can apply for funding over two years to enhance their efforts. Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating best practices, established community partnerships, and initiatives that address health disparities. Note that the application cycle opens in 2026, emphasizing the importance of proactive health measures.

Exelixis Grants & Giving focuses on impactful charitable contributions, supporting non-profit organizations in community support, healthcare-related initiatives, independent patient assistance, medical education, and sponsorships. Their aim is to enhance oncology care, particularly for renal cell carcinoma and other cancer types, while ensuring proposals are submitted within specified timelines. Exelixis partners with organizations dedicated to improving patient outcomes and community health, demonstrating their commitment to making a difference beyond medicine.

The John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust Grant aims to preserve the intercity rail passenger experience from 1920 to 1960. This private foundation supports projects that restore historic rail equipment and enhance passenger service. With an emphasis on operational railroads, the Trust encourages inclusive practices and the involvement of young people in rail heritage. Grant requests can reach up to $50,000, fostering opportunities for multiple annual awards to eligible organizations dedicated to rail heritage.

The Community-Built Playspace Grants, funded by KaBOOM!, aim to empower communities to create kid-designed playspaces that foster health and well-being. These grants address inequities in access to safe play areas, particularly in communities of color, ensuring that all children can benefit from spaces that promote social, emotional, and physical development. By supporting the construction of these playspaces, KaBOOM! works to enhance resilience and learning opportunities for children, transforming neighborhoods into vibrant, engaging environments.

The Tennant Foundation offers equipment donations to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier world. Donations focus on organizations that are charitable, educational, scientific, or literary. However, certain groups such as political or religious organizations, social clubs, and private foundations are ineligible. The foundation also considers the impact of donations on its partners and distributors before making decisions.

The Syringe Service Program Grant, offered by The Comer Family Foundation, aims to enhance harm reduction initiatives by funding syringe access programs across the U.S. These programs provide sterile syringes, education, and support services to mitigate the risks associated with drug use, including HIV and hepatitis transmission. Priority is given to organizations in underserved areas and those led by marginalized communities. Grants are available for operational costs, program development, and staff training, with a focus on sustainability and local partnerships.

The Bridge to Success Grant for Mid-Career/Senior Investigators, offered by the AASM Foundation, supports seasoned sleep and circadian science researchers seeking bridge funding while reapplying for larger grants. Eligible applicants include those with past NIH proposals that were not funded but scored. This initiative aims to retain experienced investigators in the field while ensuring a continued focus on vital research topics. The grant is a part of the AASM Foundation's commitment to advancing sleep research.

The Myocarditis Foundation offers research grants aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of myocarditis, a rare but serious disease. These grants provide $40,000 in seed funding for promising physician-scientists within ten years of their MD or PhD. Recipients are expected to conduct research in the U.S. or Canada, culminating in a final report. The goal is to support innovative research that can lead to significant breakthroughs and ultimately, a cure for myocarditis.

The Skin Cancer Pilot Research Grants, funded by the Skin Cancer Foundation, support innovative studies in skin cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. With over $2 million awarded since 1981, these grants are aimed at early career dermatology investigators. Each year, researchers can apply for one-year projects, with a total of $125,000 available through two $50,000 grants and one $25,000 grant. This initiative is vital for advancing research and improving patient outcomes.

Resist.

In 1967, Resist emerged out of the resistance to the Vietnam War and evolved to support the visionary frontline groups that are resisting, re-imagining, and transforming their communities for a more just and liberated world.

Resist is a foundation that supports people’s movements for justice and liberation. We redistribute resources back to frontline communities at the forefront of change while amplifying their stories of building a better world.

Our grant-making: Throughout this history, Resist has provided critical early funding to some of the most influential progressive organizations in the U.S. In total, Resist has granted more than $12 million to over 6,000 dedicated groups across the United States.

Urgent Action Fund

The 2026 Urgent Action Fund resources organizations with urgent projects or requests that include, but are not limited to, events, direct actions, accessibility, and mutual aid. Applications will open on the last Monday and close the following Friday of each month until cap has been reached. Projects that reflect escalated resistance, campaigns, events, projects or programmatic work will be prioritized.

The ASTRO Medical Student Fellowship Award for Underrepresented Populations aims to enhance diversity in radiation oncology by supporting medical students from underrepresented backgrounds. Awardees receive a $6,000 package, including a stipend for an eight-week training program, funds for travel expenses, and mentorship opportunities. This initiative is part of ASTRO's broader mission to advance patient care and professional development in the field of radiation oncology, fostering an inclusive environment in medical education.

The James C. Stewart Charitable Foundation Grant supports various charitable causes primarily in Tucson, Arizona, and Southern California. Founded by James Stewart, who was dedicated to uplifting the community and promoting the arts, the foundation provides an average grant of $10,000, awarding around five grants annually. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. The foundation emphasizes arts, education, environment, health, human services, and public benefit, continuing Stewart's legacy of generosity.

The Senior Pet Adoption Assistance Grant, offered by the Petfinder Foundation, provides financial support to adopters of senior pets or bonded pairs. This initiative aims to encourage the adoption of older pets by covering costs such as adoption fees and post-adoption expenses, including veterinary care and supplies. Grants, up to $1,000, are awarded monthly until funds are depleted, ensuring that senior pets find loving homes while alleviating some financial burdens for their new families.

The Latham Foundation for the Promotion of Humane Education, established in 1918, emphasizes humane education to foster kindness and respect for all living beings. With a focus on innovative programs for teenagers and animal-assisted activities, the foundation invites U.S. organizations, particularly nonprofits, to apply for grants. However, funding does not extend to capital projects, salaries, or conference travel. Latham aims to instill core values that promote compassion within communities and across nations.

The Sex Worker Giving Circle Grant, launched by the Third Wave Fund, prioritizes funding for grassroots movements led by individuals directly impacted by gender oppression, especially within the sex work community. With a commitment to gender justice, the grant supports organizations that operate with a participatory approach to grantmaking, enabling them to address systemic inequalities. In recent years, the fund has distributed significant resources to empower and sustain these vital movements across the United States.

The Holloway Family Foundation, established in North Central Texas, aims to enhance community quality of life regardless of race, gender, or religion. Their mission focuses on financial security, creative expression for under-resourced youth, and mentorship for personal development. The foundation supports organizations that provide workforce training, artistic opportunities for children, and guidance for youth in need. By fostering individual growth and economic stability, they empower families and strengthen communities, staying true to the founders' core values and personal experiences.

The Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on ending hunger and reducing food waste. Since its inception, the foundation has allocated over $59 million to enhance food security through innovative programs and community engagement. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing critical needs such as food access, nutrition education, and support for vulnerable populations. This initiative aims to create equitable food systems and ensure that no one goes hungry.

The Francis R. Dewing Foundation Grant provides seed money to support innovative projects in early childhood education, benefiting children up to sixth grade. Founded by Frances R. Dewing in 1963, the foundation aims to stimulate intellectual growth in young children through unique educational methods. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $25,000, with a focus on projects that demonstrate a broad impact on the educational community. Applications are accepted from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities across the United States.