Best Grants for Women in Iowa

NCAA Division III colleges and multisport conferences in Iowa and nationwide can apply for grants to create full-time, mid- to senior-level athletics administration positions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. These roles may cover strategic planning, budget management, fundraising, compliance, and student-athlete welfare, supporting greater leadership opportunities for women and ethnic minorities in sports.

With a mission to expand diversity in athletic coaching, National Collegiate Athletic Association provides Iowa NCAA Division II member schools with funding to create new assistant coaching positions. Eligible institutions can receive US $48,000 over three years to support salary, wages, and benefits, which may benefit programs advancing opportunities for women and girls in sports.

Iowa colleges and athletic conferences in NCAA Division II seeking to expand ethnic minority and women’s leadership in athletics administration can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Grants support full-time, mid- to senior-level administrative roles over five years, with responsibilities such as strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare.

Iowa NCAA Division II colleges and multisport conference offices seeking to fund full-time, entry-level athletics administration internships for women and ethnic minorities can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Awards provide US $30,000 for intern salary plus US $3,000 for professional development over one academic year.

Iowa NCAA Division III member institutions seeking to expand assistant coaching staff and advance diversity in athletics can apply for coaching enhancement support. National Collegiate Athletic Association provides Iowa sports and gender equity programs with two years of matching funds for salary, wages, and benefits for newly created assistant coaching positions focused on ethnic minority and gender representation.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with established education or health programs can receive US $10,000 - US $75,000 in support, including those serving women and girls in Iowa. The L B Research and Education Foundation backs proven, innovative efforts that close opportunity gaps, especially for underserved adolescents, post-secondary learners, and communities facing health and mental health disparities.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible governmental entities can seek funding to support programs, capital needs, or sponsorships that empower girls in grades K–8. Grants from Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation help Women & Girl Services in Iowa build leadership skills, mentorship opportunities, and confidence for girls, including in traditionally male-dominated fields, with awards up to US $1,000.

Mid-career women of color environmental leaders in Iowa may be eligible to apply for Rachels Network’s Catalyst Award organizational grant, offering US $10,000 to their organizations. This national program also provides personal funding, leadership support, and recognition for women advancing environmental stewardship, sustainability, and justice-focused work benefiting women and girls.

High school seniors pursuing STEM degrees with a focus on advancing gender equity may be eligible for the Athena Scholarship in Iowa and other U.S. locations, with awards from US $1,000 - US $5,000. The San Diego Foundation supports higher education access for students with financial need, community service, and strong college potential.

Women and girl students from Hampden County pursuing two- or four-year degrees can receive up to US $3,000 in scholarship support, which may be used for tuition, fees, and living costs. Grants from Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts help women in higher education; Iowa organizations serving women may find similar scholarship-style opportunities relevant.

Women who are unemployed or under-employed pursuing postsecondary education can receive multiyear scholarship support for tuition and other college expenses from Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Grants from Kalamazoo Community Foundation help women in select Michigan counties working toward financial independence; Iowa organizations serving similar women may find this opportunity informative but individuals must meet the listed residency criteria.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating female from Scranton or West Scranton High School who is a resident of Lackawanna County.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Established in January 2026, the Irene Zurine Memorial Scholarship Fund awards scholarships each year to support girls and women, traditional or nontraditional students, who are furthering their education.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a female or female-identified student from a high school in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, or Wyoming county who has 50 or more documented volunteer hours and and who has a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The Bob Zylstra STEM Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports undergraduate students who identify as female or as students of color from West Michigan. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing STEM majors by removing barriers to education and fostering diversity in these fields. Each year, the foundation awards scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to help students achieve their academic and career aspirations.

YWCA Chester County Fund

Mission Statement

A primary focus of the YWCA Chester County Fund is to provide scholarships to women, primarily non-traditional students, to continue their education.

Emma E. Hill Memorial Scholarship Fund

Mission Statement

The Emma E. Hill Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to memorialize Emma by helping female swimmers pursue their dreams of a college education. The scholarship awards will be granted on an annual basis to female graduating high school senior athletes in Southern Chester County.

About Emma

Emma was an excellent student as a sophomore at Unionville High School (UHS). She loved to swim and was a dedicated member of both the Kennett YMCA Sea Dragons and UHS swim teams. In her spare time, Emma was a lifeguard and also taught young children how to swim at the Y. As a younger child and teenager, Emma excelled on the ballfield in URA softball.

At the young age of 16, Emma passed away following complications caused by a rare type of gastric cancer, a form of the disease that was unheard of in a child and unfortunately found too late. Throughout Emma’s brief illness, she was strong and determined to get better, and did not let her health issues define her in any way.

Emma was beautiful in every sense of the word, and was loved throughout her community and beyond. She worked hard at whatever she was trying to accomplish, but always with a cheery, exuberant attitude and lovely smile. More than anything, her absolute kindness and warm heart are what made Emma our sweet girl.

The Gretchen Miller Bowker Scholarship, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to women pursuing education in STEM fields. Designed to support tuition, room and board, and related fees, this scholarship aims to empower women in their educational journeys. Eligibility includes demonstrating financial need and enrollment in a qualifying program. With a commitment to building a community of opportunity, this scholarship is a vital resource for aspiring female STEM students.

The McMichael Family Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports women over 21 who are residents of Crown Point, IN. This non-renewable scholarship is designed for college students and adult learners, providing financial assistance to help meet various educational needs. The foundation manages over 80 scholarship funds, tailoring support to the specific criteria set by generous donors, thereby enriching the quality of life in South Lake County.

The Alvin & Kathryn Schmidt Scholarship, managed by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports adult learners, particularly women aged 21 and older returning to education. This non-renewable scholarship emphasizes the importance of education for residents of Crown Point, IN, and aims to enhance their quality of life by providing essential financial assistance. The scholarship committee evaluates applications based on criteria set by generous community donors, ensuring tailored support for individual needs.

The Career Development Grant for Postdoctoral Women awards up to $2,000 to 5-8 eligible postdoctoral women for travel to meetings, laboratory visits, or courses to enhance their research and leadership skills. This grant, offered by the American Society for Microbiology, aims to support women with significant scientific achievements in their professional development while encouraging ongoing engagement with ASM.

Grassroots Voices, led by Vital Voices Global Partnership Inc, empowers young women aged 18-25 in the U.S. engaged in grassroots justice work. This program offers a unique opportunity to join a supportive cohort, travel to Washington, D.C., and engage with influential women leaders. Participants will enhance their skills and amplify their impact on critical issues like social inequity and reproductive justice, fostering a community of changemakers dedicated to transforming their lives and the world.

The Bernice M. Brightbill Fund Scholarship offers a one-time award to a senior female student from the Central Dauphin School District pursuing a college degree in business studies. This scholarship aims to support students demonstrating financial need, regardless of citizenship or documentation status. Eligible applicants can apply for multiple scholarships and may be selected for any or all they qualify for, promoting accessibility in education.

The Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant supports women and nonbinary students aged 35 and older, providing up to $2,500 annually for technical or vocational education, associate’s degrees, or first bachelor’s degrees. This grant, renewable for up to five years, aims to empower those facing financial need, fostering better futures for American women. Recipients are selected based on their applications, ensuring that all candidates are informed about their status.

The Emerge Grant, established by the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, supports women and nonbinary individuals aged 25 and older from Georgia and Montana. With grants up to $2,500 annually, recipients can pursue technical, vocational, or degree programs at accredited U.S. institutions. This initiative, rooted in Rankin's legacy, aims to empower those demonstrating financial need. Applicants will be informed about their status, ensuring transparency in the selection process.

Iowa nonprofits and educational institutions running STEM programs for girls in grades K–12 can access funding through the American Association of University Women to support community-based projects that build STEM skills, confidence, and identity. Grants up to US $50,000 may support hands-on learning, mentorship with women in STEM, family engagement, and belonging-building experiences.

AAUW branches and state organizations in Iowa designing or running hands-on STEM programs for girls in grades K–12 can apply for funding up to US $10,000. American Association of University Women supports projects that build STEM skills, confidence, identity, mentoring, or college and career preparation for girls and young women.