Best Grants for Women in Iowa

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Women of color environmental leaders working in Iowa can receive personal funding through the Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award to advance their mid-career leadership and impact. Grants from Rachel’s Network help women and girl services and environmental stewardship efforts nationwide, so Iowa-based women building a healthier, safer, and more just world may be eligible.

Nonprofit women and girl service organizations in Iowa can receive US $25,000 to advance education, child welfare, community development, and volunteerism initiatives. With a mission to honor community service leaders, L'Oreal Paris provides national recognition, mentorship, and funding through its Women of Worth Award for U.S. and U.S. territories–based efforts supporting women and girls.

Women survivors of domestic violence returning to the workforce can receive US $1,000 - US $4,000 in scholarship support through the YWCA Clark County Chan Barnett Scholarship, administered by Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. Eligible applicants must have a connection to YWCA Clark County, demonstrate financial need, and be Washington residents; Iowa women studying or relocating there may benefit.

Female high school seniors in Erie, Huron, or Ottawa County, Ohio planning to study STEM or medical fields can apply for the Erie County Community Foundation’s Zonta Club of Greater Sandusky High School STEM Scholarship Fund. This academic scholarship supports women pursuing degrees at accredited nonprofit colleges, universities, community colleges, or vocational schools in the U.S.

Female adult students in Ohio returning to college or vocational school after an education break may be eligible for scholarships supporting higher or vocational education. With a mission to strengthen communities, Erie County Community Foundation provides nontraditional women students with help toward 2–4 year undergraduate programs, which may interest women-focused organizations in Iowa seeking similar opportunities to share with clients.

Female high school seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree and seeking scholarship support can apply for the College Women's Club Charitable Fund Scholarship, with financial need considered. Erie County Community Foundation provides this award for current female graduates of Huron, Margaretta, Perkins, Sandusky, or Sandusky St. Mary’s Central Catholic High Schools, which may interest organizations assisting women and girls in Iowa with college readiness models.

Doctoral students at U.S. universities researching 19th–early 21st century Russian/Soviet history can receive up to US $28,000 for dissertation research or completion, including projects in women’s and gender studies. With a mission to advance regional scholarship, the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies provides Iowa scholars and others with fellowship support for this specialized historical work.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.