Best Human Rights Grants in Iowa

Iowa human rights and social justice organizations focused on community organizing can access funding through the Needmor Fund for Social Justice’s Core Grants Program for general operating support. Eligible groups organize primarily low- and moderate-income people across multiple issues, build long-term grassroots power, and are based in the Midwest, including Iowa.

Proteus Fund

Proteus Fund partners with foundations, individual donors, activists, and other allies to work strategically towards racial, gender, queer, and disability justice and an inclusive, fully-representative democracy. We curate an ecosystem of mutually reinforcing, aligned donor collaboratives and fiscally sponsored projects that deploy a creative array of strategies and tactics to further this vision.

RISE Together Fund: Small Grants

Call For Application

RISE Together Fund (RTF), an initiative of Proteus Fund, is announcing an open call for inquiries for our 2026 Small Grants Fund for U.S. public charity organizations or fiscally sponsored projects of such organizations, that support Black, African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian (BAMEMSA) communities.

As part of RTF’s commitment to prioritizing the needs and sustainability of the fields we collectively support, RTF will provide organizations with general operating grants to allow for organizational flexibility when possible. 

About RTF's Small Grants Fund

BAMEMSA movements have a strong history of organizing and collaboration, and are well poised with the knowledge, learning and experience to build an inclusive, multiracial democratic future and respond to the current unconstitutional threats facing the country. Through this fund, RTF aims to resource community power building organizations that use a multiplicity of approaches to create change rooted in the strength and leadership of BAMEMSA movements.

RTF supports groups that build community power, strengthen movement bases, defend civil and human rights including freedom of protest, speech, religion, and association, end the criminalization and surveillance of our communities, and respond to the rise in xenophobia, Islamophobia, and hate. RTF values groups that are intersectional in their approach and have or are developing sustainable long-term strategies to support BAMEMSA communities and movements.

Priority Issue Areas

• Protecting and advancing the rights of immigrant and refugee BAMEMSA communities by responding to harmful policies and practices, and strengthening community-led advocacy at the local, state, or federal level.

• Mobilizing BAMEMSA communities for nonpartisan civic engagement and election protection by increasing nonpartisan voter participation, combating voter suppression, and building sustained civic infrastructure ahead of, during, and between elections.

• Advocating for U.S. policy changes that end violence in Gaza and the West Bank by elevating Palestinian voices, influencing public discourse, and engaging in advocacy that shifts U.S. political, diplomatic, or funding decisions.

• Challenging harmful national security frameworks and their impacts on BAMEMSA communities by documenting, exposing, and organizing against surveillance, Islamophobia, and policies rooted in the War on Terror, particularly in the context of 9/11’s 25-year legacy.

• Responding to emerging opportunities and threats affecting BAMESMA communities such as influencing policy developments, addressing civic issues in the U.S., or developing narratives to change public discourse. This includes work addressing weaponizing issues around bodily autonomy and LGBTQ+ identity to fracture movements and communities.

Priority Strategies

RTF values organizations that take an intersectional approach and are intentionally building long-term community power. We prioritize support for groups that strengthen movement ecosystems, deepen their base, and defend the rights of BAMEMSA communities through the following strategies:

• Convening, Collaboration, and Movement Coordination: Bringing together organizations, leaders, and coalitions to align shared goals, coordinate strategies to advance shared visions, and reduce fragmentation across the field. This includes facilitating strategic convenings, developing platforms for collaboration, building cross-issue or cross-regional partnerships, developing shared agendas or issue campaigns, and strengthening trust and alignment among movement actors.
• Community Power-Building, Base Building, Civic Engagement, and Organizing: Expanding and activating a grassroots base within BAMEMSA communities to drive collective action and policy change. This includes community leadership development, public education campaigns, community organizing, nonpartisan voter engagement and election protection, and ongoing nonpartisan civic participation efforts that build sustained community power.
• Legal and Policy Advocacy Infrastructure: Advancing legal strategies and policy advocacy that expand and protect the rights of BAMEMSA communities. This includes impact litigation, legal advocacy, know-your-rights efforts, policy development, and advocacy at a local, state, or federal level.
• Communications and Narrative Strategy: Shaping public discourse and advancing narratives that reflect the experiences, dignity, and demands of BAMEMSA communities. This includes developing messaging strategies, producing and amplifying media, countering harmful or divisive narratives (including those targeting immigrants, religious minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, and reproductive rights), and increasing the voice share of BAMEMSA community members.
• Bolstering Movement Infrastructure: Strengthening the internal capacity and long-term sustainability of organizations and the broader movement ecosystem. This includes organizations supporting leadership development and pipelines, data and technology infrastructure, security and safety, and other core functions that enable groups to operate effectively and respond to evolving challenges.

Limited funding may be available for requests above $25,000.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects with statewide or multi-region reach working on social justice and human rights can access funding through Acton Family Giving’s Empathy Building Initiative. Eligible organizations advance empathy through stories, animal connection, or related exploration, and Iowa-based groups with broad impact may be considered through this proactive, invitation-based process.

Iowa doctoral students in U.S.-focused social science fields can receive up to US $15,000 to support dissertation data collection, preparation, analysis, and writing on topics like social justice, inequality, work, race, and immigration. Human rights–oriented projects that fit Russell Sage Foundation priority areas may be especially competitive, with preference for underrepresented scholars and those with limited research funding.

Early-career social science faculty researching U.S. economic mobility, inequality, or human rights–related social justice issues can apply for $35,000–$50,000 in project funding from the Russell Sage Foundation. Focused on structural barriers and systemic inequities, this program invites methodologically rigorous, one-year studies, which may include work relevant to human rights in Iowa and beyond.

Iowa schools, local governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for $500 - $1,000 to host a Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day event promoting activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. Community partners planning human rights and social justice programming for students on or around November 14, 2026 may be eligible for support from Safe Routes to School National Parternship.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on social justice and education initiatives in Iowa and across the U.S. may be eligible for support from the Baskin Family Foundation. The foundation backs forward-thinking programs, so Iowa human rights and education groups with innovative approaches can consider applying for this national funding opportunity.

Kauai graduate students pursuing degrees in social justice, public or human service, education, or health can apply for scholarship support from Hawai'i Community Foundation. Focused on academic scholarship programs, this fund assists Hawaii residents with financial need; Iowa human rights organizations may know eligible students with ties to Hawaii and Kauai.

Education unions and affiliates working on racial justice initiatives in Iowa can apply for the National Education Association Staff Organization’s CRSJ Racial Justice in Education Grant, awarding US $5,000 - US $75,000. Funding supports awareness, capacity-building, and action projects that advance racial equity, develop leaders of color, and promote multiracial solidarity in K–12 education and human rights work.

State and local education affiliates working on K–12 student achievement and racial justice in Iowa can seek funding to build community advocacy and partnerships. With a mission to advance racial justice in education, National Education Association provides support to mobilize community organizations, engage trained member leaders, and create union roles for parent and community engagement.

State Aspiring Educators organizations and campus chapters in Iowa can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s CREATE grants, offering up to US $2,000 for projects. Funding supports educator quality, community engagement, political action, or social justice initiatives that strengthen AE programs and partnerships, with submission deadlines three times each year.

Education union affiliates advancing student-centered human rights and social justice initiatives in Iowa can seek funding for bargaining and advocacy projects. The National Education Association Staff Organization offers up to US $50,000 to local and state affiliates representing teachers, education support professionals, or higher education staff to promote equitable, healthy learning environments through organizing, policy work, and collective bargaining.

Recent humanities and interpretive social science PhDs authorized to work in the U.S., including Iowa-based scholars, can receive more than US $142,000 in fellowship support for social justice work with nonprofits. The American Council of Learned Societies’ Leading Edge Fellowships fund two-year, full-time roles with health insurance, professional development funds, and possible relocation assistance.

Iowa 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and qualifying foundations working on social justice, human rights, STEM education, or basic needs may be eligible for support. Iowa human rights and equity-focused organizations within the AEP service territory can access funding through American Electric Power Foundation to advance social justice, housing, hunger relief, and related community programs.

Iowa nonprofits working on social justice, human rights, legal services, reentry, or juvenile justice can access funding through Indigo Oak Fund’s Equal Justice Under the Law program. This Colorado-based foundation generally funds in Colorado and the Bay Area but may consider organizations elsewhere that advance fairness in the justice system and related empowerment initiatives.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups with budgets under $500,000 can access capacity-building training and up to US $4,000 in funding to strengthen their organizations and leadership. Mockingbird Incubator’s eight-week cohort program supports emerging founders, including social justice and human rights organizations, with workshops, fundraising support, and a chance at additional seed funding.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status focused on social justice and human rights in Iowa can access funding through B.W. Bastian Foundation, typically ranging from US $100 - US $15,000. Grants may support general operations, specific projects, programs, advocacy, or capacity building for organizations that explicitly affirm equality, including for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Researchers studying community-led development and human rights issues in Latin America and the Caribbean can apply for the IAF Research Fellowship Program, which provides US $20,000 for 12 months of rigorous field-based research. Grants from Social Science Research Council support work on topics like social inclusion, violence prevention, migration, and sustainable livelihoods that may inform Iowa-focused programs.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects doing transformative organizing for systemic change can apply for Arch Community Fund’s Transformative Organizing Grants, awarding US $15,000 - US $30,000 in general operating support. Iowa grassroots groups advancing social justice and human rights, especially with anti-capitalist, intersectional approaches, may be strong candidates.

U.S.-based nonprofits, for-profits, and fiscally sponsored projects using pop culture strategies for social justice and human rights can apply for Pop Culture Collaborative’s Infrastructure Grants, awarding US $20,000 - US $200,000 for large-scale narrative change work. Iowa organizations centering marginalized communities and aiming to reach mass audiences may be strong candidates.

The A.J. Muste Memorial Institute's Social Justice Fund Grant supports grassroots activist projects in the U.S. and abroad, focusing on those with limited funding access. Prioritizing efforts to dismantle systemic injustices, the grant seeks proposals from organizations lacking mainstream support, especially those addressing issues like immigration violence, racial inequalities, and economic exploitation. The fund emphasizes direct activism and diverse leadership, making it a vital resource for community-driven initiatives in the pursuit of social justice.

Seattle Foundation

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Theresa Earenfight Scholarship

The purpose of the Theresa Earenfight Scholarship is to support undergrad or graduate students who are passionate about the intersection of social justice and animal welfare within a historical context. Applicants should be studying history, in particular how history intersects with animal activism, animal rights, animal liberation, and other related topics. Preference will be given to students with strong financial need, students of color and those from historically marginalized communities, and/or students who may face barriers to receiving other scholarships. This is a $10,000 annual scholarship renewable through the completion of the student’s degree, assuming the student continues to meet the eligibility criteria. The scholarship may be applied to tuition and fees, or other academic expenses payable to the college or university.

Deb & John Quirk Memorial Scholarship

The Hastings Community Foundation is excited to announce the creation of the Deb and John Quirk Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will provide a $10,000 annual scholarship and is renewable for a total award of up to $40,000. One scholarship will be awarded each year. This scholarship is only available to graduating seniors from Hastings High, Adams Central, or Hastings Catholic Schools. Applicants must be focused on impacting social justice through their education and future employment, as illustrated through an essay submitted to the scholarship committee.

The Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship is a yearlong program designed for early-career and mid-career faculty to enhance their scholarly writing and leadership skills. Participants will receive mentorship and training to develop personalized career roadmaps, navigate challenges, and create impactful research questions. The fellowship, costing $1200, also offers limited scholarships thanks to generous donations. It equips fellows with vital skills for academic advancement, promoting their potential for leadership roles in their institutions.

Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship

The yearlong Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship offers training and mentorship for early-career and mid-career faculty with a focus on developing scholarly writing skills for academic advancement and leadership.

Mid-Career Fellows

Mid-career fellows will benefit from tailored mentorship and guidance to reach the next milestone in their careers, including:

• Receive 1:1 mentorship specific to their challenges or roadblocks to promotion or leadership
• Participate in a detailed CV review to determine edits for promotion
• Work as a group with mentor faculty on challenges in scholarship to move forward with stuck projects
• Learn how to navigate mid-career leadership challenges

The tuition cost for fellows is $1200. A limited number of scholarships are available to cover the fellowship tuition due to a generous gift from Drs Marjorie Bowman and Robert Choplin.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Duane Roberts Scholarship

The Duane Roberts Scholarship was established in memory of Duane Roberts, a Kalamazoo Public Schools graduate, community activist, and KPS Board of Education member, to provide scholarship support to KPS minority students.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

The Stray Dog Institute Grants aim to transform food systems by providing funding and support to nonprofits focused on animal welfare, environmental advocacy, and food justice. With grant amounts typically ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, the Institute prioritizes pragmatic solutions that foster dignity, justice, and sustainability. By addressing systemic issues in food production, they promote a compassionate approach that respects both people and animals. This initiative seeks to create a sustainable future for all stakeholders in the food system.