Best Scouting Organization Grants in Iowa

Schools and nonprofit partners in Iowa that serve Title I-eligible students can use this funding for after-school academic and enrichment programs, youth development, and social-emotional support, with awards from US $50,000 - US $150,000 per year. With a mission to expand community learning centers, Iowa Department of Education provides youth development and leadership initiatives with resources to keep children safe and engaged after school.

Iowa youth development and leadership nonprofits in Iowa can access funding through Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to support events and fundraisers. 501(c)(3) organizations working in agriculture, farm family communities, youth and education, or health and wellness may be eligible, including scouting groups that build character, leadership, and healthy lifestyles for young people.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa can apply for the W R Berkley Corporation Charitable Foundation’s grants to support youth development, education, health and human services, community betterment, and food insecurity programs. Scouting organizations that meet these criteria and operate near CWG office communities may be eligible; one grant per organization is considered annually.

Iowa 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities can apply for the Hanson Foundation’s grants to support arts and culture, family recreation, and youth development and education projects. Scouting organizations in north central Iowa, especially around Forest City, may be eligible for initiatives like camps, leadership programs, playgrounds, trails, or other community-strengthening activities.

Nonprofit and community organizations providing youth mentoring and development programs in Iowa can access funding to support refugee and ORR-eligible youth ages 15–24. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services backs mentoring, case management, and educational or vocational advancement activities that build positive civic and social engagement, with multiple contracts anticipated.

Youth development and leadership nonprofits in Iowa can seek funding to support economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture programming. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help 501(c)(3) organizations, especially those led by people of color, that address multiple “work, home, and play” pillars in designated U.S. Bank communities; scouting groups may be eligible.

Iowa 501(c)(3) public charities with $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for youth development, leadership, and job-readiness programs, including scouting-related initiatives. RBC Foundation USA provides support to organizations in Iowa communities where RBC Wealth Management has a business presence and active community involvement, focusing on skills for the future, inclusive prosperity, and environmental sustainability.

Youth development and leadership programs in Iowa focused on agricultural education, leadership, or career training can apply for CHS Foundation’s Ag Leadership Grant. Focused on building a diverse pipeline for agriculture and promoting the ag cooperative business model, scouting organizations serving high school students through young professionals may be eligible.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies can receive support for youth development, workforce training, sustainability, and community resilience projects. Marathon Petroleum provides funding across its marketing area, with preference for communities near its operations, to back programs such as vocational and STEM education, basic needs, disaster preparedness, and initiatives that strengthen and beautify local environments.

Iowa 501(c)(3) youth and community organizations can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. Scouting organizations offering youth development and leadership activities in Union Pacific–served communities may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $30,000 to expand direct services or build organizational capacity.

Iowa scouting and youth-serving city governments in Mahaska County can seek project funding for new initiatives that benefit local residents. Mahaska County Community Foundation supports arts and culture, youth development and leadership, education, health and human services, recreation, and community betterment projects proposed by the 170(b)(1) governing offices of the county’s ten municipalities.

Iowa youth-serving nonprofits offering STEM education, youth development, or job-readiness programs can access funding through AFL Global’s Community Grants. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations running scouting troops, leadership activities, or life-skills initiatives for children, teens, or adults pursuing self-sufficiency may be competitive applicants. Funding supports program delivery and community outreach efforts.

Female high school seniors active in Girl Scouts and graduating from a Smith County, Texas school can receive US $1,000 for college costs through the Juliette Low’s Amazing Girls Scholarship. East Texas Communities Foundation supports youth development and leadership, and Iowa scouting organizations with qualifying Girl Scout seniors may be interested in this opportunity.

Nonprofits, government entities, and charitable projects in Mahaska County, Iowa can seek funding for youth development, education, arts, health, recreation, and community betterment projects. Mahaska County Community Foundation supports new or capital projects that enhance quality of life, which may benefit scouting organizations creating innovative programs for local youth.

Youth-serving organizations and eligible public high schools in Iowa and across the U.S. can support student-led leadership and civic engagement projects through the Bezos Scholars Program, which includes grants of more than US $1,000. Bezos Family Foundation also provides intensive yearlong leadership development, college advising, and an all-expenses-paid experience at the Aspen Ideas Festival.

Youth-serving organizations in Iowa that support teens and young adults in the arts can apply for Quad City Arts' Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program, with awards up to US $750 for paid summer arts apprenticeships. Scout troops and similar groups in Scott County, Iowa, may be eligible if they engage youth in community-based art projects.

Students involved in youth leadership or community service in Iowa can apply for Chick-fil-A’s Community Scholars awards of up to US $25,000 to support college, vocational, or graduate education. Boy and Girl Scout participants who meet the academic, service, and enrollment requirements may be strong candidates for this leadership and mentoring program.

The Champions for Change program, initiated by the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, empowers Native youth through leadership opportunities. Founded in 2011, it selects 5-6 exceptional young leaders (ages 14-24) each year to inspire their communities and promote positive change. Participants engage in tailored advocacy training, fostering skills to create impactful stories from Indian Country, while all applicants join the CNAY network, enhancing their community involvement.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government units in Iowa’s Clay County can access funding for new or expanded programs, facilities, and services. Clay County Community Foundation provides US $10,001 - US $25,000 Impact Grants for projects in areas like youth development, recreation, education, arts, health, and community quality of life, which may benefit scouting organizations.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, and local government units in Clay County can seek US $3,001 - US $10,000 for new or expanded youth, recreation, education, and community programs. Clay County Community Foundation funding may benefit scouting organizations offering leadership, outdoor, or service activities for young people in the county.

The CCCF Simple Grant supports innovative projects under $3,000 that enhance the quality of life in Clay County, Iowa. The Clay County Community Foundation seeks to connect donors with impactful causes, focusing on economic development, health services, and community activities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits and local government units. Grants prioritize projects that foster community engagement and address local needs, ensuring sustainable benefits for the county's residents.

The CCLF Gold Grant, offered by the Cherokee County Legacy Foundation, supports non-profit organizations and local governmental entities with funding requests ranging from $10,001 to $25,000. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by November 15, detailing the organization, project description, funding sources, and community impact. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or local governments, with a focus on enhancing quality of life in Cherokee County through innovative projects.

The Festus & Helen Stacy Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations worldwide, especially those focusing on evangelism, leadership development, holistic ministries, and media outreach. Established in 1980, the foundation aims to support projects that address the needs of the marginalized and promote generous giving. Grants are typically awarded for specific initiatives in South Florida, nationally, and internationally, particularly in emerging nations. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) to be eligible.

Karma for Cara Microgrants empowers students aged 18 and under to bring their service project ideas to life with funding up to $1,000. Founded in honor of Cara Becker, who inspired community service during her own health journey, the program supports a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving local communities across the U.S. Students are encouraged to demonstrate creativity and community involvement, with grants awarded quarterly to fuel their impactful projects.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians

The IBMA Foundation is proud to host the Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians. The Bright family of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Thomas J. Brown of Dalton, Georgia; and Barbara Martin Stephens of Madison, Tennessee made combined gifts of $29,000 in 2020 to create the fund that will benefit young people interested in learning to play bluegrass music and endow it for decades to come.

The Bright family is committed to supporting the endowment, and they welcome donations from others interested in helping young musicians achieve their bluegass education goals.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants up to $500 per applicant are awarded to help cover expenses of lessons, educational materials, instrument rental or purchase, workshops, and camps. Young bluegrass musicians at all levels may apply for assistance. Financial need will be considered, but is not required to receive a Bright grant. Applications for Bright grants may be made throughout the year.

The Emerging Climate Champions Award supports youth-led climate initiatives by providing funding for organizations with at least two years of community-led operation. This award aims to empower young leaders aged 15-35, particularly from under-represented groups, to tackle climate challenges. With global funding for youth-driven climate solutions being scarce, the award encourages innovative approaches across various climate issues, including education, advocacy, and sustainable agriculture, thereby promoting resilience and social justice.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.