Best Biology Grants in Iowa

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding through U.S. Bank Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program. Organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars of work, home, and play, may be prioritized.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa supporting children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for monetary program support. Grants from Costco Foundation help biology-focused or health-related youth programs that demonstrate clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diversified funding. Applications are typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through health, education, development, or welfare programs can apply for grants up to US $15,000 from the DanPaul Foundation. With a mission to enrich children’s lives, it supports projects such as child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, environmental education, and refugee enrichment, including work benefiting Iowa communities.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Iowa and worldwide can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation prioritizes innovative, early-stage solutions serving mostly economically underserved communities, including efforts in STEM education, workforce readiness, and green jobs that may intersect with biology-related work.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides Iowa education and youth-focused organizations with more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling efforts that serve urban low-income children and families. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public agencies working in education, childhood health, or family economic stability within the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa conducting charitable, scientific, medical, or educational work in the U.S. may be eligible for grants supporting programs and services. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help soundly managed groups expand efforts that significantly benefit their target populations; Iowa organizations with biology-related research or education components may qualify under its scientific or medical priorities.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Doctoral candidates at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities conducting biology-related research at the Smithsonian, including ecology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, and animal behavior, can receive up to US $50,000 in stipend and research allowance. Eligible students from Iowa-based member campuses apply through the alliance for 3–12 month fellowships supporting dissertation research.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, community services, or peacebuilding may be eligible for this national grant opportunity, including those based in Iowa. Grants from Dudley T Dougherty Foundation help biology-focused and related environmental projects that respect life, people, and our changing planet secure support for their work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified government entities in Iowa can receive support for education, environmental, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment initiatives that serve Georgia-Pacific communities. Georgia-Pacific Foundation provides funding to organizations located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing facility, which may include eligible communities in Iowa.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations that support basic needs, at-risk youth, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence in Iowa can seek funding. With a mission to help vulnerable families and children build better futures, The TJX Foundation provides program support to groups aligned with its community mission and giving guidelines.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Iowa seeking support for environmental or human services programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help cover general operating or project costs, issued as unrestricted support, for U.S.-headquartered groups working locally or internationally.

Nonprofit organizations in Iowa can seek funding for community-based programs, including environmental and wildlife protection activities, from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation. Focused on impactful, smaller grants, the foundation offers US $1,000 - US $20,000 to IRS-qualified U.S. nonprofits, which may benefit biology-related initiatives connected to conservation or wildlife management.

Grants from Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust help Iowa 501(c)(3) organizations fund biology-related education, research, and youth programs. Most support goes to projects in Iowa and nearby Illinois counties, including biomedical and scientific research, K–12 and higher education, youth services, recreation, and initiatives that engage young people with natural resources and environmental education.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

American graduate students of Polish descent pursuing full-time biology or related science studies in the U.S. or English medical schools in Poland can receive US $1,000 - US $12,000 for tuition. Kosciuszko Foundation supports a wide range of fields, so Iowa students in biological and medical sciences may be eligible.

Focused on academic scholarships, Quad Cities Community Foundation invites Iowa high school seniors of Korean descent in Scott County to apply for need-based awards up to US $2,500. Eligible students must attend high school in Rock Island (IL) or Scott (IA), hold strong GPAs, and plan full-time enrollment in a BA or BS program.

Iowa biology and health-focused organizations working on health information outreach and education can access funding to expand access to biomedical and consumer health information. National Library of Medicine’s Health Information Outreach Award offers US $25,000 for projects that improve health literacy, support underrepresented populations, and enhance use of NLM and NNLM health information resources.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Iowa that benefit their local communities can seek funding for programs improving economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides project, general operating, and capital support to organizations addressing issues like poverty, hunger, homelessness, literacy, and health access in areas where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth, families, food access, or environmental stewardship in Iowa can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. Grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 support programs in education, housing, hunger relief, community services, and planet-focused projects, which may include biology-related or environmental education initiatives.

Academic institutions in Iowa with eligible early-career assistant professors running independent biomedical labs can receive US $75,000 - US $300,000 to support innovative research advancing human health. Pew Charitable Trusts funds flexible biology and biomedical projects, covering personnel, equipment, supplies, and research travel at invited institutions through its Pew Biomedical Scholars program.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. with strong, replicable community partnerships can receive recognition and support through the Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award. Iowa biology-focused nonprofits collaborating with public, private, or social sector partners may be eligible if their joint work measurably improves communities and addresses significant social issues.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.