Best Grants for Religious Nonprofits in Iowa

501(c)(3) nonprofits advancing economic opportunity, affordable housing, or community arts and culture in Iowa can apply for US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program. Funding supports programs that address work, home, and play, with priority for organizations in U.S. Bank communities, led by people of color, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human and social service approaches in Iowa can seek support to address social problems in new ways. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving programs across areas like community development, health, literacy, and public safety; religious nonprofits with qualifying 501(c)(3) status and innovative services may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through education, health, development, or welfare programs can seek up to US $15,000 in support, including those based in Iowa. Focused on child welfare, poverty, homelessness, environment, and scholarships, the DanPaul Foundation invites programs that may be run by or housed within religious nonprofits.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Iowa can apply for Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000 for innovative programs. Eligible organizations must primarily serve economically underserved communities; faith-based direct service programs may be eligible if they meet Cisco’s criteria.

Large, U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions offering arts, science, or arts education programming, including those serving Iowa, can seek program, capital, or limited general support from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation; awards are typically more than US $100,000. Grants from this funder help organizations engaging youth, developing artists, and providing impactful STEAM or arts experiences, including faith-based nonprofits whose services are inclusive.

Religious and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Iowa working in health, education, or community services can seek funding for programs like food pantries, healthcare for underserved people, STEM education, and wellness initiatives. Focused on community health and welfare, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites eligible organizations to apply during its March and September review cycles.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, social development, science education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects in Iowa may be eligible for corporate philanthropy support; grants prioritize sustainable, innovative initiatives. Grants from La Roche help organizations that can engage local Roche affiliates and employees and operate programs within the same country as the affiliate office.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for housing, jobs, hunger, or community programs can apply for regional sponsorship funding that supports economic, social, and cultural life. With a mission to advance economic mobility and social progress, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides support for basic needs, workforce development, community development, arts, environment, and diversity initiatives.

Religious and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations providing education, poverty relief, medical assistance, or related services may be eligible for single-year project funding, especially if they serve the Southern U.S. Focused on relief and service, Robinson Foundation invites faith-based and other charities to propose impactful programs; Iowa religious nonprofits may qualify if their work reaches communities below the Mason-Dixon line.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa addressing basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence services can seek program support if located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. With a mission to help vulnerable families and children, TJX Foundation provides invitation-only grants; faith-based nonprofits with inclusive services may be eligible.

About Us

The Pocahontas County Foundation was organized in 2005 to promote and enhance community based philanthropy in Pocahontas County. The Foundation receives funding to facilitate endowment-building and grant-making throughout the county. Seventy-five percent of these funds will be awarded through grants to charitable organizations for educational, civic and public purposes in Pocahontas County.

Pocahontas County Foundation Grant

The Pocahontas County Foundation will provide grants to improve life in Pocahontas County, Iowa. We want to support development of all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as to benefit rural areas of the county.

Each year we hold a mandatory meeting in October to discuss any new application procedures and answer questions. One member from any group or non-profit organization must attend this meeting in order to receive grant funding. The 2026 Grant Info meeting will be held in October 7, 2026 at the Pocahontas County Conservation Office beginning at 6:30 pm. The grant deadline is 5:00 p.m. on November 20, 2026. 

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven programs can access funding through Ameriprise Financial to strengthen community vitality and financial independence. Eligible organizations must serve U.S. communities, align with one of Ameriprise’s three focus areas, demonstrate measurable outcomes and financial stability, and may receive priority if they engage Ameriprise volunteers or are national in scope.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can seek one-year project funding, typically US $5,000 - US $25,000, in Iowa and beyond. Focused on broad community impact, Dr Scholl Foundation may support religious nonprofits whose work fits these categories.

Iowa 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations seeking support to tell impactful stories about their work can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant. Awards of more than US $50,000 help nonprofits in preservation, education, or wellness—such as wildlife conservation, historic preservation, mental health, or early childhood education—share their community impact, including faith-based efforts that fit these pillars.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in Iowa can seek program or capital funding for work in Linn County through the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation’s Altorfer Inc. competitive donor-advised fund. Grants of approximately US $2,400 support health and human services, educational programming, and community development, which may include religious activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in Linn County, Iowa can seek approximately US $3,000 for health-related programs or capital needs through the Bloomhall Family competitive donor-advised fund. Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation manages this 12‑month grant, which may benefit religious nonprofits offering community health initiatives.

Grants from Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation help Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups fund health-related program or capital projects, with awards around Approximately US $7,500. Religious nonprofits in Linn County may be eligible if requesting support for non-religious, health-focused activities within a 12-month grant period.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in Iowa seeking program, capital, or sponsorship support can apply for up to US $5,000 through the Lil’ Drug Store Products donor-advised fund. Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation supports projects within Cedar Rapids, which may include religious or spirituality-focused activities that fit donor priorities.

Nonprofits, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in Iowa can seek $500 to $10,000 for basic health and human services, classroom education, and related capital improvements in Linn County. Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation’s Competitive Donor-Advised Funds may support religiously affiliated organizations when requests are not for explicitly religious purposes.

Non-sectarian human and social service nonprofits working with disadvantaged people can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000. Focused on smaller organizations in countries including the U.S., these funds may benefit Iowa religious nonprofits with separately incorporated, non-sectarian service arms that meet its revenue and governance criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in Linn County, Iowa can apply for Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation’s McGrath Automotive Group donor-advised grants, averaging approximately US $3,000, to support children’s needs through program, capital, or sponsorship projects. Religious nonprofits in Iowa serving children in Linn County may be eligible.