Best Biology Grants in Iowa

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.

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.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Iowa and across the U.S. can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and science programs that engage youth and demonstrate lasting impact. William Randolph Hearst Foundation funds program and capital projects for museums, performing arts organizations, arts schools, and STEAM initiatives, which may benefit biology-focused education efforts.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

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.

Nonprofit charities running science, education, or community health projects in Iowa and worldwide can seek philanthropic support for humanitarian, environmental, and contemporary arts initiatives. With a mission to strengthen communities, Roche provides accredited charities with funding for sustainable development projects that may include biology-related STEM education or health programs, coordinated through its local affiliate offices.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services can apply for Semnani Family Foundation grants supporting marginalized communities worldwide, including the U.S. Programs in areas like healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, and women’s and children’s health may be eligible, and Iowa biology or health-focused initiatives serving vulnerable populations could fit these priorities.

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.

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.

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.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

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 in Iowa can seek support for basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven programs that show measurable results and financial stability. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with grants prioritizing hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, neighborhood revitalization, cultural enrichment, and strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.