Best Corporate Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Sue Aplington Kreutz Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established in 2020 to support first-year college students accepted into a four-year college or university.

The National Fund for Sacred Places Grant Program supports historic houses of worship in the U.S. through matching grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. This initiative, in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to enhance community engagement and preserve culturally significant buildings. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their historical relevance and community service, particularly those representing underrepresented groups. The program prioritizes urgent repair needs and projects that foster inclusivity and accessibility.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and KidsGardening offer the GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant to enhance community gardens across the U.S. This initiative supports programs that engage under-resourced communities, focusing on youth participation. In 2026, 120 grants of $750 will be awarded, with additional funding opportunities available through specialty awards for programs addressing specific needs, including those serving LGBTQ+ youth and communities of color.

The Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals or institutions promoting inclusiveness in the chemical sciences. This award includes a medal, a $1,250 grant, and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,500 for attending the ACS regional meeting where the award is presented. Eligible nominees must foster programs that increase participation from diverse groups in the chemical enterprise.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Gaetano “Mickey” Giangrieco Memorial Teaching Scholarship

Established by Maureen Giangrieco, daughter of Gaetano “Mickey” Giangrieco, who passed away in 1994. Mickey dedicated 40 years to teaching Biology at Blue Ridge High School, where he also served as the junior varsity basketball and golf coach. This scholarship provides tuition assistance to a graduate of Blue Ridge High School, Montrose High School or Susquehanna Community High School who plans to attend college or a post-secondary degree program to major in education. 

In collaboration with Cummins Inc., the American Library Association (ALA) invites applications from U.S. public libraries to participate in A Year of STEM, 12 months of curated STEM programming to foster curiosity and STEM-mindedness in early childhood learners across the country. 

Twenty-five libraries will be chosen to participate in A Year of STEM, receiving professional development to prepare them for the project, copies of a newly created A Year of STEM programming guide developed by librarian advisors, a $5,000 programming stipend, four STEM kits (to be delivered quarterly), and support from ALA’s Public Programs Office staff throughout the project implementation period.

The Peterson Foundation Grant, established in 1944 by Hal and Charlie Peterson, supports charitable organizations within Kerr, Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kimble, and Real Counties. The Foundation primarily funds health care and education initiatives, and applications are accepted year-round from §501(c)(3) organizations in the service area. Notably, grants are not available for religious purposes, political actions, or individuals, ensuring a focus on community enrichment.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts International Indemnity Program, established in 1975, supports the exhibition of significant art and artifacts by minimizing insurance costs for international exhibitions. Administered by the National Endowment for the Arts, it covers U.S. owned art during exhibitions in the country. The program evaluates applications through advisory panels and the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities, ensuring that vital cultural works are accessible while providing necessary financial protections.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Engineering (ENG) fosters groundbreaking research in electrical, communications, and computing systems through programs like Electronic, Photonic, Magnetic, and Quantum Devices (EPMQD) and Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing (CSCS). These initiatives emphasize innovative foundational research, particularly in power and energy systems, while being open to transformative ideas without immediate commercial outcomes. Funding availability will shape the portfolios of ECCS awards.

The Affiliate Grant – Kenneth B. Cummins Grant for Partner Affiliates, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, supports creative projects that enhance the visibility of mathematics teachers and their affiliates. Eligible applicants must be NCTM associate affiliates in good standing and address significant needs in their mathematical communities. Projects should be innovative and completed within a specified timeframe. This grant fosters collaboration and engagement in mathematics education.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) is dedicated to fostering charitable giving, empowering donors, and enhancing our community by facilitating investments in a diverse array of charitable causes. We serve a pivotal role in attracting, managing and distributing substantial charitable funds to enrich the lives of residents across George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, and Stone counties.

Established in 1989 as a 501(c)(3) organization, GCCF has invested more than $110 million into South Mississippi, providing administrative services to more than 120 funds that support local grassroots organizations in achieving their charitable objectives.

Jack A. Wilson Engineering Scholarship Fund

The Jack A. Wilson Engineering Scholarship Fund was established in December 2001 by Ms. Gertrude A. Wilson through the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to honor Mr. Wilson. The purpose of the fund is to award a scholarship for a college, junior college, or graduate school student entering their third or more years of engineering education. Applicants must be residents of Jackson, Harrison or Hancock County. Students meeting the criteria will be awarded a scholarship to be used toward the following, in order of priority: tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies.

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics offers the Affiliate Grant for Associate Affiliates to enhance mathematics education. This grant supports innovative projects that align with NCTM's Strategic Framework, aiming to improve visibility and engagement within the educational community. Eligible applicants must be in good standing and address significant needs in their mathematical communities. The project activities should be unique and completed within the academic year from August 1 to July 31.

The Saw Island Foundation offers grants focusing on education, science, and health, primarily targeting nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their education grants support scholarships and program partnerships, while science and health grants aim to enhance life experiences through improved health outcomes. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, and the foundation emphasizes innovative collaborations that demonstrate measurable impact in their communities.

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Tulsa Engineering Scholarship

Provides a $24,000 ($3,000/semester) scholarship to graduating seniors in the Tulsa-area pursuing an engineering degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and overall ACT score of 24 or higher, with a minimum math sub-score of 24.

The Faerie L. Angle Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Foundation for Enhancing Communities, provides scholarships to aspiring lawyers from Franklin County, PA. Eligible candidates must have been accepted into a three-year J.D. program, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to 3.5, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to support local talent in pursuing legal education and fostering community engagement through the legal profession.

The Career Enhancement Fellowship, offered by Citizens & Scholars, supports junior faculty from diverse backgrounds in the humanities and humanistic social sciences. With stipends up to $35,000, funding for research, and travel support, this program nurtures academic diversity and enhances campus perspectives. Since 2001, over 400 fellows have advanced their careers while fostering a rich academic community. The fellowship promotes innovative scholarship and leadership roles, contributing to a more inclusive academic environment.

The Convention Inclusion Travel Grant, provided by the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES), aims to promote diversity in the field of Slavic and East European studies. It supports BA, MA, and PhD students from diverse backgrounds to attend the ASEEES Annual Convention, fostering understanding of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ community members, and individuals with disabilities in Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

The Global Micro-Residencies Grant, sponsored by the Franco Family Institute for Liberal Arts, supports tenure-line faculty from the College of Arts & Letters in pursuing scholarly micro-residencies abroad. With grants up to $7,000, faculty can engage in international collaboration and enhance their scholarship through prestigious host institutions outside the U.S. Additional funding is available for graduate research assistants. The program emphasizes collaborative scholarly exchange and requires prior arrangement with host institutions.

The Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), recognizes individuals for their exceptional contributions to mathematics education over a lifetime. Established in 1994, this prestigious honor celebrates those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, teaching, and service in the field. Eligible nominees must have at least 25 years of distinguished service and may receive the award posthumously, reflecting their lasting impact on the profession.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The PCF Impact Grant, offered by the Pella Community Foundation, aims to enhance community life in Pella through significant funding for impactful projects. Grants up to $25,000 are awarded annually to charitable organizations or governmental agencies addressing key local initiatives. The foundation seeks applications that demonstrate community need, collaboration, and sustainability, ensuring long-term benefits. This initiative not only preserves Pella's heritage but also engages the entire community, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment.

The R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed funding opportunity invites innovative research to develop and enhance research models and biological materials vital for studying human health and diseases. It emphasizes the need for new approach methodologies (NAMs) to improve the identification of confounding factors in biomedical research. Projects should have broad applicability across multiple NIH Institutes, focusing on various body systems and disease categories, ensuring relevance to a wide range of health issues.

The Collaborative Program Grant for Multidisciplinary Teams, funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports integrated teams of researchers tackling ambitious projects that individual efforts cannot achieve. This program promotes collaboration among experts with complementary skills, aiming for significant advancements in their fields. Teams are encouraged to pursue innovative objectives that have the potential to transform research landscapes.

The Hardin County Bar Association Teen Court Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, supports local students committed to justice. Eligible applicants must reside in Hardin County, participate in Teen Court, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Required documentation includes an essay outlining their civic values and a recommendation letter from a guidance counselor or principal. This scholarship aims to foster responsible citizenship and encourage interest in legal careers among youth.

The NSF Expeditions in Computing program aims to foster transformative research in computer and information science. By funding projects up to $15 million over seven years, it encourages multidisciplinary teams to tackle ambitious research agendas that redefine the future of computing. The program supports innovative areas such as new architectures for intelligence, advanced robotics, and next-generation communication, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across various fields to achieve groundbreaking advancements.

The ACCF 'Emerging Needs' Mini-Grant Fund provides up to $1,000 for various community development initiatives in Allamakee County, Iowa. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations, schools, and municipalities. This funding aims to support projects related to community promotion, education, and other emerging needs. Interested parties must submit a letter of interest by the specified deadlines and are encouraged to contact the foundation to ensure their application is properly received.

The Willson Center Faculty Research Fellowship at the University of Georgia supports tenured and tenure-track faculty in their arts and humanities research. This fellowship, awarded every five years, encourages interdisciplinary work and provides course release from two assigned courses. It aims to foster excellence in creative practice and scholarly activities, ensuring a conducive environment for faculty to pursue their research goals effectively.