Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in Iowa

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

The Boulé Foundation Scholarship

The Boule' Foundation in conjunction with the United Negro College Fund, will provide annual merit-based scholarships to entering college freshmen students (Fall 2026) attending four-year, accredited non-profit degree-granting colleges and universities of their choice.

The 1772 Foundation, in collaboration with the National Preservation Partners Network, is opening its 2026 grant cycle for Historic Property Redevelopment Programs (HPRP). This initiative aims to support nonprofit organizations in the U.S. focused on historic property revitalization. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) designation and be NPPN members. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $75,000, promoting sustainable practices that address community revitalization and heritage conservation.

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin gives everyone the opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community. We manage over 320 funds that enhance Portage and Waushara counties. Together with our generous donors, we create a strong culture of philanthropy in Central Wisconsin.

We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

Whether you're a student seeking financial support or a donor looking to grow a scholarship fund, we invite you to explore available opportunities and learn how you can be involved.

Joey Trzebiatowski Memorial Scholarship

Qualifications: Graduating senior from Central Wisconsin, or UWSP or UW-Madison student planning to study business.

The Janosik Family Scholarship, awarded by the Delaware Community Foundation, offers a one-time financial assistance of $2,000 for graduating seniors from specific Eastern Shore High Schools. This program emphasizes citizenship qualities, work ethic, and community service as key selection criteria. In 2024-2025, the foundation distributed a record-breaking $850,000 in scholarships to support students pursuing undergraduate degrees, promoting educational opportunities and equity across Delaware.

The Health Policy Research Scholars program, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, aims to develop leadership among doctoral students from diverse, nonclinical disciplines. This four-year initiative focuses on aligning research with community health needs, emphasizing equity and collaboration across sectors. Scholars will receive $30,000 annually for up to four years, complemented by mentorship and training. The program targets second-year doctoral students who are committed to influencing health policy and fostering a Culture of Health in their communities.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Lauer Scholarship

The Lauer Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating seniors from a San Diego County public high school who plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Be actively involved in serving their community as demonstrated by their involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service or work experience and must describe how they plan to give back to their community during and after college
• Have demonstrated social responsibility and a high level of integrity
• Have parents who have not received a college degree
• Have a demonstrated financial need

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Larry Waters Scholarship

The Larry Waters Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating high school seniors from Kearny High, Eastlake High, and Southwest High schools who plan to enroll full-time in a four-year university, or community college with the intent to transfer to a four-year university, anywhere in the U.S.
• Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated financial need

The Apolonia Stanulis Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports college students residing in NCCF's 20-town service area. With awards ranging from $300 to $1,500, this scholarship aims to empower students in their educational pursuits. NCCF is dedicated to fostering community development and connecting donors with local nonprofits, ensuring that the causes important to the community are championed effectively.

The William and Sally Vaun Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports local students pursuing degrees in medicine or environmental studies with an emphasis on ecology and conservation sciences. This scholarship provides an average award of $1,500 to eligible applicants from the NCCF's 20-town service area. The foundation is dedicated to championing community causes through thoughtful grant-making and scholarships, ensuring impactful support for future leaders.

The Tollar Family Scholarship, administered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students from NCCF's 20-town service area pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. Offering a $4,000 award, this scholarship encourages local talent and fosters educational growth. It is designed for those dedicated to their academic journey, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder potential. This initiative exemplifies community support and commitment to education, empowering students to achieve their goals.

The SVNA Health Care Related Educational Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in healthcare (excluding pre-med) from specific towns. This scholarship provides $10,000 annually, renewable for up to five years, making it a significant opportunity for local students committed to making a difference in the healthcare field. The foundation emphasizes community engagement and smart grant-making to address local issues.

The Shepard Family Scholarship, administered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students residing in NCCF's service area who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate education. With awards ranging from $300 to $1,500, this scholarship is also available for individuals in non-degree, adult education, or private primary and secondary programs. It reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and community engagement.

The Tailored for Troops Grant Program, initiated by the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, provides essential business attire to veterans seeking employment. This initiative addresses the unique challenges veterans face in the job market, including unemployment and the need for proper attire. By partnering with organizations that offer employment services, the program ensures that veterans receive necessary support in their transition to civilian careers, ultimately aiding in reducing homelessness among veterans.

The Bear Paw Resort Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, supports graduating seniors from White Lake High School who plan to pursue post-secondary education. With over $2 million available for scholarships in 2025, this initiative aims to empower students in their educational journeys. The scholarship is designed to assist with tuition costs, payable after the completion of the first semester, thereby encouraging academic success and community development.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Alfred P. Corral Endowment Fund

Scholarships for Hispanic students, with a preference for students from Mexico with a preference for students enrolled at DACC

The Helen and Mario Garbin Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students from NCCF's 20-town service area pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. With an average award of $500, this scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering education and community engagement. The foundation emphasizes attentive grant-making and collaboration to address local needs, ensuring that donors and organizations effectively work together for impactful results.

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

James G. and Marguerite Cook McQuillen Scholarship Fund

Mrs. McQuillen was a retired schoolteacher. She taught for 39 years before retiring, and trained many student teachers during her tenure. The scholarship, in memory of the McQuillens, benefits graduates of high schools in and around Nelsonville, Ohio.

The Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging (K76)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), The John A. Hartford Foundation, and the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) are collaborating on this initiative to develop of a cadre of talented scientists prepared and willing to take an active leadership role in transformative change that will lead to improved health care outcomes.

Emerging leaders are clinically trained (primarily physician) early-stage investigators who have begun to establish research careers and have shown signs of leadership potential who will use this award to further develop the tools, skills and resources to have a significant impact in their field of expertise. 

The National Institute on Aging is pursuing this initiative to recruit talented new investigators who have begun to establish research programs and through this award will be ready to assume leadership roles in their field of expertise and well poised to change theory, practice and health outcomes related to the health of older individuals. Unlike other mentored K awards candidates for this award must have received competitively awarded research support as a PD/PI at the faculty level and have had prior leadership responsibilities in the clinical or research domain.

It is anticipated that seven to ten awards will be granted in 2017, up to 5 years of funding limited to $225,000 in direct costs per year. 

William and Eleanor Cleveland Scholarship

The scholarship provides assistance to dependent children of members of Columbus Division of Fire.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $1,000

National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) CMH

This scholarship was established to assist dependents of an active member of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Columbus, Ohio Chapter.

Award Amount:

• $1,500

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

Paul J. Falco Scholarship

The Paul J. Falco Scholarship provides a scholarship opportunity to high school level students from the Village of Marble Cliff who demonstrate outstanding scholastic and leadership qualities. The late Paul J. Falco, who served as Mayor of the Village for 36 years, was an ardent supporter of the Village, its residents, and the pursuit of life-long learning. The generosity of this endowment by Mayor Falco and his wife Bobbie Hall Falco provides the opportunity to recognize the talented youth of the Village of Marble Cliff. In its 20 years of existence the Paul J. Falco Scholarship Committee has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to residents of the Village of Marble Cliff.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Carol Troeller Second Chance Scholarship Fund

To support students with emergency financial needs with a preference for a female student in business fields of study

The Albert C. and Rose Turri Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students pursuing a degree in electronics or electrical engineering. Established in memory of Albert and Rose Turri, this scholarship awards two $1,000 grants to eligible students residing in NCCF's service area. It aims to empower local talents to achieve their educational goals while championing community causes through dedicated support.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Rudisill Scholarship

Applicant must be an undergraduate student with a minimum 3.0 GPA majoring in education and in their full internship. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

The Society of Family Planning is dedicated to advancing equitable access to contraception and abortion through science. The recent approval of Opill, the first over-the-counter oral contraceptive in the U.S., presents a unique opportunity to enhance contraceptive access. This initiative encourages research on implementation strategies to address cost, distribution, and education, ensuring the successful integration of over-the-counter contraceptives into healthcare options for all.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Peruzzi Family Scholarship

Applicant must be a graduating high school senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA and enroll full time in a four-year, higher education institution. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

The Kids Run the Nation Grant Fund, managed by the RRCA, offers financial support to running clubs, schools, and nonprofits that promote inclusive youth running programs. Since 2007, the fund has awarded over $385,000 to 495+ programs, helping more than 198,500 children embrace running. Grants between $500 and $1,000 are available for structured, gender-inclusive programs that meet specific criteria, encouraging healthy lifestyles and regular participation in running activities.