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

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship Fund

Applicants must be students currently enrolled in a teaching credential program, current student teachers, current teacher interns, students enrolled in a speech therapy program, or students enrolled in a school psychology program. Colleges considered: CSU Stanislaus, U.C. Merced, U.O.P., UMass Global, Teachers College of San Joaquin, Sacramento State University and CSU East Bay.

Award Amount:

• $3,000

The Jane Bruckel Early Career Investigator Award in Axial Spondyloarthritis, offered by the Spondylitis Association of America, aims to support MDs and PhDs at the Instructor or Assistant Professor level in the US and Canada. This annual $30,000 research grant promotes innovative research in ankylosing spondylitis and enhances patient care by encouraging emerging researchers to contribute to this important field.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Virginia Valk Fehsenfeld Scholarship

Open to full time undergraduate students who are Kent County residents studying education, dietetics, nutrition, or human services and have a minimum 3.4 GPA.

McCormick & Company, Inc. actively supports charitable contributions through its Charitable Donations Committee (CDC), which prioritizes donations to non-profit organizations that enhance education, health, environment, and culture. The CDC focuses on organizations that benefit communities where McCormick employees live and work, ensuring a positive impact. Eligible groups must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination. However, donations are not made to individuals, political organizations, or entities that conflict with corporate values.

The Jerry and Martha Taylor Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from Rock Island County pursuing post-secondary education. With awards of up to $1,000, this scholarship is not renewable and is open to applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Preference is given to students majoring in journalism, theater arts, or special education, or those attending accredited trade schools.

The Atlantic Salmon Federation Olin Fellowships support individuals aiming to enhance their knowledge and skills in salmon conservation and management. These fellowships are available annually for various pursuits, including research and graduate studies, without the requirement of being enrolled in a degree program. Eligible applicants must be legal residents of the U.S. or Canada, and the fellowships can be conducted at accredited institutions or active management programs.

The National Institutes of Health is launching a funding opportunity to explore the mechanisms of skin injuries caused by toxic chemicals. This initiative aims to understand the common pathways of injury from various harmful substances, facilitating the discovery of therapeutic targets. Researchers are encouraged to collaborate and apply their expertise in cutaneous wound healing. The goal is to develop broad-spectrum medical countermeasures for mass casualty events involving toxic exposures, enhancing public health safety.

Raptor Research Foundation

RRF Mission Statement: The Raptor Research Foundation advances the science, conservation, and understanding of birds of prey.

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the world’s largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. The Foundation organizes annual scientific conferences and provides competitive grants and awards for researchers and conservationists. The Foundation also provides support and networking opportunities for students and early career raptor researchers.

Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom Achievement Award

The Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom Award is a non-monetary award that recognizes an individual who has contributed significantly to the understanding of raptor ecology and natural history. The award has no restrictions, but membership in the RRF is encouraged. Nomination packets can be submitted in the spring. Recipients will be announced at the annual meeting. Recipients are invited to give a plenary lecture at the subsequent RRF annual meeting. 

About The Hamerstroms: The award was established in 1990 to recognize and honor the Hamerstrom’s contributions to our understanding of raptor natural history and ecology through their long-term ecological studies. Between them, during their lifetime of research they authored and co-authored over 240 scientific papers, books, and reviews. Fran and Hammie moved from Boston to the midwest, where Fran was Aldo Leopold’s only female graduate student. They settled down in Plainfield Wisconsin where a small army of young researchers got their start in the field helping out on studies of harriers and prairie chickens. 

The Young Forester Leadership Award, presented by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), recognizes exceptional leadership from young forestry professionals under 40 years old. This award highlights contributions to forestry through innovative projects and sustained leadership roles. Recipients receive a $500 honorarium, complimentary registration for the SAF national convention, and support for travel expenses up to $500. This prestigious accolade aims to encourage the next generation of forestry leaders to excel in their professional endeavors.

Raptor Research Foundation

RRF Mission Statement: The Raptor Research Foundation advances the science, conservation, and understanding of birds of prey.

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the world’s largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. The Foundation organizes annual scientific conferences and provides competitive grants and awards for researchers and conservationists. The Foundation also provides support and networking opportunities for students and early career raptor researchers.

Partners for Raptors Lifetime Achievement Award

The Partners for Raptors Lifetime Achievement Award honors outstanding individuals who have dedicated their lives to raptor research and conservation. These notable awardees are recognized for their significant contributions to the study and conservation of birds of prey, as well as their outstanding achievements gained through innovative field work, impactful collaborative partnerships, and a lifetime of inclusive interactions with their peers and the public focused on raptors. This is a joint award originally given by the Raptor Research Foundation in partnership with The Peregrine Fund. Going forward, we welcome partnerships with other raptor-oriented organizations, depending on the nominee’s involvement with both the proposing organization and RRF. The award is intended to complement RRF’s Hamerstrom (primarily academic focused) and Cade (primarily conservation focused) awards. 

This is a non-monetary award, designated with a plaque and a RRF resolution honoring the awardee.

The nomination committee consists of representatives of both RRF and the partner organization. Once a nominee is identified, the boards of both the RRF and the partner organization will ratify the nomination.

The Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant (LPG) supports Native artists and organizations in staging live performances, fostering cultural expression. With a $30,000 grant for one year, this initiative prioritizes projects that actively engage Native performers, enhancing their artistic skills and community connections. By addressing the unique needs of Native creators, the program aims to empower them with resources, mentorship, and equitable opportunities in the performing arts landscape.

About

A History Of Making Waves

Carnival Foundation oversees the many philanthropic endeavors of Carnival Corporation as well as its employee-driven service group, the “Friends Uniting Neighbors” (F.U.N.) Team.

Carnival Foundation’s contributions are widespread, touching the communities where the brands visit and operate. From the cities where our brands are headquartered to ports we visit around the world, we endeavor to make a difference to the lives of many.

Through monetary and in-kind donations, innovative philanthropic programs, employee fundraisers and hands-on volunteer initiatives, Carnival Foundation and the brands of Carnival Corporation support a variety of organizations. Whether it’s providing meals to the homeless and abuse prevention or working toward medical advancement and educating youth, Carnival Foundation’s reach is communitywide.

In-Kind Donations

To apply for an in-kind donation from Carnival Foundation, submit an online application complete with the following information:

• A letter of request with a brief description of the organization including its legal name, history, activities, purpose and governing board
• Contact name and information, including phone number and address for the individual who is organizing the event
• Name and date of the event
• Average amount of funds raised from the auction in previous years and estimated number and demographics of the event audience
• Description of how funds raised from the donation will be used within the organization
• List of other cruise suppliers, if any, participating in the event
• An outline with details of Carnival’s publicity/promotional opportunities associated with the event
• Copy of Internal Revenue Service determination letter indicating 501© (3) tax-exempt status as an organization that is not a private foundation.
• Copy of organization’s most recent 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service
• Geographical area(s) served

About

A History Of Making Waves

Carnival Foundation oversees the many philanthropic endeavors of Carnival Corporation as well as its employee-driven service group, the “Friends Uniting Neighbors” (F.U.N.) Team.

Carnival Foundation’s contributions are widespread, touching the communities where the brands visit and operate. From the cities where our brands are headquartered to ports we visit around the world, we endeavor to make a difference to the lives of many.

Through monetary and in-kind donations, innovative philanthropic programs, employee fundraisers and hands-on volunteer initiatives, Carnival Foundation and the brands of Carnival Corporation support a variety of organizations. Whether it’s providing meals to the homeless and abuse prevention or working toward medical advancement and educating youth, Carnival Foundation’s reach is communitywide.

Grants Or Sponsorships

To apply for a grant or sponsorship from Carnival Foundation, prospective applicants must complete an online application and include the following information and documents:

• A letter of request with a brief description of the organization, including its legal name, history, activities, purpose and governing board
• Purpose for which the grant is requested
• Grant amount requested
• Listing of other sources of financial support
• Operating budget of the project for which the funds are requested
• Organization’s annual budget
• Copy of the organization’s most recent audited financial statement
• Copy of organization’s most recent 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service
• Copy of Internal Revenue Service determination letter indicating 501© (3) tax-exempt status as an organization that is not a private foundation
• Organization’s completed W-9 form
• Geographical area(s) served
• Organizations applying for a grant renewal must submit a final report detailing use of the prior grant award. Interim and final reports will be submitted through our online portal.

The AHRF Discovery Grants support innovative research on hearing and balance disorders, offering up to $50,000 for one year. Targeting early-career investigators, these grants aim to generate preliminary data for larger funding applications. Special consideration is given to projects exploring Meniere's disease and sudden hearing loss. Grants cover direct research costs, excluding principal investigator salaries and indirect expenses. The initiative strives to fund promising studies that can advance our understanding of auditory and vestibular health.

The Bonnie Sorenson Scudder Scholarship aims to support female students aspiring to become teachers, particularly those passionate about women's physical education. Established in memory of Bonnie Sorenson Scudder, a dedicated physical education teacher at Harvard High School, this scholarship encourages future educators to continue her legacy. For more details, contact Marcia Miller at Harvard High School.

The Gary S. Wilmer / RAMI Music Scholarship supports local students aged 19 and under who are passionate about music and committed to furthering their education in the arts. Established in memory of Gary Wilmer, founder of RAM Magazine, this scholarship honors his legacy by providing financial assistance to aspiring musicians in Boone, Ogle, or Winnebago County. Applicants are required to submit an audition recording and a reference from a music teacher to demonstrate their dedication to musical excellence.

Raptor Research Foundation

RRF Mission Statement: The Raptor Research Foundation advances the science, conservation, and understanding of birds of prey.

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the world’s largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. The Foundation organizes annual scientific conferences and provides competitive grants and awards for researchers and conservationists. The Foundation also provides support and networking opportunities for students and early career raptor researchers.

William Andersen Student Presentation Awards

The Awards: The William C. Andersen Memorial Awards are given to both the best student oral and poster presentation at the annual RRF meeting. This award can only be given to a student once per degree (bachelor, master, or doctorate). To be eligible, a student must be senior author and presenter of the paper or poster.

Students wishing to apply for this award should indicate their interest by checking the box on the abstract submission form. 

Amount

The poster award recipient receives $325, 1-year free membership to RRF, and waived page charges to publish their research in the Journal of Raptor Research. The recipient must be the primary author and the paper must reflect what the award was for.

The paper award recipient receives $525, 1-year free membership to RRF, and waived page charges to publish their research in the Journal of Raptor Research. The recipient must be the primary author and the paper must reflect what the award was for.

About William Andersen

The William C. Andersen Award was established in 1982 in memory of Bill Andersen, who drowned in 1980 while canoeing the Churchill River in Manitoba during a Peregrine Falcon survey. Dr. Andersen was a chemistry professor, but his first love was raptors. He established the Ornithology Research Center at Otero Jr. College in La Junta Colorado, as a medium for raising funds for the field research he conducted with his students. His interest in raptors of southeastern Colorado grasslands naturally evolved into developing a solution to the universal problem of raptor persecution. He established a rehabilitation facility and tirelessly lectured to service clubs and school groups about the benefits of raptors. He was a strong supporter of the RRF and a number of students accompanied him to each of the annual meetings. His enthusiasm, sincerity, and humor sparked an interest in raptors among many of his students and associates. While participating in the 1980 North American Peregrine Falcon Survey, Bill and a partner were canoeing on the Churchill River in northern Manitoba. They unexpectedly encountered extremely turbulent water and capsized. Bill disappeared and presumably drowned. In that instant, raptors and those inspired by them lost one of their strongest allies.

Cupertino Electric, established in 1954, is dedicated to supporting communities through donations and volunteerism. Our giving program focuses on addressing hunger, homelessness, and early education (K-8). With substantial annual contributions and a commitment to service, we aim to make a meaningful impact in the areas where our employees live and work. By fostering a culture of giving back, we believe that enhancing community well-being is as vital as our business operations.

The Jack Feldt Ambucs Memorial Scholarship, established in 1997, supports students in the Tri-Cities area pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy. Funded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this scholarship prioritizes applicants demonstrating financial need. It considers college juniors and graduating high schoolers, reflecting the spirit of community and collaboration championed by Ambucs. Eligible candidates need to provide transcripts and additional required documents to complete their application.

The HEAL Initiative aims to address the complex interplay between chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD), affecting 40-60% of OUD patients. Through the IMPOWR initiative, this funding opportunity seeks to develop integrated care strategies that enhance treatment delivery at health systems levels. By identifying effective interventions and collaborative care models, the initiative strives to improve patient outcomes in managing both chronic pain and OUD, while emphasizing the roles of various healthcare professionals in this integrated approach.

The United States Adult Cystic Fibrosis Association (USACFA) offers a Higher Education Scholarship, honoring Lauren Melissa Kelly. This scholarship awards up to $2500 to two adults with cystic fibrosis pursuing various educational paths. Applicants must show proof of enrollment for the relevant academic year and can cover education-related costs, including tuition and materials. This initiative not only supports education but also commemorates Lauren's legacy, inspiring others to pursue their dreams despite challenges.

The Milton & Phyllis Berg Family Respite Care Grants, offered by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, support member organizations in providing respite care scholarships to families affected by Alzheimer's. This initiative enhances the quality of life for both individuals and caregivers by promoting social engagement and offering essential breaks for caregivers. Grants are awarded biannually in memory of Barry E. Berg's parents, who faced Alzheimer's and caregiving challenges.

The Women's Club of Grand Haven Grant, established in 2001, offers scholarships to non-traditional students from the Tri-Cities seeking further education. Funded through community efforts such as an annual Used Book Sale, this grant prioritizes financial need and is open to applicants residing in Northern Ottawa County or those who graduated from local school districts. Preference is given to female applicants aged 21 and older, supporting educational advancement for those whose academic journeys have been interrupted.

The Jurgens, Virgil Scholarship, funded by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $375 award to a Beatrice High School senior who excels in baseball and ranks in the top 25% of their class. The Foundation, established in 1987, provides financial support for educational opportunities. This scholarship aims to assist deserving students in pursuing higher education, emphasizing the importance of academic achievement and community involvement.

The American Heart Association is inviting proposals for research on the effects of GLP-1 and GIP agonists in individuals with cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases. This initiative aims to explore how these medications can alleviate the CKM burden. Researchers with expertise in causal inference, machine learning, and cardiovascular research are encouraged to apply, particularly those working in multidisciplinary teams and leveraging various data sources.

The Mastercard Strive USA 2025 Innovation Fund aims to enhance the financial health of small businesses across the U.S. by providing up to $250,000 in grants to organizations developing innovative solutions. This initiative focuses on addressing challenges such as limited access to financial resources and vulnerability to economic shocks, ultimately fostering resilience and growth within the small business sector.

The Hays, Karla, Loving Heart Scholarship offers financial support to graduating seniors of Beatrice High School, with one to three scholarships available totaling up to $1,000. Administered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this initiative aims to assist deserving students in pursuing higher education. The foundation, established in 1987, supports academic achievement and civic involvement in the community. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate ethical scholarship application practices.