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

Mildred's Dream Foundation Grant provides vital support to community-based non-profit organizations focused on Education, Domestic Violence, and Physical or Mental Health Challenges. With grants up to $25,000, the foundation aims to honor Mildred's commitment to improving lives and creating a better world. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits providing direct services in these areas. Notably, the foundation excludes funding for certain institutions, ensuring resources are directed to those genuinely in need.

The Fund for Wild Nature Grant empowers small non-profit organizations in Canada and the U.S. that prioritize the preservation of native species and ecosystems. With a biocentric approach, this grant supports innovative initiatives combating environmental degradation. Organizations must be tax-exempt and can only submit one proposal annually. Grants do not exceed $3,000, ensuring funding is directed to impactful projects addressing ecological issues often overlooked. Join the Fund in investing in the future of wild nature!

Pledge the Pink Foundation is dedicated to providing essential funding for breast cancer services, including free mammograms, medical assistance, and outreach programs. By bypassing bureaucratic barriers, the foundation ensures that those most in need receive critical care. However, grant funds cannot be allocated for event sponsorships or to cover salaries and overhead expenses, ensuring that donations directly impact patient care and support.

The Bill Monroe Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Brown County Community Foundation, offers financial support to graduates of Brown County High School pursuing a full-time baccalaureate degree in music or a related field. This scholarship is open to current and previous graduates, including those participating in Bluegrass music mentoring programs. The foundation has a strong focus on education and has facilitated numerous scholarships, enhancing opportunities for local students since its establishment.

About Us

Overview

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Mission

Inspiring the spirit of giving and connecting people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska’s communities now and forever.

Vision

ACF envisions an Alaska where communities come together and have resources to thrive.

Holly Dick Scholarship Fund for California Students

A scholarship fund in support of post-high school education including vocational training that will provide a future career. This scholarship fund was created by Holly Dick who learned from her own life experiences how education can change lives.

Holly WaiHung Dick left mainland China with her family in 1947 for a better life in Hong Kong. Her life experiences taught her that education changes lives. After completing school in China, Holly was hired by Japan Airlines, where she met her future husband, an American, Mike Dick. Holly and Mike lived in Anchorage, where they loved to fish and enjoy friends, family, and their Alaskan life. Holly loved to help others along their path in life. She volunteered as a translator for immigrants and helped children in daycare settings.

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Nutrition Training Program aims to enhance the nutrition and overall health of mothers and children. This initiative focuses on interdisciplinary graduate education, equipping a skilled workforce to support Title V and other MCH programs. It seeks to expand nutrition education and career pathways while improving access to quality nutrition services. Trainees will gain practical experience through placements at health centers, ultimately benefiting families and communities.

The Hearing Health Fund, part of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund in collaboration with Sweetwater, aims to support musicians and music industry professionals facing hearing difficulties. This initiative addresses the auditory risks inherent in the music industry due to exposure to loud sounds. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and prove that a significant portion of their income comes from music-related work, ensuring that assistance reaches those most affected by hearing challenges.

The State Maternal Health Innovation Program (SMHI) aims to enhance maternal health across states by addressing critical gaps. It focuses on improving service quality, developing a skilled workforce, and utilizing enhanced data capabilities. Through innovative programming, the initiative strives to significantly reduce maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, ensuring better health outcomes for mothers and their families.

The SHC Student Research Grant supports research utilizing herbarium resources across various taxa, including plants, fungi, lichens, and algae. Eligible projects may involve fieldwork, data collection, or meta-analysis of herbarium data, with an emphasis on enhancing herbarium collections. Three grants are awarded annually: two for $500 and one specifically for undergraduates for $250. Applicants must be student SHC members with projects likely to lead to publication.

The Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries Grants and Scholarships, supported by the Presbyterian Mission Agency, aim to empower leaders, congregations, and organizations that promote racial equity and women's rights. This initiative reflects the Presbyterian Church's commitment to justice and inclusivity, fostering an environment where diverse voices can thrive and contribute to the community. By providing these resources, the program seeks to uplift marginalized groups and promote social equity within faith-based settings.

Exelixis Grants & Giving focuses on impactful charitable contributions, supporting non-profit organizations in community support, healthcare-related initiatives, independent patient assistance, medical education, and sponsorships. Their aim is to enhance oncology care, particularly for renal cell carcinoma and other cancer types, while ensuring proposals are submitted within specified timelines. Exelixis partners with organizations dedicated to improving patient outcomes and community health, demonstrating their commitment to making a difference beyond medicine.

The Arthritis Foundation is seeking research proposals focused on Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) to enhance shared decision-making in arthritis care. Projects should aim to deepen the understanding of patient treatment goals, monitor disease activity, and improve communication of PRO data. Research can span various arthritis types, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and should last up to two years. This initiative emphasizes the integration of patient perspectives to elevate care quality.

The Disaster Grants Program by LSC provides vital funding to organizations aiding survivors of government-declared emergencies. It empowers legal aid groups to deliver essential services to low-income disaster survivors, ensuring access to legal assistance during crises. The program also educates communities on disaster legal services and prepares them for future emergencies, enhancing resilience and response capabilities. By supporting various grant types, the initiative addresses immediate needs and fosters long-term recovery strategies.

The Samuel "Eric" Storm Memorial Scholarship Fund offers $2,500 to students pursuing advanced degrees in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Therapy. Established in honor of Eric Storm, a dedicated physical therapist, the fund aims to support students in accredited programs. Eric's legacy includes his commitment to mentorship and community service, reflecting his belief in health care as a calling. This scholarship honors his impact on many lives and encourages future health professionals to follow in his footsteps.

The CAFE Group 

We resource leaders, invest in their genius, and bring people together to reimagine what philanthropy can do.

Founded by Liz and Don Thompson, The CAFE Group is a national nonprofit transforming how change is resourced. 

With a focus on education equity, social capital, and philanthropic transformation, we pair catalytic funding, community-rooted leadership development, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen the people and institutions shaping a more just future. Everything we do is grounded in relationship, because we believe the way resources move matters just as much as where they land.

The 1954 Project Luminary Award

The 1954 Project Luminary Award celebrates transformational education nonprofit leaders dedicated to serving Black students and communities through powerful investments in their organizations' ability to create lasting change.

The Luminary Experience

Each Luminary organization gets more than funding. Through The 1954 Project, leaders gain a community, a platform, and space to grow with tailored support over the course of the three year journey.​

• $1 Million, Unrestricted: Catalytic funding to expand what’s working.
• Leadership Coaching + Capacity Support: Guidance from peers and experts who are committed to helping you build a lasting, impactful organization.
• National Network: Luminaries join a powerful community of innovators, change-makers, and visionaries driving systemic progress to support students and communities across the U.S.

The 1954 Project’s Impact Areas

We focus on three interconnected areas critical to advancing equity:

• Innovation in Teaching and Learning: Create education models that center Black students through culturally affirming approaches that challenge traditional structures and transform how learning happens, ultimately serving all students. 
• Diversity in Education: Build pathways that increase and sustain Black educators and education leaders who transform where and how students learn.
• Pathways to Economic Mobility: Build pathways to wealth, ownership, and economic power for Black students, families, and communities through innovative educational programming.

Our Selection Criteria

We seek out extraordinary applicants who embody our values and vision across three categories:

Leader: We look for leaders whose influence and vision contribute to the collective well-being and advancement of the Black community. These leaders:

• Are Visionary: They demonstrate a strategic and pragmatic mindset, articulating a transformative vision for significant, positive change.
• Show Demonstrated Commitment: They embody steadfast dedication to your cause, inspiring and influencing others, and galvanizing community involvement.
• Are Adaptive: They assertively tackle challenges, turning setbacks into opportunities for innovation, while maintaining humility and thoughtfulness in problem-solving.

Organization: We look for organizations that drive significant change, anchored by a deep love for people and driven by the genius within communities of color. These organizations: 

• Have a Defined Problem: They clearly identify the issue they are addressing and explain in detail how your organization tackles root causes. 
• Take a Strategic Approach: They have clear, measurable, and achievable organizational goals with a well-defined strategy informed by thorough analysis. 
• Show Demonstrated Impact: They have a tested model that has produced positive results, incorporating continuous learning and iteration. 
• Have a Transformation Plan: They present a clear plan for using the $1M award to advance your organization's mission, vision, and long-term goals. 
• Embrace Collaboration: They use collaborate to build partnerships based on trust, love, and common goals. 

Radical Imagination: We seek leaders who challenge and redesign societal norms to build a just and equitable future. They demonstrate:

• Community-Rooted Leadership: They maintain and cultivate genuine community ties, integrating professional expertise and personal commitment to drive visionary, impactful strategies. 
• Long-Term Commitment: They are in it for the long haul, committing to sustained impact across generations and prioritizing long-lasting solutions over short-term gains. 
• Collectivism: They embody the philosophy of "I am because we are," actively engaging in collaborative networks and fostering community-reflective solutions. 

The MSA Climate Change Research Award, offered by the Mycological Society of America, supports innovative research addressing the impacts of climate change through the lens of fungal studies. Ideal candidates include undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral scientists who are MSA members or have applied for membership. This award encourages collaboration and aims to disseminate research findings to the global scientific community, fostering inclusivity across various demographics.

The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) aims to enhance maternal and child health, promote early childhood development, and support family well-being. By providing voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services to pregnant women and families with young children, the program addresses critical needs in communities. Funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), MIECHV empowers families through tailored support and resources, fostering healthier outcomes for mothers and their children.

The American Indian College Fund offers scholarships for non-Tribal college students, providing financial support for American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. Award amounts typically range from $2,000 to $3,000. Students are encouraged to apply early to ensure priority review for available scholarships, fostering educational opportunities and success for Indigenous youth.

The American Indian College Fund offers scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native students enrolled at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. Eligible students can apply for various merit-based scholarships, with awards averaging between $2,000 and $3,000. The College Fund encourages applications by the priority deadline for a better chance of funding.

The American Indian College Fund Scholarship supports high school students who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, or their descendants, pursuing higher education. Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. This merit-based scholarship provides an opportunity for students to receive awards averaging between $2,000 and $3,000 to help fund their college education. Eligible students should apply during their last semester of high school.

The AISES Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation Scholarship supports Native students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. This scholarship aims to empower Indigenous students by providing financial aid and fostering diversity within the STEM community. Applicants must be full-time students and either enrolled citizens or descendants of recognized Native American or Indigenous groups. The program is part of BNSF’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for underrepresented communities in the transportation sector.

The 'Repurposing Research for Chicago - Track 1 – Health Equity' grant, offered by Cures Within Reach, aims to fund clinical repurposing trials addressing health disparities among underrepresented populations. With a budget of up to $100,000, it encourages trials led by underrepresented researchers or focusing on women's health. The initiative seeks to enhance the quality of life in the Chicagoland area through effective and innovative medical solutions, fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups.

The When Georgia Smiled Grant, established by the Robin McGraw Revelation and Dr. Phil Foundation, focuses on aiding victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The foundation prioritizes programs that provide shelter, education, and mental health services to ensure safe and fulfilling lives for affected individuals. Additionally, it supports initiatives for children and disaster relief, fostering community resilience and family reunification efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the U.S. with a commitment to inclusivity.

The Manning Family Foundation offers Health and Life Sciences Research Grants to support innovative research aimed at finding effective treatments and cures for diseases like diabetes and macular degeneration. Since 2003, they have funded 501(c)(3) nonprofits that contribute to these fields, emphasizing entrepreneurialism and impactful research. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with awards given three times a year, fostering advancements in health and community well-being.

The Bloomberg Green Docs Contest invites filmmakers to create impactful short documentaries addressing climate change. Competing for a grand prize of $25,000, participants are encouraged to showcase urgent narratives about our climate future. The films should be under 10 minutes, including credits, and highlight both restoration efforts and the challenges posed by climate extremes. Winners will be revealed at the Bloomberg Green Docs Film Festival, making this a pivotal opportunity for storytellers passionate about environmental issues.

Tree and Soil Research Fund Grant Program

The TREE Fund Board of Trustees is launching the new Tree and Soil Research Grant, made possible by a permanently restricted endowment fund supporting areas of research of interest to the landscape architecture community with special focus in the area of trees and the soils that support them. Projects are expected to be completed within one to three years, with a maximum award value of $10,000. No project may receive more than one award from this program. This grant will be offered every other year beginning in 2021.

Award amount:

• up to $10,000 (minimum $5,000) 

The Bertin Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the foundation's mission of community strengthening and compassion. Grant requests are accepted annually from July 1 to August 31, focusing on program or project support rather than general endowment. The foundation values measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.