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

The Indian Land Tenure Foundation's Economic Opportunity Grant aims to empower American Indian nations by enhancing their control over reservation lands. This initiative addresses historical challenges in land ownership and economic development, providing essential resources and tools for communities to manage land effectively. By focusing on land acquisition and productive land use, the Foundation supports sustainable growth and cultural preservation, ultimately fostering economic self-sufficiency among Indigenous populations.

The Emma Jean Frierson Memorial Nursing Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports Michigan residents pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational training in nursing. This scholarship honors Emma Jean Frierson, a dedicated LPN and nursing program graduate who positively impacted her community. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, the scholarship aims to help students in financial need access quality education in nursing, a vital field with growing demand.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Mimi and Marvin Sandler Scholarship

The Mimi and Marvin Sandler award is funded by longtime friends of the Federation, Mr. and Mrs. Sandler. Marvin Sandler served as president of Independent Living Aids for more than thirty years. He and his wife wish to further academic excellence by sponsoring this award.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Charles and Melva T. Owen Memorial Scholarships

First established by Charles Owen in loving memory of his blind wife, these two awards are now endowed to honor the memory of both. In founding these scholarships, Charles Owen wrote: "There shall be no limitation as to field of study, except that it shall be directed toward attaining financial independence.”

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

E. U. and Gene Parker Scholarship

The E. U. and Gene Parker Scholarship honors two longtime leaders of the National Federation of the Blind whose participation stood for strong principles and strong support of the Federation's work.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship

The Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship, funded by Charles and Betty before their passing, is a reflection of their commitment to education. Charlie, who was extremely successful, left school at an early age to care for his family, but retained a strong belief in higher education.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Edith R. and Alvin J. Domroe Foundation Scholarships

The Foundation supports college scholarships and has funded two scholarships to encourage academic excellence.

The Flegenheimer Family Scholarship, established in 1998 by Marjorie and Ernest Flegenheimer, aims to support Saginaw County students in furthering their education. With a strong belief in the value of higher education, the scholarship encourages students to pursue careers in various fields, especially those in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, and eligibility includes a minimum 2.0 GPA and residency in Saginaw County.

The Gary L. and Florence G. DeShano Family Scholarship, managed by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports Saginaw County high school graduates pursuing careers in construction or related fields. Established to honor the legacy of Gary and Florence DeShano, this scholarship emphasizes the importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and aims to alleviate financial barriers for students. Award amounts typically range from $500 to $4,000, fostering growth in skilled trades.

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: Spencer Success Stipend

The Spencer Success Stipend is a student support initiative created to help reduce financial barriers associated with internship opportunities in the risk management and insurance industry. The program provides funding to eligible students to assist with internship-related expenses that may otherwise make it difficult to participate in valuable experiential learning opportunities.

Through the Spencer Success Stipend, students may receive support for expenses such as housing, transportation, professional attire, technology, relocation costs, work-related meals, licensing or background check fees, and other direct internship participation costs. The goal of the program is to ensure students can fully engage in career-building experiences that strengthen their professional development, industry exposure, and long-term success.

Thanks to the generous support of Allied World and Munich Re, Spencer is proud to expand access to these opportunities and continue investing in the next generation of industry talent. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Paul & Frances Monroe Music Scholarship Award

Rising sophomore, junior, or senior; Graduated from a high school in Cumberland, Richmond, Robeson, or Scotland County.

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. These scholarships are open to all residents of Marshall County, as long as other requirements are met.

Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit.

Marshall County Farm Bureau Agriculture Scholarship

The purpose of this fund is to provide one or more annual scholarships to any graduating senior or any non-high school senior residing in Marshall County, Indiana entering at least a full-time freshman year of undergraduate studies in an agricultural program or in agricultural classes.

The scholarship recipient must submit proof to the Community Foundation of successful completion of the first semester/trimester in order to receive the scholarship.

This scholarship may be renewable to previous recipients.

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit.

Ounce of Prevention Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the fund is to provide one or more annual scholarships to graduates of an accredited high school located in Marshall County, Indiana.  

Recipients must be a survivor of cancer, have an immediate family member or friend who experienced cancer, or have demonstrated active participation in community service related to the prevention or cure of cancer.

The We Rise LGBTQ Scholarship, funded by the Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation, aims to uplift individuals and the LGBTQ community through educational support. Grants of up to $3,500 for vocational training and $2,500 for higher education will be awarded to applicants dedicated to advancing LGBTQ rights. This initiative encourages diverse candidates, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, to pursue their educational goals and create pathways to financial stability, fostering a brighter future for all.

The American Bach Society Diversity Grant, established in 1972, supports initiatives that enhance diversity in the study and performance of J.S. Bach's music. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for projects that explore diverse perspectives in Bach's history, teaching, and performance. Priority is given to early-career applicants. This grant aims to widen participation and representation in Bach-related scholarship and performance, fostering a more inclusive community around this classical music heritage.

American Camp Association

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 10,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, we’re uniquely able to unleash the life-changing power of camp. Our work gives more children and adults the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.

Character at Camp Grant Program

The purpose of this program is to provide financial support, training, and technical assistance for selected day and overnight camps in the U.S. who are interested in starting, enhancing, expanding, or celebrating character development programs or projects. By the end of the Character at Camp initiative, we anticipate camps in the US will represent one of the largest and most potent contexts for character development in the learning and development ecosystem.

Eligible organizations can apply for a Planning Grant, an Implementation Grant, or a Network Implementation Grant.

Planning Grants

Planning Grants are designed for organizations that need a year of planning, training, and capacity building before they can develop and implement a full character program or project.

American Camp Association

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 10,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, we’re uniquely able to unleash the life-changing power of camp. Our work gives more children and adults the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.

Character at Camp Grant Program

The purpose of this program is to provide financial support, training, and technical assistance for selected day and overnight camps in the U.S. who are interested in starting, enhancing, expanding, or celebrating character development programs or projects. By the end of the Character at Camp initiative, we anticipate camps in the US will represent one of the largest and most potent contexts for character development in the learning and development ecosystem.

Eligible organizations can apply for a Planning Grant, an Implementation Grant, or a Network Implementation Grant.

Implementation Grants

Implementation Grants are designed for organizations that have a specific character program or project in mind and sufficient capacity to successfully implement that program or project starting in 2027. 

We welcome both individual and joint applications to the Implementation Grant Program.

Individual Applications 

Individual applications are for programs and projects that will be implemented by and for a single organization. Single organizations can propose programs and projects to be implemented across multiple sites — this would be considered an individual application as there is a single coordinating entity, and the small number of sites (less than six) operate more or less the same within this organization.

Joint Applications

Joint applications are for programs and projects that will be implemented by up to five organizations that will receive one grant award to implement programs and projects across each of the organizations. In this case, the organizations are either distinct and functionally independent from each other or are sites that operate more or less independently or with different programmatic foci from one another. One organization will submit the application and serve as the primary point of contact. Applicants submitting a joint application will be asked to identify the additional organizations in the application and to reflect budgetary allocations to these organizations

American Camp Association

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 10,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, we’re uniquely able to unleash the life-changing power of camp. Our work gives more children and adults the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.

Character at Camp Grant Program

The purpose of this program is to provide financial support, training, and technical assistance for selected day and overnight camps in the U.S. who are interested in starting, enhancing, expanding, or celebrating character development programs or projects. By the end of the Character at Camp initiative, we anticipate camps in the US will represent one of the largest and most potent contexts for character development in the learning and development ecosystem.

Eligible organizations can apply for a Planning Grant, an Implementation Grant, or a Network Implementation Grant.

Network Implementation Grants

Network Implentation Grants are designed for organizations that serve as the coordinating entity for 6+ camps that are eager to implement a character program or project with their on-site program teams. 

The Peter Gerkman Jr. Memorial Scholarship is aimed at Greater Capital Region high school seniors who have participated in varsity-level football. This scholarship encourages students to pursue higher education at accredited institutions in the U.S., supporting their academic and vocational aspirations. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region has been committed to enhancing community life since 1968, making this scholarship a meaningful opportunity for deserving athletes.

The AbbVie Foundation Health Equity Accelerator seeks innovative solutions to enhance healthcare access for underserved communities. This program empowers nonprofit organizations by providing mentorship, resources, and financial support, including a $10,000 stipend for participants and a $50,000 grant for the best solution. By fostering community-led initiatives, the accelerator aims to address health disparities and improve the quality of care through tailored, grassroots approaches. Applications are encouraged from organizations rethinking care delivery models.

The EDU Core Research (ECR) program invites proposals for fundamental research in STEM education, focusing on learning environments, broadening participation, and workforce development. The program supports essential research activities for diverse learners, emphasizing long-term knowledge generation. Proposals can request funding up to $2.5 million over 3 to 5 years, depending on the project's scope. Successful proposals will advance foundational knowledge in STEM education, contributing to improved practices in the field.

The Frederick G. Byington and Christine Latta Byington Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, supports students from Wilkinson County, GA, with limited financial resources. This scholarship aims to facilitate access to higher education, vocational training, and professional schooling. Annually, up to two recipients are chosen, with awards varying in amount. Previous recipients can renew the scholarship for up to four years, provided they meet eligibility criteria and complete necessary follow-ups.

The Frank and Audrey Senn, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, honors the legacy of Frank and Audrey Senn, lifelong supporters of education and community service. This scholarship aims to assist members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Newberry, SC, with their pursuit of higher education, offering at least $1,000 annually for up to four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic commitment and community engagement.

The Balcueva Family Memorial Scholarship, established in 1998, honors the memory of four sons lost to congenital heart defects. This scholarship supports students pursuing environmental sciences, reflecting the family's commitment to environmental stewardship. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, it aims to inspire future generations to protect our natural resources. Applicants must be Saginaw County residents with a minimum 3.0 GPA, enrolled full-time in undergraduate studies. This initiative reflects the community's values and dedication to environmental preservation.

The PERF: Infrastructure/Registry Research Grant focuses on developing new multicenter infrastructures or enhancing existing programs in pediatric neurology. It aims to advance clinical research, particularly in pediatric epilepsy, supporting projects that train and mentor young investigators. The grant offers up to $300,000 for a duration of three years, with an emphasis on mentorship for both senior and early-stage investigators, ensuring the growth of expertise in the field.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) aims to advance the identification and evaluation of candidate biomarkers for neurological and neuromuscular disorders. By facilitating the clinical development of neurotherapeutics, the FOA encourages research that includes both animal studies and preliminary human evaluations. The ultimate goal is to produce biomarkers ready for rigorous analytical and clinical validation, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments in clinical practice.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

Kenneth E. & Mary Lou Dunbar Scholarship to Honor Perry & Dunbar Employees

Amount:

• $1,500 | 1 scholarship

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are NOT covered.