Best Grants for Mentoring Programs in Iowa

The Retina Society, Inc.

The Retina Society was founded in 1968 exclusively for educational and scientific purposes concerning the diagnosis, care and treatment of diseases and injuries to the retina. The Retina Society began as an outgrowth of alumni meetings of Retina Associates, a retina practice founded in Boston in 1951 by Charles L. Schepens. Dr. Schepens is credited with establishing retina surgery as a sub-specialty.  

Our mission is to reduce worldwide visual disability and blindness by promoting the education and professional interaction of vitreoretinal specialists, providing optimal care for patients with vitreoretinal diseases, and encouraging, through clinical and basic research, the discovery and development of new means to further patient care.

Retina Society Underrepresented in Medicine (RESOURCE) Mentoring Program

The Retina Society Underrepresented in Medicine (RESOURCE) Mentoring Program was created to engage and interest ophthalmology residents from underrepresented populations* in research and in pursuing careers in the retina subspecialty through dedicated mentoring exposure. The program will pair ophthalmology residents from underrepresented backgrounds with Retina Society mentors, with the goal of providing the residents with research and career mentorship.

*The American Association of Medical Colleges definition of underrepresented in medicine is: "Underrepresented in medicine means those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population." We define the following groups as underrepresented: Black (African American or African), Latino/Hispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. We will also be considering applicants from LGBTQIA+ and socioeconomically underprivileged backgrounds.

Mentors will work with their designated mentees on research projects that will be presented at the Retina Society Annual Meeting in 2027 and submitted for publication consideration. Mentors and mentees will be acknowledged at the Retina Society Annual Meeting.

Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation

A 2021 International Tennis Hall of Famer, Dennis was the founder of the Professional Tennis Registry Foundation (PTR Foundation), now called Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation, Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), and the Van Der Meer Tennis University.

Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation is a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation provides support to deserving individuals and organizations globally. The foundation is also focused on bringing tennis within reach to countless people worldwide.

Nehemiah Atkinson Humanitarian Grant

This grant reflects the Foundation’s dedication to giving and serving others. It is awarded to individuals who have shown an extraordinary commitment to enhancing the lives of those around them.

The Foundation supports projects that promote and preserve the legacy, vision, and spirit of our founder, Dennis Van der Meer. We will only consider funding for educational, life enrichment, mentoring, and tennis programs.

About Us

We endeavor to help individuals reach their full potential, families to thrive and communities to flourish through grants to a range of charitable organizations. To these ends, our grantmaking is framed by two potentially contrasting convictions: that tradition is an important resource and that fundamental rethinking often is necessary to respond effectively to new challenges and circumstances. These convictions arise from the encouragement J.K. Lilly, Sr. gave to his sons to be conservatively progressive. That philosophy was evident in their leadership of their company and the establishment and administration of the Endowment.

LE National Initiative to Strengthen Christian Campus Ministries at Colleges and Universities

Lilly Endowment is pleased to announce its National Initiative to Strengthen Christian Campus Ministries at Colleges and Universities (Campus Ministry Initiative). The aim of the initiative is to strengthen throughout the United States the capacities of Christian campus ministries at or near colleges and universities to nurture the religious lives of college students both today and into the future.

In this competitive initiative, the Endowment intends to award grants of up to $7.5 million each to approximately 20 national and regional charitable organizations that support Christian campus ministries at or near multiple college and university campuses (e.g., national and/or regional denominational agencies, campus ministry parachurch organizations, collegiate ministry associations, church networks, independent religious agencies) to support programs that advance the aim stated above and the following five objectives:

Assisting local campus ministry leaders in listening to and understanding more deeply the emerging spiritual interests and questions of students and in assessing how effectively their existing ministry strategies and programs are reaching and nurturing the religious lives of young people.

Creating new or enhancing existing programs of local campus ministries to help students explore spiritual questions, build community with other students, discover and test how they can draw more fully on their faith in making decisions about their futures and engage in Christian practices and rituals to deepen their faith.

Fostering more opportunities at local campus ministries for students to serve as Christian leaders and explore calls to Christian ministry.

Engaging in fundraising and related activities to strengthen the financial and organizational capacities of local campus ministries (including creating or increasing pools of financial resources to support local campus ministries).

Strengthening the charitable organization’s own capacities and programs to provide resources and support to local campus ministries and those who lead these student ministries.

Funding Opportunities

Interested charitable organizations may apply for Campus Ministry Initiative grants through a two-stage, competitive process.

Stage 1 Concept Papers: In the first stage, interested charitable organizations that support Christian campus ministries at or near universities and colleges may submit concept papers that explain their interest in the initiative and provide initial descriptions of their potential programs for which they would like to request an implementation grant. Concept papers must be submitted through the Campus Ministry Initiative Concept Paper Submission Form, which may be found on the initiative’s webpage.

Concept papers are due by January 25, 2027.

The Endowment will review the concept papers and intends to award planning grants of up to $50,000 each to approximately 20 organizations that submit concepts that show the most promise to advance the Campus Ministry Initiative’s aim and objectives. The planning grants are intended to assist organizations in developing their concepts and preparing proposals for implementation grants. The Endowment anticipates notifying organizations of planning grant awards in March 2027.

Stage 2 Implementation Grant Proposals: In the second stage, selected organizations that receive planning grants may submit proposals for grants up to $7.5 million each that may be used for up to a five-year period to implement their plans. Selected organizations may request to use up to $5 million in these funds to support the programmatic and related expenses of their proposed programs. Organizations may request up to an additional $2.5 million, which would be subject to $1(Endowment)-for-$1(grantee) matching conditions and be paid on a matching basis, to create or increase a pool of funds to support local campus ministries.

Implementation grant proposals are due by June 7, 2027. The Endowment anticipates announcing implementation grant awards in October 2027. 

The Nicholas B. Ottaway Foundation offers grants through its Education Committee to support programs enhancing educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. These grants focus on initiatives like tutoring, college preparation, and internship programs. To qualify, organizations must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3). Preference is given to projects that provide ongoing support to students post-graduation, particularly in specific geographic areas such as San Diego County and the New York Metropolitan Area.

The Holloway Family Foundation, established in North Central Texas, aims to enhance community quality of life regardless of race, gender, or religion. Their mission focuses on financial security, creative expression for under-resourced youth, and mentorship for personal development. The foundation supports organizations that provide workforce training, artistic opportunities for children, and guidance for youth in need. By fostering individual growth and economic stability, they empower families and strengthen communities, staying true to the founders' core values and personal experiences.

The Kars4Kids Small Grant Program aims to support educational initiatives globally, impacting the lives of children. This program welcomes applications from IRS-recognized nonprofit organizations focused on youth development, mentorship, and education. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on mission alignment and available funds. Kars4Kids, a national Jewish nonprofit, is dedicated to nurturing productive community members through educational and mentoring opportunities.

The Sonnentag Foundation Grant supports organizations in cities where County Materials Corporation operates, focusing on four key areas: Hunger & Homelessness Support, Service Members & Veterans Support, Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services, and Mentoring & Skills Building. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) recognized organizations that serve the broader community. The foundation aims to empower vulnerable populations, including veterans, to lead fulfilling lives and provide essential services for healing and personal development.

The NBA Foundation Grants aim to empower Black youth by providing economic opportunities through skills training, mentorship, and career advancement programs. Established by all 30 NBA teams, the foundation focuses on organizations aligned with its mission, specifically those serving Black youth in NBA markets. Applications for 2024 grants are now open, with a review process taking 12-14 weeks. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable economic and racial justice in communities.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

The C & B Better Initiative Grant, led by Cottingham & Butler employees, aims to support community needs aligned with the company's mission. This year, they will award $25,000 to one nonprofit and additional awards of $15,000 and $10,000 to two other organizations. The grant is open only to nonprofits serving Dubuque County, emphasizing health, education, and community development to foster a culture of philanthropy and positive impact.

The TruStage Foundation focuses on fostering economic mobility through education and housing initiatives. By supporting K-12 literacy, mentoring, and affordable housing projects, the foundation aims to uplift marginalized communities. With a commitment to addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities, TruStage seeks to empower individuals and families to build a brighter future. Their funding is directed towards impactful programs that align with their mission, while avoiding causes that do not meet their criteria for economic mobility.

The Alliant Energy Foundation offers community grants to support local organizations within its service areas. With a focus on strategic areas such as hunger, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety, the foundation has invested over $76 million since 1998. Applications are accepted year-round, and funding is available for specific programs aimed at enhancing community well-being and innovation. Organizations may receive one grant per year, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to diverse community support.

Nonprofit schools and education programs in Iowa offering traditional or out-of-school learning, tutoring, mentoring, or adult education may be eligible for this education-focused funding. With a mission to recognize and advance individual potential, Andrus Family Foundation supports programs that promote personal empowerment, career advancement, and enriched learning experiences, primarily in Colorado and the Bay Area but occasionally elsewhere.

State education affiliates in Iowa and across the U.S. can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s ARP Implementation Network Grant, offering up to US $100,000 to fund a coordinator position. This role supports implementation of the American Rescue Plan for public education, which may benefit K–12 tutoring and mentoring initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations, school districts, public agencies, and higher education institutions in Iowa expanding K–12 tutoring or mentoring supports can apply for the Community Collaboration Challenge, awarding US $5,000 - US $10,000 for evidence-based student support collaborations. Funded by the National Partnership for Student Success, strong community conveners and network-builders receive priority.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government programs in Iowa that provide ongoing academic or life-skills mentoring for low-income youth can receive US $300 - US $500 in Ross gift cards to purchase school or professional clothing. Grants from Ross Stores Foundation help mentoring and tutoring programs serving socioeconomically disadvantaged youth near Ross or dd’s DISCOUNTS locations.

The Bernau Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance individual lives and foster positive leadership through funding initiatives that provide long-term solutions. Grants are awarded to IRS-designated public charities or nonprofits, emphasizing projects that promote civic responsibility, education, and mentor programs. The foundation prioritizes smaller organizations that encourage meaningful community engagement and constructive change, ensuring a lasting impact on society.

The Saw Island Foundation provides Social Change, Faith-Based, and Special Grants to nonprofit organizations focused on community betterment. They support initiatives that enhance economic security and promote Christian education. While active engagement is primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, they welcome extraordinary projects aligned with their mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. The foundation does not fund individual grants, political activities, or lobbying efforts.

The William T. Grant Scholars Program provides crucial support for early-career researchers aiming to expand their expertise through innovative research and mentoring. This five-year program focuses on reducing inequality and improving the use of research evidence to benefit young people in the U.S. By emphasizing the development of new disciplines and methods, the program encourages applicants to take bold risks in their research trajectories, ultimately fostering a supportive academic community.

The J.M.K. Innovation Prize, awarded by The J.M. Kaplan Fund, supports early-stage social innovators tackling critical issues in environment, heritage conservation, and social justice. With up to $175,000 in funding and tailored support over three years, it empowers organizations to pilot transformative solutions. The Prize fosters collaboration among awardees, providing resources and mentorship to enhance their impact. Open to both non-profit and mission-driven for-profit entities, it addresses the funding gap for innovative, high-potential projects.

The STEM Higher Education Grant Program, funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, aims to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM graduate education. The program focuses on transforming educational pathways, empowering universities, and supporting innovative initiatives that cultivate a diverse faculty body. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusive environments, the Foundation seeks to ensure that all students have equitable opportunities to succeed in STEM fields, ultimately strengthening the scientific enterprise.

The Tickets for Kids Grant Program, offered by the Tickets For Kids Foundation, aims to support low-income, at-risk children and youth by providing access to ticketed experiences at no cost. Organizations eligible for partnership include nonprofit agencies, schools serving primarily low-income students, and government agencies. The application process typically takes 2-4 weeks, with responses expected within five business days after review. This initiative enriches existing programming through valuable experiences.

The JSF Scholarships aim to empower economically disadvantaged students by providing financial assistance for their education. This initiative addresses barriers to education and employment, enabling students to achieve academic success and meaningful careers. The Foundation supports various scholarship programs, partnering with schools and universities, and focusing on areas such as financial need and mentorship. By fostering educational opportunities, the JSF Scholarships contribute significantly to community development and individual empowerment.

The JSF People with Disabilities Grant supports organizations that empower students with disabilities through education and employment opportunities. With a focus on scholarships and mentorship, the Foundation addresses barriers that hinder access to higher education. It has established partnerships with universities and schools, including Gallaudet University, to create impactful programs. Additionally, it funds initiatives that help transition individuals into the workforce, ensuring inclusivity in educational and professional settings.

The Heistand Family Foundation Grant aims to empower children in poverty through impactful programs and partnerships. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance human health, community well-being, and education, focusing on practical applications. Nonprofit organizations and governmental entities are encouraged to apply, particularly those located in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area or western Iowa. This grant supports initiatives that foster job skills and improve the quality of life for disadvantaged children.