Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Iowa

The United Advisory Scholarship Commission Scholarship, established in 1982 by William and Cordula Freese, supports students with visual or physical impairments in Saginaw County. This scholarship aims to aid those who are graduating high school seniors or currently enrolled in college, ensuring they can pursue higher education full-time. Preference may be given to previous recipients, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to supporting the community's unique needs.

The Ruth Regina Halcli Memorial Scholarship, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors a remarkable woman known for her strength and generosity. This scholarship aims to encourage individuals to give back to their community while pursuing their educational goals. Eligible applicants must be Saginaw County residents with a minimum 3.0 GPA, enrolled in high school or college, and pursuing various degrees, including Career and Technical Education. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000.

The Alma Gilmore Doud Memorial Scholarship honors a dedicated community servant from Saginaw. Established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, this scholarship supports students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs or undergraduate degrees. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and reside in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Priority is given to members of the First Congregational Church. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, addressing the growing demand for skilled trades in today's workforce.

The National Kidney Foundation's Young Investigator Research Grant supports clinical research on kidney disease. It aims to foster innovation in patient-oriented studies, including technology development and clinical trials. Eligible applicants are junior faculty in the U.S. who have completed nephrology training. The grant provides up to $35,000 for one year, with potential renewal. Funds cover research costs, salaries, and limited travel, while prohibiting indirect costs and patient care expenses.

The Dr. Louis G. Economou Memorial Scholarship, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Dr. Economou, a dedicated educator and community leader. This scholarship supports high school seniors in Saginaw County with a minimum GPA of 2.8 who demonstrate commitment to academics and extracurricular activities, particularly in varsity sports. Awards range from $500 to $4,000, aiming to assist students pursuing higher education or Career and Technical Education. The foundation emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and community service.

The Emily Anne Dressler Memorial Scholarship, established in 1993 by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors a remarkable young woman whose joyful spirit touched many lives. This scholarship aims to support high school seniors from Saginaw County pursuing their educational goals, particularly in Career and Technical Education (CTE) fields. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, it empowers students to achieve their dreams while tackling the growing demand for skilled trades in today's job market.

The Society of Toxicology offers the Supplemental Training for Education Program (STEP), which provides up to $1,000 to support graduate students in toxicology seeking additional training to address skill gaps. Eligible applicants must be PhD students who have completed coursework and passed comprehensive exams. The funding covers workshops or courses not available through their graduate program, enhancing career prospects in toxicology.

The NIA Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS) aims to create a secure, scalable cloud platform for genetic data related to Alzheimer’s disease. This initiative will enhance data accessibility, promote interoperability, and support rigorous research practices. By facilitating collaboration and providing robust analytical tools, the platform will maximize the scientific impact of AD/ADRD research, aligning with NIH goals for transparent and reproducible science, while addressing recommendations for broad access to high-value datasets.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Michigan Resident

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (20)
• Work experience (20)
• Overall involvement at work, school and community activities (20)
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay (20)
• Letters of recommendation

Women of Colors Scholarship

Women of Colors (WOC) was founded in 1993 by a group of women that believed it would take a cooperative effort of women of all nationalities, ages and socioeconomic status to address issues plaguing the Saginaw Community. The founders believed that women should take a more active role in addressing issues of crime, blight and poverty. WOC began by providing support, community outreach services and facilitating discussions within the community. WOC’s mission promotes multi-cultural diversity and enhances community relations in Saginaw County by performing community service, mentoring youth, and collaborating with other organizations.

The Women of Colors Scholarship will be awarded each year to a Great Empowering Motivational Sessions (GEMS) member that is an area high school senior actively involved in efforts to empower young women and in activities that address issues affecting young women in the Saginaw Community. If no GEMS members are high school seniors, applications will be accepted from non-GEMS applicants.

Our Littlest Angels – Callie M. Wilson Memorial Scholarship

The “Our Littlest Angels – Callie M. Wilson Memorial Scholarship” was established in 2011 to assist students interested in the field of Nursing.

Callie Wilson was born on December 20, 1981 and was a patient in the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (RNICU) at Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw. After 46 days of wonderful care, Callie passed away. Her parents, Byron and Mickey Wilson, along with several of their friends started the Our Littlest Angels Fund in 1982. The fund has raised $1.3 million through its golf tournament and bowl-a-thons for the purchase of specialized equipment for the RNICU.

Covenant HealthCare’s RNICU is truly a live saving service for distressed infants throughout the East-Central Region of Michigan. Several thousands of critically ill newborns have been cared for in this unit since its inception.

The golf tournament and bowling event have now been retired and the remaining funds are being used to establish this scholarship to honor all those associated with the RNICU in Callie’s memory. This scholarship will be awarded to students wishing to enter education in nursing. They must demonstrate strong leadership skills and a passion for infants and nursing.

The FY26 Autism Research Program Career Development Award aims to support early-career investigators in conducting innovative research that can significantly impact autism. It encourages applications addressing specific areas of interest and mandates community collaboration for projects involving pilot clinical trials. Proposals must include partnerships with community members for effective planning and implementation, ensuring that the research is grounded in the needs of the autism community.

The FY26 Autism Research Program's Idea Development Award from the US DOD aims to support groundbreaking research that improves outcomes for Autistic individuals. This award encourages innovative, high-risk projects that can lead to significant advancements in autism research. Applications must address specific areas of interest or justify the importance of the research problem. A unique Partnering Principal Investigator option allows two researchers to collaborate on a single project, enhancing the potential for impactful discoveries.

The FY26 Autism Research Program Clinical Trial Award aims to rapidly implement clinical trials that significantly impact autism treatment and management. Projects may range from small proof-of-concept trials to large-scale studies assessing efficacy in relevant populations. Applications are encouraged to partner experienced and early-career investigators and must include community collaborations to enhance research impact. At least one community partner is required to provide ongoing consultation throughout the project.

The Goodridge Brothers Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports residents of Saginaw County pursuing careers in technical education, such as welding or auto mechanics. This initiative recognizes the growing demand for skilled tradespeople and aims to alleviate financial barriers for students. Scholarships typically range from $500 to $4,000, promoting educational opportunities in urban and regional planning and enhancing the community's workforce capabilities.

William L. & Mary Ann Brown STEM Endowment Scholarship Program

The William L. & Mary Ann Brown STEM Endowed Scholarship Program was established by William L. and Mary Ann Brown to provide need-based scholarship support to seniors graduating from a high school in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, enrolled at a UNCF member institution, four-year HBCUs, and four-year institutions.

Successful applicants must be graduating high school seniors entering their first year of college, pursuing a STEM degree, including, but not limited to, fields in physical sciences, mathematics, the biological sciences, the chemical sciences, computer sciences, and engineering. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll as a full-time student.

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

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Juanita Muller Scholarship

Juanita Muller was widowed in 1949. She reared two sons, Joe, then 14 and Charles, 10, working six days a week in a dress factory. Charles, the provider of this scholarship, was the first in his family to receive a college education, thanks to the Woodward Trustees Foundation in Cincinnati. It provided financial aid in high school and a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati. May the recipients of the scholarship fully appreciate the effort of their single parent and have an impact on the lives of those they touch.

The American Epilepsy Society offers Seed Grants to support established researchers in exploring innovative research methodologies and collaborations. These grants aim to foster new lines of inquiry in epilepsy research. Notably, proposals that align with specific partner priorities may enjoy waived eligibility criteria, enhancing funding opportunities. This initiative seeks to advance understanding and treatment of epilepsy through novel research avenues.

The Mary Agnes Powers Scholarship Fund, established by the Pittsburgh Foundation, supports nursing students from several Pennsylvania counties. This scholarship honors Mary Agnes Powers and is awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and enrollment in nursing programs. Eligible candidates must reside in designated counties, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be entering their final year of nursing education. The scholarship aims to empower local students in their pursuit of nursing careers.

The Paul J. Baum Fund Scholarship, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports college and graduate students pursuing degrees in Music. As one of the oldest community foundations in the U.S., The Pittsburgh Foundation has been dedicated to improving quality of life since 1945. This scholarship opportunity is available to both undergraduate and graduate students who meet eligibility criteria, including a minimum GPA of 2.5 and participation in music programs.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

R.K. Mellon Family Scholarship/Ligonier Valley Endowment Fund

The R.K. Mellon Family Scholarship/Ligonier Valley Endowment Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to students in the Ligonier Valley School District. 

• Average Award: $5,000
• Award Type: Single-Year Award

The HIP Graduate Student Award supports first to third-year graduate students in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico aiming for a career in academic hematology. Offering a $40,000 annual stipend for two years, it funds tuition, research, and travel to the ASH annual meeting. Eligible candidates must conduct blood sciences research and demonstrate commitment to the field. This award enhances students' competitiveness for future opportunities in hematology research.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is advancing organ transplantation outcomes through the Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation in Children and Adults (CTOT-CA) program. This initiative supports multicenter clinical trials and mechanistic studies related to heart, lung, kidney, liver, and intestinal transplants, as well as non-hematopoietic cellular transplantation. By exploring immune mechanisms and innovative therapies, the program aims to enhance the success and efficacy of organ transplantation.

The David Nason Journalism Scholarship, established by the Nason family and the American Australian Association, supports Australian journalism students and journalists. It offers up to $20,000 for graduate studies or investigative projects in the US. Eligible applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, and either pursuing graduate studies or have a media project agreement in the US. This scholarship promotes the advancement of journalism through international education and experience.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

High School Senior Scholarship

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in high school. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s college of choice. 

James M. Johnson Ag Scholarship

The Johnson family established this scholarship in memory of James, farmer and veteran, in 2024. This scholarship is for a graduating High School senior within DeKalb County, who must also be a member of the FFA or a 4-H Club. One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who plans to study agriculture or the trades.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

James E. Montgomery Ag Scholarship

As a tribute to their father, the James E. Montgomery Ag Scholarship was established by family members to honor his farming heritage. This scholarship is available to college sophomores, juniors, and seniors and trade school students in an ag-related field of study. One, $2,000 scholarship will be awarded annually.