Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Iowa

The Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant, offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to enhance career pipelines in the water utilities sector. This funding opportunity supports institutions and organizations in expanding access to water utility jobs through apprenticeship, education, and training programs. By fostering collaborations and increasing public awareness, the initiative seeks to address the workforce needs of water systems, contributing to community health and environmental protection.

The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program, offered by the USDA Forest Service, aims to support Indian Tribes, local governments, and qualified non-profits in acquiring private forest lands to establish community forests. This competitive grant program focuses on protecting forestland from non-forest uses while enhancing public access and community benefits such as recreation and education. Applications are due by October 13, 2026, requiring coordination with State Foresters or Tribal officials.

About The Lawson Charitable Foundation

The Lawson Charitable Foundation, created in 2021 by Cathy and Tom Lawson, helps those that are working hard to help themselves and others.

For Grant Seekers

The Lawson Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting organizations that drive meaningful change in our communities. While our primary geographic focus is New England, we welcome applications from organizations, doing extraordinary work beyond the region as well.

We are happy to offer two types of grants to support nonprofit organizations making a difference: Impact Grants and Amplify Grants.

Impact Grant

Impact Grants provide funding for programs and initiatives that closely align with our mission of helping those who are working hard to help themselves and others. These grants are designed to support opportunities that create positive change within our focus areas, ensuring resources are directed toward impactful and mission-driven efforts.

The Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP) Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to significantly reduce cigarette waste in public spaces across the U.S. since 2003. The program has successfully implemented strategies in over 1,800 communities, achieving an average 50% reduction in litter. Eligible applicants include KAB affiliates and local organizations focused on recycling and public education. Priority is given to partnerships and projects that expand the program's reach, especially those targeting clean water initiatives.

The Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, established in 2022, is dedicated to enhancing lives in rural Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado through grants exceeding $10,000. It supports nonprofits and government entities focused on food, shelter, healthcare, education, and the arts. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives that enrich communities and improve access to essential services, while maintaining a commitment to assisting veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities.

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation offers Criminal Justice Grants aimed at improving the lives of individuals with serious mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. With an emphasis on effective programs and support services, the foundation seeks to address the challenges faced by mentally ill individuals in the criminal justice system. The foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to making a meaningful impact and improving the quality of life for those affected by these conditions.

The Lawson Charitable Foundation offers Amplify Grants to support nonprofits in New England and beyond, focusing on large-scale initiatives and fundraising efforts. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, these funds are intended to inspire additional donations and enhance organizational capacity. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, aligning with the foundation's mission and demonstrating sustainability beyond the grant period. Priority is given to projects serving New England.

The John C. Bock Foundation supports the preservation and enhancement of natural land areas, particularly those near Lake Mendota, Wisconsin. It aims to educate builders and developers on the importance of conserving mature woodlands and old-growth forests. The Foundation funds educational activities and research while supporting qualified conservation organizations committed to protecting these valuable landscapes. Its mission is centered on public education and the custodianship of natural resources.

The James Marston Fitch Mid-Career Fellowship offers research grants up to $15,000 for mid-career professionals in fields like historic preservation, architecture, and urban design. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to innovative research and a clear dissemination plan. The fellowship encourages impactful projects that contribute significantly to the field, ensuring that only qualified individuals can apply, as it does not fund organizational projects or dissertation research.

The Fort Orange Garden Club Centennial Endowed Scholarship is designed for third- and fourth-year undergraduate or current graduate students majoring in plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture. Scholarship recipients must demonstrate financial need and reside in specific counties in New York, including Albany and Schenectady, fostering academic growth while contributing to environmental stewardship.

The Emerging Artist Grant, offered by the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America, supports the next generation of carillonneurs by providing financial assistance for education and professional development. Eligible applicants can receive up to $750 or $2,000 depending on their qualifications, which may be used for tuition, travel, and equipment. This initiative aims to foster talent in the carillon community, ensuring a vibrant future for this unique musical art form.

United Health Foundation

The United Health Foundation was established by UnitedHealth Group in 1999 as a nonprofit, private foundation dedicated to improving health and healthcare. To date, the United Health Foundation has committed $880 million to programs and communities around the world, including a $100 million commitment to help support the healthcare workforce.

Grants

Our Philanthropic Partnerships

The United Health Foundation partners with local and national organizations to help build healthier communities. We focus on expanding access to care and improving health quality and outcomes by:

• Advancing and supporting the healthcare workforce
• Addressing mental and behavioral health
• Improving maternal and infant health outcomes
• Helping individuals manage chronic conditions

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) offers 24/7 crisis counseling to individuals in the U.S. and its territories facing emotional distress from disasters. Managed by SAMHSA, the helpline aims to enhance and strengthen access to crucial support services year-round, ensuring that those affected by natural or human-caused disasters receive the help they need to mitigate behavioral health impacts.

The Cooperative Agreement to Support Activities Related to Analgesics, Anesthetics, and Addiction (U01) aims to enhance research in Anesthesia, Addiction Medicine, and Pain Medicine. It focuses on critical areas such as clinical trial endpoints for chronic pain, outcome measures in stimulant use disorders, and neurodevelopmental assessments in pediatric patients. The initiative encourages applicants to propose comprehensive, evidence-based plans to improve the prescribing of analgesic and anesthetic drug products, with multiple awards available.

The Frances M. Peacock Scholarship, established in 1994 by the Garden Club of America, supports college seniors and graduate students studying seasonal habitats for endangered native birds in the U.S. With an annual award of $4500, this scholarship aims to promote effective land-management practices. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a U.S. institution. Note that international applicants are not eligible for funding due to IRS restrictions.

Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund Grants

Empowering People to Move, Live, Work, and Play

Bridgestone has awarded over $60 million to nonprofit organizations in the United States since 1951, and we are committed to continuing our legacy of giving back by supporting communities around the U.S.

Bridgestone works with grantseekers that offer solutions to keep society moving forward. Strong partners offer a human-centered approach to societal challenges in one or more of the following areas of focus: 

In addition to our three areas of focus, we will consider applications from organizations that have hosted volunteer or community engagement events with Bridgestone volunteers and organizations that have received funding in previous years. 

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

About the Foundation

The Glass Recycling Foundation was created to help fill gaps in community glass recycling efforts.

Across the country, there exists strong support and consumer desire to recycle glass, but many state and local governments struggle to recover glass due to a lack of investment in glass recycling systems. GRF works to support these efforts by providing matching grants for equipment that helps these communities get started.

Our Vision

To increase recycling through education and best practices to ensure the highest benefit for communities and the environment.

Our Mission

To promote the preservation of the environment through glass recycling through education, grant making and creating pilot programs for effective glass recycling working in collaboration with other trade organizations in the glass recycling value chain. 

Glass Recycling Foundation Grant

The Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement is dedicated to enhancing the lives of elderly individuals through targeted support for non-profit organizations. Grants focus on critical areas such as dementia care, wellness programs, and community engagement initiatives. The foundation prioritizes projects that meet the unique needs of seniors, promoting health and active lifestyles. By funding specific projects rather than general support, the foundation aims to make a meaningful impact on the quality of life for senior citizens.

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.

Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines improves quality of life for all by promoting charitable giving, connecting donors with causes they care about and providing leadership on important community issues…we’re simply better together. 

Greater Carlisle Community Foundation

Mission of the Greater Carlisle Community Foundation:

The mission of the Greater Carlisle Community Foundation is to educate citizens about opportunities for philanthropy and create partnerships to provide a better quality of life for individuals and families.

The Greater Carlisle Community Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life throughout Carlisle by investing in area nonprofits through our grant programs and by providing individuals, families and area businesses who love our community with a way to give back.  

Greater Carlisle Community Foundation Grants

The Greater Carlisle Community Foundation makes grants to IRS section 501(c)(3) ‘tax exempt’ organizations and IRS section 170(b) ‘unit of government’ organizations to assist in fulfilling the foundation’s mission to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the conditions of the Greater Carlisle School Area. 

Project Area of Focus

• Arts/Culture/Humanities – Museums, Historic Preservation, Exhibits, etc.
• Education – Schools (all ages), Adult Learning Programs, etc.
• Environment/Animals – Environmental Protection, Beautification, Animal-Related Issues
• Health – General, Rehabilitative, Mental, etc.
• Human Services – Public Protection/Safety, Recreation, Youth Development, Social Support, General Human Services
• Public/Society Benefit – Community Improvement/Development, Philanthropy/Volunteerism, Capacity Building, Civil Rights, etc.

Project Type

• A capital-based request refers to the building of or the physical improvement of something.
• A program-based request refers to activity or general programmatic support.

The Scaife Family Foundation Grant has been supporting vulnerable community members for nearly 40 years, providing over $180 million in donations to non-profits. The Foundation aims to match organizations with aligned goals, focusing on women and children, addiction prevention, and animal welfare. It offers grants for general operating and program support, prioritizing impactful programs that address societal issues. Notably, the Foundation considers proposals that foster healthy relationships and promote treatment for addiction, enhancing the welfare of both humans and animals.

About Us

Who We Are

We unite people, ideas, and resources to transform lives across Story County, working toward our vision of a connected and thriving community.

Making a Difference since 1953

Since 1953, United Way of Story County (UWSC) has been a trusted leader and convener, mobilizing our community to create lasting change. We believe transformation happens when neighbors, businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers unite around shared goals.

A connected and thriving Story County.

Unite people, ideas, and resources to transform lives in Story County.

Investing in You

We provide grants to local nonprofits that are dedicated to serving Story County in our focus areas of health, education, and financial security. These grants aim to empower organizations that are making a difference in our community, helping them to enhance their programs and reach more individuals in need.

Community Impact Grants

These grants support unanticipated, emerging, or other distinct under-funded needs that further the mission of UWSC.

Singing for Change Grant Program

Singing for Change empowers people to become more self-sufficient.

Singing for Change supports nonprofit organizations that inspire, empower, and equip people to become more self-sufficient.

Our grantees encourage personal growth among people who are marginalized. They care about the community as a whole, as well as promote the belief that collectively, people can bring about positive change and sustainable self-sufficiency through connected, diverse communities.

Most likely to be considered are organizations that keep their overhead low and collaborate with other groups in their community to find innovative ways of solving a common problem.

Singing for Change (aka SFC Charitable Foundation, Inc.) was created by Jimmy Buffett in 1995, and receives one dollar from each ticket Jimmy sells at his shows. We envision a world where nonprofit organizations, large and small, provide compelling opportunities for individuals to discover their power to make a difference. The foundation promotes work on the forefront of social change - helping people and communities become smarter, safer, stronger, healthier, and whole. 

Singing for Change (SFC) partners with progressive, community-based organizations addressing the root causes of social or environmental problems. We recently narrowed our focus to projects designed to promote self-sufficiency. 

Specifically, we look for groups that are: 

• Working to engage individuals in their communities 
• Helping people realize their full potential
• Creating lasting change in the communities they serve

We will fund operating expenses for those organizations that we feel are accomplishing these goals.

Areas Of Interest:

Children and families: Grants are awarded to programs fostering self-sufficiency and stability. Individual therapy is not funded, nor are therapeutic or recreational camps or wish-fulfillment programs.

Disenfranchised groups: SFC defines these groups as people who have been marginalized in society because of their low levels of skill, education or income, people with disabilities, and people who are homeless. 

Grants range in size from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation is dedicated to cancer prevention and early detection, funding vital research grants and fellowships across the U.S. Its mission is to empower individuals to combat cancer, aiming to reduce cancer deaths by 40% by 2035. The grants provide up to $100,000 over two years to innovative projects that enhance cancer prevention and early detection efforts, supporting a future where cancer is preventable and manageable for everyone.

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 Assisting Specialty Crop Exports initiative aims to enhance U.S. specialty crop market access by developing low-oxygen storage and packaging systems for tree nuts. By addressing phytosanitary requirements and pest control, the initiative supports producers in maintaining product quality while complying with international standards. This funding opportunity from the Foreign Agricultural Service encourages innovative solutions that can improve export processes and reduce reliance on costly fumigation methods, ultimately benefiting U.S. agribusiness and ensuring competitiveness in global markets.