Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Iowa

The Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation is committed to enhancing community awareness of hospice and palliative care services. It supports nonprofit organizations that provide end-of-life care and grief recovery resources. Through educational initiatives and financial grants, the Foundation aims to promote excellent hospice care and assist caregivers. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and the Foundation does not fund administrative costs or general funding. Grant applications are accepted once per year.

Lois Roth Foundation

The Lois Roth Foundation honors the life and work of Lois Wersba Roth. Since 1987, it has sought to promote and encourage dialogue across national, linguistic and cultural boundaries, with an emphasis on the humanities, arts and social sciences. Foundation programs are conducted in collaboration with a range of partners and focused on three domains: Fulbright & Academic Collaborations, Cultural Diplomacy, and Literature & Translation.

Cultural Diplomacy

In recollection of Lois Roth’s efforts to promote cross‐cultural understanding and cooperation as a US Foreign Service Officer, the Roth Foundation partners with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) (US State Department), to provide the department’s four awards honoring excellence in the field of cultural and educational diplomacy.

The types of qualities displayed by recipients of Roth Foundation cultural diplomacy awards include:

• Cross‐cultural sensitivity and understanding for all—regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin or disability—and the courage and intellectual integrity to bring alternate facts and opinions into open conversation
• Ingenuity and imagination in creating projects, programs and products to deepen the contact between foreign intellectuals, artists and professionals and their US counterparts
• Familiarity with global affairs and foreign languages, to deepen substantive discussion between US and foreign intellectuals, scholars and professionals
• Patience, wisdom and generosity in helping new colleagues, both international and US, develop their careers
• Special skill in promoting collaborations between US and foreign institutions and high‐quality exchange opportunities with the civil sector.

Jodie Lewinsohn Career Achievement Award

The Jodie Lewinsohn Career Achievement Award honors the most accomplished and longest-serving Locally Employed Staff members, particularly those who are nearing retirement. It is named for a distinguished U.S. Information Agency Foreign Service Officer who was a close friend and mentor to Lois Roth and who also served as the head of the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, when Gill Jacot-Guillarmod was working there. In 2022, Jodie left a legacy in her will to endow this award in perpetuity. This award recognizes those who are nearing the end of their careers for long-standing dedication to their work and their success in what Gill described as “helping the United States while helping your own country.” 

Nomination Process

Every spring, the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will internally circulate details regarding nominations for the four Lois Roth Foundation Awards. State Department supervisors are invited to submit nominations in all four categories.

Lois Roth Foundation

The Lois Roth Foundation honors the life and work of Lois Wersba Roth. Since 1987, it has sought to promote and encourage dialogue across national, linguistic and cultural boundaries, with an emphasis on the humanities, arts and social sciences. Foundation programs are conducted in collaboration with a range of partners and focused on three domains: Fulbright & Academic Collaborations, Cultural Diplomacy, and Literature & Translation.

Cultural Diplomacy

In recollection of Lois Roth’s efforts to promote cross‐cultural understanding and cooperation as a US Foreign Service Officer, the Roth Foundation partners with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) (US State Department), to provide the department’s four awards honoring excellence in the field of cultural and educational diplomacy.

The types of qualities displayed by recipients of Roth Foundation cultural diplomacy awards include:

• Cross‐cultural sensitivity and understanding for all—regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin or disability—and the courage and intellectual integrity to bring alternate facts and opinions into open conversation
• Ingenuity and imagination in creating projects, programs and products to deepen the contact between foreign intellectuals, artists and professionals and their US counterparts
• Familiarity with global affairs and foreign languages, to deepen substantive discussion between US and foreign intellectuals, scholars and professionals
• Patience, wisdom and generosity in helping new colleagues, both international and US, develop their careers
• Special skill in promoting collaborations between US and foreign institutions and high‐quality exchange opportunities with the civil sector.

Gill Jacot-Guillarmod Award

Established in 2013, Gill Jacot-Guillarmod Award is named in honor of Gillian (Gill) Jacot-Guillarmod, who served for 35 years at the U.S. Mission, then Embassy in South Africa, spanning the apartheid period to the emergence of democracy. The award recognizes mid-career, locally-employed staff members at U.S. embassies and consulates who have made outstanding contributions in educational and cultural diplomacy.

Nomination Process

Every spring, the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will internally circulate details regarding nominations for the four Lois Roth Foundation Awards. State Department supervisors are invited to submit nominations in all four categories.

The Jordan Fund, established by John & Kelly Olerud in 2003, is dedicated to supporting children with special needs and their families. This grant-making organization assists children with substantial disabilities up to age twenty-one, covering costs for respite, therapy, and essential equipment not provided by insurance. By funding 501(c)(3) organizations, the Jordan Fund aims to enhance the quality of life for these children and their families.

Gray for Glioblastoma Society

A 501 (c) 3 created to raise awareness for and funds to support Glioblastoma Multiforme research by accepting donations and donating to cancer care and research facilities. Our organization has gifted over $275,000 to support GBM research projects at renowned cancer centers including The Ty Miller Lab at Case Western Reserve University, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Children’s Hospital LA/Saban Research Institute and The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke. We accomplish this while simultaneously creating a hopeful and positive space and providing resources and a space of community through our social media and events.

Gray for Glioblastoma Grant

Gray for Glioblastoma Society (GFG) is dedicated to funding projects that advance glioblastoma (GBM) research and move the needle forward in care and quality of life. We invite proposals that align with our mission and demonstrate meaningful impact in the GBM space.

The UNCF General Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, provides essential financial support to students enrolled full-time at one of 37 UNCF Member Institutions for the 2024-2025 academic year. This scholarship aims to enhance access to higher education for minority students, helping them thrive and graduate. The application process is designed to create a pool of eligible candidates for various scholarship opportunities, emphasizing the importance of education and community engagement.

The Renee Starks Steed Memorial Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, supports HBCU students majoring in fashion-related fields. Aimed at sophomores, juniors, and seniors, it emphasizes academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This need-based scholarship fosters diversity, prioritizing students of color, and is part of UNCF's broader mission to enhance educational opportunities for underrepresented communities. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open.

The Republic Services Community Grant Program supports local nonprofit organizations focused on neighborhood revitalization, safety, disaster relief, and social services. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can apply once annually through an online application process. The program emphasizes a non-discrimination policy, ensuring services are provided without bias. However, funding is not available for individuals, government entities, schools, or religious organizations. This initiative reflects Republic Services' commitment to community engagement and support.

The Japanese-Language Learners Event Grant, offered by the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, provides financial support of up to $1,000 for events that promote Japanese language education across various educational levels. This grant aims to motivate learners through contests and presentations, encouraging participation from multiple schools in the region. Eligible expenses include judge fees, venue costs, and production materials, while closed events for single schools are not supported.

The BECU Foundation Scholarship aims to support educational endeavors while promoting community service. This scholarship, valued at up to $5,000 over two years, is designed for BECU members who exemplify the philosophy of 'people helping people.' Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current college students with a minimum GPA of 2.5, who are committed to full-time education and community involvement. Apply to join a legacy of giving back while pursuing your academic goals.

The AHA Predoctoral Fellowship aims to enhance research and clinical training for pre-doctoral students pursuing careers in cardiovascular health. Applicants must be enrolled in a relevant doctoral program and demonstrate collaboration with a mentor. The fellowship provides an annual stipend of $28,224, plus health insurance support and project funding. Eligible candidates are full-time students who have completed initial coursework and can commit to research efforts. This opportunity fosters the development of independent researchers in the field.

Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque

Since 2003, we have inspired people to give back to their community. We turn this generosity into lasting change across our region, increasing access to resources and opportunities that help all people succeed.

We envision a vibrant and inclusive Dubuque region where everyone can thrive. We believe communities that come together in service of a shared vision achieve great things.

Thomas Determan Classroom Grant

The Thomas Determan Classroom Grant supports classroom activities across any discipline and grade level that prepare students in eastern Iowa to thrive in our rapidly changing world. Teaching global perspectives helps students understand the world beyond their own community. It builds empathy, critical thinking, and helps them become thoughtful citizens. Students learn to appreciate different cultures, adapt to new ideas, and tackle big challenges that affect everyone.

You can incorporate global learning into any subject—reading, science, math, agriculture, economics, art, music, computer science, or shop class. It’s all about helping students see how we’re connected and why that matters. This grant focuses on funding classroom projects, curriculum, professional development, or training for teachers that focus on:

• Building a kind and respectful classroom
  • Help students practice empathy, listen actively, work together, and treat others with kindness.
• Connecting with the local community
  • Involve students in service projects and learning from local leaders.
• Exploring the wider world
  • Teach students about different cultures and global challenges.
• Encouraging active citizenship
  • Help students understand how government works and how they can make a difference.
• Teaching conflict resolution
  • Guide students in solving problems and disagreements peacefully.
• Celebrating diversity
  • Help all students feel seen and valued by including diverse voices and backgrounds in the curriculum.

Pfizer is offering a grant opportunity for independent medical education initiatives focused on Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC). This program aims to address the current knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals regarding emerging treatment data and its potential impact on clinical practices. By collaborating with Astellas, Pfizer seeks proposals that enhance awareness and understanding of the evolving MIBC landscape, ultimately improving patient outcomes in this critical area of unmet medical need.

The SVS Student Research Fellowship, offered by the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation, supports undergraduate and medical students in the U.S. and Canada conducting vascular research. The fellowship emphasizes hypothesis-driven projects, providing a $3,000 award and a complimentary Journal of Vascular Surgery subscription. It aims to enhance students' education while fostering innovative solutions in vascular health, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in applicant eligibility.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is announcing funding for comparative clinical effectiveness research across the cancer care continuum. This initiative aims to empower researcher-community partnerships to tackle significant healthcare challenges faced by patients and caregivers in the U.S. The focus is on enhancing care delivery and outcomes by addressing barriers to screening, treatment, and follow-up care for cancer patients. Applications are encouraged to identify strategies that improve patient-centered outcomes.

The Walt Fiegel Scholarship, established by Sioux City East High School alumni in 2004, honors coach Walt Fiegel's legacy by supporting graduating seniors from specific high schools in Sioux City and surrounding areas. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing post-secondary education, whether at a college, university, or vocational institute. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, character, extracurricular involvement, and essay submissions, ensuring a fair and merit-based evaluation process.

The National Register Internship Travel Scholarship, funded by the American Psychological Foundation, offers financial assistance to psychology doctoral students for relocation to their predoctoral internship sites. This scholarship supports diverse applicants who are in good standing in accredited programs and have secured internships recognized by the APA or CPA. By alleviating relocation costs, the scholarship aims to facilitate the professional development of future psychologists.

The Paul E. Henkin School Psychology Travel Grant, offered by the American Psychological Foundation, provides up to $1,500 for student members of APA Division 16. This funding helps cover registration, lodging, and travel expenses for attending the APA Annual Convention. It encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and requires a commitment to a career in school psychology. Eligible applicants must be current student members of APA Division 16 and cannot use the funds for food or materials not included in registration.

The Division 39 Marsha D. McCary Fund Grant for Psychoanalysis aims to enhance public understanding of psychoanalysis and its applications in various fields. This grant supports initiatives that promote psychoanalytic education, research, and services, especially benefiting early career professionals and underserved populations. The American Psychological Foundation encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply, ensuring a broad representation within the field. This initiative fosters the ongoing development of psychoanalysis as a vital discipline in psychology.

About Association of Legal Writing Directors (ALWD) ALWD supports its members’ professional development as teachers, scholars, and leaders through both teaching and scholarship grants. These grants provide funding for legal writing professionals to pursue their scholarly interests and to develop innovative teaching materials. In funding grants, ALWD focuses on providing resources to those who do not have other sources of funding for these endeavors.

ALWD also supports projects that preserve the history of ALWD, honor community contributions, and make ALWD’s history accessible to scholars, teachers, and practitioners into the future.ALWD Teaching GrantsIn furtherance of ALWD’s commitment to the professional development of legal research and writing faculty, ALWD funds annual teaching grants that allow legal writing faculty to spend their summers exploring innovative teaching ideas and producing teaching tools, materials, and curriculum that will assist others in the field. 

The Ruth Van Voorhis Scholarship, established in 2021 by family and friends, honors Ruth's commitment to education. Administered by the Siouxland Community Foundation, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from East, North, or West High Schools in Sioux City, Iowa, who have a GPA of at least 3.0 and are majoring in elementary education. The foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in Siouxland through charitable gifts and grants that address community needs.

The Macfarlane Family Scholarship, established by Winifred H. Macfarlane in 2008, aims to support graduating seniors from Sioux City high schools pursuing higher education at Iowa State University. Administered by the Siouxland Community Foundation, this scholarship reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community development in the Siouxland area. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate a dedication to their academic pursuits.

The Kind World Foundation Scholarship, established in 2008 by the Kind World Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from various Siouxland high schools who demonstrate financial need. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the Siouxland community, which includes Sioux City, Iowa, and surrounding areas. By providing financial assistance, the scholarship helps students pursue their dreams of higher education and empowers them to achieve their post-secondary goals.

The IATSE Local 600: Traditional Hardship Fund Grant provides emergency financial assistance to performing arts and entertainment professionals in times of unexpected need. This grant supports basic living expenses like healthcare and housing, aiming to prevent eviction or shut-offs. Eligible members must have been in good standing for at least two years and have faced work loss due to illness or disasters. The fund ensures support during critical times, promoting stability within the community.

The IATSE Local 700 Hardship Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible members of the performing arts and entertainment industry during critical times. This support helps cover essential living expenses, such as housing and healthcare, to prevent eviction and utility shut-offs. To qualify, members must have met minimum dues requirements or be officially retired. The fund does not cover expenses like credit cards, loans, or business-related costs.

The Harry A. Saunders III Memorial Fund, established in 2025 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, supports Hawaii high school graduates pursuing higher education. This fund aims to empower students demonstrating financial need and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to recipients who were awarded in the previous year, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements. The fund embodies a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and enriching the lives of young Hawaiians.