Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Iowa

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Training and Services to End Violence and Abuse Against Individuals with Disabilities and Deaf People Program aims to empower states, local and Tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations to provide crucial training and resources. This initiative focuses on addressing domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and caregiver abuse against individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals, enhancing direct services and support for these vulnerable populations.

The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation Grants aim to enhance the lives of children by supporting health, wellness, and community initiatives. This private foundation seeks to fund 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, focusing on charitable causes. Grant requests are reviewed quarterly, and applicants must meet eligibility criteria. However, the foundation does not accept applications from individuals or for non-charitable items such as autographs or game tickets.

The Paul L. Busch Award, provided by the Water Research Foundation, honors individuals for innovative research in water quality. This prestigious award supports promising researchers with a $100,000 grant to advance their work. The selection process is inclusive, with no restrictions based on race, gender, or nationality, and encourages applications from diverse candidates. Recipients are expected to collaborate with U.S.-based organizations, fostering practical applications of their research in the water environment.

Over our more than 100-year history, we've been fighting heart disease and stroke, striving to save and improve lives.

Our Mission

To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

Rapid Impact Research Award

Purpose

The American Heart Association continuously seeks innovative ideas to address the most pressing issues impacting cardiovascular and brain health. To that end, the Association is pleased to announce the Rapid Impact Research Award program, which will support early and mid-career investigators proposing innovative research that aligns with the Association’s mission. Novel basic, clinical and/or population health proposals are invited in the following three priority areas of research.

• Sudden cardiac arrest/resuscitation science
• Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome
• Stroke and/or vascular dementia

Applicants will be asked to indicate alignment of their proposal with one or more of the topic areas listed above. 

The FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP) Idea Development Award aims to fund innovative research that enhances understanding and treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. The program encourages creative approaches that challenge existing paradigms and fosters impactful discoveries. A special career development option is available for early-career investigators, offering mentorship and a tailored review process to support significant research advancements.

The FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP) Therapeutic/Diagnostic Research Award aims to foster innovative therapeutic and diagnostic research for Lyme disease and other tick-borne conditions. This award supports early-stage drug discovery and evaluation studies, as well as novel diagnostic methods that can be seamlessly implemented in clinical environments, ultimately enhancing patient care and quality of life.

May Family Foundation

Eleanor Jean May established the May Family Foundation in 2000, as a gesture of gratitude to the communities that shaped her life. The May Family Foundation is dedicated to identifying programs that strongly resonate with our mission and values as we work together to empower and uplift lives within our communities.

Our foundation provides resources and opportunities that empower young individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Our goal is to create a brighter future for under-resourced youth in our local communities.

May Family Foundation Mental Health & Counseling Grant

Our foundation strives to be engaged in our local communities beyond grant funding. We support select programs that align with our goals and form a connection through potential volunteering opportunities, site visits, and recognition of successes.

We welcome grant applications for financial support in mental health and counseling:

• Programs and services that improve life for those with physical and mental challenges.
• We support programs that help students deal with a mental health diagnosis and life stressors, to help navigate the changes that occur during early childhood development through college.

Morris Animal Foundation invites Established Investigators to submit pre-proposals for research focused on reptile and amphibian health. This initiative emphasizes the importance of animal health and welfare while facilitating impactful conservation efforts. Proposals must demonstrate clear animal health needs, collaborative strategies, and potential benefits to wildlife populations. Funding for these projects is anticipated to average around $100,000 over a maximum duration of 36 months, fostering innovative solutions for pressing health challenges in these species.

The Morris Animal Foundation invites research pre-proposals for the Wildlife Health (Reptile and Amphibian) - First Award, aimed at enhancing the health and welfare of amphibians and reptiles. This initiative focuses on impactful research, particularly in chytrid disease. Eligible applicants include early career researchers with appropriate qualifications and a clear understanding of animal health challenges. Projects should demonstrate collaboration with relevant stakeholders and provide direct benefits to wildlife populations, emphasizing conservation through an animal health perspective.

The Morris Animal Foundation is offering Pilot Study Awards focused on reptile and amphibian health and welfare, particularly for chytrid research. These awards aim to fund innovative, proof-of-concept studies that demonstrate a clear understanding of animal health issues and collaboration with stakeholders. Proposals must have a direct impact on wildlife populations and adhere to strict health study policies. The maximum funding is $20,000 for a duration of 12 months, ensuring significant contributions to wildlife health advancements.

The Ella B. Cleveland Trust Grant supports charitable medical research organizations focusing on leukemia, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy. Established in memory of Ella B. Cleveland, the trust prioritizes 501(c)(3) entities and has no geographic limitations, though it often funds organizations in Georgia. Applications are accepted year-round, with an average grant size of $5,000, and total annual giving ranging from $10,000 to $15,000.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

The Forest Legacy Program (FLP) invites applications for FY2028 funding to safeguard privately owned forest lands through conservation easements or land purchases. This USDA Forest Service initiative collaborates with State agencies to protect vital forest ecosystems threatened by development. Participants can ensure the preservation of traditional forest uses and public benefits such as clean water, wildlife habitats, and recreational opportunities. For more details, visit the USDA Forest Service website.

The Jeanette Zaichkin NRP Nursing Grant for Excellence and Innovation in NRP Education supports nurses dedicated to enhancing neonatal resuscitation training. This grant, offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides up to $10,000 for innovative projects addressing key gaps in transitional physiology and evidence-based practices. Eligible applicants must be current NRP Instructors and work in neonatal care settings. The initiative aims to empower nurses in teaching essential skills for successful newborn resuscitation.

About Us

The Recycling Partnership is a team of experts, practitioners, and thought leaders who are deeply invested in protecting our natural resources, creating more sustainable communities, and delivering on our mission of building a better recycling system. We work alongside communities, companies, and policymakers to enact meaningful change across the entire recycling industry.

We firmly believe that if you want to recycle, you should be able to recycle. A robust and accessible recycling system is how we achieve this goal. A better system will deliver the true economic and environmental benefits that our people, our communities, and our entire recycling industry deserve.

This is our mission. This is our purpose. This is who we are. 

Grants for Processors/Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF)

Designed to help equipment manufacturers and MRFs boost throughput and increase capacity. 

The Recycling Partnership offers grants for community recycling programs, providing nearly $50 million to support 370 communities since 2014. Their mission is to create a robust and accessible recycling system that benefits people and the environment. Eligible applicants include publicly, privately, and non-profit owned MRFs in the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance curbside, drop-off, and multifamily recycling, ensuring that everyone can participate in sustainable practices.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Highland Orchestra Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The AAAAI Travel Scholarship supports eligible professionals to attend the AAAAI Annual Meeting in Philadelphia from February 27 to March 2, 2026. This event features plenary sessions, workshops, and presentations on current research in allergy and immunology. The scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also fosters opportunities for networking and collaboration among attendees, enhancing their knowledge and experience in the field.

This funding opportunity from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute aims to enhance health decision-making through comparative clinical effectiveness research, focusing on critical areas such as cancer, maternal health, and mental health. The initiative encourages robust observational studies that utilize existing data to derive patient-centered insights. Applications must address specific themes approved by PCORI and demonstrate potential benefits to the U.S. healthcare system, thus ensuring relevance and stakeholder engagement in research efforts.

The Bay Area Lyme Foundation Grant supports innovative research aimed at improving diagnostics and treatments for Lyme disease. With a revised granting schedule, proposals can be submitted year-round, with reviews conducted three times annually. The foundation welcomes applications from universities, hospitals, and independent entities across the U.S., emphasizing the importance of addressing challenges in diagnosing and treating Lyme disease, especially for difficult cases.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

Breast Cancer Screening & Prevention Initiative

The Breast Cancer Screening & Prevention Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to expand access to lifesaving breast cancer screening and prevention services for uninsured and medically underserved. Through this initiative, the NAFC will provide $30,000 grants to members to establish or strengthen breast cancer screening programs in alignment with evidence-based guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society. Funding will support activities such as improving patient identification and referral systems, increasing access to mammography services through partnerships or mobile units, strengthening staffing and technology capacity, and providing patient education and case management to ensure follow-through with recommended screenings. By enhancing early detection and preventive care, the initiative seeks to reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes for women who might otherwise go without critical cancer screening services.

The DARRP Restoration Implementation Grants aim to enhance marine and coastal habitat restoration through collaboration between NOAA and non-federal partners. These grants address oil spills and hazardous substance releases by supporting restoration activities authorized under various environmental laws. Eligible applicants will implement projects that promote sustainable fisheries, recover endangered species, and boost local economies. Through careful planning and evaluation, recipients will contribute to effective restoration strategies that align with NOAA's mission and the needs of coastal communities.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Therapy Sciences, provided by the UNICO Foundation, awards two scholarships valued at $2,500 each to full-time students pursuing degrees in Therapy Sciences, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and speech-language pathology. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship promotes educational advancement within the community.

The Garden Club of America Board of Associates Centennial Pollinator Fellowship offers funding for research on pollinator decline, specifically targeting bees, bats, butterflies, and moths. This fellowship, established in 2013, supports graduate students in U.S. institutions with annual funding typically around $4,000. It aims to enhance knowledge in pollinator science while fostering a new generation of scientists dedicated to conservation. Recipients may reapply for additional funding in subsequent years.

About the Emporia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.

Sadie Jones Fund

The original focus of the Sadie Jones Fund was to provide for vision and hearing needs for individual children in Lyon and Chase counties. While the purpose has expanded, individual children are still eligible to receive assistance.

The Therapeutic Giving program by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine focuses on enhancing patient access to treatment in cardiovascular and metabolism areas. Nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply for funding. The program emphasizes innovative initiatives that address healthcare disparities and improve patient outcomes through education, advocacy, and support services. Applications are evaluated based on design, capacity, and potential impact, with a preference for programs over event-based funding.

The Therapeutic Giving program by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance patient access to treatment in cardiovascular and metabolic health. Applications are encouraged for initiatives that promote education, empower patients, and address healthcare disparities. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) certified, with a preference for programs demonstrating measurable outcomes. The funding period for local organizations extends from January to October 15th, while national organizations can apply in September.