Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Iowa

The NACRJ Impact Grant, initiated in 2016, has provided over $60,000 to NACRJ members to support community and restorative justice projects. This grant is available annually, offering up to $3,000 to members for innovative initiatives that foster community impact. By applying, members can gain funding, visibility, and networking opportunities within the NACRJ and the broader restorative justice community, helping to empower meaningful projects that align with restorative justice principles.

The Dr. Doris R. Corbett-Johnson Leaders for Our Future Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors young professionals under 36 who exhibit exceptional promise in scholarship, teaching, and leadership. This prestigious award is available in two categories: college/university and non-college/university, with a maximum of two recipients per category each year. By recognizing emerging leaders, SHAPE America aims to inspire a new generation dedicated to advancing health and physical education.

The ARS Resident Research Grant aims to foster innovative research in rhinology, supporting residents engaged in basic, translational, or clinical projects. Applicants must collaborate with a preceptor and obtain departmental approval. Eligible residents in U.S. or Canadian programs can apply, ensuring that their projects align with the standards of the American Rhinologic Society. This grant does not cover salary for the Principal Investigator but allows funding for assistants.

The NACRJ Mini-Grants provide funding of up to $500 for projects promoting community and restorative justice. Launched in 2016, the initiative has allocated over $60,000 to support NACRJ members nationwide. This unique opportunity fosters impactful projects and enhances visibility within the restorative justice community. Applications are accepted biannually, with a focus on empowering organizations and individuals committed to restorative practices. Members are encouraged to apply for this essential funding to further their meaningful endeavors.

Jacquie Porter Scholarship for Aspiring Early Childhood Teachers in Austin ISD

Aspirations of becoming an early childhood educator.

Awards

• (1) $5,000.00

The AVID: Charles H. & Ethel E. Wolfe Scholarship Endowment, managed by Scholarship America, supports high school seniors from Orange County, CA, enrolled in the AVID program. Eligible students must have strong academic records, community involvement, and plan to attend a four-year college. The scholarship awards between $1,500 and $2,500 for undergraduate studies, helping to ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education.

The James McKeen Cattell Sabbatical Grant, provided by the James McKeen Cattell Fund, offers supplementary financial support for psychologists' sabbaticals. This grant is designed for faculty members at U.S. and Canadian institutions who meet specific eligibility criteria, including tenure status and recent leave history. The maximum award is capped at $40,000 or half the recipient's salary, ensuring that recipients can extend their research time effectively.

The Lee County Youth Services, Inc. (LCYS) Grant aims to support 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Lee County, Iowa, focusing on youth programs. With funding up to $5,000, the grant encourages innovative projects that address community needs, enhance leadership, and promote collaboration. Eligible organizations are those committed to social responsibility and community engagement. The foundation prioritizes projects that build community connections and improve organizational effectiveness, ensuring impactful contributions to local youth and their families.

The Ben Uhl & Sarah Murray Family Scholarship, established in 2020 by the Siouxland Community Foundation, aims to support high school seniors from select Iowa and Nebraska counties in pursuing a 4-year degree at accredited colleges. This scholarship reflects a commitment to educational advancement for employees, their families, and community members, fostering a legacy of personal growth and opportunity for future generations.

The Ittleson Foundation, established in 1932, focuses on enhancing mental health, AIDS prevention, and environmental initiatives. It funds not-for-profit organizations aiming to improve public policy and the lives of citizens. The Foundation is particularly interested in innovative projects addressing mental health stigma, advancing preventative efforts, and supporting underserved populations. While it funds new initiatives, it does not typically support capital projects, endowments, or direct service programs outside New York City.

The Diane M. Dempster-Gross Memorial Music Scholarship, established in 2019 by family and friends in memory of Diane, aims to support graduating seniors from East, North, or West High Schools in Sioux City, Iowa. This scholarship is dedicated to music majors pursuing post-secondary education at accredited colleges or universities. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have participated in music-related extracurricular activities.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Josie A. Stewart Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates of Perkins County and Corson County high schools.

The Josie A. Stewart Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 by the Stewart family to recognize outstanding students from Lemmon High School and honor Josie as a prominent educator in the community. For over 34 years, Josie taught, influenced, and impacted the lives of scores of students in the Lemmon area. Her passion for education followed many of her students after high school by quietly providing them with financial assistance for their college education. In 2015, the Stewart family expanded the scholarship to welcome applicants from Corson and Perkins Counties, extending the reach of Josie’s legacy as a champion of education.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Reno Central Rotary Scholarship

Annually, the Reno Rotary club offers four-year college scholarships to graduating seniors from Hug, Wooster, or the AACT Culinary Academy.

The Reno Central Rotary Scholarship is a one-time $1,500 award, with the opportunity for the scholarship to be renewed with reapplication.

The Dr. Roger F. & Anita R. Wendt Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Siouxland Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Sioux City public high schools pursuing post-secondary education in education fields. Established in 2011 in memory of Anita and Dr. Wendt, this scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for local students while strengthening the community's future. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be committed to a career in education.

The Dean and Janice Butts Scholarship aims to support students pursuing post-secondary education, vocational training, or college, with a preference for students of color. This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. to address various community needs, including education and wellness, while fostering awareness and creative solutions to future challenges.

The ARS New Investigator Research Grant aims to support innovative research in rhinology, including basic, translational, and clinical projects. The funding period is non-renewable and lasts up to 24 months. Eligible candidates include American Rhinologic Society members who have completed residency and lack significant prior funding. The number of grants awarded is contingent upon the merit of applications received, as determined by the ARS Board of Directors. This grant provides a unique opportunity for emerging researchers in the field.

Jerald W. Peterson Memorial Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates of Groton, Webster, and Langford high schools.

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Dr Don Fager Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to current or previous Wenatchee Valley College nursing students seeking further education in a nursing program at an accredited school in the United States of America.

The Flight Crew United 232 Scholarship, established by the United 232 flight crew, honors the heroic rescue efforts during the Flight 232 incident in Siouxland. This scholarship aims to support graduating high school seniors from the Siouxland tri-state area who seek a post-secondary education in medical and health sciences. Eligible applicants must pursue careers in fields such as nursing, physician assistance, or medical technology at accredited institutions in Sioux City, Iowa.

The Award for Graduate Study in American History, offered by the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Illinois (NSCDA-IL), provides $3,000 annually to a graduate student. This award supports research that enhances understanding of America's development from colonial times to the present, with a preference for those intending to teach. NSCDA-IL fosters appreciation for our national heritage through educational initiatives and historic preservation.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Native Forward Student Relief Funding

Native Forward Scholars Fund established the Student Relief Funding to assist Native students who are facing financial hardships and challenges by providing them with a one-time relief award. The fund will be utilized to help support students in emergency situations that includes, but is not limited to, food insecurity, emergency travel costs, emergency housing costs, educational technology or technology-related resources, or other educational expenses.

The NSF STEM K-12 program supports transformative research to enhance STEM education across various settings. Focusing on innovative projects, it aims to improve teaching and learning through the integration of emerging technologies, including AI. Proposals may address any STEM field, fostering collaboration between research and educational practice. By generating new knowledge and tools, this initiative seeks to strengthen the U.S. position in global STEM innovation and improve educational outcomes for learners of all ages.

The Cardiac Arrest Research Team (CART) Network RFP invites U.S.-based researchers to apply for funding from the American Heart Association. With a commitment of $3.4 million USD, the initiative aims to establish a cross-border research network to address critical gaps in cardiac arrest research. Teams will focus on improving detection, survival rates, and health outcomes through collaboration. This funding opportunity emphasizes team-based approaches in three priority research areas, with awards up to $1.7 million USD for competitive projects.

The AO North America VET Preceptorships Program offers surgical residents from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons the chance to enhance their skills in Veterinary Trauma and Orthopedics through a structured training experience. Participants can receive up to four weeks of advanced training in AO techniques at designated surgical centers, with funding available for housing and travel expenses, totaling up to $2,750. This initiative aims to foster professional development and improve patient care outcomes.

The Fenton Gregory Williams Scholarship, administered by the Center for Scholarship Administration, supports deserving students from Mecklenburg and Lunenburg Counties, Virginia. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. college or university and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship can cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies. It is renewable for up to four years, provided recipients remain in good standing and continue to demonstrate financial need.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Mary J. Yamamoto Memorial Scholarship

The Mary J. Yamamoto Memorial Scholarship helps young women graduating high school seniors from Nevada and Michigan who will be attending accredited colleges, universities, trade schools to obtain a 2 or 4-year degree or certificate. This scholarship is established in memory of Mary J. Yamamoto to support equal access to education. 

The Edward and Hannah Wingaris Scholarship, administered by the Center for Scholarship Administration, supports students who have resided in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, for at least one year. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and plan to attend an accredited institution full-time. This scholarship is renewable for up to four years, allowing recipients to continue their educational journey with financial assistance.