Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Iowa

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Carroll County Food Services Association Scholarship

The purpose of this Fund is to provide scholarships to seniors graduating from any public high school in Carroll County, Maryland. The Carroll County Food Services Association Scholarship will be awarded one or more students who have successfully completed high school; been accepted at an accredited college, university or culinary arts school; and met the criteria established for this award.

The Rebecca Cook Travel Award for Botanical Professionals, established by the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society, supports early career professionals attending the ASB Annual Meeting. This award honors Rebecca Cook's commitment to the botanical community and is intended for Professional Members of SABS demonstrating financial need. Recipients are expected to attend key events during the conference, fostering professional development and networking opportunities within the biology field.

Bring Back the Trades Tool Grant Program 

Across the country, vocational programs are often forced to teach with outdated, broken, or consumer-grade equipment. The Bring Back the Trades Grant Program changes the narrative by putting “Nothing But Heavy Duty” technology into the hands of students. By providing professional tools, we show students that their education—and their future career—is worth the highest standard of equipment.

Thanks to numerous schools and programs letting us know they need help supporting future tradespeople, we have made a commitment to grant $1,500 in tools monthly to a public school or nonprofit. Milwaukee Tool committed to supporting the program through 2026, so the awards in 2026 will be shipped directly to winning organization by Milwaukee Tool!

Objective: To equip public schools and community nonprofits with professional-grade Milwaukee Tool kits, fostering a culture of craftsmanship, safety, and respect for the tools of the trade.

Application Deadline: Rolling. A winner will be chosen each month from applications received over the previous six months. The winner will be notified via phone or email. The winner will receive the tools requested (based on availability and up to $1,500 in retail value). Tools and equipment/supplies will be shipped only to the address on the application. Applicants that have not been chosen as a winner of the grant may reapply after six months. Schools/organizations may win no more than once in a 3-year time period.

Bettye Davis East High School STEM Scholarship Fund

The East High School STEM Scholarship is established to honor Sandra and Kenji Kusano.

The Bettye Davis East High School STEM Scholarship was established to honor Sandra and Kenji Kusano. Like many others, Sandy and Kenji Kusano followed their dreams to Alaska. Sandy's first job at ARCO turned into a 51-year career in the same building. Kenji started a Japanese restaurant, Yamato Ya, which they owned for 26 years. This scholarship honors their inspiring work ethic and dedication to providing opportunities for others.

Bettye Davis East High School STEM Scholarship supports a graduating high school senior from Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School pursuing a bachelor degree in STEM.

The General Montgomery (Monty) C. Meigs Scholarship, offered by the Folded Flag Foundation, honors individuals who embody Monty Meigs' exceptional leadership and dedication. This scholarship is available to high school and college students who display academic excellence and commitment to service. Applicants must submit academic records, a recommendation letter, and a personal essay. Designed to support the next generation of leaders, this scholarship reflects Monty's legacy of service and achievement.

About the Chester County Community Foundation

Our Mission

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

Robert & Doris Hanna Scholarship Fund

Mission

The Chester County Community Foundation honors the long and philanthropic lives of Dr. Robert and Doris Hanna.

The Folded Flag Foundation offers educational scholarships for college-bound spouses and children of U.S. military members and government employees who died due to combat-related incidents. This program supports tuition, fees, and living expenses for eligible applicants under 26 years old. It aims to assist families in achieving educational goals while navigating the challenges of loss. The scholarships cover various educational expenses, ensuring access to both college and technical training opportunities.

The Louisville Institute's Postdoctoral Fellowship offers early career theological educators a unique opportunity for vocational and professional growth through a two-year placement at ATS-accredited institutions in the U.S. and Canada. With a stipend of $30,000 annually, housing, and insurance benefits, fellows engage in a structured formation program, attend three annual gatherings in Louisville, KY, and receive peer mentorship, enhancing their journey towards becoming effective theological educators.

The Presidential Global Scholarship at Northeastern University offers financial support ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 for over 400 undergraduate students seeking global co-op opportunities. This scholarship helps cover essential expenses such as travel, meals, and housing, enabling students to fully engage in their international experiences. Eligible applicants must exhibit a commitment to academic success and maintain a full-time enrollment status. The selection process considers GPA, financial need, and the duration of the co-op.

The Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research (JCC Fund) Fellowship supports exceptional postdoctoral fellows pursuing biomedical research to enhance human health. Established in 1937, it honors Jane Coffin Childs and offers three years of salary support, currently set at $72,000 for Year 1, $74,000 for Year 2, and $76,000 for Year 3. This prestigious fellowship fosters essential research in cancer and other diseases, promoting advancements in medical science across various countries.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is set to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for randomized controlled trials examining the long-term effects of nutritional interventions on risk factors for age-related chronic conditions. This initiative seeks to enhance understanding of how various dietary practices can influence health throughout the life span, emphasizing the need for studies with at least five years of follow-up. Researchers are encouraged to prepare collaborative proposals in response to this upcoming funding opportunity.

The Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to transform open-source research into sustainable ecosystems that tackle national and societal challenges. This initiative promotes innovation across various sectors, including AI and cybersecurity, by fostering strong governance and broad user engagement. PESOSE invites proposals to establish and enhance open-source ecosystems, ensuring their safety, security, and effectiveness in meeting emergent needs.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

CASE Scholarship for Higher Learning

In an effort to encourage and retain membership, the Carroll Association of School Employees has established CASE SCHOLARSHIP FOR HIGHER LEARNING, a scholarship fund of the Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. The purpose of the Fund is to provide scholarships for CASE members’ children, stepchildren and grandchildren who want to continue their education or are graduating from high school and who have been accepted at an accredited institution of higher learning.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

About Dale "Haynes" and Elaine Woolcott Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for a college-bound student who is a legal resident of Henderson County, North Carolina or Van Buren County, Michigan. The applicant must demonstrate financial need and have a record of community service. Preference will be given to graduates of a Henderson County high school or a graduate of Hartford Public Schools. 

This is a renewable scholarship.

The URF Scholars Graduate School Fund Award at Northeastern University aims to support undergraduate students pursuing advanced research and graduate studies. This award provides financial assistance, up to $500, for application fees to students who complete the Making a Graduate School Plan Canvas course and demonstrate financial need. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time and applying for graduate programs for fall 2026, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance and support for their academic journey.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

About Denis Barton ScholarshipApplicant must be a resident of either Transylvania or Henderson County who has graduated from a public, private, parochial or home school program who wishes to pursue an undergraduate degree at a degree granting college or university and who demonstrates the need for financial assistance in order to attend an institution of higher learning. The applicant should have a cumulative GPA equivalent to a "C average" upon graduation. Preference will be given to students from Transylvania County. Financial need will be more strongly considered than grades. An adult student will be considered for this scholarship if he or she can demonstrate reason as to why he or she did not pursue his or her college education immediately after high school. Such reasons would include but are not limited to military service, medical reasons, family obligations, and/or mission work. The recipient must be awarded the scholarship prior to the age of 30.This is a renewable scholarship.

The ETC Equipment Grant supports U.S.-based non-profit organizations, schools, and government entities by providing essential lighting technology. This initiative, part of ETC's Light the Way Program, aims to enhance training in performance arts through equipment grants. Recipients can choose from a variety of packages, including consoles and LED fixtures, tailored to their facility's needs. ETC also offers training for all awarded equipment, ensuring recipients maximize the impact of their grants.

The Ladies’ Branch of the New Bedford Port Society Scholarship, managed by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, supports students with familial ties to the sea or descendants of seamen. This scholarship aims to promote education in maritime-related fields. Eligible applicants must reside in specific SouthCoast communities or plan to pursue maritime sciences. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed over $50 million to enhance the region's educational, humanitarian, and cultural landscape.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

About Dirk and Paige Willms Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide financial assistance for students seeking a higher education leading to a degree, certification or licensure at an accredited institution approved by the Foundation. Student must be a child or stepchild of a current employee in good standing who works as operations personnel with one of the following agencies: All municipal police departments located in Henderson County, Henderson County Sheriff’s Department, Hendersonville Fire Department, all Henderson County Volunteer Fire Departments, and the Henderson County Rescue Squad. Students may live within or outside of Henderson County, NC; meet all academic requirements of the attending institution; and be a United States citizen.

This is a renewable scholarship.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Catherine Anne Mullikin Memorial Scholarship

The Catherine Anne Mullikin Memorial Scholarship is sponsored by “Catherine’s Cause” a Carroll Community Foundation Fund. A drunk driver killed Catherine in 1998 and her family is keeping her memory alive by offering scholarships for students pursuing a degree in education. Student must maintain full time enrollment status (12 or more credit hours) during the entire semester that the scholarship award has been designated. The scholarship is based on academic achievement, community service and extracurricular activities.

$1000.00 Scholarship for a Teacher Education Major from Any Carroll County High School.

The Aging Research Dissertation Awards aim to enhance diversity in the scientific workforce by funding research on aging and related health conditions. The program encourages applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply for dissertation awards that align with the National Institutes of Health's strategic priorities. Key deadlines for applications include February 16, June 16, and October 16 for the years 2024 through 2026.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

NEPA Invitational Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to assist with educational expenses for graduating seniors from Northeastern Pennsylvania who play golf and intend to pursue a post-secondary education. This is a manual application, available in the Spring.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Neal J. Fasula Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to individuals who are employed by, or who are the dependent child or stepchild of someone employed by, Gerrity’s Supermarket and/or Gerrity’s ACE Hardware Stores, and who plans to attend post-secondary education at an accredited university.

ORS/OREF Distinguished Investigator Award

The ORS/OREF Distinguished Investigator Award honors an individual who has significantly contributed to the field of orthopaedic research and to the ORS and the OREF through their outstanding scientific achievements and their commitment of time and service.

A committee comprised of five individuals, including past ORS/OREF Distinguished Investigator Award honorees, established member representatives from the ORS and active OREF volunteers, will each submit a maximum of two nominees to be considered for this award.

The person nominating the ORS member for this award must include the following information about the nominee at the time of submission:

• NIH Biosketch
• Letter of recommendation
• Statement of service to ORS and OREF

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Midori Yamanouchi, Ph.D. Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated academic achievement, good citizenship, service to others, and leadership.

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin gives everyone the opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community.

We manage over 320 funds that enhance Portage and Waushara counties. Together with our generous donors, we create a strong culture of philanthropy in Central Wisconsin.

We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties.

James & Lynne Johnson Family Scholarship

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.