Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Iowa

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Y-Men’s Service Club Scholarship

The Y-Men’s Service Club Scholarship Fund supports students from any high school located in Marion County (Ohio) with a 3.0 grade point average or higher. Special consideration is given to family members of Club members in good standing.

The Y-Men created this scholarship with the intent of creating a permanent fund to help local students further their education and to create more awareness of the Y-Men’s Service Club.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Willie “Beaver” Troutman Football Scholarship

This scholarship, created in 2022, honors Willie “Beaver” Troutman and his longstanding coaching career in Marion County.

For generations to come, this scholarship will assist students financially to further their potential in academics and athletics.

The Willie ‘Beaver’ Troutman Football Scholarship is open to any student-athlete who attended a high school located in Marion County (Ohio) for at least 2 years, maintained a GPA of 2.5 or greater, and demonstrates volunteerism in the community and/or extraordinary financial need.

Chester T. Dickerson, Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Graduate of a public high school, vocational or technical school or other form of public 9th through 12th grade education, as well as home-schooled students.

Awards:

• One time award of $1,500. 

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

United Church Homes Scholarship

The United Church Homes Scholarship Fund, created in 2018, supports higher education for Marion area students who intend to pursue a career involving service to older citizens, including, but not limited to, gerontology,

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

St. John Lutheran Church (Windfall) Scholarship

This scholarship fund was created in 2024 by the members of St. John Lutheran (Windfall) Church to support Marion and Morrow County students active with a Christian church. The fund, formerly known as the Horst Scholarship, migrated from the church to the stewardship of Marion Community Foundation.

The scholarship is open to seniors and graduates of high schools located in Marion and Morrow counties (must be a resident of one those counties at the time of application). Applicants must demonstrate that they are affiliated with a Christian church, located in Marion or Morrow County, that adheres to the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds.

First consideration is given to seniors and candidates for graduation from high school; then, to graduates enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior in an undergraduate collegiate program.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Robert M. & Dorothy C. Wopat Scholarship

The largest scholarship fund at Marion Community Foundation, the Wopat Scholarship awards $100,000+ annually in support of local students.

The NATA Masters Student Grant Program, facilitated by the NATA Foundation, supports innovative research projects by master's students in athletic training. With a funding limit of $1,000 for one year, this program emphasizes ethical research practices and collaboration with faculty mentors. Eligible applicants must be current master's students and members of NATA. The foundation aims to enhance the athletic training profession through research and education, fostering growth and development in healthcare.

The AO North America Long-Term Fellowship Program offers vital support for the education and training of orthopedic trauma surgeons. This initiative connects experienced mentors with trauma fellows, ensuring a high standard of educational content and methods. The program focuses on continuous improvement, networking opportunities, and access to valuable resources such as workshops and grants. Administered by AO North America, it aims to enhance postgraduate education in orthopedic trauma surgery.

The Link Foundation offers the Ocean Engineering and Instrumentation Ph.D. Fellowship, providing six fellowships of $35,000 each for Ph.D. students. This fellowship aims to advance research in ocean engineering and instrumentation, enhance theoretical and practical knowledge, and promote research dissemination through lectures and publications. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program at a U.S. or Canadian university and demonstrate a well-defined thesis direction. This funding can significantly support their academic journey.

The Chattooga Club Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, aims to support current Club employees in pursuing higher education amidst rising costs. Eligible applicants must be employed at the Club and either be high school seniors or graduates. This initiative enhances educational opportunities for dedicated employees, contributing to their academic and professional growth.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

Win Winogrond Memorial Scholarship

Mark Winogrond has established a scholarship in memory of his older brother, Henry “Win” Winogrond, Jr., who passed away in Clarksdale in 2014. The scholarship will help an outstanding graduate of Coahoma Community College to complete a four-year degree at a college of the recipient’s choice.

Win was a lifelong fan of the blues. In Clarksdale, he restored historic buildings as lodging for national and international travelers making pilgrimages to America’s “Home of the Blues”. Win served with distinction in Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart as a decorated member of the Special Forces. He continued to assist the U.S. government throughout a long and distinguished career. He traveled to more than 300 counties. Win was buried, with an honor guard, at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Infinite Hero Foundation Grant Program supports military personnel and their families by funding innovative treatment programs for service-related injuries. Since 2012, it has awarded over $5.7 million to 51 organizations focused on physical rehabilitation, mental health, leadership development, family support, and suicide prevention. Grants up to $100,000 are available for programs that align with the foundation's mission, ensuring that funds directly support program costs and not administrative expenses.

The NATA Doctoral Student Grants Program, offered by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Foundation, provides financial support for innovative research projects in athletic training. Each year, multiple awards of up to $2,500 are available, with funding limited to direct costs over a maximum of one year. This initiative aims to enhance the profession through research, benefiting athletic trainers and the broader physically active community.

The Donna W. Adams Scholarship Program, established by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, honors the legacy of a dedicated Master Gardener and Detroit resident. This scholarship supports local students, reflecting the Adams' commitment to education and their beloved Indian Village neighborhood. The program aims to empower the next generation by providing financial assistance to those pursuing higher education, thereby enriching the community they cherished.

The Asheville Young Woman Leadership Award, established by Dr. Andrea Gravatt, honors exceptional high school junior women in Buncombe County who exhibit remarkable leadership and community involvement. Funded by local women, this annual award aims to acknowledge these young leaders' achievements while inspiring future contributions to their communities. Recipients can utilize the funds for accredited post-high school education or enrichment programs, fostering a new generation of empowered female leaders.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

Shapoor Alexander Ghane Memorial Endowment

Shapoor Alexander Ghane was a Navy SEAL and to honor his memory this scholarship fund was established to benefit the children of Navy SEAL members who died in action. 

The Asheville Wilbert Vault Service Scholarship, established by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, offers financial aid to residents pursuing a career in funeral services. This scholarship is aimed at individuals from the 18 westernmost counties of North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. Eligible applicants must be seniors in secondary school or graduates and can apply funds to any relevant post-high school educational program. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to supporting local communities.

The Society of the Order of the Southern Cross Grant aims to support charitable projects that preserve and restore Southern heritage artifacts and locations. Eligible projects may include military artifacts, monuments, and historical sites. Organizations typically need to secure 50% of necessary funding before applying. The Order encourages discussions for projects that may not meet standard funding levels, emphasizing their commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

The Detroit Economic Club Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students from Detroit and surrounding counties pursuing undergraduate education. Each year, two renewable scholarships of $2,000 are awarded to incoming college freshmen. Recipients can reapply for up to three additional years. The program is supported by the Detroit Economic Club Education Endowment Fund, dedicated to helping local students achieve their educational goals. For more information, visit the FAQs on the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan's website.

The Cheryl Wojtas Memorial Scholarship Program honors Cheryl Wojtas's commitment to education by offering scholarships to deserving graduates from Port Huron Area Schools and Gaylord Community Schools. Each recipient will receive a one-time award for their freshman year at a nonprofit post-secondary institution, aimed at supporting their educational journey. Financial need is a key consideration, and funds will cover tuition, fees, and essential expenses related to their studies.

The Sandra Trudgen Dawson Award, established by the Coordinating Council for Women in History, commemorates the legacy of a remarkable scholar and leader. This award supports individuals in research, teaching, and service within women's and gender history, allowing recipients to cover costs for travel, materials, and projects that honor Sandra's commitment to collaboration and support in the field. It aims to foster connections among scholars and promote the advancement of women's history.

The Innovations in Graduate Education (IGE) Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to transform STEM graduate education through innovative training approaches. It encourages proposals that support skill development for STEM careers and research on effective educational systems. The program offers funding for projects that pilot and validate novel educational models, promoting broad participation and collaboration with various sectors. Awards range from $300,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the track and project duration.

The Trainee Investigator Award, offered by the AASM Foundation, recognizes outstanding research presented by AASM Student/Resident Members at the SLEEP annual meeting. This prestigious award includes a $1,000 prize for the top candidate, along with three honorable mentions each receiving $500. It aims to promote the professional growth of early-career researchers in sleep medicine, encouraging innovative contributions to the field. Nominations require submitting an abstract for the SLEEP 2026 meeting.

The NATA Foundation's Professional Grants Program - New Investigator Grant offers up to $20,000 in funding for innovative research projects in athletic training. This program is aimed at supporting new investigators who are NATA members and BOC certified athletic trainers. The grant fosters research that enhances the profession and contributes to the health and safety of physically active individuals, promoting evidence-based practices in athletic training.

The YoungArts National Competition, established in 1981, supports exceptional young artists aged 15-18 in the U.S. through a competitive application process. Winners receive financial awards up to $10,000, mentorship from renowned artists, and lifelong artistic support. This prestigious program allows participants to affirm their identity as artists while gaining access to a robust network of peers and mentors, exclusive opportunities, and national recognition, making it a vital stepping stone in their creative journeys.

The Union Plus Scholarship, offered by the Union Plus Education Foundation, supports students from working families pursuing post-secondary education. Since its inception in 1991, over $5.6 million has been awarded to more than 4,000 beneficiaries. Scholarships range between $500 and $4,000 for studies starting in Fall 2025. Applicants must be current or retired union members, their spouses, or dependent children, ensuring access to higher education for diverse families across the U.S. and Canada.

The NATA Foundation, established in 1991, is dedicated to advancing the athletic training profession through research and education. It offers the Professional Grants Program to support exceptional research projects relevant to athletic training. With a funding limit of $50,000 over three years, the program encourages diverse proposals, ensuring that the primary or co-primary investigator is a BOC certified athletic trainer. This initiative aims to enhance the profession and benefit the broader physically active community.