Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Iowa

The Engagement Award: Capacity Building aims to enhance the skills of patients and stakeholders in patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) and comparative effectiveness research (CER). With funding of up to $300,000 for projects lasting up to two years, this initiative seeks to foster meaningful participation from patients, families, and caregivers. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) anticipates distributing up to $25 million for these efforts in fiscal year 2026, emphasizing community engagement in research.

The CCWH/Berks Graduate Student Fellowship, offered by the Coordinating Council for Women in History, provides a $1000 award to graduate students in U.S. history departments who are completing a dissertation. This fellowship aims to support crucial research stages or the final year of writing. Applicants must be graduate students who have achieved A.B.D. status and may specialize in any history field, ensuring diverse representation in women's history.

The MPS Materials Research Programs, funded by the National Science Foundation, aim to enhance the understanding of materials and their diverse applications. These programs cover areas such as biomaterials, ceramics, condensed matter physics, and electronic materials. With an emphasis on transformative research, NSF MPS encourages proposals that are innovative and foundational, without the necessity for immediate commercial outcomes, fostering long-term advancements in materials science.

The Law & Science Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, invites interdisciplinary proposals that explore the intersection of law and scientific principles. It focuses on research examining human behavior, legal processes, and the application of technology in legal contexts. Topics include crime, environmental science, and forensic studies. Applications are due on January 15 and August 1 for the years 2021 through 2025, promoting innovative research that enhances understanding of legal systems.

The CORE Funding - AHNS/AAO-HNSF Young Investigator Research Development Award offers $50,000 over two years to support early-career head and neck surgeons in developing research skills in neoplastic disease. This award encourages collaborative projects and requires applicants to submit a detailed budget and letters of support from key personnel. Priority is given to junior faculty and those introducing innovative methodologies. This funding serves as a stepping stone for future NIH grant applications.

The Natural Disaster USA Fund, established by National Garden Clubs (NGC) in 1997, supports local and state garden clubs in restoring areas affected by natural disasters. Grants up to $5,000 are available for projects that include site location, disaster nature, restoration plans, and cost estimates. Eligible applicants must be sponsored by State Garden Clubs or Member Clubs and can apply for funds to enhance damaged public spaces, including gardens and parks.

The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust Grant supports education and research in ornamental horticulture, funding projects that enhance public gardens, promote ornamental plants, and support related educational initiatives. Grants typically range up to $20,000, with a maximum of $25,000, focusing on project support rather than general operating expenses. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities and similar entities worldwide, while the Trust does not fund individuals or capital campaigns.

The ARS Women in Rhinology Research Grant, sponsored by Medtronic, offers $25,000 for one year to support innovative research in rhinology. Eligible applicants must be members of the American Rhinologic Society who have completed their residency, with at least one female investigator involved. The award covers legitimate research costs, with a detailed budget required. Results must be presented at an ARS national meeting, acknowledging the grant's support. This initiative fosters women's contributions to rhinology research.

The Burg-Coleman Iowa State 77 ACI Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in civil engineering focused on concrete structures or materials. Recipients receive a $10,000 stipend for educational expenses, recognition in Concrete International magazine, and coverage of travel costs for two ACI conventions. Open to international students attending institutions in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, this fellowship fosters the next generation of leaders in the concrete industry.

The Experimental Physics Investigators Initiative, launched by the Gordon E. and Betty I. Moore Foundation, aims to support mid-career scientists in experimental physics. With a funding of $1,250,000 over five years, this program encourages innovative research and collaboration among scientists. Applicants from U.S. institutions are invited to submit pre-proposals, with about 50% advancing to full proposals. The initiative fosters inclusivity and equity while aiming to make significant impacts in the field of experimental physics.

The Samull Classroom Herb Garden Grant, established through a generous donation from Donald Samull, supports elementary classrooms (grades K-6) with at least ten students to create herb gardens. Grants of $500 are awarded annually to enhance curricula with hands-on learning experiences about herbs. Eligible classrooms may use funds for plants and necessary supplies like soil and tools. Applications are reviewed by a committee, ensuring equitable access to these educational resources.

The Ed Leo Scholarship supports graduating members of the Cedar Falls High School First Robotics Competition Team who meet specific criteria. If the team disbands, the fund will assist Cedar Falls High School students engaged in STEM activities or provide grants for personal finance education. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of B+ and a composite ACT score of 26, demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to academic excellence.

The Ames Tools Grant, initiated by the National Garden Club, Inc. in partnership with The Ames Companies, provides NGC member clubs the opportunity to select tools valued up to $250 for community gardening projects. Eligible projects must be conducted by NGC clubs between March 1 and September 30, 2025, and may involve collaboration with other organizations. Selection criteria include community impact, member involvement, tool necessity, and project uniqueness.

Enhearten Micro Grant supports unseen leaders by providing funding for community-driven projects that embody values of humility, integrity, and love. Grants range from $500 to $1,000 and are awarded after a thorough review process. Enhearten aims to empower these leaders, who often lack access to traditional funding sources, by fostering reparative networks that prioritize equality and justice. This initiative seeks to create opportunities for transformative community engagement and support.

The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque offers the Grants for Tech program, partnering with the University of Dubuque to assist small nonprofits in the area. Organizations without IT staff can apply for technology assessments and improvements, with grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. This initiative aims to enhance nonprofits' effectiveness and sustainability by providing essential technological support.

The Alfred P. Sloan Economics Grant Program aims to provide essential public goods through innovative research that enhances U.S. economic progress. With a focus on equity and technological advancement, the program supports projects addressing pressing economic issues, such as competitiveness, regional development, and the economics of caregiving. By fostering rigorous, unbiased research, the foundation seeks to empower communities and inform policy, ultimately improving quality of life across the nation.

The Albert J. Beveridge Grant for Research in the Western Hemisphere, awarded by the American Historical Association, supports research on the history of the United States, Canada, and Latin America. Grants, funded by the Beveridge Memorial Fund, are available annually and can cover various research expenses, including travel and access fees. Preference is given to advanced doctoral students and non-tenured faculty. Eligibility is limited to AHA members, ensuring a focus on high-quality historical scholarship.

The Friedrich Katz Prize in Latin American and Caribbean History, awarded by the American Historical Association, honors the best book published in English on Latin America, including the Caribbean, with a prize amount of $1,000. Eligibility includes books bearing a copyright of 2024, and nominations can be submitted by authors or publishers. Winners will be announced on the AHA website in October 2025 and recognized at the January 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Max Delbrück Prize in Biological Physics

To recognize and encourage outstanding achievement in biological physics research. The prize consists of $10,000, an allowance for travel to attend the meeting at which the prize is awarded, and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient or recipients. It is presented annually.

Prior to 2008, this prize was awarded as the Biological Physics Prize.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

The AHNS Presidential Award supports innovative research focused on understanding treatment resistance in head and neck cancer. With a funding amount of $10,000 for one year, eligible candidates include medical students, residents, and faculty at the associate professor level or below who are AHNS members in good standing. Projects must demonstrate a translational focus and collaboration across disciplines, aiming to yield actionable insights within the award period.

The AHNS Presidential Award supports innovative research targeting novel therapeutic approaches in head and neck cancer. With a funding amount of $15,000 for one year, this grant encourages projects that utilize advanced methodologies such as genomics and immune profiling. Applicants must be AHNS members in good standing and provide letters of support from their institution. The goal is to foster research that can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies for this challenging disease.

The Judson Daland Prize, awarded by the American Philosophical Society, honors outstanding achievements in patient-oriented research with a grant of $50,000. This prestigious award will be presented in November 2024, recognizing significant contributions in the field. Nominees must have conducted their work in a U.S. institution and should be no more than 15 years post-M.D. receipt, ensuring that emerging talents are acknowledged.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Norman F. Ramsey Prize in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, and in Precision Tests of Fundamental Laws and Symmetries

The Norman F. Ramsey Prize in Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, and in Precision Tests of Fundamental Laws and Symmetries recognizes outstanding accomplishments in the two fields of Norman Ramsey: atomic, molecular, and optical physics; and precision tests of fundamental laws and symmetries. The Prize consists of a $10,000 check, a certificate citing accomplishments, and travel support for the recipient to attend the DAMOP annual meeting at which the prize is presented.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline. 

Award

Deborah Jin Award for Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Research in Atomic, Molecular, or Optical Physics

This award recognizes doctoral thesis research of outstanding quality and achievement in atomic, molecular, or optical physics and encourages effective written and oral presentation of research results. The annual award is presented to one individual and consists of a $2,500 stipend and a certificate.

Finalists are invited to present their research at the annual DAMOP Meeting. All finalists will be reimbursed up to $1,000 for travel expenses.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Nominees for and holders of APS Honors (prizes, awards, and fellowship) and official leadership positions are expected to meet standards of professional conduct and integrity as described in the APS Ethics Standards. Violations of these standards may disqualify people from consideration or lead to revocation of honors or removal from office.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Physics Prize

The Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Physics Prize recognizes and encourages outstanding theoretical or experimental contributions to condensed matter physics. The prize consists of $20,000 and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient or recipients. It will be awarded annually.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Polymer Physics Prize

To recognize outstanding accomplishment and excellence of contributions in polymer physics research. The prize consists of $10,000, up to $1,500 in travel reimbursement, and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. It is presented annually.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Joseph F. Keithley Award For Advances in Measurement Science

To recognize physicists who have been instrumental in the development of measurement techniques or equipment that have impact on the physics community by providing better measurements. The prize consists of $5,000 and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. It is presented annually.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.