Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Iowa

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is a sovereign nation and has three main branches of government – Judicial, Executive, and Legislative. One of our most important resources is our people.

Education

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz seeks to provide opportunities for Tribal members to reach potential, establish independence and improve quality of life through lifelong learning and education.

Cathern Tufts Memorial Scholarship

Cathern Tufts, affectionately known as “Cat” in the offices of the CTSI administrative offices and Tribal elder woodcuts, was the Tribal Attorney for fourteen and a half years until she passed in 2018 following a short illness. She was a Siletz Tribal member who graduated from Arizona State University School of Law. She served an internship in Washington D.C. prior to going to work as an attorney. Her parents and friends wished to honor her life and achievements through this memorial scholarship. This scholarship is for students in pre-law, law, or in a natural resource field.

The AAAE Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship, provided by the AAAE Foundation, supports ethnic diversity students pursuing aviation studies in the U.S. or Canada. With two awards of $5,000 each, recipients are chosen based on their academic achievements, financial need, and community involvement. Eligible applicants include college juniors, seniors, or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to foster future leaders in the aviation industry, enhancing diversity and inclusion.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is set to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for research on isolated human islets as a diabetes treatment. This initiative aims to gather data from clinical trials, aiding the research community in future publications and trial designs. While applications are not currently being accepted, potential applicants are encouraged to start forming collaborations and consider applying when the opportunity opens.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship supports innovative and fundamental research by early-career scientists across various fields. This prestigious two-year fellowship offers $75,000 in a lump sum, allowing recipients to allocate funds towards research-related expenses. Eligible candidates must hold a Ph.D. and be tenure-track faculty at U.S. or Canadian institutions. The fellowship aims to nurture the next generation of leaders in research and academia.

Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network Grant

How the Public Exchange Network Works

No single university – even a large R1 – has enough faculty expertise available to meet the needs of every partner. The Public Exchange Network was designed to help universities work together seamlessly to build robust partnerships and generate more collective impact. Universities joining the network are independent but affiliated members, with full control over their own program and project portfolios. As a national network with local, on-the-ground capacity, Public Exchange Network members can also share approaches that work, scale solutions to common problems, and build cross-regional partnerships together. 

As an institutional partner in the Public Exchange Network, universities will build capacity to develop, test and implement solutions to the most urgent problems in their regions and beyond. Universities joining the Public Exchange Network get:

• The tools, templates and training they need to start right away;
• A shared brand they can plug into on day one;
• A network of faculty, past and potential partners and philanthropic relationships, benefitting everyone in the network. 

Public Exchange Network Expansion grants will cover 75-80% of the minimum estimated annual costs for two years to launch a new Public Exchange. To launch a Public Exchange, universities must have the following in place: (1) a staff executive director with experience launching and leading social impact partnerships, (2) a project seed fund, and (3) a modest operations budget. We also recommend some in-kind project management support from an existing university staff member. The grant includes a two-year Public Exchange Executive Director (ED) compensation subsidy of $300,000 to launch the Public Exchange on campus, and a 2-year license to use the Public Exchange brand. New Public Exchange Network members will also receive ongoing support and guidance from current Public Exchange leadership and staff at USC and WashU, including recruitment support and intensive training for hiring and onboarding an executive director, a sub-site on the Public Exchange website, incubation and project management support from current Public Exchange staff, and a suite of tools for developing and implementing Public Exchange projects.

The Armando "Frank" Quaglia Veteran's Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports full-time graduate or upper-level undergraduate students from Kent or Ionia County pursuing healthcare or engineering degrees. With a minimum 3.0 GPA, preference is given to veterans and their families. This scholarship aims to eliminate barriers to education, fostering academic success and connecting students to opportunities in West Michigan's inclusive community.

About Us

Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. is a public, 501-C-3 charity. There are 30 community foundations in Wisconsin and more than 750 in the nation. The purpose of all community foundations is to accumulate charitable dollars that impact a specific geographic region in areas such as education, the arts, economic development, recreation, environmental protection, health care, and social services. They may be relatively small, as we are (assets of $14 million), or very large, as is the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (assets over $400 million).

Most people are familiar with private foundations, established by individuals, families, or corporations. Typically, in order to establish a private foundation, one has to have considerable wealth. You could say Community Foundations are much more democratic. We are, in a sense, an umbrella foundation containing many small foundations. We call those small foundations “funds.”

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Sophia Smrz Memorial Scholarship (2025)

The ScotiaRISE initiative by Scotiabank aims to foster economic resilience among disadvantaged groups over ten years, with a budget of $500 million. By focusing on enhancing educational opportunities, facilitating employment for newcomers, and removing barriers to career advancement, ScotiaRISE seeks to create a more inclusive society. This program highlights the importance of collective efforts in supporting individuals and communities to thrive, ensuring everyone has the chance to rise above challenges and contribute positively to their environments.

The NC Hunter and Jumper Association’s Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports individuals pursuing higher education who have engaged in equestrian activities. Open to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, the scholarship aims to assist those attending various educational institutions in the United States. Applications for NCCF scholarships will be accepted from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026. Be sure to check specific eligibility requirements for each scholarship.

The Fellowship Training Award by the Rheumatology Research Foundation aims to enhance the rheumatology workforce by supporting fellows in ACGME-accredited training programs. The award provides $50,000 per year for up to three years, ensuring a steady supply of qualified rheumatology providers and educators. Special emphasis is placed on supporting underrepresented populations in medicine. This initiative is crucial for improving patient care in rheumatic diseases across diverse communities.

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.

NAFC Patient Care Fund

The NAFC Patient Care Fund supports direct patient services that expand immediate access to care. This funding is designed to help NAFC members meet urgent patient needs by supporting clinical supplies, expanded services, contracted providers, transportation assistance, medication access, and other direct care resources.

The Edith M. Pritchard Scholarship, offered by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education and public health. Applicants must hold a current RN license, maintain a GPA of 3.6, and have at least two semesters of study remaining post-award notification. This scholarship promotes nursing leadership and is funded through donations, reflecting over a century of commitment to nursing education.

The Clinician Scholar Educator Award, funded by the Rheumatology Research Foundation, aims to enhance education in musculoskeletal and rheumatic diseases for future healthcare professionals. With an award amount of $210,000 over three years, this program supports rheumatology professionals dedicated to education and training, ensuring a well-prepared workforce to meet the growing needs of patients with rheumatic diseases.

Cures Within Reach

Cures Within Reach is the philanthropic leader in drug, device and nutraceutical repurposing research, which has the potential to transform the lives of patients with unsolved diseases by delivering treatments that can be used in the near-term. Our focus: we find and fund proof-of-concept clinical trials that, once successful, de-risk and catalyze follow-on funding, building the clinical evidence required for regulatory approval or to support off-label use by patients everywhere.

Clinical Repurposing Research to Impact US Veterans/Military

This Request for Proposals (RFP) from Cures Within Reach (CWR) is seeking clinical repurposing trials from US-based research institutions using already approved treatments to address unmet and high-priority medical needs of US veterans and/or active US military, such as mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and brain injuries. Our strongest preference is for proof of concept, pivotal, Phase I or Phase IIA clinical repurposing trials. Eligible trials may be conducted at accredited US-based academic, nonprofit and governmental research institutions and/or health systems involved with medical research, including Veterans Administration (VA) health systems and hospitals. 

Repurposed therapies must be approved and/or generally recognized as safe for human use by some regulatory agency, such as the US Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, Health Canada or Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, and may include drugs, devices, nutraceuticals or diagnostics, as well as combination therapies. These repurposed therapies must be tested in a new indication for which they are not already approved or used widely in clinical practice as standard of care. Repurposed therapies also may be added to current standard of care to improve patient outcomes and/or quality of life.

About Scholarships

Through the incredible generosity of our donors, the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound manages 26 scholarship funds that offer a wide range of scholarship awards and encourage students of all backgrounds and educational interests to apply. We also want to extend a sincere thank you to our many scholarship donors, advisors, and scholarship committee members for their investment in our student's bright futures this year and for many years to come!

Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship

The Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship Fund was established by the Learning Seed Foundation to assist graduating high school seniors in Thurston and Pierce counties in obtaining a higher education. This scholarship is designed to benefit primarily students of color who have overcome significant obstacles and demonstrate a commitment to others. The scholarship has the potential to be renewed for up to an additional 3 years of undergraduate education. Reapplication each year is required.

The Resident Research Preceptorship, funded by the Rheumatology Research Foundation, offers a $15,000 award for a three-month, full-time research experience. This initiative aims to inspire medical residents to explore careers in rheumatology research, enhancing the future workforce. By fostering mentorship and hands-on learning, the program supports the development of skilled rheumatology professionals, ultimately improving patient care for those with rheumatic diseases.

The Alkermes Pathways Research Awards program aims to foster research in neuroscience, specifically targeting schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. With grants up to $100,000, it supports early-career investigators exploring critical areas, including sleep and circadian disturbances related to these conditions. This initiative addresses the urgent need for innovative solutions in mental health research, empowering the next generation of scientists to make impactful contributions in understanding and treating these complex disorders.

The Mentored Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Award for Workforce Expansion, funded by the Rheumatology Research Foundation, aims to increase the number of rheumatology healthcare providers across the U.S. This initiative addresses the growing demand for specialists, particularly in underserved areas. With an award amount of $25,000 for one year, it equips new NP/PAs with essential skills and knowledge needed for successful integration into rheumatology practices, enhancing patient access to quality care.

The ABPN Dorthea Juul, PhD, Education Research Award offers up to $100,000 for research projects aligned with the ABPN's mission of enhancing lifelong learning and certification standards for psychiatrists and neurologists. Two awards each in psychiatry and neurology are available annually, with projects lasting up to two years. Eligible applicants must hold faculty appointments or have confirmed offers, comply with conflict of interest policies, and, if MDs or DOs, maintain ABPN certification and licensure.

The Robert L. Johnson Memorial Research Grant, offered by the Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society, supports graduate students in aquatic plant management with grants of up to $10,000. This initiative promotes research that advances the management of aquatic ecosystems and fosters educational opportunities. Recipients are required to present their findings at the annual conference, contributing to the society's mission of sustainable aquatic resource management and ecological preservation.

The Rheumatology Future Physician Scientist Award aims to enhance the research training of promising students pursuing MD or DO degrees, including those in combined programs. This award supports emerging physician-scientists, promoting their investigative careers in rheumatology. Grants of up to $30,000 per year are available for research projects aligned with the Rheumatology Research Foundation's mission, which focuses on improving patient health outcomes in rheumatic diseases.

The Health Professional Online Education Grant, offered by the Rheumatology Research Foundation, aims to enhance the skills of non-physician rheumatology professionals. By covering registration costs for the Advanced Rheumatology Course, this grant addresses the growing need for knowledgeable healthcare providers in rheumatology, ensuring better patient care for those with rheumatic diseases. This initiative supports the Foundation's mission to cultivate a robust workforce and improve health outcomes for patients.

The NRF Foundation Retail Management Scholarship, in partnership with CVS Health, is designed to inspire undergraduate students to pursue careers in retail leadership. Eligible candidates can receive a $10,000 scholarship and attend the NRF Foundation Student Program in NYC in January 2026. This program provides networking opportunities with top retail executives and recruiters, along with insights into career pathways in the retail industry, making it a valuable experience for aspiring leaders.

The Jenna’s Rainbow Moving Forward Grant, offered by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, provides crucial financial assistance to adult survivors of brain or spinal cord tumors. Aimed at fostering independence, this grant supports costs associated with job transitions, new living situations, and resources to enhance self-sufficiency. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, diagnosed before 21, and not have received recent funding from CBTF or JRF. This initiative empowers survivors to overcome challenges and move forward in their lives.

The Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act Program provides funding to enhance the health status of Native Hawaiians through comprehensive health care services. This initiative supports one administrative award to Papa Ola Lokahi and five awards to certified Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems. The program aims to ensure tailored health promotion and disease prevention services within island communities, addressing specific regional health needs from fiscal years 2027 to 2031.