Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Iowa

The Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants (2027) aim to enhance library services for Native Hawaiian communities. Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, this program empowers organizations to adapt to evolving information needs, promoting wellness and knowledge sharing. By supporting unique priorities across various islands, it fosters stronger community resource centers that serve the cultural and informational needs of Native Hawaiian users effectively.

About The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. Our team of experienced staff and dedicated trustees is committed to boldly leading and supporting transformational community investments. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.

No organization has all the answers, but together, with our partners and donors, we have the means and the will to chart a new course—one that will build upon generations of philanthropy and strengthen the fabric of Herkimer and Oneida counties.

Adirondack Construction Scholarship

A scholarship established by Adirondack Construction in Vernon to support the future career goals of students pursuing business or construction management.

The Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) Program aims to support federally recognized AI/AN Tribes and organizations in developing a workforce of researchers focused on AI/AN health disparities. This initiative, funded by the NIH, provides phased support for training and mentoring activities that equip individuals with the necessary skills to conduct culturally responsible biomedical research, ultimately guiding them towards successful careers in the biomedical research field.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Richard G. Snyder Family Scholarship

The Richard G. Snyder Family Scholarship for the Fields of Agriculture and the Fields of the Earth and Mineral Sciences was established to provide funds for scholarships for students majoring in the fields of agriculture or the fields of the earth and mineral sciences. 

The C Spire Wireless Foundation Grant supports STEM education initiatives in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. Aimed at 501(c)(3) organizations, it focuses on projects that enhance digital literacy, technology skills, and workforce development. With a commitment to community transformation, the foundation prioritizes local projects that improve tech education and broadband access, creating a stronger future for the region. Applications must be submitted 150 days before the event, with a review period of up to four weeks.

The C Spire Wireless Foundation provides sponsorships primarily focused on STEM education, aiming to enhance digital literacy and workforce development in underserved communities. Organizations eligible for support must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities dedicated to these educational initiatives. Preference is given to projects based in the foundation's service region. Proposals should be submitted at least 90 days prior to events for consideration, with a review process taking two to three weeks.

The Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture (2027) program aims to strengthen American Latino history and culture museums by enhancing their capacity to serve communities. It supports initiatives that foster professional development within these cultural institutions, ensuring they can effectively promote and preserve Latino heritage. This grant, offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is crucial for advancing the growth of a dedicated workforce in the American Latino cultural sector.

The Hagerstown Garden Club Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Washington County, supports Washington County residents pursuing education in horticulture. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors and current college students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship honors the legacy of the Hagerstown Garden Club and is part of a broader initiative to enhance community life through educational opportunities, fostering both personal and professional growth in the horticultural field.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) aims to enhance broadband access and adoption on Tribal lands, supporting initiatives for remote learning, telework, and telehealth. Administered by NTIA, this program provides vital funding to eligible entities under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This funding is crucial for fostering digital inclusion and improving connectivity in underserved Tribal communities.

The Guido's Fresh Marketplace Scholarship Fund, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Guido Masiero, a dedicated educator and entrepreneur. This scholarship aims to support graduating high school students from public schools in Pittsfield, Lenox, or Great Barrington, Massachusetts, who are pursuing higher education in physical education, health, wellness, or business studies. The fund reflects the foundation's mission to enhance community opportunities and economic mobility.

The Madelyn L. Laschober Endowment Fund, established by the Partners of the Americas Foundation, supports projects focused on youth, education, and microenterprise development. Offering an annual grant of up to $1,000, this initiative honors Mrs. Laschober's legacy and her contributions to Latin America. Through this fund, Partners of the Americas aims to empower communities and foster meaningful connections across the Western Hemisphere, reinforcing the importance of education and entrepreneurship.

The ONEOK Foundation Community Investments Grants support organizations that enhance community well-being through arts, education, health, and environmental initiatives. With a focus on partnerships in the regions where ONEOK operates, the foundation encourages proposals that address specific community needs, particularly those promoting self-sufficiency. Grants up to $5,000 can be submitted any time, while larger requests are reviewed quarterly. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that directly benefit their local communities.

Monarch Watch offers a Free Milkweeds Grant for habitat restoration projects aimed at supporting the monarch butterfly population. The program provides free milkweed plugs to schools and educational non-profits that demonstrate clear educational goals, long-term maintenance plans, and adequate space for the plants. With over 730,000 milkweeds distributed since 2015, this initiative plays a vital role in restoring habitats along key migration routes in the eastern and western U.S.

The Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages aims to foster viable communities by providing funding for decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals. Notably, the program also includes Imminent Threat Grants to address urgent public health or safety issues. These competitive grants are essential for enhancing community welfare and addressing immediate challenges faced by tribal residents.

Enhance Hamilton County Foundation

The mission of the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the quality of life for citizens in Hamilton County. To these ends, the Foundation will promote endowment collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of the designated area.

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Greater Des Moines Foundation. The founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that our communities’ charitable programs were supported now and in the future.

EHCF Annual Grant Program - Health

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation will provide grants to improve the quality of life throughout Hamilton County, Iowa. We want to help develop all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as, to benefit rural areas of the county.

The Foundation supports the spirit of giving throughout Hamilton County by providing outstanding support and services to our donors, volunteers, other charitable-focused agencies, grant seekers, and the community. We achieve this by:

• Helping people realize their dreams of making a difference and finding the best vehicle to achieve that, by designing and implementing their charitable giving plans.
• Facilitating and supporting the works of charitable-focused organizations in Hamilton County through strategic grant making.
• Acting as stewards for the community by managing donor funds.
• Bringing diverse groups together for the common good.

Competitive grants are made available yearly from unrestricted funds, one of which is: 

 Health – General, rehabilitative, mental, etc.

The Thad G. Gayman Memorial Scholarship Fund honors Thad Gayman, a dedicated automotive technician and Northern York High School alumnus who tragically passed away at age 23. Established to support students in automotive technology, this fund emphasizes academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to the field. Extra consideration is given to graduates from Northern York High School. This one-time scholarship aims to empower future automotive professionals in honor of Thad's legacy.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

AWS Future Leaders Program 2026

Become an AWS Future Leader

The AWS Future Leaders Program is a career-transforming opportunity for early-career professionals looking to step into leadership within the welding industry.

Gain unparalleled access to industry experts, contribute to AWS’s governance, and shape the future of welding. Our mission is to empower the next generation of leaders with diverse perspectives, ensuring the welding industry reflects the needs of tomorrow.

Why join the AWS Future Leaders Program

Shape the future of welding. Gain mentorship, leadership experience, and industry connections while representing the next generation of welding professionals.

The Amgen Foundation Inc focuses on non-healthcare donations and sponsorships that target humanitarian, social, educational, and community programs. They offer support to organizations outside the U.S. healthcare community, particularly those recognized as tax-exempt public charities. Eligible organizations must serve specific Amgen communities throughout the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance health outcomes and address critical societal needs, thereby reducing the burden of disease and improving lives.

The David C. J. Peters Scholarship, established by Southland Industries in honor of ASHRAE member David Peters, offers a one-year scholarship to qualified undergraduate students in mechanical or architectural engineering. Candidates must be enrolled full-time in a bachelor's program at designated institutions and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or be in the top 30% of their class. This initiative supports the mission of ASHRAE to promote sustainable practices in engineering.

The Andrea Wagner Women in Science Scholarship Fund, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, offers financial support to female students in the region pursuing degrees in math, chemistry, physics, engineering, or biology. To qualify, applicants must be residents of the Berkshire Taconic region, enrolled as freshmen, sophomores, or juniors at a four-year college, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3. This initiative aims to empower women in science and foster educational advancement.

The PROTECT Competitive Grant Program aims to enhance the resilience of surface transportation systems, including highways and public transit, through innovative projects. With up to $787 million available from FYs 2024-2026, the program focuses on protecting transportation assets and communities, ensuring they can withstand challenges and recover quickly. This initiative also emphasizes the importance of coastal and natural infrastructure in safeguarding transportation networks. More details can be found in the full NOFO on Grants.gov.

The Urban Indian Health Program - Education & Research collaborates with the US Dept. of Health & Human Services to enhance educational and research opportunities for urban Indian populations. This initiative aims to address health disparities and ensure that urban Indians have access to quality health services and information. By partnering with various urban Indian organizations, the program fosters community engagement and empowers individuals through education and research, ultimately improving health outcomes.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is dedicated to advancing emergency care through the Strategies to Innovate Emergency Care Clinical Trials Network (SIREN). This initiative seeks to establish clinical enrollment hubs that will enhance the network's ability to conduct trials aimed at improving outcomes for patients experiencing neurological and cardiovascular emergencies. Although applications are not currently being accepted, this notice encourages potential applicants to prepare collaborative and impactful proposals.

The SHAPE America: Joy of Effort Award recognizes dedicated individuals who exemplify the spirit of commitment and passion in health and physical education. Awardees are current SHAPE America members with at least three years of membership, demonstrating excellence in teaching, coaching, or leadership. This prestigious award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to the field, inspiring others to lead healthy, active lives through their efforts in education and advocacy.

The Tribal Management Grant program is designed to empower tribes and tribal organizations by enabling them to take over functions and services of the Indian Health Service. Under the Public Law 93-638, this initiative aims to enhance their health management capabilities, fostering self-determination and improved healthcare delivery. The Indian Health Service plans to provide between five and sixteen awards to support this vital development in tribal health management.

The Cold Noses Foundation Grant aims to support organizations dedicated to the humane treatment of animals, including domestic pets, wildlife, and farm animals. Grants are available to U.S. non-profits and selected international equivalents with an annual income of $200,000 or less. The foundation emphasizes accountability, requiring detailed financial reporting and adherence to ethical standards. Deadlines for applications vary by region, ensuring timely funding for impactful animal welfare projects.

The Dubuque Racing Association Core Grants aim to enhance community betterment through non-profit initiatives focused on population growth and tourism. These grants prioritize capacity building alongside material purchases, supporting organizations that align with the mission to foster economic vitality in the tri-state area. Eligible applicants include non-profits with specific IRS designations, emphasizing projects that strengthen local resources and improve quality of life while adhering to strict funding guidelines.