Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Iowa

The National Book Fund (NBF) offers grants to support adult education and literacy programs across the U.S. by providing New Readers Press materials. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000, with applications considered for higher amounts if justified. Eligible applicants must have a defined project and use materials directly with learners. Priority is given to nonprofit organizations providing free literacy instruction. Note that individuals and lending libraries are not eligible for funding.

The Dan Fouquette Scholarship, established by CommunityGiving, honors the legacy of Dan Fouquette, a founder of St. Cloud National Bank. This scholarship aims to support high school graduates pursuing careers in finance or business. Eligible applicants must apply online and have an account with the Scholarship Management System. The scholarship, valued at approximately $500, is available to students from select local high schools, fostering financial literacy and community engagement.

The Lora Dawson Davisson Memorial Scholarship, established by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, honors a 1982 graduate of Sheridan High School. This scholarship supports Perry County residents enrolled in vocational or degreed nursing programs (LPN, RN) who have completed their first semester. It aims to enhance educational opportunities and nurture future healthcare professionals in the community.

The Howard Mayer Brown Fellowship, administered by the American Musicological Society, supports graduate students from historically underrepresented groups at U.S. or Canadian universities. Established to enhance diversity in musicology, it offers a $25,000 stipend for one year of full-time study. Applicants are expected to have completed at least one year of graduate work and demonstrate academic excellence. The fellowship encourages institutions to provide additional financial support, fostering a vibrant academic community.

The Military Patient Relief Fund, launched by the National Breast Cancer Foundation in partnership with the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation, provides financial assistance up to $1,000 for eligible military members diagnosed with breast cancer. This fund addresses barriers to care such as transportation, childcare, housing, food insecurity, and medical costs. Our mission is to ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone, offering support and hope to those in need.

Who We Are

Nevada Women’s Fund is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to empowering women and strengthening communities across Nevada. Since our founding, we have worked to identify and fund critical initiatives that support women’s education, career development, and personal growth. Through scholarships, grants, and collaborative programs, we aim to break down barriers and create opportunities that foster self-sufficiency and achievement. Our mission is driven by a vision of a Nevada where women can thrive, lead, and make lasting contributions to their families, workplaces, and communities.

"The best way to empower women is to educate them.” ~ Michelle Obama

Scholarship History

Nevada Women's Fund scholarship program was established to empower women in Northern Nevada by supporting their educational pursuits. Since its inception, the program has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships to women across the region, helping them achieve their academic and career goals. Over the years, the program has expanded to include support for students in a variety of fields, with a focus on fostering economic self-sufficiency and professional advancement. Through this commitment, Nevada Women’s Fund continues to invest in the potential of women to drive positive change in their communities.

Workforce Ready Scholarships

These scholarships support individuals pursuing education and training pathways outside of a traditional academic degree program, such as:

• Certificate Programs
• Trade or Vocational Training
• Continuing Education or Professional Development
• Licensing

The MCSF Career & Technical Education Scholarship supports children of Marines pursuing non-degree certificate programs. It offers financial assistance to eligible applicants based on need, helping cover tuition, fees, and associated educational costs. With a minimum GPA requirement of 2.00 and a family income cap of $123,000, this scholarship ensures that all qualifying students have access to vocational training at accredited institutions. Applications are accepted year-round, providing flexibility for students.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Holland Doctors of Audiology Scholarship

• Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student who attends/attended public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation or in Hamilton or Saugatuck
• Enrolling/enrolled at an accredited post-secondary school within the United States
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• Hard of hearing and hearing aid user and/or admitted and enrolling/enrolled at an accredited program in audiology (graduate-level candidates)
• Hard of hearing and hearing aid user and/or interested in studying audiology or hearing science (undergraduate-level candidates)
• Involvement in the school’s music program preferred.
• Potentially renewable for three additional years.

The Darrell Wolf Trades Scholarship, established by the Clintonville Area Foundation, honors a self-taught machinist and 1982 Marion High School graduate. This $500 non-renewable scholarship supports students from the Marion or Clintonville School Districts pursuing a degree in welding or machining at an accredited technical college. Preference is given to those with relevant apprenticeship experience. Financial need is also considered, ensuring that deserving students can further their education and skills in the trades.

The NRF Foundation Rising Stars Scholarship aims to inspire high school students to explore diverse career paths in the retail industry. By encouraging early participation in the NRF Foundation Student Program, the scholarship allows nominated freshmen and sophomores to gain invaluable insights. Eligible students, nominated by university members, receive a $1,000 travel stipend for the program held in New York City from January 8-11, 2026, fostering their academic and professional growth.

The ENF Community Investments Program offers Gratitude Grants between $3,000 and $5,000 to Elks Lodges that have met the GER’s per-member-giving goal. These grants empower Lodges to enhance community service and foster local engagement, supporting initiatives that promote health, education, and welfare. The program exemplifies the Elks' commitment to charity and community improvement, showcasing their dedication to building stronger neighborhoods and helping those in need.

The Alice and William Johnson Foundation Scholarship is managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, aimed at supporting graduating seniors from Fauquier County public high schools. This scholarship, which values education and community commitment, provides $5,000 annually for four-year universities and $2,500 for two-year schools, with renewal options available. Priority is given to students demonstrating financial need, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their educational aspirations.

The RFA-FD-23-001 funding opportunity aims to support clinical trials for orphan products targeting rare diseases. It focuses on evaluating the efficacy and safety of treatments to address unmet medical needs. By promoting innovative and collaborative trial designs, the FDA seeks to enhance the approval rates of effective therapies for rare conditions, ultimately benefiting patients and advancing drug development in this critical area.

The Vets Serving Vets Scholarship, established by North Central Washington Vets Serving Vets through the Community Foundation of NCW, supports residents of Chelan and Douglas counties who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces. This scholarship is aimed at individuals pursuing full-time college education, helping them achieve their academic goals while honoring their service. Since its inception in 2017, it has played a vital role in assisting veterans in their educational journeys.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the development of medical products in rare diseases through innovative natural history studies. By generating high-quality data, the FDA seeks to bridge critical knowledge gaps and eliminate barriers in rare disease research. The initiative focuses on diseases with unmet needs, fostering significant impacts for those affected and facilitating the development of effective therapeutic solutions.

The John Taylor Babbitt Foundation offers grants to support nonprofit organizations in preventing sudden cardiac death through initiatives such as acquiring AEDs and providing CPR training. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and should include a detailed estimate of funding needs and commitments. The foundation emphasizes timely use of funds and adherence to safety regulations, ensuring a positive impact on diverse populations, including student athletes and vulnerable groups.

ONEOK's Scholarship Program provides financial support for dependents of ONEOK employees aiming for higher education. Annually, up to twelve scholarships are available: $5,000 per year for four years (max $20,000) or $2,500 per year for two years (max $5,000). Eligible applicants must be high school seniors or graduates with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The program encourages academic excellence and civic leadership, fostering the next generation of leaders from ONEOK families.

Dale and Tillie Jessup Scholarship

The Dale and Tillie Jessup Scholarship is intended for graduating high school seniors who have attended a Greene County high school for all four years and have been a resident of Greene County or Clay County for those four years. Applicant must be planning to major, on a full-time basis, in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Dale and Tillie Jessup established a unique scholarship fund for Greene County high school graduating seniors. The Jessup’s donated 100 acres of farm land to the Foundation. The land is leased for farming and the proceeds are used to provide scholarships to students in financial need. Students awarded the Jessup scholarship as a graduating high school senior may re-apply in subsequent years for additional awards.

The Lovisa Card Catlin Art Scholarship, administered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie County high schools pursuing further education in art, architecture, or industrial art. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students for post-secondary education. Applicants must submit up to six examples of their artwork in JPEG format along with a completed application. This scholarship fosters artistic talent and encourages educational advancement in creative fields.

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

Masonic Lodge Scholarship

About the fund

These funds are focused on providing scholarships to students and historically underserved youth in Benton County, thereby encouraging them to complete their education at a public institution.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Future of Work Grant Program seeks innovative research proposals that explore the impact of job quality changes on low- and moderately paid workers in the U.S. The program emphasizes studies on employer practices, labor market dynamics, and public policies. It prioritizes projects utilizing new data or unique methods, focusing on issues like job automation, labor market shifts post-COVID-19, and the effects of emerging technologies on workforce wellbeing.

The Stephen Francis McNally Scholarship Fund offers need-based scholarships up to $4,250 for undergraduate students at UNCF-member institutions or accredited HBCUs. Established in honor of Steve McNally, this fund aims to support students facing financial challenges that hinder their college completion. With over 70% graduation rates for recipients, the scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens but also empowers students to thrive and succeed in their academic pursuits.

The AAUW Branch and State Affiliate Community Action Grants aim to empower AAUW branches and state organizations by providing up to $10,000 for innovative STEM programming targeted at girls in grades K-12. This initiative is designed to foster hands-on learning experiences, expand local impact, and showcase AAUW's commitment to gender equity in STEM. By collaborating with other organizations, AAUW seeks to build confidence and inspire the next generation of female STEM leaders.

The Dale & Delores Willi Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, provides financial support to students from Hudson High School or homeschool programs who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to pursue music in college. This scholarship awards $2,000 per year for up to two years, focusing on applicants who demonstrate financial need and a strong passion for music, thereby aiding their academic and musical development.

The Carter Creech Scholarship offers financial support up to $8,000 for graduating seniors of Troy Buchanan High School in Missouri who aim to pursue a four-year degree. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, achieve an ACT score of 27 or higher, and rank in the top 10% of their class. This scholarship encourages academic excellence and allows recipients to reapply annually for up to $32,000 over four years, fostering educational opportunities in the community.

The Charles E. Crow Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1953, supports graduates of Big Pasture High School in Randlett, Oklahoma, by providing a one-year scholarship up to $5,000. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for students pursuing college, community college, or trade school certifications. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8. By investing in the potential of local youth, this fund contributes to building thriving communities and advancing equity in education.

About Us

Our Mission

We create lasting impact through asset development, nonprofit capacity building, and community leadership. 

Our Vision

To enrich the lives of Wabash County residents by fostering opportunity, inspiring generosity, and building a thriving connected community. 

Our Scholarships

For High School Seniors & Non Traditional Students who are beginning college more than one year after high school.

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.    

Blair and Marie Tate Scholarship Endowment

Through her will, Marie Tate honored the memory of her late husband, Blair Tate, by establishing this scholarship to assist deserving students of any Wabash County high school who have financial need. Mrs. Tate wanted to be sure that the scholarship was available to both students pursuing academic careers and those pursuing vocational training. The Tates had no children of their own, but through this scholarship, offered an inheritance to all students of Wabash County as if they were true heirs of a family estate.