Best Grants for Nonprofit Human Services in Iowa

The Cass County Community Foundation Grant, administered by the Omaha Community Foundation, supports projects that enhance the quality of life in Cass County. With two application cycles annually, this grant funds initiatives in civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. Grants can cover capital projects or specific program activities aimed at creating lasting impacts. Applications must be submitted online by the deadline, with no extensions allowed for weekends or holidays.

The Crawford County Community Foundation Grant, established in 2005, aims to enhance the quality of life in Crawford County by addressing community needs in civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. This grant emphasizes the importance of collaboration, diversity, and impactful giving through partnerships with nonprofits and local leaders. Note that Page and Crawford counties operate on an invite-only basis for the Fall Cycle, with the next open grant cycle scheduled for Spring 2026.

The Audubon County Community Foundation Grant, established in 1997, aims to enhance the quality of life in Audubon County. It provides funding for projects in civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. With two application cycles each year, this grant supports both capital projects and specific programs that create lasting impacts. All submitted applications must be made online by the specified deadlines, with no extensions for weekends or holidays.

The Festus & Helen Stacy Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations worldwide, especially those focusing on evangelism, leadership development, holistic ministries, and media outreach. Established in 1980, the foundation aims to support projects that address the needs of the marginalized and promote generous giving. Grants are typically awarded for specific initiatives in South Florida, nationally, and internationally, particularly in emerging nations. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) to be eligible.

The Zimmerman, Edward and Beverly Memorial Scholarship Fund offers $1,000 to West Noble High School seniors pursuing higher education at a college or university, with priority given to those demonstrating community service and maintaining a GPA between 2.50 and 3.00. Preference is also given to students studying agriculture, education, social work, or accounting. This scholarship reflects the values of its donors, Edward and Beverly, who were dedicated community members and supporters of local education.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation offers Reintegration Grants aimed at supporting individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. By focusing on abilities rather than symptoms, the foundation promotes recovery through various programs. Their funding helps organizations that maintain a commitment to mental health, ensuring that recipients receive necessary support, such as scholarships and facility management, to enhance their quality of life. The foundation believes in empowering individuals to actively participate in their recovery journey.

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.

The Jaspers Family Foundation Fund of Worth County, established by the Jaspers Family with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, aims to enhance life in Worth County, Iowa. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, focusing on areas such as arts, education, community betterment, health, and environmental welfare. The fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate community need and sustainability, with a minimum request of $1,000 and approximately $45,000 available for funding.

The Howard County Community Foundation Grants support projects that enhance the quality of life in Howard County, Iowa. With a minimum grant request of $1,000 and awards ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, the foundation prioritizes community needs and broad-based support. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities that demonstrate feasibility and sustainability. The foundation seeks projects that foster collaboration, address community needs, and show long-term impact to create lasting legacies in the area.

The Inspired to Serve Scholarship Fund honors Seigo and Hisaye Kagawa, providing support for Kauai residents pursuing graduate studies in social justice, public service, education, or health. Established in 2016, it aims to assist students who demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0, and commit to full-time studies at colleges in Hawaii or the mainland. This initiative encourages future leaders to engage with their communities and contribute to meaningful change.

The AFI Grant, administered by the Adient Foundation, Inc., supports charitable organizations across the U.S. with a focus on philanthropic efforts. These one-time grants do not guarantee future funding, emphasizing a need for organizations to demonstrate sound management and community impact. Each year, past recipients must reapply under the standard application process, ensuring that support aligns with equal opportunity objectives and the Foundation's mission to complement public funding.

Nonprofit, IRS-recognized human and social service organizations in Iowa can seek multi-year or one-time support for charitable programs through grants that also serve the broader U.S. Adient Foundation supports a wide range of community-focused initiatives, and proposals are evaluated on organizational capacity, community relationships, and commitment to equal opportunity objectives.

Nonprofit organizations in Iowa seeking support for operations, infrastructure, or software and technology upgrades can apply for capacity-building grants from the Community Foundation of Johnson County. Awards up to US $2,500 help strengthen organizational growth and sustainability, including for new, grassroots, and BIPOC-led human and social services groups in Johnson County.

Nonprofit human and social service organizations in Iowa’s Scott County can seek $25,000 - $50,000 for special initiatives, expanded programming, or capital expenses. With a mission to support community needs, Moline Regional Community Foundation also funds arts, education, environment, and community and economic development projects serving its multi-county region.

Nonprofit organizations providing human and social services, health, or education programs in Iowa can seek funding to support medical research, medical education, or basic human services projects. Warren Alpert Foundation prioritizes the New England area but accepts U.S. proposals, offering up to US $25,000 through this grants program.

Nonprofit organizations conducting medical research, health education, or human services work in Iowa can seek more than US $25,000 to advance public health. Warren Alpert Foundation provides U.S. health and medical education programs with support for basic, translational, and outcomes research, and may benefit human and social service nonprofits with health-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit human service organizations focused on basic human needs or education around Constitutional freedoms may be eligible for this funding, including those serving Iowa. Focused on human and social services and civic education, the Ken W Davis Foundation offers grants of more than US $2,500 to 501(c)(3) organizations across the U.S.

Graduate and medical students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows conducting human sexuality or sexual wellness research in the U.S. or Canada can receive US $5,000 to support research-related expenses. Focused on sexual health and human services, the Sexual Medicine Society of North America prioritizes projects on sexuality, sexual wellness, gender identity, and underserved populations.

Human services organizations in Iowa partnering with academic researchers may be eligible for funding to support studies on human sexuality, sexual wellness, or gender identity. Focused on sexuality research, the Sexual Medicine Society of North America invites projects conducted in the U.S. or Canada that can advance sexual health for diverse and historically underserved populations.

Nonprofit human and social services organizations assisting children and families affected by crises in Iowa may be eligible for crisis support through CAPTRUST Community Foundation. CAPTRUST Community Foundation supports human and social services in Iowa by funding charities helping those severely impacted by natural disasters or other crises that undermine a family’s ability to thrive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in McCallsburg, Iowa can seek project funding that benefits local residents across arts, education, health, human services, environment, and community improvement. Grants from Story County Community Foundation are fiscally sponsored and distributed by the City of McCallsburg, and may support human and social services initiatives in Iowa communities.

Nonprofit human services and related charities in Iowa communities near CBE offices can seek funding for general operations, new or ongoing programs, capital needs, or equipment. CBE Companies also considers arts and culture, education, health, and broader human services organizations, offering flexible support to strengthen local quality of life.

Registered nonprofit and charitable organizations providing human and social services in Iowa can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives funding to support programs that build strong communities, improve economic mobility, or advance sustainability. Eligible U.S. and Canadian charities must complete a brief eligibility assessment before submitting a proposal online.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running educational, human and social services, health, arts, or historic preservation programs can apply for support from Valley Foundation. Focused on improving quality of life, it funds groups primarily serving Santa Clara County residents; Iowa human services nonprofits with relevant programs may also be eligible within its broader U.S. scope.

The NAILBA Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support small, well-managed U.S. charities that assist those in need, particularly children. Grants are available to organizations with backing from a NAILBA member and that meet specific criteria, such as nonsectarian operation and appropriate fiscal accountability. Since its inception in 2002, the foundation has invested in community transformation by funding initiatives that directly engage in beneficial services, thereby enhancing the welfare of underprivileged groups.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.