Best Grants for Preschools in Iowa

The Gloria Belle Memorial Scholarship, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors pioneering bluegrass musician Gloria Bernadette Flickinger. This $1,000 annual scholarship supports students engaged in the bluegrass music community, either as performers or in supportive roles. With over $25,000 raised since June 2024, the scholarship aims to expand funding to $2,000 annually by 2025, promoting education and participation in bluegrass music.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians

The IBMA Foundation is proud to host the Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians. The Bright family of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Thomas J. Brown of Dalton, Georgia; and Barbara Martin Stephens of Madison, Tennessee made combined gifts of $29,000 in 2020 to create the fund that will benefit young people interested in learning to play bluegrass music and endow it for decades to come.

The Bright family is committed to supporting the endowment, and they welcome donations from others interested in helping young musicians achieve their bluegass education goals.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants up to $500 per applicant are awarded to help cover expenses of lessons, educational materials, instrument rental or purchase, workshops, and camps. Young bluegrass musicians at all levels may apply for assistance. Financial need will be considered, but is not required to receive a Bright grant. Applications for Bright grants may be made throughout the year.

The Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-Grants program, offered by the IBMA Foundation, supports K-12 educational initiatives by funding live bluegrass music performances in schools. Grants of up to $500 are available for programs that provide a comprehensive understanding of bluegrass music, including its history, instruments, and vocal harmonies. This initiative aims to enhance student engagement with bluegrass while preserving its cultural heritage, enriching the educational landscape through live demonstrations.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials. 

Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund

The Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund was initially financed by friend and colleague, Susie Stephenson. The fund is an option for donors who want to help young people experience and learn to play bluegrass music. Instead of funding a specific scholarship or grant, the Breen Fund will be used by the IBMA Foundation where needed most, in a variety of ways that benefit individuals age 21 and younger. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Bill was an Associate Professor and Professor of Finance at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University from 1971-2002, going on to serve as Chairman of the Finance Department and Head of Doctoral Studies for the Kellogg School. In addition to playing the banjo, Bill was an avid sailor and fly fisherman, and he never met a dog he didn’t like. His friends and family say it’s fitting that a man so passionate about the banjo, bluegrass music, and education is memorialize with a bluegrass youth education fund.

The Arnold Shultz Fund, established by the IBMA Foundation, aims to enhance diversity in bluegrass music by providing $30,000 annually in grants. This initiative supports individuals, schools, and organizations dedicated to inclusivity, particularly among underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. The fund honors Arnold Shultz, a pivotal African American musician who mentored Bill Monroe, and continues his legacy by funding educational opportunities for young musicians and promoting bluegrass music in diverse communities.

The ABC Law Centers: Disability Advocacy Scholarship, offered by ABC Law Centers, provides a $1,000 scholarship annually to students pursuing law or public policy careers focused on disability advocacy. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative aligns with the firm's mission to support families affected by birth injuries, ensuring that future advocates are equipped to address the legal needs of individuals with disabilities.

The ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers Cerebral Palsy Scholarship awards $1,000 annually to a deserving student with cerebral palsy. This scholarship aims to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals affected by it. Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. higher education institution and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The scholarship reflects ABC Law Centers' commitment to supporting those impacted by birth injuries and ensuring their futures are secure.

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

Strengthening Our Community Through Powerful Partnerships

We believe in the importance of listening, the impact of diversity, and the effectiveness of giving. The long-standing relationships the Foundation has built with nonprofits, local leaders, our fundholders, and our neighbors enable us to inspire change and achieve results.

Who We Are

Our vision is a connected community of passionate philanthropists, strong nonprofits, and thriving residents. We work to make this vision a reality every day through intentional planning, building strategic partnerships, facilitating meaningful dialogue with all our partners and fundholders, and ensuring we have a lot of fun along the way.

Page County Community Foundation Grant

The Page County Community Foundation, working in partnership with the Clarinda Foundation and the Greater Shenandoah Foundation, aims to improve the quality of life in Page County by supporting community needs in the areas of civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. The objective of its grant programs is to fund projects that will have a permanent impact on, and in, Page County. As an affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation, the Page County Community Foundation was established in 2004.

The Montgomery County Community Foundation Grant, established in 1998, supports community projects in areas such as civic engagement, health, education, and culture. With two application cycles each year, this grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Montgomery County through impactful projects. Applicants must submit their proposals online by the deadline, as no extensions are granted. Funding can be utilized for capital support or specific program activities.

Karma for Cara Microgrants empowers students aged 18 and under to bring their service project ideas to life with funding up to $1,000. Founded in honor of Cara Becker, who inspired community service during her own health journey, the program supports a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving local communities across the U.S. Students are encouraged to demonstrate creativity and community involvement, with grants awarded quarterly to fuel their impactful projects.

The Mills County Community Foundation Grant, established in 1997, aims to enhance the quality of life in Mills County through funding for civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services projects. With two annual application cycles, this grant supports initiatives that create a lasting impact on the community. Eligible projects include capital support for equipment purchases and renovations, as well as program support for structured activities with clear objectives and costs.

The Harrison County Community Foundation Grant, established in 1997, seeks to enhance the quality of life in Harrison County through funding projects in civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. With two application cycles annually, the foundation supports both capital and program projects that aim for lasting community impact. All grant applications must be submitted online by the specified deadline, with no extensions granted for weekends or holidays.

The Fremont County Community Foundation Grant, established in 1998, supports projects enhancing the quality of life in Fremont County. With two application cycles annually, this grant focuses on civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. It funds capital support for equipment and building projects, as well as program support for defined activities. All submissions must be made online by the deadline, ensuring funds are utilized effectively for community betterment.

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 SHAPE America: Research Fellow Program recognizes dedicated members for their significant contributions to health and physical education scholarship. Nominees must demonstrate excellence through impactful research, including a minimum of 10 peer-reviewed articles and participation in SHAPE America conventions. This prestigious designation promotes ongoing scholarship and encourages engagement within the diverse community of health and physical educators, enhancing professional practice and advancing the mission of SHAPE America.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship is awarded annually by SHAPE America to honor outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in health and physical education. Established in 1995, this scholarship supports three undergraduate and two graduate recipients. Candidates must be SHAPE America members, majoring in relevant fields, and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. In addition to financial support, recipients receive a three-year membership to SHAPE America, fostering a commitment to health education and physical activity.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship, established by SHAPE America, honors outstanding graduate students in health and physical education. Awarded annually since 1995, it recognizes two graduate recipients based on academic excellence and leadership. Along with financial support, winners receive a three-year SHAPE America membership, enhancing their professional network. This scholarship underscores the organization's commitment to advancing health education and supporting future leaders in the field.

This grant aims to address drug shortages by exploring the landscape of products susceptible to health fraud and finding ways for outsourcing facilities to fulfill these needs. By funding research and development, the initiative seeks to enhance the production of critical medications, thereby stabilizing the drug supply chain and protecting public health from fraud-related risks.

This grant aims to enhance cooperation and regulatory standards among animal food safety programs by funding national feed associations. It promotes inter-agency collaboration, strengthens state regulatory frameworks, and supports the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS). By leveraging resources and aligning with federal and state initiatives, the program seeks to improve animal food safety and ensure comprehensive surveillance and protection.

The Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded by SHAPE America, provides $1,000 annually to undergraduate students majoring in school-based health education at accredited institutions in the U.S. or territories. Eligible candidates must be full-time students with a GPA of at least 3.25. Alongside the scholarship, recipients receive a complimentary one-year membership with SHAPE America, promoting professional development in health and physical education.

The Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship, offered by SHAPE America, is a $1,000 annual award for master's level students enrolled in accredited health education programs in the U.S. Recipients can use the funds as they wish and receive a complimentary one-year student membership with SHAPE America. The scholarship aims to support future educators and enhance the quality of health education, promoting research and professional practice in the field.

The Zyne Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance and support Catholic faith-based organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits dedicated to education, medical research, and family values. The foundation's mission focuses on making a direct impact on individuals' daily lives, ensuring that these initiatives can thrive both now and in the future, promoting community well-being and development.

The SHAPE America: Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an exemplary role model committed to fostering student engagement in professional activities. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of membership in SHAPE America and serve as full-time faculty at a higher education institution. This award emphasizes mentorship through professional behavior, involvement in student projects, and providing academic guidance, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers.

The AWG Mid-Career Excellence Award honors outstanding mid-career women scientists contributing significantly to geosciences. It recognizes achievements across academia, industry, and government, with nominees evaluated on their scientific impact and community service. This prestigious award encourages nominations from the AWG membership and the broader geoscience community, fostering recognition of women's vital contributions in the field. With a commitment to diversity, the award aims to inspire future generations of women in geoscience careers.

The Terry Baucom Bluegrass Education Grant, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors the legacy of renowned bluegrass musician Terry Baucom. This grant supports musicians of all ages by providing funds for lessons, educational materials, and workshops. With awards beginning in January 2025, each grant can reach up to $500. Financial need is considered but not mandatory. This initiative aims to foster talent and ensure accessibility to bluegrass music education for a diverse range of applicants.