Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Iowa

The Center for Scholarship Administration is proud to serve as the administrator of the following scholarship programs.

The funds are provided through the generosity of corporations, foundations, individuals and trust funds.

Ausmus G. Wells Memorial Fund Scholarship

The Ausmus G. Wells Memorial Fund Scholarship is providing scholarships for deserving students. The Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc. (CSA), a non-profit, independent organization is the facilitator of the scholarship fund.

Must be planning to attend East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina in any field of study leading to a degree, diploma or certificate provided the institution meets the requirements in the following paragraph. Recipients must be enrolled full-time each semester and working towards an undergraduate degree.

The institution must be an educational organization that normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are regularly conducted. 

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is launching a funding opportunity to establish a research network focused on rapid-acting psychotropic interventional drugs (RAPIDs), including ketamine and psilocybin. This initiative seeks to generate real-world evidence on the effectiveness and safety of these treatments for serious mental illnesses. By addressing critical questions around their implementation in clinical practice, the NIMH aims to facilitate the safe integration of RAPIDs into healthcare, ultimately improving mental health outcomes.

The NCI Worta McCaskill-Stevens Career Development Award supports new clinicians committed to research in community oncology and cancer prevention. This funding aims to facilitate their transition to independent research careers and advanced funding mechanisms. Scholars can lead independent community-based clinical trials, conduct ancillary studies, or gain valuable research experience, specifically targeting underserved communities. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant's organization.

The Read Across America State Affiliate Event Grant supports NEA state affiliates in enhancing coordinated events that celebrate diverse reading. This grant encourages proposals aimed at providing students with access to diverse books, addressing challenges such as curriculum bans. Activities may include guest readings, establishing diverse book clubs, and promoting literacy through community engagement. Applications are open only to state affiliates, with a strong emphasis on year-round reading awareness.

The Spring Scholarships, offered by Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation (MVCF), provide vital tuition support for students pursuing higher education, including college and professional development programs. MVCF fosters community collaboration to enrich the cultural landscape and ensure the sustainability of the Island. Since 1982, their commitment has been to honor the past, support the present, and invest in the future of Martha’s Vineyard's diverse community.

The Data-Driven Reporting Project (DDRP) supports local news journalists and freelancers in the US and Canada, focusing on document-based investigative projects for underrepresented communities. It provides financial awards up to $35,000, covering 80% of project costs, along with specialized training on Google Journalist Studio tools. Recipients are encouraged to share their core source documents post-publication to benefit the journalism community. Applications are open to small to midsize newsrooms and freelance journalists with proven track records.

The Covenant Foundation's Signature & Ignition Grants celebrate excellence in Jewish education by funding innovative projects that enhance educational practices. The Foundation supports diverse institutions across North America, inviting applications for creative programs that can adapt and disseminate effective practices. While Signature Grants may reach up to $150,000 over three years, Ignition Grants focus on untested ideas with funding up to $20,000 for one year. One application per cycle is permitted.

Who We Are

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.

A Thriving Community

We envision a fully thriving community where all who live or work in the Holland/Zeeland area equitably experience: physical, mental, and emotional health and safety; financial stability; high quality education; access to opportunities to achieve one’s full potential; and a sense of belonging – are respected, valued, connected and have a voice in community decisions.

Apply for Scholarships

The Woman’s Literary Club Kate Garrod Post Scholarship

The Booker T. Jones Scholarship Fund offers $5,000 to students graduating from MINACT-run Job Corps programs who plan to attend college. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens with a high school diploma or GED, accepted at a four-year historically Black college or university, and have completed technical training at a MINACT Job Corps Center. This scholarship honors the legacy of Booker T. Jones, who dedicated his life to empowering disadvantaged communities through education.

The Bettye Smith Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a dedicated advocate for education, offering two $10,000 scholarships annually to high school seniors in Warren County, MS. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens with strong academic records and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship celebrates the legacy of Ms. Brown, who inspired many to pursue their educational dreams, ensuring her commitment to academic excellence continues to impact future generations.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Robert G. Sr & Mary L. McNamara Memorial Honor Scholarship

Established by the family of Mr. & Mrs. McNamara to provide college tuition assistance to a graduating Senior from Susquehanna Community School District who has maintained an 85 GPA and who will major in nursing and has the potential to contribute in a meaningful way to the health and welfare of the community.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

R.E.S.C.U.E. Benjamin B. Stone Memorial Scholarship

Established by the environmental organization “Return Susquehanna County Under Ecology” to recognize Benjamin Stone. Two college scholarships are awarded each year and are available to seniors from all of the high schools in Susquehanna County and from Honesdale, Wallenpaupack Area, and Western Wayne High Schools in Wayne County.   

Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship

The Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship (supported by the George W. Bush Foundation) provides one or more annual scholarships for up to $10,000 to lawful permanent residents of the United States, U.S. citizens or refugees who were born in North Korea pursuing an educational program in the United States or its possessions. North Korean-born individuals pursuing a degree in accredited colleges and universities in the United States with South Korean citizenship are eligible to apply.

This scholarship may be renewed on an annual basis by completing the scholarship application in full. Renewal applications will be reviewed alongside first-time applicants.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Helen Whitehead Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Mrs. Whitehead to provide tuition assistance for a graduating Senior from Blue Ridge, Elk Lake, Forest City, Montrose, Mountain View or Susquehanna Community High School who will matriculate at a college or post-secondary degree program to major in the culinary profession or a student who will matriculate at a college or post-secondary degree program to major in a degree in Nursing.

The Japan Foundation's Institutional Project Support - Small Grant Program provides up to $25,000 for U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to enhance Japanese Studies infrastructure. The program targets institutions facing challenges in maintaining their programs, particularly smaller or newer entities without established Japanese Studies initiatives. Eligible projects should focus on promoting Japanese Studies, with funding available for faculty salaries, travel, research materials, and conference expenses. Applications are accepted from institutions committed to advancing their Japanese Studies offerings.

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds. The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.The Canton Professional Educators' Scholarships FundThe Canton Professional Educators’ Scholarships Fund was established to assist high school graduates enrolled in an academic plan (college/university, 2-year vocational, technical or advanced study). Applicants must be the natural or adopted child of a CPEA member, must have achieved a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or above, and college students must be “a student in good standing.”Renewable scholarship: No

The Institutional Project Support (IPS) Grant Program by the Japan Foundation aims to enhance Japanese studies in the U.S. by providing up to $150,000 annually for three years. Eligible U.S. institutions must match the grant and focus on innovative proposals that stimulate growth in Japanese studies. The program prioritizes projects that create tenured positions and address national needs, while excluding political or commercial activities. Grants cover faculty salaries, travel, and teaching materials.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Maurice D. Taylor Memorial Music Scholarship

Established by the family of Mr. Taylor who was originally from Montrose and became a nationally recognized music and band instructor. The scholarship will benefit a student from Montrose or Elk Lake who will attend a post-secondary degree program to major in music.   

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Frederick and Lilly McCarthy Catholic Scholarship Fund 2023

Applicant must be a graduating high school senior from Palm Beach or Martin County pursing a post-secondary education at any Catholic college or university.

The BJA FY 2026 Capital Case Litigation Initiative aims to enhance legal representation in state capital cases. By providing essential funding, this initiative supports both prosecutors and defense attorneys to ensure equitable legal processes for indigent defendants. The U.S. Department of Justice emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights. Applications are due by November 5, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, marking a critical opportunity for improvement in capital case litigation.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Anna Belle Mitchell Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be an undergraduate, graduate student or community member currently pursuing pottery. Three pictures of artwork must be included with application for consideration. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens.

The Teaching the Bible Grant, offered by the Presbyterian Mission Agency, supports Presbyterian-related schools, colleges, and universities in enhancing biblical education. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for initiatives such as lecture series, Bible studies, and new curriculum development. This funding not only encourages academic engagement but also fosters community learning experiences, allowing students to explore and reflect on their faith collectively. Applications are accepted quarterly, with deadlines on the first Friday of March, June, and September.

Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Inc

The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports the artist’s legacy through a variety of initiatives, including exhibitions, loans of artworks, research and publications, conservation, grants, educational programs for the public and the scholarly community, and the publishing of a catalogue raisonné. It is dedicated to promoting greater public interest in and understanding of the visual arts.

Established and endowed by the artist during her lifetime (1928-2011), the Foundation became active in 2013, on the closing of Frankenthaler’s estate. As the principal beneficiary of Frankenthaler’s estate, the Foundation maintains an extensive collection of her work in a variety of mediums, as well as her collection of works by other artists and original papers and materials pertaining to her life and work.

Cultural Resilience Grant

The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports public engagement with the visual arts through philanthropic, educational, curatorial, and research initiatives. It has expanded its grantmaking to sustain museums and visual arts institutions, supporting exhibitions, scholarship, and education across the field. The Foundation’s grantmaking priorities are currently organized across three areas:

• Climate Action and Sustainability
• Visual Arts & Education
• Cultural Resilience
  • Unrestricted support to sustain institutional capacity and core programming across the visual arts field. 
  • The Foundation provides unrestricted support to organizations whose core work is centered in the visual arts. These grants are intended to sustain exhibitions, programs, and institutional activities; support staffing, operations, and organizational capacity; and to maintain continuity during periods of reduced public funding and broader pressures affecting the arts and culture sector.
    • Cultural Resilience support is not project-based and does not require a defined initiative. 

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at advancing informatics technologies for cancer research. This initiative will support the development of tools that enhance data acquisition, management, and analysis throughout the cancer continuum. By focusing on technologies with proven impact, the NOFO seeks to optimize and sustain resources critical for cancer biology, diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology.

Health, Patient, and Science Focused Giving

At Genentech, we invest in bold ideas and innovative solutions that address systemic inequities in science and medicine to advance a more just healthcare system. We focus on efforts that diversify the scientific and medical workforce, advance health equity, and help our communities thrive. We also further advance excellence in medicine and healthcare through our grants for independent medical education. Including efforts to advance health equity, support patient needs, engage the scientific community, and provide co-pay assistance. 

There are multiple ways to apply for funding. Before you submit an application, we encourage you to explore the following materials to learn more about our opportunities for funding, eligibility requirements and considerations, and the process for submitting a proposal within our Funding Request System (gFRS).

The Toshiba America Foundation offers grants to K-5 teachers in public and nonprofit private schools, funding innovative projects in math and science education. Designed to support teachers in implementing hands-on learning experiences, these grants encourage creativity and community involvement. Applicants can propose projects that enhance student engagement and foster scientific inquiry. The foundation prioritizes teacher-led initiatives, making it a valuable resource for educators aiming to enrich their classrooms and inspire young learners.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Erwin & Ella Hoffman Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships for students with a preference for graduates of East Aurora or West Aurora High School and attendance at a Lutheran-affiliated college or university. The fund was established by a bequest received from the estate of Mrs. Hoffman, who died in 1979, a year after her husband’s death. The couple owned and operated a farm in North Aurora for most of their lives.

They were members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aurora.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.