Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Iowa

The Dr. Gary Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship in Occupational Therapy supports research initiatives that advance occupational therapy. It encourages doctoral candidates to explore social justice, human volition, and innovative intervention techniques. This scholarship, endowed by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, honors Dr. Gary Kielhofner's legacy, fostering new research talent in the field. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program, have defended their dissertation proposal, and conduct research at a U.S. institution.

The STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarship (SMRS), offered by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), provides funding up to $10,000 for occupational therapy graduates and clinicians from underrepresented backgrounds to enhance their research representation. This scholarship supports participation in mentored research experiences at different institutions, focusing on building critical skills in research methods. By pairing awardees with experienced mentors, the program aims to foster diversity and inclusion within the occupational therapy field.

Mission & Vision

Mission:

The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Vision:

A community connected to the resources it needs to thrive.

Your Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico (CFSNM) serves as a vehicle for people of all means to make a lasting impact on quality of life in our region now and in the future. Our organization is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, corporations, and institutions connected by the desire to improve Southern New Mexico. We manage over 300 endowments, including 48 non-profit organizational endowments in Southern New Mexico, and are home to over 40 scholarships and nine annual grant cycles. As a center for charitable giving we support the arts, feed the hungry, expand literacy, improve health, and support countless other meaningful causes in the twelve counties including: Catron, Chaves, Doña Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, Otero, Sierra & Socorro. 

Apply for a Scholarship

Your CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys. 

With a wide range of categories, your CFSNM offers scholarships for everyone including, but not limited to:

• BiPOC
• Students with disabilities
• LGBTQIA+
• Healthcare
• Volunteerism
• CTE, Trade, Vocational
• In-state and out-of-state
• All degree paths for undergraduate to post-grad
• Students returning to school

Good Samaritan Scholarship

To support students pursuing a degree in nursing, social work or certified nursing

The Vida Wight Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of Vida Luisa Demuth Wight, supports young women pursuing higher education in fields like dance, psychology, and agriculture. This scholarship aims to honor Vida's vibrant spirit and commitment to empowerment by aiding those who demonstrate passion for their studies and a strong work ethic. Preference is given to students of color, promoting diversity and inclusion in educational opportunities.

The SJICF Scholarship supports San Juan Island residents seeking higher education through accredited institutions. This scholarship empowers eligible high school graduates and adult learners alike, promoting academic excellence and career development. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, show commitment to their studies, and participate in an interview. The funds can cover tuition, fees, and necessary materials, but cannot be used for transportation costs. This initiative transforms lives by making education accessible.

The Johanna Koester Heine Endowment Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support students pursuing higher education across various fields, including vocational training. It is open to diverse applicants including BiPOC, LGBTQIA+, and those with disabilities. The scholarship reflects the foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life in Southern New Mexico by providing educational opportunities and fostering community development.

The Harold Cousland Fund for Young Journalists Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support aspiring journalists pursuing various educational paths. This scholarship is open to students from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. With a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Southern New Mexico, the fund seeks to empower the next generation of storytellers and media professionals.

The Kevin T. Riedel Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support young individuals from the Las Cruces area in pursuing higher education. This scholarship is open to applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those identifying as BiPOC, LGBTQIA+, and students with disabilities. It encompasses various educational paths, including vocational and professional certifications, ensuring accessibility for all committed learners seeking to enhance their academic and professional journeys.

The Fund for Women of the Southern Tier Education Grant aims to eliminate barriers to education for women in the community. This grant supports various educational expenses, including college textbooks, technical supplies, and past due tuition bills. By addressing the holistic needs of the community, the grant provides essential resources to empower women in their educational pursuits. Funded by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., this initiative fosters educational growth and opportunity.

The Las Campanas Community Scholarship Fund, managed by the Santa Fe Community Foundation, offers financial support to local students pursuing certificates, undergraduate, or graduate programs. This initiative is fueled by community donors aiming to assist their neighbors in achieving educational goals. Applicants must reside in specific zip codes and maintain a GPA above 2.49. The scholarship is renewable annually, ensuring ongoing support for students committed to their academic pursuits.

The Cameron Impact Scholarship, awarded by the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation, offers a full-tuition four-year scholarship to 15 exceptional high school students annually. This merit-based program seeks leaders who excel in academics, community service, and extracurricular activities. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher and demonstrate a commitment to positive change. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books at any accredited U.S. college, with an emphasis on public service careers.

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation offers Academic Enrichment Grants to support innovative educational programs that enhance student learning for low-income children. These grants, up to $10,000 per year for two years, aim to foster creativity and critical thinking in K-12 education. Applications are accepted from educators at nonprofit organizations who engage with students directly. The initiative emphasizes collaboration and seeks projects that enrich academic experiences and inspire student curiosity.

The John C. and Nancy J. Heuck Scholarship, administered by the Siouxland Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture-related fields. With a minimum GPA of 2.0, eligible applicants must hail from specific counties. This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of John and Nancy Heuck while enhancing the educational opportunities for students in the greater Siouxland area.

The Karen A. Luken Memorial Scholarship, established by the Greater Sioux City Press Club in 2005, supports college students pursuing degrees in Mass Communication and related fields. This scholarship honors Karen A. Luken's dedication to mass communications. Eligible applicants must be full-time students with a minimum 3.0 GPA, in their sophomore, junior, or senior years, attending specific universities in the region. This initiative aims to foster talent in the media sector and enhance community engagement.

The ASCO Clinical Oncology & Research Experience (ASCO CORE) offers medical students immersive exposure to the field of oncology through shadowing experiences in clinical and research settings. With two distinct tracks, participants can gain insights into patient care or research practices, guided by mentors. Eligible students must be enrolled in a U.S. DO or MD program and maintain a good academic record. This program aims to inspire the next generation of oncology professionals.

The Studebaker National Foundation Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in automotive studies. With over $20,000 awarded for technical and trade education in auto restoration, this scholarship encourages applicants to maintain the legacy of Studebaker. Eligible candidates include those studying automotive fields or those engaged with Studebaker as hobbyists. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required, and preference is given to members of Studebaker clubs or their relatives. Reapplications from previous recipients are allowed.

The Beatrice Educational Foundation Scholarship supports Beatrice High School seniors with financial aid for higher education. Established in 1987, the Foundation manages a $3.8 million Endowment Fund, providing over $55,000 in scholarships annually. Scholarships are awarded based on criteria set by the donor, focusing on academic merit and need. The Foundation aims to assist deserving students in pursuing undergraduate studies, ensuring funds are available when needed.

The Joann and C.W. Carpenter Endowed Scholarship, established in 2016 by C.W. Carpenter in memory of his wife JoAnn, supports high school seniors from CCISD. With awards ranging from $100 to $16,000, this scholarship aims to assist those in financial need pursuing higher education, including vocational schools. This initiative reflects the Carpenter's commitment to community service and educational support, ensuring that deserving students receive the help they need to succeed.

The National Science-Health-Environment-Reporting Fellowships are intended to support early-career journalists who are pursuing—or have a strong interest in pursuing —careers reporting on science, health, or environmental issues (or all three).

The program is primarily aimed at journalists in their first decade of professional work, who are interested in boosting their ability and confidence to tackle some of the most important stories of the 21st century.

The fellowship is designed to enable fellows to maintain their regular employment while attending concentrated training opportunities across the country, many of which will lead to stories for their employer or clients. Fellowship leaders and mentors will provide support and guidance through seminars, calls and e-mail consultations.

Curriculum will include basic science, interpreting medical studies, analyzing data, explaining evidence-based decisions, understanding climate science and more.

The program hopes to provide essential on-the-job training that might otherwise take years to accumulate.

Over the course of a year, selected fellows will: 

• Participate in workshops and other events held at the annual Environmental Journalism , Health Journalism  and Science Writers conferences. 
• Learn from custom webinars scheduled throughout the year for additional opportunities to gain skills, connections and resources to inform their reporting. 
• Be matched with a professional mentor.
• Receive prepaid memberships in the National Association of Science Writers, SEJ and AHCJ.
• Participate in peer-to-peer networking platforms. 
• Receive project support stipends if they are an independent journalist.

The Coastal Bend Community Foundation Scholarship supports high school seniors from a seven-county area in Texas, providing grants ranging from $100 to $16,000, with an average award of $1,000. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for local students attending accredited colleges or universities across the United States. The foundation, known for its integrity and community stewardship, has a longstanding commitment to philanthropy in the Coastal Bend region.

The GSK Research Grant supports research on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and Diversity/Equity/Inclusion (DEI) in Otolaryngology. With funding of $25,000 for one year, it encourages projects that explore the intersection of patient care and workforce culture. Investigators are invited to address disparities in care, diagnosis, and treatment paradigms while enhancing understanding of these critical dimensions in healthcare. Applications must include letters of support from department chairs and co-investigators.

The NIH's TALK initiative aims to enhance clinical practices for late talking children by funding research to identify early signs of language delays. This NOFO focuses on developing evidence-based strategies for screening and supporting children and their families. It targets children over 18 months who are not meeting language milestones, particularly those at higher risk due to various factors. Collaborative research efforts are encouraged to ensure effective identification and intervention.

The Professional & Technical Training Scholarships, offered by 10,000 Degrees, aim to support Marin County students facing financial challenges. These scholarships are designed for individuals enrolled in vocational programs that lead to a license or certificate. Eligibility includes being a Marin resident, attending an accredited institution, and having a GED or high school diploma. Preference is given to residents of Southern Marin, ensuring that local students receive the assistance they need to pursue their career goals.

The Dermatology Foundation offers Career Development Awards to support the academic growth of emerging investigators in various dermatologic fields. With an annual stipend of $55,000, these awards foster research addressing significant health issues, including public health, diversity, and women's health. Eligible applicants must demonstrate strong institutional support and meet specific educational requirements. The awards can be renewed for up to three years, contingent on the recipient's progress and commitment to advancing dermatological science.

The Medical Student Research Supplement Award by the Dermatology Foundation supports medical students' research in dermatology, encouraging diversity and inclusion. This award offers $5,000 for direct research expenses, fostering the involvement of full-time students from underrepresented backgrounds. Eligible applicants must be current or former DF career development awardees and must recruit medical students pursuing MD or DO degrees who meet specific academic criteria. The award enhances research participation and strengthens the academic workforce in dermatology.

The Laura A. Lujan Autry Scholarship Fund provides financial support of $1,750 to eligible students from specific schools such as Elk Grove High and Cosumnes River College. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship encourages students with interests in nursing and agricultural programs, particularly those from single-parent households or with prior involvement in relevant activities. It aims to enhance educational opportunities within the community.

The Cancer Research Education Grants Program (R25) aims to enhance research education in areas crucial to the NIH mission. This program supports innovative courses that develop skills in cancer research, covering topics such as prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Grant applications are encouraged to be creative and state-of-the-art, addressing the needs of patients and their families. Key deadlines for applications span from January 2024 to September 2026, ensuring ongoing support for educational initiatives.