Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Iowa

The Beveridge Family Prize in American History, awarded annually by the American Historical Association since 1945, recognizes exceptional historical writing. Eligible works include biographies, monographs, and interpretations published in 2024. This prestigious award honors Senator Albert J. Beveridge and aims to promote outstanding scholarship on American, Latin American, and Canadian history. Recipients will be announced in October 2025 and celebrated at the 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago.

The Pilcrow Foundation offers matching grants to rural public libraries for acquiring new, quality children's books. Libraries can receive up to $1,200 in funding by contributing $200-$400 through local sponsorships. Eligible libraries include independent rural and Native American Tribal libraries, with a focus on those serving communities with populations under 10,000. The initiative supports libraries in rural areas of the U.S. to enhance their children's book collections and promote literacy.

The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) is a pioneering space mission concept aimed at discovering life beyond our solar system, as highlighted in the Astro2020 survey. The HWO-PSI program seeks to reduce risks for future missions by advancing scientific investigations that inform mission design. As HWO enters its pre-formulation phase, it addresses significant astrophysical questions and technical challenges, ultimately striving for groundbreaking discoveries in our understanding of the universe.

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.

Clemens-Clair Future Educators Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is named for Clemens J. Rosen and Clair J. Hemphill – two fathers who encouraged and paid for their daughters to pursue college educations. Both believed an educated woman had more opportunities and would be better able to take care of herself and her family.

Clemens Rosen (1919-2016) did not finish grade school as he was needed on the farm. However, nobody could beat him in Scrabble. He served in WWII on a B24, was shot down twice and was held in a Nazi POW camp until the end of the war. He then took employment in Peoria, IL, first working for Western Electric and then as a foreman for Caterpillar Tractor Company.

Clair Hemphill (1912-1979) finished high school and was a life-long farmer in Elwood, Illinois. Clair’s father was a farmer as was his grandfather and others before him. Clair’s mother was a teacher until she married. He had a strong belief in women pursuing education and was proud that his daughter did just that.

This scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship, awarding $5,000 for two consecutive years providing that students maintain their enrollment status. 

The West Bancorporation Foundation Grant supports charitable programs in Central and Eastern Iowa and Minnesota, focusing on low- and moderate-income individuals. Eligible nonprofit organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) IRS Exemption Letter. The foundation prioritizes contributions to human services, education, and arts and culture, while excluding requests from certain organizations and activities, including endowments, fellowships, and political groups. This ensures targeted support to effective community initiatives.

The ARS Friends in Research Award, funded by the American Rhinologic Society, offers $25,000 over two years to support innovative research in rhinology. Eligible candidates include members who have completed residency without significant outside funding. The award encourages early and mid-career investigators to explore diverse areas within rhinology. Recipients can publish their findings, with the society retaining first refusal rights for publication. This grant aims to foster career development in the field of rhinology.

The Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant provides a unique opportunity for Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) to pursue innovative research projects without requiring preliminary data. This grant encourages ESIs to explore new directions in their research, distinct from their prior work. Applications must demonstrate how the proposed project aligns with the mission of NIH Institutes and Centers, fostering creativity and new methodologies in scientific inquiry. Notably, clinical trials are not permitted under this funding opportunity.

The CORE Funding: AHNS/AAO-HNSF Translational Innovator Award supports innovative research in head and neck neoplastic diseases with a grant of $100,000 over two years. Eligible applicants include full-time academic head and neck surgeons, who must demonstrate a commitment to developing independent research careers. The award encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and aims to yield significant findings within the funding period, fostering long-term research potential and attracting further funding opportunities.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Knowles Future Teacher Scholarship Fund

The Knowles family has a history of being in the education field, and greatly values the teaching profession. The Knowles Future teacher Scholarship was established by the Knowles family and friends to encourage the next generation of teachers to continue their education past high school. Selection is based on acceptance to a college or university with a major in Education and a 3.0 GPA minimum. Evidence of good character, volunteer service, and demonstrated commitment to youth in a school setting area also selection considerations.

The Littleton-Griswold Prize in American Law and Society, awarded by the American Historical Association, recognizes exceptional scholarly works in the history of American law and society. Established in 1961, this annual award seeks books demonstrating high literary merit, with eligibility for works published in 2024. Recipients will be announced in October 2025, with a formal recognition ceremony at the January 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago, celebrating significant contributions to the field.

The H.S. Lopez Family Foundation Grant focuses on funding innovative projects that enhance the quality of life, primarily in Arizona. With an emphasis on health, education, and welfare, the foundation aims to support not-for-profit organizations that address critical community needs. Grants are awarded to initiatives that demonstrate potential for lasting impact and community benefit, encouraging sustainable support beyond the foundation's involvement.

The URM Travel Grants, established by the American Economic Association (AEA), support junior faculty from underrepresented minority groups in economics, including American Indian, Black, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander individuals. These grants cover up to $1,000 in expenses for meals, travel, lodging, and conference registration to attend the annual ASSA meetings. The initiative aims to enhance the professional development of URM junior faculty and promote diversity within the economics field.

The Peterson Foundation Grant, established in 1944 by Hal and Charlie Peterson, supports charitable organizations within Kerr, Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kimble, and Real Counties. The Foundation primarily funds health care and education initiatives, and applications are accepted year-round from §501(c)(3) organizations in the service area. Notably, grants are not available for religious purposes, political actions, or individuals, ensuring a focus on community enrichment.

The ACS-Hach Professional Development Grant provides up to $2,500 to support high school chemistry teachers in the U.S. as they pursue professional development opportunities. This grant aims to enhance teaching and learning in chemistry by funding activities such as conferences, workshops, and educational resources. It is designed to improve educators' skills and boost student achievement, thereby fostering a better learning environment in chemistry classrooms.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark 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.

The Lillian Grace Mahan Scholarship Fund

The Lillian Grace Mahan Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduate and undergraduate students of library science and is available to Stark County residents who have an outstanding academic performance record and/or who are in need of financial assistance to pursue a degree in library science to become a librarian.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH) Program, funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration, aims to enhance the quality of care for adolescents and young adults. By establishing graduate training programs, LEAH prepares healthcare professionals to effectively address chronic disease prevention and improve access to team-based healthcare services for this population, ultimately fostering better health outcomes and empowering future leaders in adolescent health.

The Kathleen Patton Westby Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life by supporting the arts, arts education, and culture. Applicants must submit a letter of inquiry as the first step, as proposals are accepted only upon request. The foundation primarily funds tax-exempt organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and does not support deficit financing, individual grants, or research projects unless integral to broader programs.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Robert Paul Dost Scholarship Endowment (Regional)

Available to graduating high school seniors in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau Counties who are planning to pursue electrical engineering. 

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Leland, Dorothea, & Barbara McLain Scholarship Fund

The Leland, Dorothea, & Barbara McLain Scholarship was established by Barbara in honor of her parents who provided a good home and strong upbringing for her. The fund provides a scholarship to graduates and graduating seniors of Battle Creek area public high schools who are pursuing a career in education.

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. 

Susquehanna County Township Officials Association Scholarship

Established by The Susquehanna County Township Supervisors Association to provide a college scholarship to a graduating senior from Susquehanna County who will major in governmental affairs or political science.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Counselor and Fellow Awards

The AWS Counselor and Fellow Awards celebrate members for distinguished organizational leadership and notable contributions to welding science and technology.

Counselor Awards

The American Welding Society, in 1999, established the honor of Counselor of the Society to recognize members for a career of distinguished organizational leadership that has enhanced the image and impact of the welding industry. The first class of Counselors was inducted at the 2001 AWS Show.

Election as a Counselor of the Society is demonstrated as evidenced by:

• Leadership of or within an organization that has made a substantial contribution to the welding industry.
• The individual’s organization shall have shown an ongoing commitment to the industry, as evidenced by support of participation of its employees in industry activities.
• Leadership of or within an organization that has made a substantial contribution to training and vocational education in the welding industry.
  • The individual’s organization shall have shown an ongoing commitment to the industry, as evidenced by support of participation of its employees in industry activities.
  • This recognition is selected by the AWS Counselor Committee based on specific criteria at least 16 months in advance of FABTECH.
  • Nominations must be submitted through the online nomination portal by June 1st.
  • Nominations are reviewed/selected at the fall Counselors Committee meeting, with final approval the following year at the spring Districts Council meeting.

A maximum of 5 Counselors are selected each year, as determined by the Counselors selection committee.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon Community College Faculty Association Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon Community College Faculty Association (MCCFA), who established the Muskegon Community College Faculty Association Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship is awarded to students continuing their education at Muskegon Community College, or pursuing an education at another college or university.

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. 

Gaetano “Mickey” Giangrieco Memorial Teaching Scholarship

Established by Maureen Giangrieco, daughter of Gaetano “Mickey” Giangrieco, who passed away in 1994. Mickey dedicated 40 years to teaching Biology at Blue Ridge High School, where he also served as the junior varsity basketball and golf coach. This scholarship provides tuition assistance to a graduate of Blue Ridge High School, Montrose High School or Susquehanna Community High School who plans to attend college or a post-secondary degree program to major in education. 

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 W. Klenk Scholarship

Established by the Mountain View School District Alumni Association in honor of Mr. Klenk, a long-time teacher and principal of the District. Provides a scholarship to a graduate who will attend college to pursue a degree in education.  

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Dr. Grant E. & Colleen Bare Scholarship

Open to current Modesto Junior College students and Stanislaus County students planning to transfer to a four-year college and pursue a degree in the fields of science, medical sciences and/or mathematics. 

Award Amount:

• Up to $3,500

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Education / Meritorious / Service Awards

The Educational/Meritorious/Service awards recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to the welding industry. From educators who have advanced welding knowledge to those who've exhibited outstanding service, these awards celebrate dedication, expertise, and the advancement of welding as both an art and a science.

Adams Memorial Membership Award

This award, established by the American Welding Society, is given as a means of recognizing educators whose teaching activities are considered to have advanced the knowledge of welding of the undergraduate or postgraduate students in their respective engineering institutions.

Complete nomination packets may be submitted for consideration to the AWS Awards Committee and must include an introduction letter of support and a complete resume or CV of the individual’s qualifications. Send only complete nominations to nationalawards@aws.org by January 1.

The Hardin County Bar Association Teen Court Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, supports local students committed to justice. Eligible applicants must reside in Hardin County, participate in Teen Court, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Required documentation includes an essay outlining their civic values and a recommendation letter from a guidance counselor or principal. This scholarship aims to foster responsible citizenship and encourage interest in legal careers among youth.