Best Health and Medical Grants in Iowa

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits collaborating with participating CommonSpirit hospitals can seek funding for defined projects that improve community health, health equity, and local service systems. With a mission to improve health and advance social justice, CommonSpirit Health provides up to US $150,000 for initiatives serving vulnerable and underserved populations in its Iowa service areas.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits running health and medical, hunger relief, education, environmental, agriculture, or community safety programs can apply for the Perdue Foundation’s corporate giving awards up to US $1,000. Eligible organizations must operate in Perdue-supported states and include an endorsement letter from a Perdue associate with their request.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in health and human services, community betterment, youth development, education, or food insecurity can apply for the W R Berkley Corporation Charitable Foundation’s local grant program. Organizations in Central Iowa, as well as SW Minnesota and Eastern Nebraska, may receive support for proven, effective community programs.

First- and second-year medical students at Iowa schools with active Alpha Omega Alpha chapters can receive US $7,000 for mentored health and medical research projects. Eligible research includes clinical investigation, basic lab work, epidemiology, health services, social science, leadership, or professionalism, with up to $1,000 additional travel support to present results at a national conference.

Iowa health and human services organizations planning large-scale community projects can access funding through Prairie Meadows for initiatives that enhance regional well-being. Legacy Grants, ranging from US $100,000 - US $1,000,000, support major efforts in health, education, arts and culture, economic development, and community revitalization across central Iowa.

Iowa biomedical research institutions pursuing high-risk, high-reward translational health and medical projects can apply for seed funding up to US $350,000. Health Resources in Action manages the Falk Catalyst Awards, which back work on disease biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and novel therapeutic agents that can move toward near-term clinical application and potential future Transformational Awards.

Network member organizations in Iowa and other Midwest states can use this grant to expand access to reliable health and medical information, especially for underrepresented populations. National Library of Medicine provides Iowa health and medicine organizations with funding up to US $25,000 for outreach, training, technology access, and health literacy projects using NLM and NNLM resources.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking more than US $1,000 for health, medical, and related community programs can apply for support from the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. Focus areas include health and social services, public safety, education, hunger and poverty, agriculture, environment, and community culture in areas where Perdue associates live and work.

Iowa health-focused organizations seeking support for community health, wellness, and preventive care initiatives can apply for Community Health Grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $100,000 for qualifying projects. Iowa health and medical programs may be eligible for funding that advances Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation’s core initiatives to improve the health and smiles of Iowans.

Iowa health and medical nonprofits improving community wellness, education, safety, or services for children can access funding through Encova Foundation of West Virginia. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based organizations with a verifiable tax ID. Programs with strong impacts on health and medicine, especially involving Encova associates, may be particularly competitive.

Nonprofit and governmental organizations running health and human services programs in Iowa can seek Program Support Grants to launch new initiatives or sustain impactful ongoing work. With a mission to strengthen nonprofits, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation provides up to US $30,000 for programmatic activities in Linn County, excluding capital projects and ineligible activities like fundraising events or scholarships.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation Grant supports a range of subjects including education, children's welfare, medical care, medical research, and Jewish philanthropic endeavors. Established in honor of Cindy Silvian, the foundation has awarded over $30 million since 2008. Applications are by invitation only, and organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria to be considered for funding. This year, the foundation allocated over $2.4 million to more than 110 organizations, highlighting its commitment to impactful philanthropy.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers Strategic Projects: Equipment & Technology Grants to nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building projects and essential equipment, requiring recipients to cover at least 50% of costs. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and tribal entities. Priority is given to projects enhancing community services, education, and environmental stewardship, supporting initiatives that foster human flourishing and demonstrate diversified funding.

The Strategic Projects: Capital Grants by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust offer vital funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest. These grants support transformative projects that enhance community well-being through construction, renovation, and infrastructure investments. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. The Trust emphasizes projects that demonstrate strong community impact and funding diversification, ensuring sustainable growth and lasting benefits for the communities served.

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Grant supports the Armenian community in Armenia and the U.S., focusing on Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. The Foundation prioritizes education, healthcare, arts, and youth development through grants to registered non-profits. Proposals should demonstrate sustainability and community impact, with favorable consideration given to projects that engage local stakeholders and foster collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round, with a maximum funding limit of $10,000 for operational expenses.

The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation Grants support tax-exempt organizations working to enhance lives through arts, healthcare, education, and youth programs. The foundation requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) from all applicants, emphasizing its mission to select grant recipients who align with its values. Grants are not available for political purposes, endowment campaigns, or organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion. This framework ensures a focused impact on community betterment.

The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Foundation Grant supports healthcare initiatives in the greater Cleveland area, focusing on medical research, public health promotion, and assistance to local hospitals. The foundation prioritizes grant requests from private sector organizations and favors projects with a duration of three years or less. It does not fund national campaigns, individual scholarships, or endowment contributions. Eligible projects must align with the foundation's commitment to enhancing health services for all, particularly low-income populations.

The Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant offers Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) the chance to pursue innovative research projects without the need for preliminary data. Established in 2020, this grant encourages a significant shift in research direction, focusing on unique methodologies and approaches relevant to NIH's mission. Applicants must provide a detailed description of their proposed research direction, which should differ from their past work, and demonstrate its alignment with NIH Institutes' programmatic interests.

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.

Families in the U.S. wireless and tech industries facing health-related or medical financial hardship can receive support for living expenses, medical bills, tuition, and therapies, including in Iowa. Music Movement’s Wireless Family Fund awards US $1,500 - US $2,500, which may benefit those managing health and medicine challenges alongside developmental or learning differences.

Just One More Grant aims to transform lives by providing financial support to individuals and nonprofit organizations in the U.S. who are overcoming challenges like mental health issues, drug misuse, and educational barriers. The foundation encourages applications from those committed to personal growth and community support. Though current grants are paused for nonprofits, interested individuals with actionable plans are invited to apply. More information and past winners can be found on their website.

Universities and research institutions offering biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research training in Iowa can apply for short-term institutional training support to expand opportunities for predoctoral and health-professional students. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health awards T35 NRSA grants to develop intensive summer and short-term health and medical research experiences, including veterinary and quantitative sciences.

The Zimmer Biomet Foundation offers educational grants to support organizations that focus on scientific, clinical, or healthcare education. These grants promote educational programs, independent conferences, and resident education, ensuring that the content remains unbiased and free from influence. Eligible applicants include educational institutions, training hospitals, and medical associations, while requests from individuals or private practices are not supported. By fostering education in healthcare, the foundation aims to improve community well-being and advance medical knowledge.

Early-career assistant professors running independent biomedical research labs at invited U.S. institutions can receive US $75,000 - US $300,000 to advance innovative work in human health. Pew Charitable Trusts supports basic, translational, and applied biomedical research, and Iowa-based participating institutions may nominate one candidate through an internal limited-submission process.

Health and medicine students in Iowa can access scholarship support for medical, nursing, and allied health studies through 10000 Degrees’ Health Careers Scholarship of Sonoma County. Administered for the Sonoma County Medical Association & Alliance, it supports undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree students pursuing careers such as medicine, nursing, occupational or physical therapy, pharmacy, or radiology technology.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.