Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

Our Scholarships

Since 1986, the Community Foundation has been the leading source for post-secondary scholarship funding in Frederick County, and in more recent years, has provided significant scholarship support for students in Carroll County.

Our program supports nearly every area of study imaginable, with scholarships funded by generous donors who believe in the value of education. Some donors want to support students aspiring to careers similar to theirs; other donors want to give back to the community that has generously given to them. Others wish to honor the legacies of their loved ones, both living and deceased.

The Harold Glen and Audrey G. Benson Trumpower Foundation Scholarship Fund

The Community Foundation of Frederick County administers scholarships for the benefit of Carroll County, Maryland, residents who are pursuing post-secondary education, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, or certifications.

Scholarship awards can be used for tuition, college-sponsored room and board, books, and other fees associated with the upcoming school year.

Applicants must submit financial need information – either a FAFSA Student Aid Report or a MD Resident Income Tax Return Form 502 and complete a financial need essay.

The Engineering Environmental Resiliency (EER) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, promotes innovative research focused on resource and energy conservation while enhancing environmental protection. By advancing technologies in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable manufacturing, EER aims to create resilient U.S. manufacturing systems. Key areas of interest include waste reduction, life cycle assessments, and the interaction of nanomaterials with biological systems, all contributing to a sustainable future.

The Sponsors Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, has awarded over $2.5 million in scholarships over 20 years to support financially disadvantaged students. This initiative continues the legacy of George Langstaff, who aimed to enhance educational opportunities and economic prospects for youth in Middle Tennessee and Allen County, Kentucky. By fostering collective philanthropy, the fund empowers young individuals to pursue higher education and contribute positively to their communities.

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 Western Iowa Journalism Foundation (WIJF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to promoting community journalism across western Iowa. Established in 2020, WIJF provides grants to both non-profit and for-profit news organizations, enabling them to deliver accurate local news and investigative reporting. Their funding is aimed at enhancing local news coverage, ensuring long-term access to vital information for residents. WIJF prioritizes projects that align with their mission to support an independent and robust press.

The Rotary Club of Davenport offers the Scholastic/Leadership Scholarship for graduating seniors from local high schools. With four awards available, each providing up to $3,000 annually, recipients can receive a total of $12,000 over four years. To maintain funding, students must uphold a minimum 2.7 GPA and complete 24 credit hours each year. An interview is required for applicants, who must also demonstrate community involvement and a commitment to college preparatory studies.

The Stephanie Gorsh Memorial Scholarship offers up to $800 to students in need, specifically targeting graduates from Scott County, IA. Eligible applicants must enroll in an accredited two- or four-year institution or a trade school, demonstrate financial need, and have a minimum GPA of 2.25. Community service is also a key factor in the selection process. This scholarship is not renewable, making it a one-time financial aid opportunity.

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.

The Victoria E. & Randal D. Miller Scholarship is a need-based scholarship awarded every four years, with the next award scheduled for 2026. It offers up to $1,000 annually and is renewable for up to four years contingent on maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and preference is given to students affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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.

The Veterans and Nature Grant, offered by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, aims to engage veterans in outdoor activities that promote physical and mental health. With a funding pool of $100,000, grants of up to $10,000 are available for projects focused on outdoor recreation and wellness activities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) entities partnered with public land organizations, fostering environmental awareness and community involvement.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

HopeSouth FCU Scholarship Fund

Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000 and are available based on achievements and/or financial need.

When you apply for a HopeSouth Scholarship, you’re also entered into consideration for multiple opportunities. We have partnered with Carolinas Foundation Scholarship Program — giving you even more opportunities to fund your education.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Skyla Credit Union Herman Hoose Scholarship

The Skyla Foundation is dedicated to partnering with and supporting the local community through annual scholarship awards to high school seniors in pursuit of continuing education.

Each May, Skyla awards $5,000 Herman Hoose Scholarships to deserving students who are graduating from high school in the current school year and enrolls in an institution of higher education for the fall of that same year.

Skyla is partnering with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation on the 2025-2026 Herman Hoose Scholarship cycle. The application window is from now through February 1, 2026.

Compeer Financial's High School Senior Scholarship Program offers 105 scholarships of $2,000 each to graduating seniors in its 144-county territory. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, and a passion for agriculture. Special consideration is given to dependents of Compeer clients and students from metropolitan areas. This competitive program aims to support the future leaders of agriculture and rural America, with awards paid directly to the recipients' colleges.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

Greenville Federal Credit Union Scholarship Fund

The Greenville Federal Credit Union Foundation exists to promote local prosperity by providing grants, educational scholarships, and other funding support for individuals and non-profit, community-based programs within Greenville County, SC, with a primary focus on youth and education.

The Greenville Federal Credit Union Foundation offers high school seniors the opportunity to apply for (1) $5,000 needs-based scholarship and (5) $1,000 scholarships to help fund their first year of college or technical school.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Summit Credit Union’s Elizabeth Hamilton Scholarship Fund

At Summit Credit Union, we believe that higher education is important - and that academic achievement should be rewarded. Each year, we give out a number of scholarships to deserving students from the region.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Telco Community Credit Union Scholarship Fund

At Telco Community Credit Union, supporting education is an important part of our mission to help members build brighter financial futures. We are proud to award multiple scholarships each year to high school seniors within our field of membership who are pursuing their dreams through higher education at a community college or university. By investing in students today, we’re helping to strengthen the communities we serve for generations to come.

Applicants who are not selected for a Telco scholarship are automatically entered into the wider Carolinas Credit Union Foundation scholarship pool for additional opportunities.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

Vision Financial Federal Scholarship Fund

Vision Financial is committed to giving back and recognizes the importance of education and academic assistance.

Scholarships provide an opportunity for people to earn an education and pursue their dreams. Vision Financial is proud to award three deserving high school students entering college with $1,000 scholarships for Fall 2026.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union Legacy Scholarship Fund

At Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union (CTFCU), we pride ourselves in giving back to our members and the communities we serve. We've partnered with Carolinas Credit Union Foundation to award TEN individual members with a $1,500 CTFCU Legacy Scholarship.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is a sovereign nation and has three main branches of government – Judicial, Executive, and Legislative. One of our most important resources is our people.

Education

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz seeks to provide opportunities for Tribal members to reach potential, establish independence and improve quality of life through lifelong learning and education.

Full Circle Scholarship

For American Indian and Alaskan Native students pursuing under-graduate and graduate degrees from Tribal colleges, non-profit and accredited schools.

SPARK Grant: Supporting Pediatric Neurology Advances through Research in K-Awards

For early-stage investigators who are re-applying for NIH K08 or K23 Career Development Awards

Overview

The Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation® (PERF®) is committed to advancing pediatric neurology research by supporting the next generation of investigators. In recognition of the increasingly competitive and uncertain funding landscape, PERF is pleased to announce a new bridge grant program designed to support Early-Stage Investigators (ESIs) who are initiating their research careers in pediatric neurology. This pilot program provides critical financial support to bridge the gap between initial career development (K-award) application submission and successful resubmission, enabling investigators to strengthen their proposals and continue their career trajectory in child neurology research.

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation provides scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school seniors, college students, non-traditional learners, and those pursuing specific fields of study.

Angie Sheldon Memorial Scholarship

Criteria for Selection:

• Seeking a degree from a four-year college or university and demonstrate financial need.

The Alton & Barbara McDonald Scholarship, provided by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, offers financial support to students from Portage and Waushara counties. With awards ranging from $500 to $40,000, it is available to high school seniors and college students pursuing veterinary science at UW. Applicants must demonstrate a strong community service record, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and financial need, ensuring opportunities for deserving students in the region.

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation provides scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school seniors, college students, non-traditional learners, and those pursuing specific fields of study.

C. Jerry & Lynne Dernbach Scholarship

Criteria for Selection:

• Pursuing a degree in the Visual Arts field, Mechanical Design, or Architecture. 

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin awards nearly $300,000 in annual scholarships to support Central Wisconsin students’ educational needs. 

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation provides scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school seniors, college students, non-traditional learners, and those pursuing specific fields of study.

Jeffrey Badura Memorial Scholarship

Criteria for Selection:

• Participated in interscholastic athletic competitions and extra-curricular activities.