Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

The NIH Director's Early Independence Award empowers exceptional early-career researchers to embark on independent research careers immediately after their doctoral degree or post-graduate clinical training. This initiative accelerates the transition to independence, promoting innovative research across various fields aligned with the NIH mission. As part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, it encourages groundbreaking studies that could significantly advance health-related knowledge.

The National Glaucoma Research Program, funded by BrightFocus Foundation, aims to support groundbreaking research in glaucoma. Established in 1978, the program has awarded over $35 million to 32 projects focusing on understanding and treating this disease. The Standard Awards provide $150,000 over two years for researchers with preliminary data to further their work. Eligible institutions must be non-profit and demonstrate their tax-exempt status to receive funding, fostering innovative solutions for glaucoma treatment.

The Fred Jones Family Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in central Oklahoma, focusing on education, arts, and beautification projects. The foundation meets every 90 days to evaluate new donation requests. Eligible applicants must adhere to specific guidelines, including submitting a Board of Directors list with at least six members. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the quality of life and foster cultural growth in the region.

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 Louise Nader Khourey Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Louise Nader Khourey Memorial Scholarship Fund assists graduating high school seniors planning careers in foreign language education OR senior-level undergraduate or graduate foreign language students who have met the criteria for student teaching in a licensure program. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Zimmer Biomet Foundation offers product donations to support medical mission trips and charitable surgeries in the U.S. They aim to improve community health by providing essential medical resources to underserved patients. Requests must be submitted 90 days in advance by qualified medical professionals affiliated with non-profit organizations. The foundation prioritizes donations for uninsured patients and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, fostering a commitment to diverse and equitable healthcare access.

The Roy J. Shlemon Scholarship Award, offered by the Geological Society of America, supports graduate students pursuing research in environmental and engineering geology. Award amounts vary annually, with at least one scholarship for Master's and one for Doctoral research. The program encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities, and requires evaluations from two faculty members. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, emphasizing the competitive nature of the funding.

Fire-Medic Tim Peebles Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a North Georgia First Responder, their child or spouse who are pursuing their post-secondary education. For this scholarship, First Responder is defined as Police (including local & state), Fire, EMS workers and Communications officers. In 2026, one scholarship award of $500 will be offered.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Medical

Evaluation Criteria

• Leadership ability
• Financial need
• Academic performance
• Standardized test scores
• Special skills
• Awards and honors
• Community service
• Work experience
• Extracurricular school activities
• Overall involvement
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay
• Letter of recommendation.

Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a North Georgia First Responder, their child or spouse who are pursuing their post-secondary education. For this scholarship, First Responder is defined as Police (including local & state), Fire, EMS workers and Communication officers. In 2026, one scholarship award of $500 will be offered.

Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network

The RDCRN was established by Congress under the Rare Diseases Act in 2002. The network is an initiative of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), led by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences through is Division of Rare Diseases Research Innovation (formerly the Office of Rare Diseases Research). It is funded by collaborating NIH institutes, centers, and offices.

Now in its fifth funding cycle, RDCRN supports 20 rare disease research groups (consortia) that partner with 127 affiliated patient advocacy groups. In total, 180 diseases are currently being studied at 273 active clinical sites, both in the United States and internationally.

Developmental Synaptopathies Consortium - Request For Pilot Project Applications

The pilot feasibility core of the Developmental Synaptopathies Consortium (DSC) is pleased to announce that it will fund an estimated $100,000 total costs for a pilot project to stimulate additional research through the DSC NIH grant for one/all of the following disorders: Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), PTEN Hamartoma Syndrome (PHTS), Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS) and SYNGAP 1-related disorders. The funding will be coordinated, dispersed and evaluated for progress through the DSC infrastructure. This project will be a two-year project with half of the funds ($50,000) allocated in each year, starting in October 2026. 

The Friends of Carl Sandburg Donald E. Hubbs Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Henderson County, aims to support Henderson County residents pursuing college degrees in Conservation, Animal Science, or Parks and Recreation. This fund prioritizes students specializing in American Literature but is open to those not necessarily at the top academically or financially. Established in 1982, the foundation has a strong history of facilitating community philanthropy.

About

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Dan and Amy Pace Scholarship

This scholarship provides financial support to students who are graduates of a public high school in Henderson County and who plan to pursue a certification to teach high school English.

Tiderington Family Scholarship

The Tiderington Family Scholarship was established in 1996 by Dr. Robert H. and Charlotte Hughes Tiderington and their three sons, Robert III, James and Thomas, to provide funding for students pursuing a vocational career. Neither Dr. Tiderington nor his wife Charlotte graduated from college. Dr. Tiderington remarked: “It was important to us that our boys went to college. We always stressed education. When you give a gift of education, you give a gift for life.”

Saginaw Country Club Golf Scholarship

The Saginaw Country Club has been one of the premier private clubs in Michigan for over 116 years. In honor of its centennial year in 1998, the Club’s Board of Governors established the Saginaw Country Club Golf Scholarship.

The scholarship is offered to promote and reward golf playing among Saginaw County’s youth.

The Ted & Shannon Skokos Foundation Grant, established in 2008, supports nonprofit organizations in arts, education, humanity, and faith. It prioritizes visionary leadership, community impact, sustainability, organizational strength, and collaboration. The foundation seeks to fund eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with its mission and positively influence communities, particularly in Dallas, Texas, and Arkansas, where the founders have personal connections.

Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a North Georgia First Responder, their child or spouse who are pursuing their post-secondary education. For this scholarship, a first responder is defined as Police (including local and state), Fire, EMS workers, and Communications officers. In 2026, one scholarship award of $500 will be offered.

The National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank (NMVB) aims to enhance biomedical research on malignant mesothelioma by expanding its collection of biospecimens, including tumor tissues and blood samples, alongside demographic and clinical data. Established in 2006, the NMVB serves as a crucial resource for researchers, providing access to a diverse library of samples and data, which can help identify disease markers and develop improved treatment options. This initiative is essential for advancing the understanding and treatment of mesothelioma.

The Centers of Excellence Program, funded by the US HHS: HRSA, aims to improve health professions education for under-represented minority individuals. It provides grants to health schools and organizations to enhance academic performance, expand clinical education, and strengthen faculty recruitment. This initiative promotes strategic partnerships to develop a competitive applicant pool and supports research on health issues affecting minority groups, ensuring better health outcomes and career opportunities in the health professions.

Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network

The RDCRN was established by Congress under the Rare Diseases Act in 2002. The network is an initiative of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), led by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences through is Division of Rare Diseases Research Innovation (formerly the Office of Rare Diseases Research). It is funded by collaborating NIH institutes, centers, and offices.

Now in its fifth funding cycle, RDCRN supports 20 rare disease research groups (consortia) that partner with 127 affiliated patient advocacy groups. In total, 180 diseases are currently being studied at 273 active clinical sites, both in the United States and internationally.

Pilot Grant in Pediatric Fungal Disease

Goal

Invites applications for one-year pilot projects that establish feasibility, refine the analytic design, or generate preliminary data to support future studies addressing critical knowledge gaps or improving patient-centered outcomes for pediatric invasive fungal diseases.

Objectives

• Establish feasibility of proposed pediatric IFD studies
• Refine study design or analytic approaches
• Generate preliminary data to strengthen future large-scale research
• Expand and support a diverse investigator community in pediatric IFD research
• Encourage multi-site collaboration and incorporation of patient/caregiver perspectives

Award Description

Awards will provide up to $30,000 (inclusive of direct and indirect costs) for a one-year period. Applicants are encouraged to pursue co-sponsorship with institutional partners, research networks, industry collaborators, or other stakeholders to expand available resources. To receive the award, investigators must submit their full study protocol for approval by the RDCRN. Award recipients will be offered a project management team that meets quarterly to help ensure that progress is consistent with timelines and benchmarks. Funded investigators will also be required to submit quarterly progress reports and an end-of-project report to be reviewed by the Pilot Project Committee.

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

Founded in 1984, we are a 501(c)(3) public charity. Today, we manage more than 1,000 charitable funds, serving as the trusted stewards for more than $390 million in assets.

Our Community Investment team works with local nonprofits, schools and community leaders to identify gaps, assess critical needs and explore opportunities and possibilities. Our Philanthropy team works with individuals, families, advisors, businesses, and nonprofits, offering deep and broad experience and expertise in philanthropic strategy, charitable and organizational endowments, and legacy planning.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation manages one of the state's largest scholarship programs, awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships to local students each year. If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, it's likely we have a scholarship that can help you achieve your dream.

Verne and Ardith Forbes Scholarship

Awarded to a graduating senior of any high school program in Dell Rapids, SD, or a graduating senior from a public high school program in Huron, SD. This award is renewable for one additional year if requirements are met and if funds are available.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or a student pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, the Community Foundation for Mason County may have a scholarship for you.

Jack & Jean Ereon Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family of Doug Ereon, who established the Jack & Jean Ereon Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

Doug Ereon credits scholarships with making his college education possible and leading to a successful career in oil and gas. Inspired by his own experiences and the support of his parents, Jack and Jean Ereon, Doug established this scholarship fund. Jack and Jean were devoted community members; Jack played a key role in developing Ludington's marina, and Jean always encouraged her children to pursue higher education despite financial constraints.

This Fund will support scholarships for graduates of any Mason County High School pursuing a degree or certification at any accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school. The Jack and Jean Ereon Scholarship Fund provides unlimited renewals until education is complete, with the hope that deserving local students can pursue higher education without the burden of mounting debt. 

Scholarships and Awards

The National Federation of the Blind offers several scholarships and awards that honor blind individuals as well as teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations whose work benefits the blind community.

Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards

The Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards honor individuals and organizations that are a positive force in the lives of blind people.

Applicants for the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards must demonstrate exemplary leadership and extraordinary accomplishments in improving the lives of blind people in the United States.

An application for an award can be made either by the applicant directly or by third parties who nominate an applicant.

Each application requires an essay describing the work or project to be recognized. In addition, applications must have at least one letter of recommendation in support of the nominee.

The National Federation of the Blind determines the total amount available for the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards each year based on the trust income received. The number of awards and the amount of each award will be determined by the NFB’s Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Committee based on its evaluation of eligible and deserving applicants.

Each year, to the extent feasible as determined by the committee’s evaluation of applications received, one or more awards will be made to applicants in each category: blind individuals, sighted individuals, and corporate or organizational entities. However, the committee is not bound to make an award in each category during each competition year and may not do so if an application meeting the selection criteria is not available.

Sponsored by the Alfred & Rosalind Perlman Trust. Presented by the National Federation of the Blind.

The Karl Hirsch Memorial Grants, established in honor of Karl Hirsch, support innovative research in paleontology and related fields. These grants fund activities such as museum travel, specimen collection, and advanced analyses. Preference is given to first-time applicants and WIPS members, although active membership is no longer a requirement. Past grant recipients must have met reporting obligations to be eligible. This initiative aims to foster diverse research projects and advance the field of paleontology.

The AAD Young Investigator Awards recognize promising dermatology researchers in the U.S. and Canada, offering a $6,000 prize and plaque for outstanding research in either basic/translational or clinical tracks. Eligible applicants must have a DO, MD, or PhD, and their research should be completed and submitted for publication. The application window is open from June 1 to September 1, encouraging diversity within research topics and applicants.

The Everett C. Fox, MD, Memorial Lectureship honors a distinguished dermatologist and offers a $10,000 award to the selected lecturer, who will present a 30-minute lecture at the AAD's Innovation Academy. Nominations are open until June 15 for the upcoming selection cycle, with entries held for five years. Candidates must be practicing clinical dermatologists with proven communication skills, ensuring the recognition of expertise within the field.

The Clarence S. Livingood, MD, Memorial Award and Lectureship recognizes outstanding contributions to dermatology. Established by the Department of Dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital, it honors Dr. Livingood's legacy. The award includes a $10,000 cash prize and the opportunity to present a lecture at the AAD Annual Meeting. Nominations are accepted annually until January 15, remaining active for five years, and are open to experts beyond dermatologists, emphasizing communication and expertise in relevant issues.

The AAD Annual Meeting Registration Scholarship Program offers scholarships to international dermatologists, excluding those from the U.S. and Canada, to support their attendance at the AAD's Annual Meeting. Each country can nominate up to two applicants, who will receive complimentary registration, access to a post-graduate session, and an invitation to the International Scholarship Recipient Reception. This initiative promotes global participation in dermatology.