Best Quality of Life Grants in Iowa

The NLN Cecelia Lou Vriheas Scholarship Award offers an $8,000 scholarship to first-generation nursing students from historically marginalized groups pursuing advanced degrees. This award aims to support those committed to becoming full-time nurse educators. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited nursing programs and demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, and related expenses, fostering diversity in nursing education and leadership.

Jack Sherman Scholarship

Applicants must be pursuing a two- or four- year degree or advanced education and/or training in the skilled trades and show evidence of involvement in co or extra-curricular activities or volunteerism related to the applicant’s field of interest. Transcripts and scores are requested, but not necessarily a determining factor. .

The Emerging Voices Fellowship offers a five-month virtual mentorship for early-career writers from underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals. This program aims to enhance their publishing skills through one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and access to industry professionals. Participants also benefit from community-building events and an honorarium. Established by PEN America, this fellowship seeks to diversify the literary landscape and is open to various genres, fostering creative growth and professional development in a supportive environment.

Merrily Jane Lloyd Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to a graduating senior residing in the greater Albion area with plans to attend a two- or four-year institution as a full-time student. Concord, Homer, Marshall, Marshall Opportunity, Marshall Academy, and Springport High Schools may each nominate one student whom demonstrates the characteristics that Merrily embodied: dignity, class, grace, compassion and selflessness. The committee will then select a recipient from this pool of nominees. Financial need and involvement in co- and extra-curricular activities such as, but not limited to, employment and student organizations, may be determining factors. Personal interview with the committee may be requested.

The Veterans' Scholarships, established by the American Australian Association, provide financial support to post-9/11 military veterans from Australia and the USA. Scholarships of up to $40,000 are available for those pursuing full-time undergraduate studies in the respective countries. Since 2017, over $2.8 million has been awarded, fostering educational opportunities that enhance skills and promote successful careers after military service. Eligibility criteria include being an honorably discharged veteran and planning to study full-time.

The Veterans' Scholarships program, established by the American Australian Association, offers financial support to post-9/11 military veterans from Australia and the USA for graduate studies. With over $2.8 million awarded, eligible veterans can receive up to $40,000 for tuition, travel, and living expenses. This initiative fosters educational opportunities and career development, encouraging veterans to pursue their academic goals in each other's countries.

The NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) aims to support talented postdoctoral researchers in their transition to independent faculty positions. This program provides essential NCI research funding to help awardees establish competitive, independent research careers. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant's organization, ensuring timely consideration for this critical funding opportunity.

The Robert Holland Jr. Award honors senior scientists with diverse backgrounds who demonstrate excellence in research and teaching in Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy. Recipients are invited to join the Cottrell Scholar community, fostering creativity and inclusivity. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and promotes the contributions of underrepresented scholars. Candidates are evaluated on their mentoring, leadership in diversity initiatives, and potential impact on the academic community. This prestigious award is a key initiative by the Research Corporation.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the CDM Smith Thomas R. Camp Scholarship, offers a $10,000 award for outstanding graduate students engaged in applied research within the drinking water sector. Sponsored by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), this scholarship emphasizes the importance of investing in future water industry leaders, encouraging their innovative contributions to the field. Eligible candidates are graduate students focused on research that addresses critical challenges in drinking water management.

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) fosters a dynamic research environment that enriches cadet education, enhances faculty development, and supports Air Force mission capabilities. By engaging cadets in hands-on research alongside faculty, USAFA cultivates critical thinking and innovation. Additionally, the program addresses vital topics like hypersonics and cybersecurity, while fostering partnerships with industry to stimulate broader technological advancements. This initiative not only benefits cadets and faculty but also serves the public interest.

American Gastroenterological Association

The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, AGA represents members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice, and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research, and educational programs of the organization.

AGA-Takeda Pharmaceuticals Research Scholar Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This award provides funding for three years to early-career faculty (i.e., investigator, instructor, research associate or equivalent) working toward an independent career in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research.

Objective

The objective of the AGA Research Foundation Research Scholar Award (RSA) is to support early-career investigators working toward independent and productive research careers in digestive diseases by ensuring that a major proportion of their time is protected for mentored research (i.e., a minimum of 50 percent effort dedicated to the proposed project). This award will support junior faculty (not fellows) who have demonstrated exceptional promise and have some record of accomplishment in research pertaining to inflammatory bowel disease.

Review all of the benefits AGA Research Scholar Award recipients are entitled to on the award policies page.

Application Requirements

• Maintain AGA membership throughout the three-year duration of the award.

• Applicants must self-assign their proposal to one of the following categories:
  • Clinical: Research involving direct contact with human subjects or using clinical data to address problems related to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment or outcome of human diseases (e.g., clinical epidemiology). This category also includes research related to health care delivery (e.g., health services, health IT).
  • Basic/Translational: Research with a primary goal of understanding basic biology or disease mechanisms. This category can involve animal subjects, cell culture, human biospecimens or human data as resources for laboratory- or informatics-based investigation.

• Resources allocated through this award are intended to support the career development of the applicant. The applicant must allocate a minimum of 50 percent effort to the proposed project.

• Applicants are required to have a sponsor and mentor for the award; one individual may serve in the capacity of both positions. A sponsor (typically a division chief or department chair) is an individual who takes responsibility for the quality assessment of the proposed research project, the quality of the research environment within which the project will be undertaken, and the experience and expertise of the principal investigator and other key researchers involved. A mentor will supervise the principal investigator’s research activities ensuring timelines and deliverables and will work with the applicant to create a research career development plan.

• The intent of this award is to foster the scientific independence of junior investigators. Applicants whose research activities become incorporated into a grant application from a senior mentor will need to delineate clearly the scientific and experimental distinctions between their respective programs. This requirement applies both to pending applications submitted prior to review of this award and to applications submitted during the term of the RSA. It must also be clearly stated how the work submitted by the applicant is that of the applicant and not that of the senior mentor(s).

• A complete research facilities and resources form must be submitted.

• Biographical sketches for the applicant, mentor and other key personnel must be submitted.

• Applicants resubmitting a revised application from a prior cycle must include a resubmission report describing responses to reviewer feedback and other major changes since the most recent past submission.

• Upon notification of receipt of this award, the recipient must provide institutional approval from the appropriate committee(s) for use of human subjects or animals. If approval is not necessary, then the recipient must provide documentation from the appropriate regulatory committee.

• Recipients must submit scientific and financial progress reports to AGA annually and final reports 60 days after the end date of the award period. Report templates and instructions are provided to awardees at the time of acceptance. Second and third year funding are contingent upon the submission and accuracy of this documentation.

• All publications, presentations, abstracts, and patent applications arising from work funded by this program must acknowledge support of the AGA–Takeda Pharmaceuticals Research Scholar Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

• Additional pre-award policies are available on the Research Award Policies page.

Award Overlap

• At the time of application submission, applicants may not hold, or have held, an NIH K01, K08, K23, K99, R00, R01, R21, R29, Veterans Affairs Career Development Award or any award with similar objectives from non-federal sources (e.g., the American Liver Foundation, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation).

• Applicants who have held a K12 or KL2 in the past are eligible to apply. Applicants with an active K12 or KL2 may apply in the final year of their active K12 or KL2 so long as the award will end before the Research Scholar Award term begins.

• If a applicant is granted the award and notified of a comparable award from another agency prior to the first payment of this award, then the recipient must select one of the two awards (i.e., the recipient may not retain both awards).

• If the recipient is notified that a comparable award has been granted after the first payment of this award, then the recipient may retain up to 50 percent of the remainder of his or her AGA award. AGA must be notified by the recipient via email within two weeks of receiving notification of additional funding.

The FDA is funding a Center for Research on Complex Generics to enhance collaboration with the generic drug industry. This initiative aims to identify scientific challenges in generic product development, facilitate expert engagement, and coordinate research projects. By hosting workshops and providing public access to research outcomes, the center will support the FDA's mission to improve patient access to high-quality, safe, and effective generic drugs, thus strengthening regulatory science efforts.

Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque

Since 2003, we have inspired people to give back to their community. We turn this generosity into lasting change across our region, increasing access to resources and opportunities that help all people succeed.

We envision a vibrant and inclusive Dubuque region where everyone can thrive. We believe communities that come together in service of a shared vision achieve great things.

Get Out the Vote Mini-Grant

The Get Out the Vote (GOTV) initiative aims to provide grant funds to area high schools to purchase supplies (i.e. snacks, posters, stickers, decorations, t-shirts, etc.) to promote and execute a non-partisan voter registration drive among students 17 years (see voter qualifications below) and older. Requests for funding through the GOTV grant process should clearly demonstrate that they:

• Host a non-partisan voter registration drive for students 17 years and older prior to October 19, 2026
• Apply for a mini-grant by Thursday, October 1, 2026. 

The Permobil Foundation offers sponsorships and grants to enhance the lives of individuals with mobility limitations. Committed to promoting independent mobility as a basic human right, the Foundation supports organizations that align with its mission through event sponsorships, grant funding, employee engagement, and in-kind donations. Applications are accepted monthly, with an emphasis on initiatives that yield significant community impact. The Foundation prioritizes relationships with Permobil employees and critical community needs.

The Thomases Family Endowment, established by Irwin Thomases, aims to uphold his philanthropic values by supporting organizations serving the Jewish and secular communities. Eligible applicants must focus on the Akko & Matte Asher regions or the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys. They can apply for multi-year grants of up to $50,000 annually, but those receiving direct allocations from the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation are ineligible. This endowment continues to promote a spirit of tzedakah.

The Chef Ann Foundation's Get Schools Cooking program empowers K-12 school districts to shift from heat-and-serve meals to scratch cooking, ensuring students receive fresher and healthier food. By providing tailored technical support and comprehensive assessments, the foundation helps districts create strategic plans to enhance their meal programs over three years. With a vision of equal access to nutritious food for all children, the initiative also includes system improvement grants to facilitate successful implementation.

The AMA Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship: Ken Viste Memorial provides $10,000 in tuition assistance to medical students entering their final year. Established to support future physicians, this scholarship aims to assist those from diverse backgrounds. Applicants must be residents of specific Midwestern states and enrolled in accredited medical schools, demonstrating a commitment to serving their communities. With a legacy of over $61 million in scholarships since 1950, the AMA Foundation continues to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The AMA Foundation Award for Health Education recognizes the exemplary educational efforts of physicians, medical students, and residents dedicated to improving public health. Supported by a $3,500 stipend from the John P. McGovern Foundation, this award celebrates individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to service, community involvement, and leadership in health education. Eligible candidates include practicing physicians, with special consideration for those addressing issues related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

The Dr. Richard Allen Williams & Genita Evangelista Johnson/Association of Black Cardiologists Scholarship offers $5,000 to African American/Black medical students interested in cardiology. This scholarship is part of the AMA Foundation's Physicians of Tomorrow program, which has awarded over $61 million in scholarships since 1950. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school and entering their final year. The funds are designated for tuition costs only.

The David Jones Peck, MD Scholarship for Health Equity, offered by the American Medical Association Foundation, provides $10,000 in tuition assistance to medical students entering their final year. This scholarship aims to support those dedicated to addressing health disparities and promoting equity in marginalized communities. Open to all eligible students, it underscores the foundation's commitment to fostering diversity in medicine and empowering future healthcare leaders.

The Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) aims to assist Tribes and Tribal Organizations in planning and implementing health services tailored to their unique needs. This initiative by the Indian Health Service promotes flexibility for Tribes across the contiguous 48 states to create effective health programs. By identifying key feasibility factors, the program seeks to enhance community health outcomes and support the establishment of sustainable healthcare solutions.

The Community Health Aide Program: Tribal Assessment and Planning aims to assist Tribes and Tribal Organizations in assessing the feasibility of implementing a Community Health Aide Program tailored to their unique community needs. This initiative, supported by the Indian Health Service, emphasizes regional flexibility and empowers Tribes to identify critical factors for successful program design, ensuring effective health solutions are delivered where they are most needed.

The WNDB Internship Grant Program aims to support diverse students pursuing careers in publishing by offering 16 grants of $3,000 each. Given the high living costs in major publishing hubs, this program helps alleviate financial barriers, enabling interns to gain vital industry experience. Grantees are required to attend various events during the summer, including training and networking opportunities. By fostering diversity, WNDB contributes to a more inclusive publishing landscape, having supported over 140 students since its inception.

Founded in 2016, this program supports nonfiction filmmakers or filmmaking teams working on their first or second feature-length documentary.

In this year-long program, 9 filmmakers will receive:

• $40,000 USD in grant funding for the production of their feature-length film
• Mentorship with Chicken & Egg Films team members
• Two creative retreats focused on career building and creative development
• Travel stipend for director and producer upon acceptance to a forum or market during program year
• Tailored industry meetings and funder connections
• Peer support from their cohort

You do not need a fiscal sponsor to apply for the (Egg)celerator Lab. However, if you are selected for the Lab, you must secure a US fiscal sponsor, or be a 501(c)(3), to receive the funds. If granted, we can help advise on finding a fiscal sponsor. 

The Corporate Giving Program by Cytokinetics focuses on health equity in cardiovascular disease, targeting underserved communities. It seeks to fund initiatives that address disparities in healthcare access, including public health campaigns, community support programs, and innovative solutions. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S. that align with these goals, ensuring that no direct healthcare practice involvement occurs. This initiative aims to foster equitable health outcomes and enhance community well-being.

May Family Foundation

Eleanor Jean May established the May Family Foundation in 2000, as a gesture of gratitude to the communities that shaped her life. The May Family Foundation is dedicated to identifying programs that strongly resonate with our mission and values as we work together to empower and uplift lives within our communities.

Our foundation provides resources and opportunities that empower young individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Our goal is to create a brighter future for under-resourced youth in our local communities.

May Family Foundation After-School Enrichment Grant

Our foundation strives to be engaged in our local communities beyond grant funding. We support select programs that align with our goals and form a connection through potential volunteering opportunities, site visits, and recognition of successes.

We welcome grant applications for financial support in after-school enrichment:

• Programs with trained instructors that provide students with opportunities to participate in enrichment activities to learn new things and develop skills they will find useful in real life.

The Summer Research Education Experience Program (R25) is designed to enhance educational activities in biomedical and clinical research. This program aims to provide high school and undergraduate students, as well as science teachers, with immersive research experiences during summer breaks. Applications for standard and renewal submissions are due on March 18, 2025, and consecutive years thereafter, while AIDS-related applications are due on May 7 in the same years. Letters of Intent are encouraged.