Best Quality of Life Grants in Iowa

The Indianapolis Foundation Community Scholarship aims to support both traditional and non-traditional Black students in pursuing various post-secondary education paths, including degrees and vocational training. Managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, this scholarship aligns with their mission to foster opportunities for all, particularly emphasizing financial need and community engagement. Eligibility includes Marion County residency and a commitment to education, ensuring a diverse and impactful student body. Preference is given to Black student applicants.

The NIA Academic Leadership Career Award (K07) provides funding for established investigators to strengthen research capacity in aging and Alzheimer's Disease. The program supports the development of educational infrastructure, mentorship, and career development activities. Key deadlines for applications include February 12, June 12, and October 12 from 2025 to 2027. This award is specifically for research not involving independent clinical trials, allowing applicants to gain experience in trials led by others.

The Eviction Protection Grant Program (EPGP) aims to support low-income tenants facing eviction by offering competitive awards to around 16 nonprofit organizations and government entities. These grants will fund no-cost legal assistance, covering pretrial, trial, post-trial, and alternative dispute resolution services. The initiative, backed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is designed to ensure that vulnerable tenants have access to essential legal resources, ultimately reducing eviction rates and promoting housing stability.

Grand Traverse Regional Community FoundationThe 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.Giving JAR Scholarship FundAvailable to graduating seniors from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska or Leelanau Counties that are planning to attend college with a goal of becoming teachers, coaches or other vocations ultimately giving back to youth within the communities they choose to live in. Financial need, academic performance, and community service involvement will be considered.

The Home Depot Foundation's Veteran Housing Grants Program aims to enhance the lives of U.S. veterans by funding the construction or rehabilitation of supportive housing. Grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with experience in veteran housing. Since 2011, the Foundation has committed over $550 million to veteran causes and seeks to invest an additional $750 million by 2030, focusing on projects in major cities across the U.S.

The Alexander Brown Memorial Scholarship supports solid organ transplant recipients pursuing higher education. Open to high school seniors graduating soon or current students at accredited institutions, this one-time award can be used for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Selection is based on academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, and references. This scholarship aims to empower recipients to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

The Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant aims to enhance high school theatre programs in underserved communities. By providing $10,000 grants, this initiative fosters collaboration between students and industry professionals, while promoting performances that address diverse perspectives. The grant encourages schools to select plays that spark important conversations, ensuring inclusivity and representation in the arts. Ultimately, it seeks to inspire students and open doors to future careers in theatre.

This funding opportunity invites applications for investigator-initiated clinical trials that deliver complementary and integrative health interventions remotely or via mobile health technologies. Emphasizing no in-person contact, the trials should demonstrate feasibility, safety, and potential clinical benefits. A Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives is required for submission, and applicants are encouraged to consult with NCCIH contacts before applying. Deadlines for submissions range from February 2025 to October 2026.

The Rising Investigator Supplement Grant, offered by the AASM Foundation, empowers sleep and circadian science researchers to mentor promising students and fellows facing barriers in accessing research opportunities. This grant supports innovative projects addressing critical questions in sleep health and fosters career development in the field. Eligible candidates include students and clinical fellows in various educational stages. Funding is available for up to 20% of the principal grant, capped at $50,000, for periods ranging from 8 weeks to 3 years.

The Barbara Berger Clark Memorial Nursing Scholarship

The family of Barbara Berger Clark created this scholarship in her memory to support the next generation of nurses who share her commitment to public health and to serving their communities. Open to all nursing students, including those entering the field later in life or as a second career, this scholarship especially honors those who share Barbara’s commitment to public health nursing, prevention, and advancing health equity.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and individual total award amounts vary annually. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Award renewability varies and is dependent on the length of the recipient’s program of study. Minimum award size $5,000.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

The Updated National Dislocated Worker Grant Program provides essential resources to states in response to significant layoffs and disasters. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, these discretionary grants aim to enhance the capacity to serve dislocated workers, including veterans, and ensure access to vital employment and training services. This program not only assists in reemployment efforts but also supports temporary jobs for disaster recovery, ensuring communities can effectively recover and rebuild.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Katrin Lamon Fellowship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Katrin Lamon.

The purpose of the Katrin Lamon Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in literature, communication, journalism, or other related fields.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

The Thurman Munson Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Stark Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from Stark or Summit County who have participated in varsity baseball or softball. This scholarship seeks to assist students demonstrating both academic potential and financial need, with verification of their sports involvement required. The fund alternates scholarship awards between male and female recipients each year, continuing the legacy of philanthropy since 1963.

The Tim Triner Letter Carriers Scholarship Fund, established by Stark Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors, particularly children and grandchildren of National Association of Letter Carriers members. This scholarship emphasizes scholastic achievement and is aimed at students accepted into full-time post-secondary education. Since 1963, the Foundation has played a pivotal role in addressing community challenges through philanthropy.

The New York Life Foundation Grief Reach Grants aim to enhance the capacity of nonprofit organizations serving grieving children. This program, offered in partnership with the National Alliance for Children's Grief, provides $15,000 grants over one year to support internal improvements like organizational development and strategic collaborations. The initiative focuses on strengthening infrastructure and sustainability, ensuring that children have the resources they need to cope with loss effectively.

The RBC Wealth Management Colorado Scholarship offers financial support to exceptional Colorado high school seniors pursuing degrees in science, mathematics, or engineering. Awards are based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and financial need. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and an ACT score of at least 31 or equivalent SAT scores. This scholarship aims to empower students facing challenges to achieve their educational goals.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, promotes excellence in journalism education by awarding scholarships to outstanding students. With up to $700,000 in awards, the program includes various competitions in writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia. Open to undergraduate journalism majors and minors from ACEJMC-accredited institutions, it encourages participation in campus media and recognizes exceptional work published while enrolled. The Hearst Foundation has a rich history of supporting educational initiatives.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports journalism education by offering scholarships and grants. With up to $700,000 in awards, it features various competitions, including writing, photojournalism, audio, and multimedia. Each participating university can submit entries from two students per competition. Notably, undergraduate journalism majors or minors from accredited institutions can participate, while photojournalism entrants are exempt from this requirement. This initiative fosters talent and excellence in journalism across the country.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Ruth Muskrat Bronson Scholarship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Ruth Muskrat Bronson.

The purpose of the Ruth Muskrat Bronson Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible federally recognized Tribal members of Oklahoma pursuing graduate or professional degrees full-time in Nursing or a health-related field.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

The Dana Marie Underdonk Bryant Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support female graduating seniors from Hardin County high schools. Eligible applicants must plan to pursue a college degree in marketing or business, or have participated in high school tennis, with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also encourages leadership and community involvement among young women.

The Asian American Leaders in Mental Health Scholarship, offered by The Denver Foundation, supports Asian American and Pacific Islander students pursuing careers in clinical mental health. It emphasizes a commitment to social justice and community service, with scholarships awarded based on academic merit and passion for the field. One-time awards can be re-applied for in subsequent years, covering tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, ensuring support for students in their academic journey.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Joseph and Marla Dernay Future Teacher Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The Mary Ellen Kowalski Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Mary Ellen, a dedicated educator and community member. Established by her husband in 2025, this scholarship aims to support graduating high school seniors from Marathon County pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants are evaluated on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal challenges, ensuring that deserving students receive the financial assistance needed to succeed in their educational endeavors.

Our Story

Since 1963 when Stark Community Foundation was formed, hundreds of thousands of people’s lives have been changed through the power of philanthropy.

Over the years, the role of the Foundation has grown from a simple grantmaker to a community leader seeking long-term solutions to diverse community challenges.

The Virginia C. Jack and Ralph L. Jack Scholarship Fund

The Virginia C. Jack and Ralph L. Jack Scholarship Fund was established to assist students who are residents of Stark County; admitted to technical school, college or university, or school of nursing (full or part-time); traditional or non-traditional students accepted. Applicants must have attained a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and demonstrate financial need.

The Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Foundation provides financial support to non-profit organizations that promote American Indian self-sufficiency and culture. Grants are awarded quarterly, and applications must be submitted at least 30 days before meeting dates. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant, focusing on entrepreneurship, education, and cultural preservation. The Foundation, established in 1997, has funded various projects, ensuring that grant funds are utilized effectively for their intended purposes.

The Foundation for Improvement of Justice Awards recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to improving the civil and criminal justice systems in the U.S. Nominations are accepted year-round, with winners receiving a Paul H. Chapman Medal, $15,000, a certificate, and an expenses-paid trip to the awards banquet. This initiative aims to encourage continued innovation in justice practices. Eligibility includes unique improvements to justice systems, while future project grants and past awardees are ineligible.

The Ross Scholarship Fund provides financial support to graduating high school seniors from Franklin County who plan to pursue higher education. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement (minimum GPA of 2.5) and financial need. The scholarship renews for up to four years, contingent upon maintaining eligibility requirements. Extra consideration is given to students from the Chambersburg Area School District, ensuring that deserving local students receive the support they need to succeed in their higher education endeavors.