Best Scouting Organization Grants in Iowa

Schools and nonprofit partners in Iowa that serve Title I-eligible students can use this funding for after-school academic and enrichment programs, youth development, and social-emotional support, with awards from US $50,000 - US $150,000 per year. With a mission to expand community learning centers, Iowa Department of Education provides youth development and leadership initiatives with resources to keep children safe and engaged after school.

Iowa youth development and leadership nonprofits in Iowa can access funding through Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to support events and fundraisers. 501(c)(3) organizations working in agriculture, farm family communities, youth and education, or health and wellness may be eligible, including scouting groups that build character, leadership, and healthy lifestyles for young people.

Nonprofit and community organizations providing youth mentoring and development programs in Iowa can access funding to support refugee and ORR-eligible youth ages 15–24. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services backs mentoring, case management, and educational or vocational advancement activities that build positive civic and social engagement, with multiple contracts anticipated.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa can apply for the W R Berkley Corporation Charitable Foundation’s grants to support youth development, education, health and human services, community betterment, and food insecurity programs. Scouting organizations that meet these criteria and operate near CWG office communities may be eligible; one grant per organization is considered annually.

Iowa 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities can apply for the Hanson Foundation’s grants to support arts and culture, family recreation, and youth development and education projects. Scouting organizations in north central Iowa, especially around Forest City, may be eligible for initiatives like camps, leadership programs, playgrounds, trails, or other community-strengthening activities.

Youth development and leadership nonprofits in Iowa can seek funding to support economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture programming. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help 501(c)(3) organizations, especially those led by people of color, that address multiple “work, home, and play” pillars in designated U.S. Bank communities; scouting groups may be eligible.

Iowa 501(c)(3) public charities with $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for youth development, leadership, and job-readiness programs, including scouting-related initiatives. RBC Foundation USA provides support to organizations in Iowa communities where RBC Wealth Management has a business presence and active community involvement, focusing on skills for the future, inclusive prosperity, and environmental sustainability.

Youth development and leadership programs in Iowa focused on agricultural education, leadership, or career training can apply for CHS Foundation’s Ag Leadership Grant. Focused on building a diverse pipeline for agriculture and promoting the ag cooperative business model, scouting organizations serving high school students through young professionals may be eligible.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies can receive support for youth development, workforce training, sustainability, and community resilience projects. Marathon Petroleum provides funding across its marketing area, with preference for communities near its operations, to back programs such as vocational and STEM education, basic needs, disaster preparedness, and initiatives that strengthen and beautify local environments.

Iowa 501(c)(3) youth and community organizations can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. Scouting organizations offering youth development and leadership activities in Union Pacific–served communities may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $30,000 to expand direct services or build organizational capacity.

The Eleanor & Henry Jansen Foundation, established in 1998, supports nonprofit organizations in Whatcom County, focusing on youth programs. The foundation encourages proposals that directly impact the community and emphasizes the importance of a substantial volunteer base. Special consideration is given to projects that were significant to Eleanor and Henry Jansen. Applicants are encouraged to seek matching funds from multiple sources, with priority given to youth-serving initiatives.

The BTCF: Simple Gifts Fund Grant supports young artists aged 13-19 in the Berkshire Taconic region, providing financial assistance for summer enrichment programs in the arts. Established in 1998 in memory of folk singer Bill Crofut, the fund aims to empower youth through small grants that can cover costs for tuition, art supplies, or living expenses. The grant fosters creativity and personal growth, ensuring that young individuals have opportunities to pursue their passions.

The Champions for Change program, initiated by the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, empowers Native youth through leadership opportunities. Founded in 2011, it selects 5-6 exceptional young leaders (ages 14-24) each year to inspire their communities and promote positive change. Participants engage in tailored advocacy training, fostering skills to create impactful stories from Indian Country, while all applicants join the CNAY network, enhancing their community involvement.

Youth-serving organizations and eligible public high schools in Iowa and across the U.S. can support student-led leadership and civic engagement projects through the Bezos Scholars Program, which includes grants of more than US $1,000. Bezos Family Foundation also provides intensive yearlong leadership development, college advising, and an all-expenses-paid experience at the Aspen Ideas Festival.

Female high school seniors active in Girl Scouts and graduating from a Smith County, Texas school can receive US $1,000 for college costs through the Juliette Low’s Amazing Girls Scholarship. East Texas Communities Foundation supports youth development and leadership, and Iowa scouting organizations with qualifying Girl Scout seniors may be interested in this opportunity.

Iowa youth-serving nonprofits offering STEM education, youth development, or job-readiness programs can access funding through AFL Global’s Community Grants. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations running scouting troops, leadership activities, or life-skills initiatives for children, teens, or adults pursuing self-sufficiency may be competitive applicants. Funding supports program delivery and community outreach efforts.

The Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support high school seniors, college students, and non-traditional students from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne County in Minnesota. Eligible applicants should have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and pursue a degree in Criminal Justice or First Responder programs. This scholarship fosters leadership and community involvement, ensuring a lasting impact on public safety and local services.

Iowa scouting and youth-serving city governments in Mahaska County can seek project funding for new initiatives that benefit local residents. Mahaska County Community Foundation supports arts and culture, youth development and leadership, education, health and human services, recreation, and community betterment projects proposed by the 170(b)(1) governing offices of the county’s ten municipalities.

The Big Bald Dave Adventure Scholarship, provided by the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, honors Dave Mueller's passion for outdoor adventure. It offers a unique summer trip for Big Sky students in grades 9-11 who demonstrate leadership and a love for the outdoors. Supported by Adventures Cross Country, this scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in enriching experiences while giving back to the community. Notably, it is not based on financial need.

Sports Matter Mission

We believe that sports change lives. In addition to physical and mental health benefits, sports have the power to change our perspectives, our character and our communities for the better. This core belief has guided DICK’S Sporting Goods and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation since the beginning – but not everyone has the same access to play. Through grants and other support, The DICK’S Foundation Sports Matter Program helps under-resourced 501c3 organizations, schools and community teams across all 50 states provide opportunities for youth to play sports.

Why It Counts

• Low-Income Kids Play at Half the Rate of Wealthier Peers
• Participation in Team Sports has Declined 4% Since 2017
• One in Three Kids Can't Participate in the Sports They Want 
• Number of Kids Playing Multiple Sports Has Declined

Sports Matter Program

We Believe Every Kid Deserves a Chance to Play

The Sports Matter Program focuses on supporting youth sports in under-resourced communities.

All grant applications are made subject to review of the applying organization’s reputation and activities, and its agreement to comply with applicable terms and conditions. 

Nonprofits, government entities, and charitable projects in Mahaska County, Iowa can seek funding for youth development, education, arts, health, recreation, and community betterment projects. Mahaska County Community Foundation supports new or capital projects that enhance quality of life, which may benefit scouting organizations creating innovative programs for local youth.

Youth-serving organizations in Iowa that support teens and young adults in the arts can apply for Quad City Arts' Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program, with awards up to US $750 for paid summer arts apprenticeships. Scout troops and similar groups in Scott County, Iowa, may be eligible if they engage youth in community-based art projects.

Students involved in youth leadership or community service in Iowa can apply for Chick-fil-A’s Community Scholars awards of up to US $25,000 to support college, vocational, or graduate education. Boy and Girl Scout participants who meet the academic, service, and enrollment requirements may be strong candidates for this leadership and mentoring program.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government units in Iowa’s Clay County can access funding for new or expanded programs, facilities, and services. Clay County Community Foundation provides US $10,001 - US $25,000 Impact Grants for projects in areas like youth development, recreation, education, arts, health, and community quality of life, which may benefit scouting organizations.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, and local government units in Clay County can seek US $3,001 - US $10,000 for new or expanded youth, recreation, education, and community programs. Clay County Community Foundation funding may benefit scouting organizations offering leadership, outdoor, or service activities for young people in the county.

The CCCF Simple Grant supports innovative projects under $3,000 that enhance the quality of life in Clay County, Iowa. The Clay County Community Foundation seeks to connect donors with impactful causes, focusing on economic development, health services, and community activities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits and local government units. Grants prioritize projects that foster community engagement and address local needs, ensuring sustainable benefits for the county's residents.

The CCLF Gold Grant, offered by the Cherokee County Legacy Foundation, supports non-profit organizations and local governmental entities with funding requests ranging from $10,001 to $25,000. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by November 15, detailing the organization, project description, funding sources, and community impact. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or local governments, with a focus on enhancing quality of life in Cherokee County through innovative projects.