Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

The Sweet Brook Scholarship Fund, established in 1972 by residents of Sweet Brook, supports healthcare education for Northern Berkshire County residents. Initially aimed at staff members of Sweet Brook, the fund transitioned in 2020 to assist local residents pursuing health-related qualifications. The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation now manages the fund, which has provided essential scholarships that empower individuals to enhance their careers in healthcare, fostering community growth and economic mobility.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Anne Koepfinger Inspiring Educators Memorial Award

Anne Koepfinger, a dedicated Special Education teacher, devoted over 28 years of her life to teaching and positively impacting the lives of countless students with learning disabilities. Her unwavering commitment to education and profound influence on students left an indelible mark on the community.

In remembrance of Anne’s remarkable contributions, her family recently established The Anne Koepfinger Inspiring Educators Memorial Award through The Community Foundation. This scholarship serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement, designed to inspire students to follow in Anne’s footsteps and pursue careers in the field of education.

The Koepfinger family recognized that the best way to honor Anne’s memory was to support and uplift the next generation of educators. They understood that the impact of a dedicated and passionate teacher reaches far beyond the classroom. A scholarship in Anne’s name would not only serve as a tribute to her life and work but would also empower aspiring educators to make a meaningful difference in the lives of future students.

The legacy of a beloved educator continues to inspire and touch the lives of students through this scholarship.

The Teddy Lee Drumm Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Ted and Buena Drumm in memory of their son, supports Sharon residents pursuing post-secondary education. It aims to assist motivated students whose financial needs will be significantly impacted by the award. Managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, the fund embodies its mission of strengthening communities through philanthropy, ensuring local youth have opportunities for academic success and economic mobility.

The FY26 Vision Research Program Clinical Trial Award supports the swift execution of clinical trials aimed at improving treatments for service-connected eye injuries and visual dysfunction. This award emphasizes the need for regulatory compliance, including IND/IDE submissions, and requires documentation confirming the application's active status by March 1, 2027. Review criteria focus on clinical impact, research feasibility, recruitment strategies, and ethical considerations, ensuring relevance to military health.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

Linda and Billy Beale Scholarship

The Linda and Billy Beale Scholarship Fund was created to support charitable projects in the community that has been home to their family for many years. Friends and colleagues know Linda and Billy as individuals who are deeply engaged in the fabric of the region – and especially Caroline County – through the business community, through their civic and social lives, and through their family’s involvement in their church and schools.

When thinking about a focal point for their charitable giving through this scholarship fund, the Beale’s were drawn to the school athletic “families” that have meant so much to them and their children over the years. Billy served as assistant baseball coach from 1999 to 2003 and Linda served as assistant volleyball coach from 1998 to 2006. The family also has history of involvement with Caroline Little League that began when their son played t-ball in the 1980’s and continued through their daughter’s service as a board member as an adult. The Beale's continue to show their support by participating in Little League special events today.

Rapid Cancer Grants

Fast Funding for Home Cancer Care Research

We fund healthcare researchers to rapidly explore the feasibility of home infusion as a solution to the ongoing challenges of capacity shortage, site of care management, and financial toxicity in cancer care.

Traditional funding pathways for new care models are too slow to impact patients, so we’ve streamlined the process. By providing funding approvals within 14 days, we enable healthcare teams to quickly launch and evaluate home-based cancer care programs that improve access and affordability.  

What can a Rapid Cancer Grant be used for?

Projects must comprise of research investigating the feasibility, safety, or economic benefit of cancer care at home and must include delivering care to patients via an IRB approved study. IRB approval may be obtained after grant approval. Projects may include assessing suitability of home infusion, enabling access to lab draws at home, or remote care co-ordination to reduce time toxicity for patients.

If you’re a healthcare worker at an oncology practice, hospital or academic institution in the United States and are interested in continuing or launching a new home cancer care initiative, we invite you to apply for a Rapid Cancer Grant.

The FY26 Vision Research Program's Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) offers funding for innovative research addressing eye injury and visual dysfunction due to military exposure. This award supports preclinical to early translational studies aligned with specific focus areas. Unique features include two funding levels and a Partnering Principal Investigator Option. Applications undergo rigorous peer review based on research rationale, strategy, and impact, with potential for sharing with the National Eye Institute for additional funding consideration.

The William J. Newton Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, honors Bill J. Newton's legacy by supporting Berkshire County residents pursuing post-secondary training in trade and industrial fields. Established in 2006, this fund aims to enhance economic mobility and quality of life through education in vocational programs. With a commitment to community impact and innovation, it seeks to empower local individuals to achieve their career aspirations and contribute positively to their communities.

The Joey Johnson Memorial Scholarship, established in 2019 by the East Texas Communities Foundation, honors Joey Johnson's caring spirit. This scholarship is available for graduating seniors from Gladewater, Sabine, West Rusk, or Overton High Schools, supporting students pursuing any field of study at colleges across the U.S. Financial need is considered, and recipients can renew the scholarship for up to three years by maintaining a 3.0 GPA and full-time status.

Youth Service America

Youth Service America believes that youth, communities, and our democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good. YSA is a leading global nonprofit that activates young people, ages 5-25, to find their voice, take action, and acquire powerful civic and 21st Century skills as they solve problems facing their communities. YSA supports its activation campaigns with grants, training and resources, and recognition programs for young people and their adult champions. Youth-led projects use Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy (ASAP) strategies to create social and environmental change.

We Serve To Remember Grants

Projects that Engage 100 Youth Volunteers

YSA’s We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants are for organizations, schools, and youth changemakers ages 5-25 to lead service projects on or around September 11, 2026. Programming efforts should also honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, their families, and those who rose in service in response to that tragedy. (We suggest starting with eleven reflections about 9/11/01 and related ideas for service or service-learning projects.)

Grantees are required to engage at least 100 youth as volunteers in planning and implementing the service activities.

What are we looking for?

• Projects must be youth-led;
• Projects must include elements to honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, and those who rose in service in response;
• Projects must take place on or around September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance (Friday, September 11, 2026) – between Friday, September 4 and Friday, September 18;
• Project organizers must make their best effort to recruit and engage youth volunteers who are not usually asked to serve;

Grantees are also required to provide evidence of volunteer participation and number of hours served. Approved documention includes sign in sheets, copies of pre-and-post-surveys, or reports from school attendance or volunteer management system. These documents must contain a unique identifier for each volunteer, such as the volunteer’s full first and last name, their full first name and last initial, or a volunteer/student ID number.

Reflecting on the spirit of togetherness that brought people together in the days, weeks, and months after September 11th, we are especially looking for ideas that bring together all members of the community.

The FY26 Reconstructive Transplant Research Program (RTRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award supports innovative studies aimed at enhancing reconstructive transplant research and patient care. It emphasizes projects with military relevance, focusing on all research phases from basic to clinical. Essential components include rigorous study design, preliminary data, and the potential for significant short- and long-term impacts on patients and the reconstructive transplant field.

Idaho Community Foundation

The Idaho Community Foundation distributes millions annually in grants and scholarships across the state. These awards are made possible by individuals, families, businesses, affiliates, giving circles, and everyday Idahoans who care for their community.Robert C. Weaver Memorial Scholarship FundEstablished by Neola Weaver in memory of her late husband, residents or former residents of Buhl are eligible for scholarship support as either traditional or nontraditional students. For part-time or full-time traditional or nontraditional students pursuing post high school vocational or academic training. 

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Kendall’s Kindness Scholarship Fund

The Kendall’s Kindness Scholarship Fund was created by the Maffia Family in loving memory of their daughter, sister, niece, and granddaughter Kendall Marie Maffia (6/12/2000-10/11/2021). This scholarship has been established to provide two $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from either St. Charles North High School or St. Charles East High School. The Kendall’s Kindness Scholarship is intended for students who are planning to continue their education at a 4-year college and will major in an Arts-related degree.

Kendall’s family and friends want Kendall’s kind-hearted, gentle, loving, and passionate spirit to continue to impact others. The Kendall’s Kindness Scholarship Fund has been established to support young people who are interested in art, have a passion for their community, and exhibit the gentle spirit and kindness that Kendall showed others every day.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Hershberger Youth Scholarship Award, established by the Tulsa Community Foundation, supports students from First Methodist Church of Sapulpa who actively engage in their programs. Eligible applicants are graduating seniors planning to enroll in an accredited college or vocational-technical school immediately after graduation. This initiative aims to empower youth in their educational pursuits and foster community involvement, reflecting TCF's commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and families in Tulsa and Northeastern Oklahoma.

Manuel And Fillie Garcia Hispanic Scholarship

The Manuel & Fillie Garcia Hispanic Scholarship was established as a permanent fund of Taos Community Foundation in 2011.

The award is available to graduating seniors in Taos and western Colfax counties with preference to Hispanic students pursuing advancement of higher education. The scholarship is available to those applying to 4 year colleges and universities as well as 2 year vocational/trade schools.

The award amount will be determined at the time of committee review. This award is typically renewable for up to three years if a 2.5 GPA is maintained and all required paperwork is returned in accordance with the Scholarship Agreement.

The DoW Alzheimer’s Transforming Care Award aims to support innovative clinical research and trials enhancing dementia care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. This funding opportunity encourages collaborative partnerships and requires preliminary data, focusing on interventions that do not solely test pharmacological solutions. Community collaboration is essential, and studies leveraging existing cohorts, including those with younger participants, are encouraged. The award supports both new and existing partnerships among principal investigators.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship Fund

Established in June 2015, the Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has excelled in the face of adversity. This scholarship was established in memory of Craig Daniel Bennett, known as Cujo, Jr – a reference to his father’s flight call sign and to the way a seemingly harmless and vulnerable young person could grow into a passionate and powerful individual. Challenged by extensive multiple physical issues, he defied the negative predictions of skeptical doctors again and again. Craig sometimes encountered people who had difficulty seeing past his wheelchair to who he really was – for them he was a source of surprise and, once his dynamic personality made itself known, a source of inspiration. Craig was a goal-oriented fighter who whitewater rafted the New River and was elected Homecoming King at Bluefield College. He had dreams of walking to receive his diploma and of sky diving.

Craig wanted to be seen as “normal”. Those who knew him saw more than that, he was extraordinary.

Knowing that his life expectancy was shorter than average, Craig asked his parents to establish a scholarship in his memory. Craig Daniel was the recipient of a Bootstrap Scholarship, which is given to nominees that demonstrate the effort and will to succeed in the face of adversity. Award winners are chosen by how well they demonstrate the concept of "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps." The Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship Fund also recognizes a student who uses determination and force of will to overcome odds, to meet hardship and to succeed in achieving their dreams.

The Pfizer Clostridioides difficile Research Collaboration aims to engage innovative researchers to explore the burden of C. difficile infections. Selected investigators will collaborate with Pfizer's medical team to design a research project and publication. The initiative covers multiple countries, including France and the US, acknowledging the significant health risks posed by C. difficile. Projects can request funding up to $500,000 USD, with a maximum duration of 12 months, emphasizing the urgent need for further studies in this area.

The DoW Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Award, funded by the U.S. Army Medical Command, aims to accelerate the implementation of clinical trials that significantly impact ovarian cancer treatment. This award supports diverse trial designs, from early proof-of-concept studies to large-scale efficacy trials, evaluating innovative drugs, biologics, and technologies. By fostering research in this critical area, the program seeks to enhance patient outcomes and advance the understanding of ovarian cancer management.

The Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Academy (OCCTA) supports Early-Career Investigators (ECIs) in clinical trial research aimed at effective ovarian cancer treatments. It provides essential mentoring, networking, and skill development needed for executing clinical trials. The FY26 funding will specifically support translational research and early-phase trials, requiring preliminary data and a commitment of at least 25% effort from the ECI. Mentorship is vital, with a focus on experienced clinical trialists guiding ECIs.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s Warren Brown Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club was chartered in 1922, as club number 1051, with 23 charter members led by Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation, which was incorporated in 1959, has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years.

The Marion Rotary Club Warren Brown Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late Warren Brown of Wyandot, Inc. and provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors. Recipients will have been a resident of Marion County for at least two full years and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher based on a 4.0 scale. Special consideration will be given to applicants who intend to pursue an education and career in or related to business or management.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s R.T. Lewis Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club R.T. Lewis Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late R.T. Lewis and provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors pursuing an education in business, management, land development, real estate, or who will be attending the Marion Campus of The Ohio State University.

Born in 1877, R.T. Lewis became known as “Mr. Marion” for his grocery business, downtown and land development, and philanthropic efforts. In 1957, as Ohio State University began offering classes in Marion, he was among the first to create student scholarships. He also supported the YMCA and the Palace Theatre. He was among the 23 charter members of the Marion Rotary Club when it was formed in 1922 under the leadership of Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation which R.T. helped start, was incorporated in 1959 and has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years. Rotary honored Lewis’ contributions with the creation of the R.T. Lewis Fellowship, which recognizes members who contribute $1,000+ to the Marion Rotary Foundation.

The DoW Ovarian Cancer Academy Early-Career Investigator Award supports junior faculty in conducting innovative ovarian cancer research. Established in FY09, this unique virtual academy fosters mentorship, collaboration, and networking among Early-Career Investigators (ECIs) and their mentors. Participants engage in monthly webinars and annual workshops, enhancing their research skills while contributing to impactful studies in ovarian cancer. The program aims to cultivate a new generation of highly productive researchers in this critical field.

The FY26 Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Breakthrough Award Level 4 supports innovative research with the potential for significant breakthroughs in breast cancer. Applications must address key BCRP challenges or justify exceptions, focusing on impactful solutions. This program mandates clinical trials and requires participation from breast cancer consumer advocates. The funding supports single or partnered Principal Investigators, ensuring comprehensive submission processes to avoid administrative withdrawal.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s Karl W. Schell Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club was chartered in 1922, as club number 1051, with 23 charter members led by Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation, which was incorporated in 1959, has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years.

The Marion Rotary Club Karl W. Schell Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late Karl Schell and provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors. Recipients will have been a resident of Marion County for at least two full years and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher based on a 4.0 scale.

Special consideration will be given to applicants who intend to pursue an education and career in, or related to, business, management, or the real estate industry.

Society of Toxicology

Founded in 1961, the Society of Toxicology (SOT) is a professional and scholarly organization of scientists from academic institutions, government, and industry representing the great variety of scientists who practice toxicology in the US and abroad. The Society’s mission is to create a safer and healthier world by advancing the science and increasing the impact of toxicology. SOT operates under four guiding principles:

• Serving the needs of the scientific discipline and our members to enhance human, animal, and environmental health.
• Life-long learning and intellectual scientific stimulation.
• Diversity of representation in all activities of the Society.
• Integrity.

MDCPSS Early Career Achievement Award

Description

The MDCPSS Early Career Achievement Award recognizes the research accomplishments of young scientists in the early stages of their careers who have demonstrated excellence in toxicological research related to medical devices and/or combination products.

Award Categories

Up to two award recipients will be selected:

• One undergraduate or graduate student
• One postdoctoral fellow or early-career scientist (≤5 years post-graduation)

Award Recognition

• Each recipient will receive a plaque and a monetary award to support travel to the SOT Annual Meeting.
• Awardees will be recognized at the MDCPSS Reception and invited to give a 5-minute overview presentation of their work.