Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

The Coco Gauff Tennis Scholarship

The Coco Gauff Tennis Scholarship will provide a need-based scholarship of up to $8,500 to eligible HBCU student-athletes competing on their intercollegiate tennis teams. Awards will be issued in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Early Career Talent Development General Application

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) Department works closely with some of the nation’s leading corporations and foundations to shape and execute internship programs, including both stand-alone internship programs and internship-and-scholarship programs

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) Department works closely with some of the nation’s leading corporations and foundations to shape and execute internship programs, including both stand-alone internship programs and internship-and-scholarship programs with two goals – 

• To help companies build a more diverse workforce; 
• To provide diverse students with the preparation they need to succeed in college, familiarize themselves with professional career paths, and prepare to be competitive candidates for internships and future employers after graduation.

UNCF’s SPDP partners include The Walt Disney Company, Toyota, Papa Johns, United Health Foundation, Wells Fargo, and the Walton Family Foundation. We currently serve over 1500 students annually through internship, leadership, and professional development services.

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) offer career readiness, success coaching, and paid summer and semester internships to college students. Students participating in SPDP will be exposed to career pathways and opportunities and have access to leadership and personal development training. 

SPDP students will:

• Prepare to navigate from college to early-stage careers
• Enhance professional experiences through meaningful internships
• Develop stronger project management skills
• Improve networking and communication skills
• Strengthen interviewing techniques 

Currently, the SPDP is sourcing candidates to fill for summer 2026 internships!! The Early Career Talent Development General Application is used to establish an applicant pool of potentially eligible students for these ongoing internship/student professional development opportunities that are published/unpublished. Internship or professional development opportunities using the Early Career Talent Development General Application, are restricted to students who are enrolled full time at an accredited institution within the U.S. during the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Anne K. Petry Scholarship Fund

Established by Summit Education Partnership Foundation to provide scholarships for Akron Public Schools students studying special education.

Amount:

• $1,000

Number of awards:

• 1

Renewal:

• No

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Walker Family Scholarship

Eligibility

Graduating Senior from a Raleigh County High School; Pursuing a degree in the arts; 3.0 GPA; Demonstrate both academic merit, and financial need.

The Southwest Missouri Resource Conservation and Development Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $1,000 scholarship for graduating high school seniors from select Missouri counties. Eligible applicants must major in Agriculture, Natural Resources, or related fields, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and submit an essay along with two letters of recommendation, one from school personnel. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to community service and leadership.

The Schilling Technical Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides four scholarships of $2,000 each to graduating seniors from select high schools. It is renewable for an additional year if a 2.5 GPA is maintained while enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and submit a FAFSA-SAI, along with a transcript and an essay. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing vocational or two-year accredited education.

The Springfield Area Foundation for Architecture Scholarship aims to support undergraduate students in their third, fourth, or fifth year majoring in Architecture. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above, and be residents of specific counties. A portfolio and essay are required for submission, ensuring that the scholarship empowers talented individuals to pursue their architectural studies and contribute to the community.

Promoting Appanoose & Centerville Together (PACT) Iowa

Every thriving community has a strong foundation, and for Centerville and Appanoose County, that foundation got a huge boost in January 2021 with the formation of PACT. We’re proud to be the result of a thoughtful merger between three cornerstones of our community: the Centerville Chamber of Commerce, the Appanoose Economic Development Corporation, and Main Street Centerville. This powerful combination means we now have a streamlined, focused approach to uplift our unique Southern Iowa community, nestled invitingly near the tranquil waters of Lake Rathbun. 

Our core purpose is clear: to be a proactive, volunteer-driven organization. We work tirelessly to help businesses stay, grow, and settle here, creating new jobs across Appanoose County and revitalizing downtown Centerville. We’re also committed to preserving our local treasures and fostering an environment where every business can flourish.

Meet in Appanoose Grant

The purpose of the Meet in Appanoose Grant is to encourage businesses & organizations to host group meetings, conferences, trade shows or exhibitions in Appanoose County. This grant is designed to introduce and incentive groups to discover everything Appanoose County has to offer by offering funding to offset eligible event costs. This is a competitive application and not all projects will be funded. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning August 1, 2026 and once all funds are awarded, applications will no longer be accepted.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Jan and Margaret Datsko Scholarship

Eligibility

Raleigh County resident; Accredited trade, vocational or technical school; Weighted for educational merit, personal achievement and financial need.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

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.

Thomas Thompson Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Thomas Thompson, who established the Thomas Thompson Family Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

Thomas Thompson, a Ludington Area Schools alumnus, created a scholarship fund in his family's name because many of his family members have received scholarships over the years. Because of his first-hand knowledge of the difference financial support for college meant, he wanted to share the good feeling of making a difference for future generations. "It is one of the things I wanted to do in my life," said Thomas.

The Myasthenia Gravis Network (MGNet) Scholar Program is designed to enhance research capabilities in myasthenia gravis through individualized training and mentorship. Funded by the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN), this program supports scholars with up to $75,000 for salary and research costs, aiming to prepare them for independent careers in clinical and translational research. Eligible candidates include MDs, PhDs, and mid-career faculty committed to advancing MG research.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

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.

Sharon Bradley Johnson & Carl Johnson Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Sharon Bradley Johnson and Carl Johnson, who established the Sharon Bradley Johnson and Carl Johnson Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

There is a high demand for Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Sharon Bradley Johnson and Carl Johnson, retired CMU professors who live in our community, are passionate about this work. They established a scholarship for students entering the Board Certified Behavior Analyst field of study and are helping educate youth in our area about this career path.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

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.

Rick & Mary Ann Randall Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Rick and Mary Ann Randall, who established the Rick and Mary Ann Randall Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

As quoted by Rick and Mary Ann Randall..."We value education and the opportunities it provides. We believe that all students who wish to pursue higher education should be able to do so, regardless of their academic standing or financial resources. Therefore, we offer scholarships to deserving students who demonstrate a strong desire to continue their education beyond high school."

The Gravelin Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $450 grant to a graduating high school senior who has faced significant life challenges, such as illness or trauma. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.3, show financial need via a FAFSA-SAI form, and plan to enroll in an accredited two-year, four-year, or vocational institution. Applicants are required to submit a transcript, a personal essay, and details of their community service and school involvement.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

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.

Rick Chapman Legacy League Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Rick Chapman Legacy League, created in memory of Rick, a beloved local entrepreneur who owned and operated Chuck Wagon Pizza in Ludington, Michigan, for many years.

Inspired by Rick's own path of starting his business at a young age, the scholarship supports students who are pursuing business education and entrepreneurship with the hope that recipients will eventually live and work in Mason County. The scholarship fund is administered by the Rick Chapman Legacy League Board, composed of Rick's high school friends who would visit Rick at Chuck Wagon when in town, longtime customers and neighbors from the community, and an overall eclectic mix of people from different walks of life that Rick welcomed. The board and several other Rick Chapman friends and fans host an annual golf outing near Rick's birthday in August to raise money for scholarships. Entry fees, sponsorships, and a silent auction contribute to the scholarship fund. The Rick Chapman Legacy League Scholarship honors Rick’s memory and commitment to fostering entrepreneurship. By investing in local students, the Legacy League hopes to inspire students to follow in Rick's footsteps, contributing to the vibrancy of the Mason County community.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

The Maralyn J. Stewart Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Available to Modesto City Schools high school seniors or graduates of Modesto City Schools who demonstrate financial need and participated in performing arts while in high school.

Award Amount:

• Ranges from $1,000 to $2,500  

The Gunner Lee Thomason Autism Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $700 grant to a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student dedicated to working with autistic individuals and their families. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to those from the Truman Lake area. The application requires a transcript, essay, letter of recommendation, and a description of community service and work experience.

The Polk County Tech Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $2,000 award for eligible high school seniors from select schools. This scholarship is renewable for a second year if a 2.5 GPA is maintained while enrolled in an accredited two-year or vocational program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit an essay detailing their work experience and academic goals, ensuring support for those pursuing careers in technical fields.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Scholarship Athletes of Stanislaus - Formerly Tom Mellis Memorial

Open to high school graduating seniors participating in a Varsity sport. Must demonstrate strong academics, leadership qualities, and community service.

Award Amount:

• $2,500

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Gribler Loving Trust Nursing Education Scholarship

Each year, the Pacific Communities Health District Foundation awards the Gribler Loving Trust Nursing Education Scholarship to three students who live in Lincoln County, are pursuing a degree in nursing and who intend to practice in the community when they graduate. Up to $3,000 is awarded to each student and students who receive the scholarship are eligible to apply for a second year.

The scholarship is awarded in honor of Bill and Olga Gribler, Newport residents since 1947. Bill taught music, providing entertainment throughout the community, and Olga worked for the phone company and later the Bank of Newport. They established this generous scholarship to help address the ongoing need for quality nurses in the region.

Purpose

The intent of this scholarship is to assist a resident from Lincoln County, Oregon:

• To secure training in order to enter or re-enter the field of nursing.
• Who is pursuing a career as a Registered Nurse.
• Who needs training to improve working skills.
• Who has obligations in addition to those of providing for their education

Pfizer’s Core Values of Social Responsibility and Philanthropy

About

We’re in relentless pursuit of breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. We innovate every day to make the world a healthier place. It was Charles Pfizer’s vision at the beginning and it holds true today.

Improving Health Outcomes in Patients with ATTR-CM Through the Development of a Shared Decision-Making Tool (Decision Aid)

Overview

Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressive, lifethreatening condition associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and burden on patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems. The multisystemic disease course is often characterized by diagnostic delays, complex treatment pathways, and evolving therapeutic options, which can create uncertainty and decisional conflict for patients and clinicians alike. Shared decision-making (SDM) has emerged as a critical component of patientcentered care1, particularly in complex and preference-sensitive conditions such as ATTR-CM. Well-designed decision aids can support meaningful dialogue between patients and healthcare professionals by improving understanding of disease trajectory, treatment options, risks and benefits, and alignment of care with individual patient values and goals.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus.

Jim & Betty Lilly Scholarship Fund

Open to students from Stanislaus and Calaveras County who have attended a continuation high school, including those who have returned to and graduated from traditional high schools or attending a Vocational School.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

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.

Merry E. Petersen Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Frank Petersen, who established the Merry E. Petersen Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

The Merry E. Petersen Memorial Scholarship was founded on the belief that persons wishing to serve others in the benevolent field of nursing should be given the chance to achieve it. Merry graduated with honors from St. Francis School of Nursing in Illinois. During her lifetime, she was devoted to the nurturing care of others, and her family wanted to encourage others to pursue this important profession.

The Undergraduate Winner's Circle Scholarships, offered by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, support Iowa youth pursuing agricultural studies at 2- or 4-year institutions. Eligible applicants must be graduates of Iowa high schools or members of 4-H or FFA chapters and maintain full-time status. This initiative aims to encourage students to excel in agricultural careers by providing financial assistance tailored to their educational needs.

The Richard J. Weyhrich Leadership Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, aims to support high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students with demonstrated leadership potential. This scholarship, established in memory of Richard Weyhrich, a West Point graduate and U.S. Army officer, provides financial assistance to help students achieve their educational and career aspirations. The foundation fosters an inclusive environment, encouraging all students to apply and reach their full potential.

Arnold Ventures

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through evidence-based policy solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We focus on improving systems where outcomes are falling short, incentives are misaligned, and the time is right for change. To advance this mission, we invest in rigorous research to strengthen the evidence base on what works to improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities, and to inform policy and practice at scale.

AV’s Higher Education team seeks to fund rigorous, causal research on programs, policies, and practices that improve student outcomes and deliver stronger returns on investment for students and taxpayers. Our work focuses on strengthening the evidence base on effective student success models and aligning policy and funding incentives to support their adoption and scale.

Causal Research to Improve Outcomes for Part-Time Students

Purpose of the RFP

This RFP seeks to fund rigorous causal research that builds the evidence base on effective programs and policies for part-time students and identifies scalable, cost-effective approaches to improve completion and labor market outcomes. Findings should generate actionable insights to inform institutional practice, system-level decision making, and state policy, with the goal of improving outcomes and maximizing return on investment for students and taxpayers.

Population of Interest

Because enrollment intensity is fluid, proposals do not need to limit eligibility to students who are enrolled part-time at baseline. Instead, studies should focus on interventions that primarily serve or are expected to meaningfully impact students who are more likely to enroll part-time, including:

• Adult learners (age 25+)
• Student parents and caregivers
• Working adults

Interventions may serve mixed-enrollment populations, so long as the proposed study is clearly designed to improve outcomes for these populations.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Shelby County Youth Soccer Scholarship

Selection based upon (in order of priority): 

• Soccer involvement as a player, referee, and/or coach, demonstrated passion for soccer, a recommendation letter from a soccer coach or soccer mentor is REQUIRED, and an additional essay of no less than 100 words and no more than 200 words on a designated topic.

Awards

• Two $1,000 scholarships – One to a male applicant and one to a female applicant.