Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship

Established by Ben and Rose Schwabenbauer, former long-time teachers in the Olean City School District, this fund awards scholarships for graduating seniors from Olean High School, Otto-Eldred High School, Portville Central School or Bradford Area High School who will be attending a 4-year college with a preference for students majoring in education, particularly elementary education; criminal justice or a law enforcement-related field; or healthcare-related fields of study. 

The NIDCD Research Career Enhancement Award (K18) supports established investigators in enhancing or redirecting their research efforts. This program is crucial for acquiring new skills relevant to hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language sciences. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027, including specific dates for AIDS-related grants, ensuring timely funding opportunities for innovative research.

The Seymour Siegel Youth Achievement Award, offered by the Jewish Community Foundation, provides financial support for high school students pursuing post-secondary education or vocational training. Open to applicants of the Jewish faith, this award prioritizes those from single-parent households, orphans, or foster children. Interested candidates must submit a personal narrative detailing their qualifications. The foundation, established in 1979, is a leading community resource in South Jersey, managing over $35 million in assets.

The A.D. and Peggy Hewlett and Colonel David R. Inman Medical Scholarship, established by Steve Hewlett, Pam Inman, and Faye Houston, honors their parents' commitment to education and healthcare. This scholarship supports students pursuing nursing, pharmacy, or physical therapy, prioritizing applicants from Hancock, Ohio, or Daviess County, Kentucky. Applicants must demonstrate academic potential and compassion through relevant experiences. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee administers this fund to foster a more inclusive and thriving community.

Elisa B. Hughey Scholarship for the Arts

Scholarships will be awarded annually from this fund for college-bound students from any Cattaraugus County High School committed to advancing their skills in any aspect of the arts. Preference will be for graduating seniors of Ellicottville, Cattaraugus-Little Valley, West Valley, Salamanca or Franklinville/Ten-Broeck Academy high schools. First preference will be for students pursuing the fine arts, with second preference for students pursuing performing arts fields. This award is not limited to students majoring in art.

Gropper Clement Legacy Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates of Huron, James Valley Christian, Kadoka and Miller High Schools.

The NIDCD Research Career Enhancement Award for Established Investigators (K18) supports seasoned researchers in enhancing or redirecting their research through new skills acquisition. This funding opportunity addresses critical questions in hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language sciences. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027, ensuring ample opportunity for researchers to apply and contribute to these vital fields.

The Ralph W. Shrader Graduate Scholarship offers $3,000 to full-time graduate students in STEM-related fields at accredited U.S. institutions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled in their second semester, and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. The scholarship supports tuition and course-related expenses, encouraging students with financial needs to further their education. Notably, the expected graduation date cannot coincide with the award year, ensuring students are committed to their studies.

Who We Are

Our Mission

UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.

UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.

UNCF’s North Star is to increase the total annual number of African American college graduates by focusing on activities that ensure more students are college-ready, enroll in college and persist to graduation. This is done through a three-pillar strategy. Positioning member institutions as a viable college option for students and investing in institutional capacity to improve student outcomes; creating transformational support programs to ensure students are enrolling and persisting through college completion; building awareness of educational attainment and cultivating college-going behaviors within the African American community.

For Students

UNCF is more than just scholarships. We’re the nation’s leading minority education organization and our goal is to help you get to and through college.

Our support takes many different forms. From merit scholarships to financial assistance, on-campus assistance to professional development, emergency financial aid to community support, UNCF is committed to getting more students like you to and through college.

2026-2027 The Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship is directed towards current talented high school seniors within the Class of 2026 from the state of New York, who will be enrolling at any accredited UNCF member institution or other accredited Historically Black College/University.

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship is directed towards academically achieving high school seniors, who are seeking enrollment at any accredited UNCF member institution or other Historically Black College/University. 

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Foundation, Inc. is a social impactful philanthropic organization based in New York. The foundation actively focuses on funding critical initiatives in the arts and culture, education, health and religion.

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Foundation, Inc. has partnered with UNCF to establish the Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship. This scholarship is focused on providing vital financial assistance to ensure that high school seniors within the state of New York have access to a quality college education.

The candidates will have the opportunity to enroll in any accredited field of study at their selected institution. The candidates must be enrolled as first-time freshman within the 2026-27 Academic year. The eligible candidates must have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 throughout the entire application process. 

The selected recipients will be eligible for renewal awards upon their continual adherence to the program guidelines and have established financial need by their institution each year.

The Culpeper Rotary Foundation Scholarship supports residents of Culpeper County pursuing a four-year degree. With a $1,000 award renewable for four years, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation manages the scholarship application process, emphasizing community involvement. This initiative reflects NPCF's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the region, ensuring that local students have the support they need to succeed in their academic pursuits.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship

Advancing the science and practice of supporting children to thrive

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is a global initiative supporting researchers working to deepen our understanding of how children thrive. Spanning disciplines from education and psychology to public health, data science, and humanitarian studies, the fellowship brings together early- and mid-career scholars whose work has the potential to generate evidence that matters for children’s lives.

Fellows receive three years of flexible support to pursue rigorous, practically relevant research, and join a cohort of peers working across the fellowship’s themes. In addition to funding research, the program fosters a community of scholars engaged in meaningful exchange with one another and with research, policy, and practice audiences.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is developed in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, and administered by SSRC as part of its commitment to supporting scholars whose work bridges research and real-world impact.

Research themes

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship welcomes research proposals that advance understanding of children’s thriving through one of the following three themes: the youngest children in crisis and conflict settings; inclusion and wellbeing of neurodivergent children; and children’s learning and development in an AI-enabled world. Applicants may explore the role of play where it is relevant to the research question. The consideration of play is optional and not a condition of eligibility.

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) offers grants to support Native farmers and ranchers through business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services. Established from the Keepseagle v. Vilsack settlement, NAAF is committed to providing essential resources to eligible organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments. Special focuses include inflation assistance and market access, ensuring a holistic approach to agricultural support.

The MyGOAL Autism Grant Program provides essential financial support for families caring for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This need-based grant assists with non-reimbursable medical expenses, nutritional needs, personal care, and educational enrichment activities. With a funding amount of $1000, the program prioritizes first-time applicants and aims to enhance the well-being and development of children with ASD, addressing gaps left by other funding sources.

Danny Did Foundation

The Danny Did Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized in the state of Illinois and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization. 

Founded by Chicagoans Mike and Mariann Stanton in January 2010 after the death of their four-year-old son Danny, the Danny Did Foundation works toward its mission to prevent deaths caused by seizures with these main goals in mind: advancing public awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), enhancing SUDEP education and disclosure between medical professionals and families afflicted by seizures, and the mainstreaming of seizure detection and prediction devices that may assist in preventing seizure-related deaths.

Danny Did Foundation Hardship Grant

The Danny Did Foundation (“Foundation”) strives to assist individuals and families living with seizures. With an approved Request for Funding, the Foundation will provide monetary funding to the Grantee so they may gain access to a particular device or technology (“Device”) that the Grantee, in collaboration with the Grantee’s medical providers and professionals, independently deem appropriate. This money shall be defined as “Funds” and the spending of any Funds shall be at the sole discretion of the Grantee. The Foundation does not direct, limit, participate, or manage the decision-making or purchase of any specific Device.

While no Device has been proven to prevent epilepsy-related mortality (including SUDEP), the Danny Did Foundation is devoted to seeking out resources that may assist families living with epilepsy.

Hardship Grant: I am unable to make a purchase for the epilepsy related resource I seek therefore I am requesting a hardship grant. If I am approved for funding, I agree to provide a receipt for the resource I purchase to the Danny Did Foundation within 14 days of receiving the grant check, or I will return the funds to the Danny Did Foundation. 

The Lakken’s Legacy Survivor Scholarship, offered by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, awards $1,000 to brain tumor survivors pursuing education beyond high school. This initiative honors Lakken, who faced challenges during her cancer journey yet remained passionate about education. The scholarship aims to support individuals diagnosed with brain or spinal cord tumors before age 21, ensuring they have the opportunity to continue their studies in various educational institutions. It's a commitment to empower survivors and foster their dreams.

The Lakken’s Legacy Sibling Scholarship, established by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, honors Lakken Burzynski's courage and resilience in her battle with cancer. This $1,000 scholarship is designed for siblings of children diagnosed with brain tumors, emphasizing support for families impacted by such challenges. Eligible applicants must be 21 or younger at diagnosis and reside in the U.S. This initiative promotes positivity and hope, continuing Lakken's legacy of strength and family support.

The William F. Mann Scholarship, established in 2018, supports Albuquerque High School students pursuing full-time college education. It aims to assist students in achieving their educational goals while encouraging community service and good citizenship. Scholarships of up to $2,000 are awarded annually, with recipients expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 for renewal eligibility. Preference is given to those with a strong community service background, fostering mentorship among peers for future success.

Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines improves quality of life for all by promoting charitable giving, connecting donors with causes they care about and providing leadership on important community issues…we’re simply better together.

Enhance Henry County Community Foundation

The mission of the Enhance Henry County Community Foundation is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the conditions of the county. To these ends, it will promote endowment building, community, grantmaking, organizational collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of Henry County.

Enhance Henry County Community Foundation Grants

The Enhance Henry County Community Foundation will provide grants to improve life in Henry County, Iowa. We want to help develop all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as to benefit rural areas of the county. Areas of Foundation giving are: arts & culture, community affairs & development, education, environmental protection, health, historic preservation and human services.

Grants are available to 501(c)3 organizations and government entities serving Henry County. Grant selections are made in an effort to create a better quality of life for people in Henry County. The local governing committee reviews the applications from charitable organizations serving their community.

The Carson Bailey Memorial Scholarship for Siblings, established by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, honors the memory of Carson Bailey. This scholarship aims to support brain tumor survivors pursuing their educational goals. Eligible applicants must have been diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumor before age 21, reside in the U.S., maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and be at least a senior in high school. A $1000 scholarship is available for those attending various educational institutions.

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

David Bruce Belcher Fund

About the fund

The David Bruce Belcher Scholarship Fund was established for the training of professionals in nursing, special education, and therapy (physical, speech and occupational) as a legacy of David Bruce Belcher and the caregivers who comforted him. This fund reflects David’s rare spirit and bright love in its support of those who seek to advance their nurturing skills in nursing, therapy, and special education.

U.S. Small Business Administration

SBA works to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover. Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.

Manufacturing grants

SBA provides grants to help empower small manufacturers.

Empower To Grow (E2G) Manufacturing in America Grant

The goal of this grant is to provide workforce development in key manufacturing industries, such as timber, energy, aluminum, steel, digital, and automotive.

SBA is looking for organizations that will provide technical proficiency and essential skills, including operating machinery, quality control, welding, utilizing industrial software, and workplace safety. 

Mary Joan Keeney Scholarship

The Mary Joan Keeney Scholarship was established in 2017 to honor the memory of Joan Keeney and her dedication to continuing education. In 1992, at the age of fifty-nine, she attended Denver Seminary in Denver, Colorado and completed a life-long dream of earning a Master’s in Counseling. Upon graduation, she volunteered as a grief and bereavement counselor at The First Presbyterian Church in Boulder, Colorado. Her life passion was helping others heal and return to love.

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide non-traditional, female students interested in nursing and mental health careers access to funds to help further their education and/or certification. In 2026, two one-time scholarship awards of $5,000 each will be offered.

The Carson Bailey Memorial Scholarship, established by the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation, honors the memory of Carson Bailey, a dedicated student and beloved family member. This scholarship is aimed at brain tumor survivors who have been diagnosed before the age of 21 and seek to pursue higher education. It provides $1000 to eligible applicants, supporting their educational aspirations while promoting inclusiveness and respect for all backgrounds within the brain tumor community.

The Charles B. Decker Memorial Scholarship, established in 1991, supports college and graduate students from the Tri-Lakes area pursuing journalism careers. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in the Adirondack region by providing essential financial assistance to students dedicated to journalism. Candidates are evaluated based on financial need, demonstrated commitment to journalism, and academic achievements, ensuring that the scholarship aligns with the foundation's mission to invest in educational opportunities.

The Teresa and David R. Schmidt, M.D. Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports high school seniors pursuing careers in the medical field. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain full-time enrollment at accredited institutions. This renewable scholarship assists with tuition, fees, and books for students from specific Texas counties, fostering community growth and educational opportunities in healthcare since 1964.

The National Parks Business Plan Internship aims to enhance the operational health of national parks through a graduate-level program that trains students in business management and NPS operations. Participants will engage in substantive analysis, gain insights into park management, and promote federal careers in conservation. This initiative seeks to involve underrepresented graduate students from disciplines such as business administration and public policy, fostering a commitment to stewardship of public lands.

Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines improves quality of life for all by promoting charitable giving, connecting donors with causes they care about and providing leadership on important community issues…we’re simply better together. 

Foundation of Greater Plymouth County

The Foundation of Greater Plymouth County was formed in 2005 to coordinate and provide philanthropic support for community betterment projects in Plymouth County. The CFGPC is an affiliate of the Iowa Community Affiliate Network, a collaboration of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and the Iowa Area Development Group Community Foundation. Each year the Foundation makes grant awards to worthwhile projects located in the county that are identified through this community grant application process.

Foundation of Greater Plymouth County Grants

Grants are available to 501(c)3 organizations and government entities serving Plymouth County. Grant selections are made in an effort to create a better quality of life for people in Plymouth County. The local governing committee reviews the applications from charitable organizations serving their community. Our areas of emphasis include:

• Children, Youth, and Families
• Community Betterment-Neighborhoods and Community Development
• Health and Human Services
• Education
• Environment
• Arts and Culture