Best Grants for Free Clinics in Iowa

The Rethink Your Drink Grant Program, initiated by the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, aims to enhance the oral and overall health of Iowans by promoting water consumption. This initiative provides water bottle filling stations in schools, libraries, and public spaces across Iowa, prioritizing locations that lack such facilities and serve communities with high rates of free or reduced lunch. The program emphasizes the importance of accessible hydration to improve health outcomes.

The Van Program by Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa offers vital transportation services to at-risk and underprivileged children. Over 40 years, the program has provided over 400 vans to nonprofits, ensuring children can attend medical appointments, therapy sessions, and recreational activities. This initiative supports families facing financial strain while fostering community connections and inclusivity. With a mission to enhance the lives of children with special needs, Variety is committed to making a positive impact across Iowa.

The Carleen and Eugene Grandon Charitable Foundation, established in 2004, focuses on funding programs that enhance cultural arts, education, and health services within the Greater Cedar Rapids area. Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with the Foundation's commitment to community improvement, promoting direct benefits to individuals in need. The Foundation prioritizes organizations based in Linn County, ensuring that funding goes to initiatives that foster a vibrant, educated, and healthy community.

The Rupert Dunklau Foundation Grant supports organizations with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on Lutheran Higher Education, Health and Human Care, and Faith Strengthening. Since its establishment in 1968, the foundation has aimed to provide financial resources to ministries within the Lutheran tradition, particularly in Nebraska and surrounding states. Eligible projects must align with the foundation's mission to promote the welfare of mankind through educational and health initiatives.

Iowa Economic Development Authority

Mission

Strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. Through two main divisions – business development and community development – IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. IEDA works to achieve its mission and goals to benefit Iowans while maintaining a high level of transparency. 

RFP PHTHOIT27001 for Pharmacy Services for TB, STI, and Immunization

Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) PHTHOIT27 is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified applicant to provide Direct Pharmacy Services for Tuberculosis (TB), Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), and Immunization Programs.

The Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment Grant aims to enhance healthcare access in rural Iowa by recruiting qualified healthcare providers. This initiative, aligned with Iowa's Healthy Hometowns program, seeks to address workforce shortages and improve health outcomes through competitive incentives for providers. By fostering partnerships and investing in technology, the program focuses on creating sustainable care models that ensure quality healthcare delivery in underserved communities, ultimately aiming to elevate the standard of care in rural areas.

The Center of Excellence Grant aims to establish regional hubs within a hub-and-spoke care model to enhance healthcare access for rural Iowans. This initiative, backed by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, focuses on improving care coordination in maternal health, mental health, specialty care, and chronic disease management. By leveraging shared resources and collaboration among healthcare providers, the program seeks to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care, ultimately promoting innovation and improving health outcomes in underserved communities.

The Iowa Farm Bureau offers sponsorships to support events and fundraisers across Iowa, focusing on agriculture, rural communities, and education. Their priorities include promoting health and wellness, fostering youth leadership, and enhancing the viability of farm families. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. However, they do not fund projects outside Iowa, political entities, or construction projects. This initiative aims to strengthen community ties and nurture future agricultural leaders.

The Combat Cancer Prevention and Screening Grant aims to enhance the health of rural Iowans by providing essential screening test kits and telehealth equipment for early cancer detection. It focuses on raising awareness about cancer risk factors through media outreach and decreasing radon gas exposure via home test kits and mitigation support. This initiative is part of the Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project, funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Rural Health Transformation Program.

FNBO's Community Sponsorships provide vital financial support to nonprofit organizations and community events that enhance the well-being of our communities. By focusing on affordable housing, entrepreneurship, education, environmental sustainability, access to arts and culture, community cohesion, and health, FNBO aims to create impactful partnerships. Monthly reviews of sponsorship requests ensure timely decision-making, emphasizing FNBO's commitment to fostering community development and empowering historically underrepresented populations.

The Doula Technical Assistance Grant aims to support and empower doulas serving pregnant and postpartum women in Iowa. This initiative, led by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, seeks applications from qualified applicants who can provide essential support and technical assistance to enhance the quality of care for mothers and their families. The grant is a vital resource to strengthen the doula profession and improve maternal health outcomes.

The Communities of Care Technical Assistance Provider Grant aims to enhance rural Iowa service providers' capabilities by offering expert guidance, assessments, and technical assistance. This initiative, supported by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, focuses on evidence-based methods to improve care delivery. Key activities include co-location, cost-sharing agreements, and optimizing patient flows within the Communities of Care Projects, contributing to the broader Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project.

FNBO: Capital or Major Donations aims to support nonprofit organizations through significant financial contributions for capital projects. This initiative focuses on enhancing community well-being by addressing key areas such as affordable housing, environmental stability, and education. FNBO prioritizes partnerships with nonprofits dedicated to long-term impacts, especially for historically underrepresented populations. By fostering community engagement and providing essential resources, FNBO strives to create a positive influence in the regions it serves.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) # PHTHORC26009 is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified Rural organizations in Iowa to receive funding support for medical equipment procurement and installation, including Minor Alterations and Renovations if needed. The goal of this opportunity is to provide new lines of service not currently available in the region and/or increase the sustainability of providing high quality healthcare in Rural communities. This work implements a portion of the Hometown Connections initiative of the Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project, funded through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. 

Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) # COMPADM26002 is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified applicant to provide technical assistance to Rural Iowa healthcare organizations and providers. This technical assistance will support providers with planning, partnership building, assessment and evaluation, and overall implementation of Hub and Spoke models of care in the areas of maternal and child health, mental/behavioral health, cardiovascular health, and/or chronic disease prevention and management.  

This technical assistance should allow Rural healthcare organizations to achieve success in future Health Hubs Projects of Iowa's Rural Health Transformation Grant. Activities in the Health Hubs Project will include the development of hub and spoke models for health care, including the development of rural provider strategic partnerships and agreements. It will also include developing and implementing arrangements for exchanging best practices, coordinating care across regions via telehealth and referral networks, expanding access to specialty services in a financially sustainable manner, streamlining or centralizing functions to create cost savings, improving the financial viability of rural providers, preserving independence of rural providers, keeping care local in rural communities when appropriate and possible, and developing models of sustainability for rural health care. The Contractor will support the Health Hubs on the items listed above, while also assisting with long-term sustainability planning, workforce development, and telehealth integration. This work implements a portion of the Hometown Connections initiative of the Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project, funded through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. 

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) # COMPADM26001 is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified applicant to provide Rural Iowa cancer service providers with expertise, assessment and evaluation, and technical assistance on evidence-based strategies for designing, implementing, and sustaining cancer-focused Hub and Spoke models for achieving success in the Combat Cancer Projects of Iowa's Rural Health Transformation Grant. Activities in the Combat Cancer initiative of the Healthy Hometowns project include the development of hub and spoke models for cancer care, including the development of rural provider strategic partnerships. This includes developing and implementing arrangements that include exchanging best practices and coordination of care (which includes but is not limited to remote care services), expanding access to specialty services in a financially sustainable manner, streamlining or centralizing functions to create cost savings, improving the financial viability of rural providers, preserving independence of rural providers, keeping care local in rural communities when possible and appropriate, and developing models of sustainability for rural cancer providers. Other efforts include the coordination of patient navigation and survivorship services and the oversight of fidelity to evidence-based cancer screening, treatment, and care coordination practices. The Contractor will also support long-term sustainability planning, including workforce development, tele-oncology integration, and alignment with Commission on Cancer (CoC) standards. This work implements a portion of the Combat Cancer: Prevent and Treat initiative of the Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project, funded through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001.

The PMRTC Community Betterment Grant Program by Prairie Meadows supports small to medium projects aimed at enhancing community well-being. Grants range from $100 to $99,999 and target various sectors including arts, education, health, and economic development. This initiative aims to uplift Iowans by funding essential services, creating educational opportunities, and improving access to arts for underserved populations. The program reflects Prairie Meadows' commitment to fostering positive change in Central Iowa communities.

The Health Information Outreach Award, funded by the National Library of Medicine, aims to enhance access to essential health information for underrepresented populations and healthcare professionals. This initiative focuses on improving health literacy and equity through diverse projects, including training, technology access, and community outreach. Eligible organizations from select Midwestern states can apply, prioritizing innovative solutions that address health disparities and promote informed health decisions among vulnerable communities.

Home

The Middle Run Foundation is a family-governed foundation based in Newark, Delaware. The Board of the foundation is chaired by Sarah Ives Gore, its founder, and includes her children, grandchildren, and non-family members who bring experience and expertise to our work.

About

Purpose:

The purpose of the foundation is to fund and support non-profit programs which focus on building healthy, self-sufficient families.

Apply

The Middle Run Foundation makes grants up to $500,000 annually with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.

About the Awards

The late Dr. James F. Fries, formerly professor emeritus of medicine at Stanford University, came up with the idea for the James and Sarah Fries Prize for Improving Health in a 1987 ascent of Nepal’s Makalu—one of the world’s highest peaks—when his party became trapped in a severe snowstorm and was ultimately unable to scale the mountain.

Following that experience, Dr. Fries returned to sea level and set about establishing a foundation to support a Nobel-like prize for health that now annually awards a $100,000 prize to an an outstanding leader judged by an expert panel to have done the greatest good for the greatest number of people in the field of health.

In 1992 the Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award was established in honor of Elizabeth Fries, daughter of James and Sarah Fries. The $50,000 prize is awarded annually to an individual judged to have made substantial contributions to their area of health education and health promotion. Sarah Fries remained active in the Fries Awards for Health program until her death in May 2017, and Jim Fries remained active in the awards until his death in November 2021.

The CDC Foundation is honored to partner with the James F. and Sarah T. Fries Foundation, which established and funds the award. As of 2016, the CDC Foundation manages and administers the Fries Awards for Health program, which include the James and Sarah Fries Prize for Improving Health and the Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award.

Mission

To empower worthy nonprofits by providing critically needed, unrestricted funding that helps them fulfill their missions with confidence and sustainability.

How We Serve Nonprofits

AmFund partners with nearly 800 organizations annually—supporting causes related to health, education, the arts, human services, animal welfare, and more. We’re known for our:

• Signature silent and live auctions featuring once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.
• National reach with personalized service at events in all 50 states.
• Comprehensive marketing toolkits, onsite staff support, and beautifully displayed materials
• No-cost platform development for virtual and hybrid fundraising
• In-house travel specialists who provide custom planning, extensions, insurance, and 24/7 emergency support.
• Ongoing educational resources, grants, and consulting support for nonprofit development.

Request Support

Our model is built on relationship, trust, and results. Every trip sold, every service provided, and every donor interaction is designed to maximize your fundraising impact—without adding burden to your team.

The GoodRx Helps Community Catalyst Grants support community-led nonprofits dedicated to enhancing health and well-being for under-resourced groups. This funding aims to improve healthcare access, education, and essential services, addressing systemic barriers faced by these communities. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community empowerment and possess a minimum annual operating budget of $250K. This initiative underscores the importance of fostering sustainable health improvements through targeted, inclusive support.

The CDC's NCIPC is seeking research proposals to tackle implementation challenges in providing linkage to care services for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). This initiative encourages partnerships with public health entities and local healthcare champions to create actionable, evidence-based strategies. The goal is to enhance care access and ensure comprehensive overdose prevention services are available in real-world healthcare settings, thereby improving outcomes for those at risk of opioid overdose.