Best Grants for Religious Nonprofits in Iowa

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs for children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary support that strengthens community-based services. Focused on measurable outcomes and community collaboration, Costco Foundation invites organizations, including faith-based groups with eligible community programs, to request funding that complements a broad base of financial support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through education, health, development, or welfare programs can seek up to US $15,000 in support, including those based in Iowa. Focused on child welfare, poverty, homelessness, environment, and scholarships, the DanPaul Foundation invites programs that may be run by or housed within religious nonprofits.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Iowa can apply for Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000 for innovative programs. Eligible organizations must primarily serve economically underserved communities; faith-based direct service programs may be eligible if they meet Cisco’s criteria.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Religious and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Iowa working in health, education, or community services can seek funding for programs like food pantries, healthcare for underserved people, STEM education, and wellness initiatives. Focused on community health and welfare, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites eligible organizations to apply during its March and September review cycles.

Iowa religious and other organizations working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for project support or scaling efforts. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and similar entities requesting more than US $50,000, with projects ultimately based in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, social development, science education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects in Iowa may be eligible for corporate philanthropy support; grants prioritize sustainable, innovative initiatives. Grants from La Roche help organizations that can engage local Roche affiliates and employees and operate programs within the same country as the affiliate office.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Iowa 501(c)(3) organizations working in charitable, educational, scientific, or medical fields can access funding through Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs carried out in the U.S. Eligible nonprofits must be tax-exempt under federal law, and where applicable California law, and demonstrate strong management and broad impact on their target populations.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for housing, jobs, hunger, or community programs can apply for regional sponsorship funding that supports economic, social, and cultural life. With a mission to advance economic mobility and social progress, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides support for basic needs, workforce development, community development, arts, environment, and diversity initiatives.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in Linn County, Iowa can apply for Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation’s McGrath Automotive Group donor-advised grants, averaging approximately US $3,000, to support children’s needs through program, capital, or sponsorship projects. Religious nonprofits in Iowa serving children in Linn County may be eligible.

Iowa 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations seeking support to tell impactful stories about their work can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant. Awards of more than US $50,000 help nonprofits in preservation, education, or wellness—such as wildlife conservation, historic preservation, mental health, or early childhood education—share their community impact, including faith-based efforts that fit these pillars.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa addressing basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence services can seek program support if located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. With a mission to help vulnerable families and children, TJX Foundation provides invitation-only grants; faith-based nonprofits with inclusive services may be eligible.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven programs can access funding through Ameriprise Financial to strengthen community vitality and financial independence. Eligible organizations must serve U.S. communities, align with one of Ameriprise’s three focus areas, demonstrate measurable outcomes and financial stability, and may receive priority if they engage Ameriprise volunteers or are national in scope.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can seek one-year project funding, typically US $5,000 - US $25,000, in Iowa and beyond. Focused on broad community impact, Dr Scholl Foundation may support religious nonprofits whose work fits these categories.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families with education, housing, food security, or environmental programs in Iowa can apply for the True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. With a mission to celebrate community impact, Chick Fil A Foundation provides funding for initiatives that may include faith-based or religious nonprofits.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in Iowa can seek program or capital funding for work in Linn County through the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation’s Altorfer Inc. competitive donor-advised fund. Grants of approximately US $2,400 support health and human services, educational programming, and community development, which may include religious activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in Linn County, Iowa can seek approximately US $3,000 for health-related programs or capital needs through the Bloomhall Family competitive donor-advised fund. Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation manages this 12‑month grant, which may benefit religious nonprofits offering community health initiatives.

Grants from Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation help Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups fund health-related program or capital projects, with awards around Approximately US $7,500. Religious nonprofits in Linn County may be eligible if requesting support for non-religious, health-focused activities within a 12-month grant period.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in Iowa seeking program, capital, or sponsorship support can apply for up to US $5,000 through the Lil’ Drug Store Products donor-advised fund. Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation supports projects within Cedar Rapids, which may include religious or spirituality-focused activities that fit donor priorities.

Nonprofits, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in Iowa can seek $500 to $10,000 for basic health and human services, classroom education, and related capital improvements in Linn County. Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation’s Competitive Donor-Advised Funds may support religiously affiliated organizations when requests are not for explicitly religious purposes.

Non-sectarian human and social service nonprofits working with disadvantaged people can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000. Focused on smaller organizations in countries including the U.S., these funds may benefit Iowa religious nonprofits with separately incorporated, non-sectarian service arms that meet its revenue and governance criteria.