Best Linn County Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation offers Rapid Response Grants to support local nonprofit organizations in Linn County, Iowa. These grants, up to $2,500 for a maximum duration of 12 months, are designed for emergency expenses and emerging opportunities that arise unexpectedly. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsorship agreement. The fund prioritizes projects addressing urgent needs or time-sensitive community issues.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Who We Are

Thousands of your friends and neighbors make up 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 your ability to pay.

Linn County- Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship

East Linn County students currently attending college and majoring in a medical field are invited to apply for the Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital $1,000 Auxiliary Scholarship.

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation provides Organization Support Grants to enhance the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa. These grants assist nonprofit organizations with general operating costs and capacity-building projects, promoting innovation and sustainability. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)3 status and meet specific operational budget criteria. The foundation focuses on impactful philanthropy by collaborating with local nonprofits to address community needs and opportunities.

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 Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation offers Program Support Grants to foster innovative programs and sustain existing initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa. With a funding cap of $15,000 for new projects and up to $30,000 for ongoing efforts, these grants are designed for nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status or those partnered with a fiscal sponsor. The grants aim to promote effective community engagement and support vital local services.

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.

Samaritan Albany General Hospital Volunteer Services Scholarship

The Samaritan Albany General Hospital Volunteer Services is proud to offer scholarships each year for tuition, books and required program supplies to students pursuing higher education in a human medical field. Samaritan Albany General Hospital Gift Shop sales and miscellaneous special event proceeds are used to fund the scholarships.

Linn County students currently attending college and majoring in a medical field are invited to apply for the Samaritan Albany General Hospital Volunteer Services Scholarship. 

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.

Larry A. Mullins, DHA, Scholarship

The Larry A. Mullins, DHA, Endowed Scholarship for Health Care Education scholarship was established in 2003 by the board of directors of Samaritan Health Services, Corvallis, Oregon. It was formed in honor of Dr. Mullins, the President/CEO of Samaritan Health Services (now retired), upon the completion of his doctoral degree in health care administration (DHA) from the Medical University of South Carolina.

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.

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.

Frank Girod, MD, Medical Scholarship

The Frank Girod, MD, Medical Scholarship was established by the Lebanon Community Hospital Development Council and was funded by numerous contributions made by the late Girod’s friends and family.

The Girod Medical Scholarship is awarded to medical students in honor of the lifetime contribution to health care made by Girod of Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital and to assist new students of medicine to make similar contributions. The scholarship is coordinated by the Lebanon Community Hospital Foundation and is designed to help residents of east Linn County who are attending medical school.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

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.

Nurse Education Scholarship

The Nurse Education Scholarship is intended to provide financial support for the continued education of an individual who desires to further their career in the nursing field. The scholarship’s purpose is to support caregivers and Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA) who are pursuing ongoing education. The funds will be sent directly to the college for the student’s tuition and other expenses. 

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation serves Linn County, Iowa, as a convenor and partner to donors, funders, and nonprofit organizations working together to build vibrant and inclusive communities where all people can thrive.

Founded in 1949 as the Community Welfare Foundation, we became a public community foundation in 1992. Today, we steward more than $261 million in charitable assets across more than 1,100 funds, generating grants for the greater good of Linn County.

We bring people together to strengthen our community through philanthropy. We inspire giving, fund important programs, advocate for equity, promote learning, and invest in community initiatives to improve the quality of life in Linn County.

Bruce and Judy McGrath Family Fund

The Bruce and Judy McGrath Family Fund supports organizations that help individuals gain access to medical, mental health, legal and educational/vocational services. Priorities

This fund supports organizations that help individuals gain access to:

• medical,
• mental health,
• legal and
• educational/vocational services.

The Competitive Donor-Advised Funds program by Altorfer Inc. and the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa. It supports nonprofit organizations through various funding priorities including health services, education, and community development. With an average grant award of $2,400 over a 12-month period, it welcomes applications from eligible nonprofits and governmental organizations. This initiative fosters impactful philanthropy and community collaboration.

The Bloomhall Family Grant, offered by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Linn County, Iowa. This grant focuses on health-related activities and is available for programmatic or capital purposes. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and those with fiscal sponsors. Grants are awarded for a duration of 12 months, enhancing community impact through various funding opportunities. The foundation prioritizes high-impact philanthropy, fostering collaboration for a better future.

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation offers the Competitive Donor-Advised Funds - Diamond V Grant to enhance the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa. This grant supports nonprofit organizations and governmental entities focusing on health-related programs and capital needs. With an average award of $7,500 over a 12-month duration, eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status or secure a fiscal sponsor. Funding priorities vary based on donor advisors.

The Competitive Donor-Advised Funds grant, offered by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa. This grant supports nonprofit organizations with diverse funding needs, including programmatic support and capital campaigns. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental entities. Grants can be awarded for up to $5,000 for projects within Cedar Rapids, with a standard duration of 12 months.

The Competitive Donor-Advised Funds - World Class Industries Grant, offered by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Linn County, Iowa. With funding ranging from $500 to $10,000, grants prioritize basic health services, education aligned with Iowa Core Standards, and capital improvements. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and those with fiscal sponsors. The grant aims to enhance community well-being through impactful philanthropy and collaboration.

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.

Jeanne Hazleton Scholarship

The Jeanne Hazleton Scholarship for Midwifery and Doula Education was established in 2008 by Patrick Hazleton, husband of the late Jeanne Hazleton, and funded by numerous contributions made by family and friends. The purpose of the Jeanne Hazleton Scholarship Fund is to honor Jeanne’s lifetime service and contribution to the community as a practicing Doula and Midwife and to encourage women to enter or continue their education in the birthing profession. The scholarship program is designed to help residents of Benton, Linn, and Lincoln counties begin or continue their education for Doula and/or Midwife training, certification, or licensing.

The Competitive Donor-Advised Funds program by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation offers grants aimed at enhancing community welfare in Linn County, Iowa. This initiative encourages local corporations and family foundations to support diverse causes, including programmatic support, capital projects, event sponsorships, and more. With a focus on children's needs, these grants typically provide funding for up to 12 months, with average awards around $3,000, ensuring a significant impact on the community.

The GCRCF Endowment Challenge Grant empowers nonprofit organizations in Linn County, Iowa, to strengthen their endowments through matching funds of up to $25,000. This initiative enhances the sustainability and operational capacity of eligible nonprofits, fostering a vibrant community. Organizations must be at least seven years old and meet specific criteria to qualify. The grant not only supports immediate needs but also ensures long-term financial stability for impactful community services.

The GCRCF: Linn County Grants aim to improve community development and quality of life in non-metro areas of Linn County, Iowa. Priority is given to well-designed programs that demonstrate innovative solutions to local issues. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental organizations, particularly those serving non-metro communities. Capital projects are encouraged, while fundraising events and scholarships for education are ineligible. This initiative seeks to foster community-driven initiatives that effectively utilize local resources.