Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Alabama

The Ruth & Lyle Taylor Endowment Fund Grant supports initiatives in historic preservation, environmental conservation, and civic engagement. Established by Lyle and Ruth Taylor, it funds organizations that educate about civic responsibilities and public participation. The grant cycles will alternate annually, focusing on environmental conservation in 2025, civic engagement in 2026, and historic preservation in 2027. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities, while programs such as debt reduction or political activities are excluded.

The Pittsburgh Young Professionals Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports local students in their educational pursuits. It offers scholarships for high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students attending various educational institutions in the Greater Pittsburgh region. Eligible applicants must demonstrate volunteer experience, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be members of the Pittsburgh Young Professionals network. This initiative aims to foster professional and civic development among young individuals in the community.

The Louis A. Woitishek Educational Scholarship, administered by the Center for Scholarship Administration, provides financial support to full-time students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Eligible applicants must be residents of Clark County, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and required educational materials for up to four years. This initiative aims to empower deserving students to achieve their academic goals.

The Eloise Strother Wyly Scholarship Fund, managed by the Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA), offers financial assistance to deserving students attending Clemson University or Winthrop University. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors from Walhalla High School, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, contingent on full-time enrollment and good academic standing, covering tuition, fees, books, and supplies.

The McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience offers Scholar Awards to early-career neuroscientists focusing on learning and memory disorders. The awards provide up to $225,000 over three years, emphasizing research that could lead to significant clinical advancements. Eligible candidates must work as independent investigators at U.S. non-profit institutions, hold an Assistant Professor position for less than four years, and demonstrate their research program's potential. The program aims to foster innovative solutions in neuroscience.

The Gainbridge Assists Powered by Parity Grant, in partnership with Parity and the Women’s Sports Foundation, supports girls and women in sports and education. In 2024, $222,000 will be awarded through 32 grants, including a $50,000 grant honoring Billie Jean King. This initiative aims to empower over 5,000 participants, fostering community transformation through sports and educational opportunities.

The Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Research Fund Grant, established by the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation, aims to enhance research and treatment of MDS and related blood disorders. This fund supports innovative projects addressing etiology, biology, genetics, prognosis, treatment, symptom management, and quality of life. It offers up to $125,000 for Early Career Awards and $250,000 for Established Investigator Awards, facilitating significant advancements in the field.

The Limited Competition: NIGMS Mature Synchrotron Resources for Structural Biology program aims to support advanced technologies at synchrotron facilities, providing biomedical researchers with cutting-edge X-ray beamlines, user training, and expert assistance. This initiative intends to continue funding through a reissued Notice of Funding Opportunity, inviting eligible organizations to apply. Applications will undergo NIH standard peer-review processes to ensure only the most meritorious proposals are funded.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

John-Elizabeth Blaho Miller Fund

The John-Elizabeth Blaho Miller Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation was created to provide scholarship assistance for students, with a preference for students who have an awareness and appreciation of Hungarian culture, including its history, customs, and traditions, and who are undertaking a theological education in preparation for a ministry that draws upon Lutheran teachings in its worldview. John C. Miller was born in Budapest October 1910. In 1921 he immigrated to the United States with his parents (John Miller and Elizabeth Blaho Miller) where they resided in Ambridge, PA. For several years John was the manager of five motion picture houses owned by the Chateau Amusement Company. In 1955 he became a program supervisor at Buhl Planetarium where he retired at the age of 67 in 1977. In December 2001 John established this scholarship in memory of his parents.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The James McKeen Cattell Sabbatical Grant, provided by the James McKeen Cattell Fund, offers supplementary financial support for psychologists' sabbaticals. This grant is designed for faculty members at U.S. and Canadian institutions who meet specific eligibility criteria, including tenure status and recent leave history. The maximum award is capped at $40,000 or half the recipient's salary, ensuring that recipients can extend their research time effectively.

The NACRJ Impact Grant, initiated in 2016, has provided over $60,000 to NACRJ members to support community and restorative justice projects. This grant is available annually, offering up to $3,000 to members for innovative initiatives that foster community impact. By applying, members can gain funding, visibility, and networking opportunities within the NACRJ and the broader restorative justice community, helping to empower meaningful projects that align with restorative justice principles.

The Pūkoʻa Fellows Program, launched by the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute, is a 12-week virtual initiative aimed at Pasifika students in the diaspora. The program fosters exploration of diasporic identity and community responsibility through weekly sessions, mentorship, and a student-led event. Participants will connect with a national network of Pasifika organizers, enhancing their advocacy skills and building supportive campus spaces. This program is open to college students aged 18-26.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Christine Balch Memorial Scholarship Fund

Supporting Hampden County residents attending medical school

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Stanley and Stella Becker Environmental Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who is a resident of Monroe County and intends to pursue a degree in a field related to environmental science in a school of higher education.

The Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships at Harvard Kennedy School provide opportunities for both U.S. and international students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and professional distinction. These scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need, ensuring support for diverse applicants. The school is committed to improving public policy and leadership, making a significant impact on societal challenges. Apply for these prestigious awards after completing your admission application.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

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.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Mary Louise Klaus Scholarship

A need and merit based scholarship; for Raleigh County, WV high school graduates continuing their education at any accredited vocational school, college or university.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Positively Memphis Community Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the Memphis area, providing funding between $1,000 and $25,000 for initiatives that promote health, wellness, and sports. This grant aims to empower organizations that align with the mission of creating positive change and strengthening the Mid-South community. Applications are accepted quarterly, focusing on various priority areas to address community needs effectively.

The Margaret Traub and Phyllis Dicker LGBT+ Graduate Fellowship, offered by the Harvard Kennedy School, supports students committed to issues affecting the LGBT+ community. This fellowship emphasizes the importance of diverse representation in public policy and leadership, aligning with Harvard's mission to foster a just and prosperous society. It is accessible to both U.S. and international students, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and merit-based funding.

The PVA Education Foundation Grant Program, offered by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, supports innovative projects aimed at improving the lives of individuals with spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D). Grants of up to $75,000 are available for initiatives in consumer education, professional development for healthcare providers, and research translation. This funding enables the development of essential educational tools and resources to enhance health, independence, and quality of life for the SCI/D community.

The ILA Exemplary Reading Program Award, presented by the International Literacy Association, recognizes exceptional reading and language arts programs across all grade levels in Canada and the United States. This award aims to highlight outstanding educational efforts that promote literacy improvement and excellence among school staff. Eligible programs must submit comprehensive applications showcasing their entire reading initiatives, serving as models for others. Winning schools gain recognition while contributing to the advancement of literacy education.

The Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students in two-year degree programs focused on addressing societal issues such as homelessness, poverty, and education. Awarded based on merit and financial need, this fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. It encourages studies that explore the causes and solutions to problems affecting vulnerable populations, ensuring that graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The HKS American Service Fellowship provides full scholarships and stipends for mid-career public service leaders to pursue a one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School. Targeting U.S. military veterans, public employees, and alumni of service programs, this fellowship emphasizes skill development and community impact. Participants learn from esteemed faculty and engage with a network of changemakers, equipping themselves to address pressing societal challenges and enhance their leadership capabilities.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Sandra L. Neiderhiser/Ligonier Valley BPW Scholarship Fund

The Sandra Neiderhiser/Ligonier Valley BPW Scholarship Fund was established at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County to provide scholarships to high school seniors who have faced social, economic, or educational barriers due to systemic gender inequity, and who reside in the Ligonier area of Pennsylvania who plan to go on to higher education in the form of college or vocational/technical school.

• Average Award: $2,000
• Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Russell Sage Foundation's Immigration and Immigrant Integration Grants aim to fund innovative research that explores the dynamics of race, citizenship, and legal status in relation to immigrant outcomes in the U.S. This initiative seeks to understand the complex interplay of policies and social factors affecting immigrants and native-born populations across various racial and ethnic groups. Researchers are encouraged to utilize diverse data sources to deepen insights into immigration integration and the societal implications of legal status.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating female from Scranton or West Scranton High School who is a resident of Lackawanna County.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Scranton or West Scranton High School who demonstrates an interest in the arts.