Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in District of Columbia

The Worden Christian Youth Ministry Scholarship supports full-time students entering their third or fourth year at an accredited four-year college or university, who plan to pursue a career in youth ministry. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and engage in school and community activities. Preference is given to those intending to serve as youth ministers in the Sioux Falls area, ensuring that the scholarship aligns with the mission of enriching local lives through philanthropy.

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.

Vocational Education Merit Award Fund

The Vocational Education Merit Scholarship was created to provide scholarships to two graduating high school seniors who have excelled academically and is a nomination based award.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

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 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 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program Grant, initiated by State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council, aims to support volunteer fire departments in acquiring critical safety equipment. In 2025, the program will award $1.5 million in grants, providing $10,000 each to 150 eligible departments. This initiative not only enhances firefighter safety and operational efficiency but also fosters community service, ensuring that these departments are well-equipped to respond effectively to emergencies.

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.

Kennametal Scholarship Fund

The Kennametal Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to support students in Southwestern Pennsylvania with financial need pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related degrees. The purpose of the scholarship is to broaden the awareness of opportunities in STEM by supporting students who have been disproportionately affected by systemic barriers to educational achievement.

• Average Award: Varies
• Award Type: Multi-Year (up to 4 years).

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.

Robert Bulger Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Robert Bulger Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County by a community member and long-time supporter of Jeannette District Memorial Hospital in honor of its former CEO and President, Robert J. Bulger. Scholarships are to benefit graduating high school senior from Jeannette High School, Hempfield High School and Penn Trafford High School who wish to earn credits within the healthcare field that lead to an associate degree, diploma, certificate or a baccalaureate degree program at a two or four-year institution.

• Average Award: $1,000
• Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Wallace E. Pavlick Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports members of the Parish of Triumph of the Holy Cross in Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania, who are pursuing higher education. This fund aims to alleviate financial barriers for students attending various educational institutions, including community colleges and universities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain full-time enrollment in their chosen programs. The scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities within the community.

The Travel & Training Fund, established by the Women’s Sports Foundation, has supported over 1,500 female athletes since 1984, including Olympians and national team members. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 aim to alleviate financial burdens for women athletes pursuing elite competition. Prioritizing those with a plan to contribute back to women's sports, the fund emphasizes eligibility for U.S. citizens or legal residents, ensuring a significant impact on the recipients' athletic journeys.

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.

Robert R. Heaton Scholarship Fund

The Robert R. Heaton Scholarship Fund was created by Bob Heaton to provide scholarships for students who are current residents of Butler County or graduates of a Butler County high school, who currently attend or plan to attend vocational or technical trade school OR a 2-or 4-year college or university.

• Award varies
• Award Type: Renewable award.

The Oldham Little Church Foundation Grant, established in 1949, has awarded over $53.56 million in facility completion grants to small evangelical Protestant churches across the U.S. The foundation aims to support church renovations and new construction projects, enhancing their ability to serve their communities. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $15,000 and are considered quarterly. Eligible churches must meet specific criteria, including membership size and financial stewardship, to qualify for funding.

The Pat Ostrander 4-Star Collection Quartet Scholarship, established by Sweet Adelines International, offers $1,600 to two quartets to attend the 2026 A Cappella Academy or the Sweet Adelines International Convention. To qualify, quartet members must be active Sweet Adelines members and submit three recommendations, demonstrating their commitment. This initiative celebrates barbershop harmony and empowers quartets to enhance their skills through structured educational events, fostering a vibrant community of singers.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) is inviting research applications focusing on mind and body interventions like mindfulness meditation and yoga that promote emotional well-being and whole person health. This initiative supports innovative studies that validate mechanisms of emotional well-being, utilizing a phased funding approach (R61/R33) to ensure rigorous clinical trials. Preliminary data comparable to R01 applications are required, emphasizing the importance of research quality.

The Wayne Yohe Memorial Scholarship, established by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, provides financial assistance to students graduating from career or technology centers in Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry counties. This scholarship aims to support those pursuing post-secondary education in technical fields, particularly in the Building and Construction Industry. Annually, 5-10 scholarships of up to $2000 are awarded based on academic performance and career goals, encouraging youth to prepare for future careers.

The DustinLenker Memorial Scholarship, established by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, offers $2000 scholarships to graduates from Dauphin County Technical School or The Millersburg School District. This scholarship prioritizes students entering Visual Arts or Construction fields, particularly those with ties to Lenkerville Elementary. The program recognizes academic excellence and career aspirations, supporting youth in the Building Industry as they prepare for future workforce opportunities.

The Alcon Foundation Grant aims to enhance eye care services and improve patient access, with a focus on educational and training programs. The foundation also supports cultural and community development initiatives that uplift the quality of life in areas where Alcon operates, including cities like Fort Worth, Houston, and Irvine. However, it does not fund non-501(c)(3) organizations, athletic leagues, or fundraising events, among other exclusions.

Foundation

The Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation was established in 1991 by members of the Bureau County Farm Bureau. The mission of the Farm Bureau Foundation is “To carry out charitable, scientific, literary and educational work that benefits Bureau County farm families and agriculture.”

The Foundation supports agricultural programs aimed at:

• Scholarship
• Education
• Leadership
• Research

Bureau County High School Senior Agricultural Scholarship

To provide for persons studying agriculture and agriculture-related fields including but not limited to education, vet medicine, and leadership development.

The Andy and Carol Hilger Pro-Life Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, supports high school seniors and college students from the St. Cloud Diocese area who advocate for pro-life causes. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and plan to enroll full-time in a two or four-year college. This scholarship reflects the Hilgers' commitment to empowering individuals and fostering community connections through education.

The Arthur A. Cater Scholarship, administered by CommunityGiving, aims to empower high school seniors pursuing full-time education at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. This scholarship supports students from various high schools in the region, emphasizing the importance of local philanthropy and community engagement. By fostering educational opportunities, it helps create a lasting impact on students' lives and encourages future generations to give back to their communities.

The Bernick Family Foundation Scholarship, provided by CommunityGiving, aims to support high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship recognizes well-rounded students from the Bernick Service Area who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better. With 10 scholarships available, each worth $2,000, the foundation seeks to inspire philanthropy and empower local communities through education. Applications are accepted online, and candidates must have or create a Scholarship Management System account to apply.

The Bill and Joyce Coborn Memorial Scholarship supports Coborn's employees and their dependents pursuing private high school or post-secondary education. Offered by CommunityGiving, this scholarship provides up to 20 awards of $1,000 each, fostering educational advancement and community empowerment. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, college students, and graduate students who are children of Coborn's employees with at least one year of service. This initiative honors the legacy of Bill and Joyce Coborn while promoting lifelong learning.

The Granite Scholarship Fund, established by the Granite Companies, offers scholarships to the children and grandchildren of employees, supporting their educational goals. With up to 30 scholarships of $2,000 available annually, this initiative aims to empower students, ensuring that their academic pursuits are supported as they strive for excellence. Eligibility requires maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher and enrollment in a two or four-year college or university. This fund exemplifies the commitment to community and education.

The Garrison Area Scholarship Fund, supported by CommunityGiving, offers three $1,000 scholarships to local high school seniors pursuing higher education. This initiative aims to empower students from Aitkin, Brainerd, Crosby-Ironton, and Onamia. By fostering educational opportunities, the fund upholds the mission of CommunityGiving to strengthen local communities and inspire philanthropy. Eligible applicants must submit online applications and have a Scholarship Management System account to apply. Join us in supporting the future of our youth.

The Agnes E. Vaghi Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding female Italian American undergraduates majoring in Italian, English, literature, or journalism. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and hold an active NIAF membership, which can be obtained through a parent or grandparent. This scholarship aims to promote the rich cultural heritage of Italian Americans while encouraging academic excellence.

The A. Lucchetti Martino Scholarship is awarded to outstanding Italian American undergraduate students majoring in International Relations, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.5. Applicants must hold an active NIAF Membership, which can be obtained through a parent or grandparent. This scholarship fosters commitment to Italian culture and heritage while supporting students enrolled full-time in U.S. accredited institutions. The National Italian American Foundation, a non-profit organization, promotes the rich traditions and contributions of Italian Americans.

The Caroline Guarini Memorial Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding Italian American students majoring in music or related fields. Eligible applicants must be from New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and hold an active NIAF membership. This scholarship aims to foster musical talent while honoring Italian heritage and culture.

The Donald Mazzoni Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, is designed for two exemplary Italian American undergraduate students majoring in business. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate at least 50% Italian heritage, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and possess an active NIAF membership. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to preserving Italian culture and heritage while pursuing their academic goals in the United States.