Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in District of Columbia

The Emergency Educational Grants offer vital financial support of up to $5,000 for undergraduate students who are children of deceased or totally disabled Elks. This grant is renewable for one year and is intended solely for educational purposes, helping cover costs such as tuition and books. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain full-time enrollment in an accredited U.S. college or university, while being unmarried and under 24 years old during the application year.

The PFF Research Fund to Cure Pulmonary Fibrosis aims to support innovative research that enhances understanding and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. The PFF Scholars Program provides $100,000 over two years to early-stage researchers, encouraging them to pursue independent funding opportunities. Eligible applicants include post-doctoral trainees and early Assistant Professors committed to interstitial lung disease research. This initiative fosters mentorship and collaboration, ultimately advancing the field and improving patient care.

The NIH HEAL Initiative PainCare Clinician Training Program (PCTP) aims to cultivate a new generation of skilled independent investigators in pain management. It offers essential NIH research support during the early-career phase, enabling awardees to establish their own research programs. With multiple application deadlines from 2024 to 2027, this initiative emphasizes the importance of addressing pain management through innovative clinical research.

The First International Nutritionist/Dietitian (FIND) Fellowship supports foreign nationals pursuing postgraduate studies in the USA, with a clear plan to return to their home country. Offered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation, this fellowship is part of a broader awards program that recognizes achievements and provides stipends to dietetic professionals and students. Applications are accepted annually, with award numbers varying based on funding and investment activities.

Rare Organic Acidemias Research (ROAR) Consortium Early Career Fellowship

The overall mission of the ROAR career enhancement core is to recruit and retain a cohort of physicians, physician-researchers, and other researchers with clinical research expertise in rare metabolic disorders, specifically organic acidemias.

 Annual funding of $50,000 (total cost, including indirect costs) is available to support a postdoctoral trainee or early career faculty member (within 5 years of residency or fellowship training as of proposed start date of either June 1, 2026 or October 1, 2026) for a one-year period. The ROAR Consortium intends to fund 1-2 awards this cycle with one award starting by June 1, 2026 and another starting by October 1, 2026. 

Trainees are expected to complete the following:

• Design and complete a clinical research project focusing on organic acidemias. This project can leverage existing projects within the ROAR consortium or can be a new project unrelated to existing projects in the consortium. Of note, funds cannot be used to support research projects involving animal models. 
• Meet monthly with their project mentor and periodically with the ROAR Career Enhancement Core leadership to discuss progress.
• Provide a progress report within 30 days of completing the program.
• Attend ROAR consortium activities including the monthly ROAR team calls and annual ROAR consortium in-person meeting.
• Present their project at the annual ROAR consortium in-person meeting or monthly ROAR team call.
• Acknowledge the ROAR consortium support on manuscripts published upon completion of the project.
• Trainees are expected to participate in the RDCRN Rare Disease Research Training Program.
• Trainees are encouraged to budget funds for travel to one conference relevant to the organic acidemia and/or rare disease community to present their work. 

The Forensic Pathology Advanced Training Grant, supported by the College of American Pathologists Foundation, aims to address the physician shortage in pathology by providing CAP Junior Members with a four-week rotation at an ACGME Accredited Forensic Fellowship Training Program. This initiative offers hands-on experience, mentorship, and training in forensic pathology, while funding up to $5,000 for eligible expenses. The program is open to all CAP Junior Members in accredited US residency programs who have completed their first year.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Linda K. Freeland Early Childhood Education Scholarship

For High school senior from Saline County, KS, with an intended major of early childhood education.

Applicant must submit an essay that states why they have chosen to major in early childhood education.

Renewals

• This award is not renewable.

The Medical Student Travel Award aims to support medical students interested in pathology by providing up to $1,200 for travel expenses to the CAP Annual Meeting in Las Vegas (October 3-6, 2026). This award facilitates valuable learning experiences through networking opportunities and insights into the pathology field, enhancing the awardees' understanding of residency training and the role of pathologists in healthcare.

The OTF Rapid Response Fund Grant provides urgent support for individuals and organizations facing digital emergencies that threaten their free expression. Through direct financial assistance and technical services from trusted partners, it aims to help high-risk individuals like journalists and activists mitigate digital threats. Eligible applicants can receive up to $50,000 to address specific needs, such as digital protection and tools development, ensuring swift and effective responses to oppressive situations.

The Youth Sports Grant offers up to $5,000 in travel funding for nonprofessional youth sports teams to participate in sporting events in North Carolina and beyond. This grant is available on a rolling basis and is limited to one application per county each year. Eligible applicants include local government units and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The aim is to support youth engagement in sports and facilitate travel costs such as transportation and lodging.

The NIDCR Mentored Career Development Award aims to enhance the dental, oral, and craniofacial research workforce by supporting well-trained postdoctoral fellows and early career faculty. This funding opportunity offers salary and research support for a sustained period, allowing individuals to engage in intensive research career development under experienced mentorship. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, with specific dates for standard and renewal submissions.

The Spotlight Fund: Arts Grants support K-12 educators by providing funding for essential tools and materials to enhance art education. With grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, the program prioritizes educators in high-needs schools, fostering creativity and reducing dropout rates among at-risk youth. By engaging children in various art forms, the initiative enriches their educational experience and opens up future possibilities. This targeted support is vital for cultivating a new generation of artists and creative thinkers.

The Spotlight Fund Grants, specifically the STEM Fund, provide essential funding for K-12 educators to enhance their curriculum with necessary tools and materials for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education. Aimed at supporting under-served communities, these grants typically range from $500 to $1,000 per educator, with a cap of $5,000 per school. Priority is given to educators from high-needs schools, ensuring equitable access to quality STEM education.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Marcella Dowling Oakes Art Scholarship

For students qualifying for graduation from a high school within the service area of GSCF or its affiliates with an intended major in an art field, including, but not limited to, visual arts, fine arts education, digital/graphic arts, architecture, or design.

 Applicants must submit a personal statement about how they will utilize their drawing skills to accomplish their future career goals.

Renewals

• This award is not renewable.

The Pat Shinobu Scholarship Fund, established in 2015 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hawai‘i pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must be full-time undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.7, demonstrate financial need, and provide a recommendation letter. Preference is given to public high school graduates from Hawai'i Island and previous recipients who maintain eligibility. This fund fosters educational opportunities and equity within the community.

The Adult Learn-to-Swim Grants, offered by the USA Swimming Foundation in collaboration with U.S. Masters Swimming, aim to enhance swimming safety for adults aged 18 and over. This initiative provides funding to programs that promote swim education, targeting underserved communities. Grants can be used for expenses like pool rentals and scholarships, with a maximum award of $5,000. The goal is to reduce drowning risks and encourage ongoing participation in swimming activities.

The Disney Award for Amblyopia Research, funded by Research To Prevent Blindness Inc, aims to advance research in amblyopia diagnosis and treatment. Grants of up to $150,000 will support exceptional ophthalmic scientists conducting significant research. Eligible nominees include U.S. researchers from various academic ranks, with a focus on independent research. Proposals should highlight relevance to amblyopia's pathophysiology, diagnosis, or treatment, with awards available until Spring 2025.

The Medical Student Eye Research Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for medical students to dedicate a year to research in ophthalmology, focusing on any vision-related topic. Supported by Research to Prevent Blindness and other partners, the fellowship includes a $30,000 grant and potential additional funding for relocation. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and be nominated by RPB-supported Chairs. The program aims to promote diversity and innovation in vision research.

The USF Community Impact Grant, established by USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation, aims to enhance competitive opportunities in swimming clubs. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for registered USA Swimming clubs committed to fostering community engagement and collaboration. Eligible clubs can renew their grant for up to three years, promoting diverse access to swimming programs. This initiative particularly supports clubs that partner with educational or public entities and those led by women or minorities.

The Stein Innovation Award supports innovative vision research by providing funding to Department of Ophthalmology faculty and other researchers. With deadlines in January and July, the award encourages projects that advance the understanding of the visual system and related diseases. Eligible candidates must be affiliated with U.S. institutions of higher education, and prior nomination forms are required for application acceptance. This initiative aims to foster groundbreaking research in the field of ophthalmology.

The NASPGHAN Foundation/NASPGHAN George Ferry Young Investigator Development Award supports promising clinical, quality improvement, translational, or basic science research focused on gastrointestinal tract diseases, liver, pancreas, and nutritional disorders in children. Eligibility includes being a NASPGHAN member for at least two years, having a recent fellowship, and holding a junior faculty position. This award fosters innovative research to enhance pediatric gastroenterology and improve child health outcomes.

Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains

Our mission at the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is to improve the region’s quality of life through the power of philanthropy. We do this by offering individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today. Founded in 1998, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to achieve dreams for making the Endless Mountains region of Northeastern Pennsylvania an even better place to live for everyone.

Scholarships

Many generous individuals, families, and businesses have established scholarship funds to provide support to graduates in our region. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors.

Borislav Dumitrov Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Mr. Dumitrov to provide tuition assistance for a graduating senior from any of the High Schools in Susquehanna County who will matriculate at a trade school or post-secondary degree program.

The Adult Learn-to-Swim Grant, a collaboration between the USA Swimming Foundation and U.S. Masters Swimming, aims to enhance adult swimming safety and reduce drowning risks. By consolidating fundraising efforts, the initiative provides vital resources and support for swim instructors and programs serving adults aged 18 and over. This grant empowers communities through education and outreach, ensuring that more adults have access to essential swim lessons and water safety training.

The Chevron Changing the Face of Golf Scholarship, awarded by the LPGA Foundation, aims to empower female high school seniors from minority backgrounds pursuing STEM studies. Established in 2022, this scholarship promotes diversity in golf and education, honoring Dinah Shore's legacy. By supporting young women, the LPGA Foundation continues its mission to change the face of golf and provide educational opportunities, enhancing representation in both golf and STEM fields.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation/NASPGHAN IBD Young Investigator Award supports early-career researchers in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This three-year grant offers mentorship and funding up to $60,000 annually, plus additional support for research-related expenses. Eligible applicants must hold an MD or PhD, demonstrate relevant research experience, and commit at least 65% of their time to the project. The award also facilitates access to IBD Plexus resources, enhancing research capabilities in the field.

The Shared Instrumentation Grant (SIG) Program supports NIH investigators in acquiring high-cost, specialized instruments essential for research. With a minimum award of $50,000 and a maximum of $750,000, this program facilitates the purchase or upgrade of equipment like mass spectrometers and light microscopes. It encourages collaborative efforts among researchers to enhance capabilities and foster innovation in biomedical research.

The NASPGHAN Foundation offers a one-year grant to pediatric dietitians aimed at enhancing nutrition care for children with nutritional disorders. Grants ranging from $500 to $5000 will be awarded, with funding distributed in December 2025. Applicants must be Registered Dietitians, CPNP members in good standing, and have a sustained interest in pediatric nutrition. Recipients are required to provide a financial statement and present findings at the 2027 CPNP annual symposium.