Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in District of Columbia

Since 1977, MAHF has provided grants to help fund almost 50 research and educational projects through individuals and institutions to improve the health and welfare of all animals. These grants have improved veterinary care, animal housing and medical techniques for all species for animals.

The Joseph E. and Marjorie B. Jones Foundation is a private philanthropic organization committed to enhancing life quality in the greater Washington, D.C. area. The foundation focuses on human services, healthcare, and educational initiatives, believing in the inherent dignity of all individuals. It supports projects that foster community trust and partnership while avoiding funding for basic research, scholarships, or sectarian activities. The foundation aims to inspire and uplift communities through strategic partnerships.

ASPCA Reimagining Racers: Grants for Adopting Out Retired Racehorses Grant

ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and organizations actively participating in the warm-up ring (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) are invited to apply for a grant to support an increase in capacity and/or efficiency of programs aimed at adopting out retired Thoroughbred racehorses. 

Funding requests for this grant initiative should focus on:

Activities that increase capacity, decrease length of stay, reduce cost of care or increase efficiencies, and/or improve humane outcomes in other ways. Examples:

• Training programs
• Programs that engage new adopters and grow the market share for adoption
• Medical make-ready or rehabilitation with a focus on innovation and/or sustainability
• Collaborations with other equine industry organizations to increase support for retired racehorses

Proposals will be evaluated on their potential (within the 12-month grant term) to: 

• Increase capacity (the number of horses that can be rehabilitated, trained, and placed)
• Decrease length of stay
• Decrease cost of care
• Reduce risk, harm or suffering for retired racehorses

Requests may be for the creation of new programs or the expansion of existing programs. Programs that test innovative ideas are welcome.

Grant Amounts

Grants will generally range from $10,000-$40,000, with a maximum individual grant amount of $60,000. The total funding amount available for this grant opportunity is $200,000. 

Eligibility

ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and active Warm-Up Ring participants (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) whose mission or operations focus significantly on serving retired Thoroughbred racehorses are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity. Adoption organizations must be up to date on reporting data biannually to the Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC). If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you may contact therighthorse@aspca.org to confirm before applying.   

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans. We invite all voices to join us in working together to improve the lives of animals in need.

The SLEEP Travel Grant for AASM Patient Advocacy Roundtable, funded by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation, aims to enhance sleep health by supporting organizations with limited financial resources. This grant offers $2,000 for travel and registration to the SLEEP 2026 meeting, fostering connections among members of the AASM Patient Advocacy Roundtable. This initiative emphasizes the importance of advocacy in sleep medicine and encourages participation in vital discussions surrounding sleep health.

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) orchestrates the basic research program for the Air Force Research Laboratory, aligning with technical guidance and Air Force needs. It promotes collaboration among Air Force, universities, and industry, ensuring that research effectively transitions to support military capabilities. AFOSR's focus encompasses significant areas of research organized under two scientific departments, enhancing national defense and peacekeeping operations.

The Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals or institutions promoting inclusiveness in the chemical sciences. This award includes a medal, a $1,250 grant, and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,500 for attending the ACS regional meeting where the award is presented. Eligible nominees must foster programs that increase participation from diverse groups in the chemical enterprise.

The Beveridge Family Prize in American History, awarded annually by the American Historical Association since 1945, recognizes exceptional historical writing. Eligible works include biographies, monographs, and interpretations published in 2024. This prestigious award honors Senator Albert J. Beveridge and aims to promote outstanding scholarship on American, Latin American, and Canadian history. Recipients will be announced in October 2025 and celebrated at the 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) offers Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) to support diverse arts initiatives that enhance public engagement and education. These grants aim to improve community well-being through the arts and are open to all organizations, regardless of size or location. Applicants are encouraged to align their projects with NEA funding priorities, fostering creativity across various disciplines such as music, theater, and visual arts.

The Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion (SpaceTech REDDI-2026) initiative by NASA aims to advance transformational space technologies to meet critical stakeholder needs. This umbrella solicitation for FY 2026 will invite proposals across various technology topics, promoting innovation and competitiveness in the U.S. space sector. With a focus on economic growth and fostering a strong aerospace community, STMD supports ideas from diverse innovators nationwide.

The Marsh Foundation Grant provides funding for charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes, focusing primarily on medical research in El Paso, Texas. Established under the will of Edward N. Marsh, the foundation offers grants ranging from $52,000 to $150,000, with an average total giving of $200,000 annually. Organizations must qualify as 501(c)(3) entities to be eligible, although there are no geographic limitations. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of June 30 for review.

The AJ Muste Foundation's Rapid Response Grants support U.S.-based organizations engaged in grassroots activism for social justice. These grants, up to $5,000, are aimed at addressing immediate needs of groups fighting for equality and liberation. The funding is designed for unexpected opportunities and emergencies, promoting powerful organizing efforts. The foundation prioritizes groups lacking traditional funding sources and those focused on systemic change rather than individual support.

The NNLM CHIS Training Award Year 5 aims to enhance the capabilities of rural and small library staff in providing reliable health information. This initiative not only supports health literacy but also promotes community engagement by enabling awardees to conduct CHIS classes. By utilizing existing materials, participants can present these classes in various formats, ensuring broader access to essential health resources. This award fosters local health information leaders, ultimately improving public health outcomes.

Women Create Foundation Grants

Empowering women creators.

About

Women Create, LLC is the publisher of two industry leading magazines, Where Women Create and What women Create. Every issue of WHAT & WHERE includes in-depth features about women from diverse geographies and backgrounds, the mediums they use and the projects and studios that support their passion.

Through our search for women artist/creators, we’ve seen the significant barriers and disparities in accessing funding they face to nurture their visions. The Women Create Foundation was created with the mission to empower women creators through grants that help bring projects to life and foster innovation.

The grant amounts vary depending on the artist’s needs. Financial awards typically range from $500-$2,000.

VCA Charities is dedicated to enhancing pet ownership by offering Disaster Relief Grants to support animal welfare organizations impacted by natural disasters. These grants provide funding for essential veterinary care, pet supplies, temporary shelter, and transportation costs for rescued animals. Prioritizing immediate relief, VCA Charities also assesses preparedness requests at year-end. The program aims to alleviate the suffering of pets and ensure they remain in loving homes during crises, addressing both urgent and long-term needs in affected communities.

The Remote Biomarker Measurements in Microphysiological Systems Grant seeks innovative proposals to enhance remote biomarker analysis technologies for microphysiological systems, crucial for deep space missions. It prioritizes non-invasive, adaptable methods that allow for continuous monitoring of biomarkers without sample return. This initiative aims to advance personalized healthcare and biological research, addressing astronaut health in challenging environments. Eligible entities include U.S. institutions and collaborations with foreign entities under specific conditions.

Ann Lane Gates Scholarship Fund

Established by Ann Lane Gates to provide scholarships for Project GRAD Akron Public Schools students.

Amount:

• Varies $500-$1,500

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Renewable for three additional years. Must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, continue to pursue a degree in education, and reapply annually by submission of a new application.

The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) is a pioneering space mission concept aimed at discovering life beyond our solar system, as highlighted in the Astro2020 survey. The HWO-PSI program seeks to reduce risks for future missions by advancing scientific investigations that inform mission design. As HWO enters its pre-formulation phase, it addresses significant astrophysical questions and technical challenges, ultimately striving for groundbreaking discoveries in our understanding of the universe.

The Michael Scott Kramer Memorial Scholarship, offered by the San Juan Island Community Foundation, is designed for post-secondary students pursuing education in fields like recreation, adventure tourism, and marine trades. This scholarship honors Mike Kramer, a beloved outdoorsman, by encouraging students to embrace life and adventure. Candidates should demonstrate community service, a strong work ethic, and a passion for their studies. It aims to inspire the next generation to live authentically and pursue their dreams.

About McElhattan Foundation

Founded in 2017 following the sale of Industrial Scientific Corporation, McElhattan Foundation invites bold ideas that advance the goals of its four program areas, including Ending Death on the Job.

Zero Electrocution Challenge

Despite decades of regulations, training, and personal protective equipment, workers continue to die from electrical contact every year.

McElhattan Foundation’s Zero Electrocution Challenge seeks breakthrough solutions that present pathways to eliminate life-threatening tasks that lead to fatal electrocution on the job by the year 2050, while increasing enterprise profitability and productivity. This is the inaugural ZERO 2050 challenge, awarding two Winners up to $1 million each.

The Matthew Isakowitz Commercial Space Scholarship, presented by the Commercial Space Federation and the Matthew Isakowitz Foundation Programs, is an annual scholarship aimed at college students passionate about the commercial space industry. Recipients are awarded $1,000 and gain internship consideration and networking opportunities with industry leaders. The program emphasizes the importance of space policy knowledge, encouraging students to follow Matthew Isakowitz's legacy of kindness and generosity while pursuing careers in this evolving field.

The Greenwall Faculty Scholars Program supports junior faculty in bioethics research, offering 50% salary support for three years and project funding of $5,000 annually. Scholars engage in community-building through semi-annual meetings, mentoring, and philosophical seminars. Priority is given to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and those not yet considered for tenure. This program aims to drive innovative research that addresses pressing ethical issues in clinical and public health settings, fostering future bioethics advancements.

The National Home Library Foundation Grant supports nonprofits in distributing books and reading materials to libraries and community groups with limited resources. This initiative aims to promote literacy and combat illiteracy among all ages through various programs. Grants are available only to tax-exempt organizations that adhere to non-discrimination policies. Preference is given to requests from the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas, with applications considered on a rolling basis.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts Domestic Indemnity Program provides museums and cultural institutions in the U.S. with financial protection against loss or damage to significant artworks during exhibitions. Established in 1975 and expanded in 2007, the program aims to enhance public access to art by minimizing insurance costs. Managed by the National Endowment for the Arts, it involves thorough evaluations by expert panels to ensure eligibility and compliance, facilitating the safe display of invaluable cultural treasures.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts Domestic Indemnity Program, administered by the National Endowment for the Arts, ensures that U.S. museums can exhibit significant art and artifacts without the burden of high insurance costs. Established in 1975, it provides indemnity against loss or damage, promoting access to cultural heritage. The program evaluates applications through expert advisory panels and typically meets three to six months after deadlines to decide on indemnity requests, thereby supporting the arts and enriching public engagement.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts International Indemnity Program, established in 1975, supports the exhibition of significant art and artifacts by minimizing insurance costs for international exhibitions. Administered by the National Endowment for the Arts, it covers U.S. owned art during exhibitions in the country. The program evaluates applications through advisory panels and the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities, ensuring that vital cultural works are accessible while providing necessary financial protections.

The Alpha Foundation Grant, established in 1997, focuses on enhancing the human condition by supporting educational, scientific, and charitable organizations. With a strong emphasis on biotechnology, the foundation aims to aid in disease discovery and cure. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily operating in Madison County, Alabama. The foundation does not fund individuals or political activities, ensuring its resources directly benefit public charities.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts International Indemnity Program provides essential support for U.S. museums by minimizing insurance costs for international exhibitions. Established in 1975 and expanded in 2007, this program allows museums to exhibit significant art and artifacts while protecting them from potential losses. Administered by the National Endowment for the Arts, the program evaluates applications through advisory panels, ensuring a thorough review process before indemnity agreements are approved.