Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in District of Columbia

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund supports habitat conservation through land acquisition grants. Established in 1997, this program aims to minimize conflicts between listed species conservation and land use. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides matching grants to state agencies for projects that ensure the long-term protection of habitats. By acquiring land or conservation easements, this initiative facilitates species recovery and helps prevent future listings under the Endangered Species Act, enhancing overall ecosystem health.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's Innovative Conservation Program (ICP) has funded innovative water savings projects since 2001, with $250,000 available biannually. The program aims to evaluate and demonstrate the reliability of new water-saving technologies. Nearly 400 proposals have sought $36 million in funding. The ICP, supported by multiple agencies, encourages projects that can benefit Southern California's water efficiency, inviting proposals from outside its service area to enhance regional water management.

The National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) offers vital assistance for removing barriers to aquatic life, enhancing safety, and promoting local economies. By investing in projects like culvert replacements and floodplain restorations, the program not only supports native fish populations but also delivers significant economic benefits, estimated at $1.5 million for every $1 million invested. With a recent allocation of $15 million, including $5 million for specific restoration initiatives, NFPP continues to advance aquatic connectivity nationwide.

Alkermes

At Alkermes, we apply our deep neuroscience expertise to develop medicines designed to help people living with complex and difficult-to-treat psychiatric and neurological disorders, including addiction, serious mental illness and sleep disorders. With our portfolio of marketed medicines and investigational pipeline candidates, we seek to make a meaningful difference in the way people manage these chronic diseases. Our patient-inspired science, integrated research strategy, sophisticated development capabilities and specialized commercial infrastructure enable us to pursue the development and commercialization of innovative new medicines, including those for people with conditions that have traditionally been overlooked or stigmatized.

Our greatest strengths at Alkermes are our people and our inherent empathy for patients, families and caregivers. Neurological and psychiatric disorders strike people at the core of who they are and impact many facets of their lives. We work with urgency to develop new treatment options for people living with these conditions.

Pathways APN Research Awards

The Alkermes Pathways Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) Research Awards™ program is designed to empower the advanced practice nursing community by offering funding opportunities that recognize their vital role in evidence-based care and the advancement of mental health research.

The Alkermes Pathways APN Research Awards provide opportunities for individual grants of up to $10,000 per project for licensed psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners who are actively engaged in clinical, academic, and/or community health settings and are committed to advancing research in schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder.

The Allergic Respiratory Diseases Award, supported by the American Lung Association and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, aims to bolster research in allergic respiratory diseases. Designed for faculty in Clinical Allergy and Immunology at academic medical centers, this award offers $75,000 annually for up to two years. It seeks to empower researchers at pivotal points in their careers, enhancing understanding and treatment of these conditions while promoting lung health.

The Mishler Brown Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, supports nonprofits dedicated to agriculture and historic preservation. Applications are accepted annually from October 1 to December 31, with funds awarded in January. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status but do not need to be located in Elkhart County. The fund honors Helen Mishler's legacy by preserving farming heritage, including her family's historic homestead.

The 1890 Institution Teaching, Research, and Extension Capacity Building Grants Program aims to enhance the capabilities of eligible institutions by fostering collaboration with federal and non-federal entities. This initiative supports the White House's commitment to promote excellence at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). By strengthening institutional teaching, research, and extension capacities, the program helps ensure that HBCUs can effectively contribute to innovative solutions in education and community development.

The Special Wildlife Funds - Duck Stamp Grants program in Canada focuses on the development of waterfowl propagation areas specifically for the Mississippi Flyway. It supports projects in Manitoba and Saskatchewan aimed at enhancing breeding populations of migratory waterfowl. This initiative is funded through the sale of State Migratory Waterfowl Stamps and is targeted at not-for-profit organizations dedicated to the conservation and promotion of wild waterfowl, ensuring sustainable habitats and effective management practices.

The MIND Prize, funded by The Pershing Square Foundation, supports innovative research to combat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. It empowers early-to-mid-career investigators to explore unconventional approaches and fosters collaboration across disciplines. Each winner receives $250,000 annually for three years, promoting advancements in neuroscience and creating a unique network for researchers. The initiative aims to enhance our understanding of brain health and tackle pressing societal challenges.

The NHLBI SBIR Phase IIB Small Market Awards aim to bridge the funding gap for small businesses developing technologies for heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders. This initiative supports later-stage research and development for projects addressing rare diseases or pediatric populations. By promoting partnerships with investors and advocacy organizations, the program seeks to facilitate regulatory approval and commercialization of innovative biomedical solutions, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will announce the Phased Large Awards for Comparative Effectiveness Research on December 2, 2025. This funding aims to support high-quality, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research projects. The initiative encourages applicants to engage with patients and stakeholders to address critical healthcare dilemmas and improve decision-making. Projects should compare established clinical alternatives with evidence of efficacy, targeting vital health issues across diverse populations.

The Cynthia and Alan Baran Fine Arts and Music Scholarship Fund, established by passionate artists Cynthia and Alan Baran, aims to support young individuals pursuing their dreams in visual arts and music. This fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, offers scholarships to rising college students majoring in Fine Arts or Music, emphasizing the importance of creativity and academic achievement. With a commitment to fostering talent, this initiative empowers future generations to thrive in the arts.

The 21st Century Museum Professionals (21MP) Program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to enhance career pathways and professional networks in the museum sector. This initiative focuses on developing current museum staff, recruiting new professionals, and fostering partnerships that promote effective workforce training. By emphasizing peer learning and alternative career pathways, the program seeks to create a robust and diverse museum workforce across the nation.

The Residential Curbside Recycling Cart Grant Program, offered by The Recycling Partnership, supports communities in enhancing their recycling efforts through grant funding and technical assistance. It encourages the implementation of cart-based recycling systems, conversion from bins to carts, and expansion of service areas to ensure equitable access. This initiative also includes vital education and outreach support, helping residents improve their recycling habits and ultimately achieve higher recycling rates.

The ASTRO-LUNGevity Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Seed Grant aims to enhance the research careers of residents and fellows focused on radiation oncology, specifically benefiting lung cancer patients. This initiative supports basic, translational, and clinical research endeavors. With a maximum award amount of $50,000 for one year, it provides essential funding to foster innovative projects that can lead to significant advancements in lung cancer treatment.

The USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council (USADPLC) invites research proposals for pulse crops, focusing on breeding, nutrition, crop management, and product development for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Projects should adopt a transdisciplinary approach to tackle complex challenges, with average awards around $30,000. Researchers are encouraged to leverage industry funding for matching grants. Note that equipment purchases over $10,000 are not eligible. Compliance with specific proposal guidelines is essential.

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) funding aims to enhance health services in underserved communities across the U.S. by providing grants for comprehensive preventive and primary care. This initiative allows for a competitive selection of service areas, ensuring that health centers can effectively deliver high-quality healthcare. Additional service areas may be announced throughout the year to accommodate changes in service availability, supporting continuous care for those in need.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

John E. Thomasson Scholarship

The John E. Thomasson Scholarship Fund was established in 2001 to support postsecondary educational opportunities for youth of African American or other minority heritage in the Louisa County (Virginia) Public Schools or Fluvanna County (Virginia) Public Schools. Scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis to students who have been admitted to an accredited two-year technical school, four-year Historically Black College or University or the school of their choice. Preference will be given to applicants planning to attend Virginia State University, Hampton University, Virginia Union University, or Norfolk State University.

Estimated Award Amount

• (2) $1,000 

The Wesley Lanyon Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, honors early-career ornithologists for the best integrative avian science review paper published in AOS journals. With a $1,500 honorarium and $1,000 travel stipend, this biennial award encourages doctoral students and recent Ph.D. graduates to contribute novel insights to ornithology. Winners can organize a symposium at the AOS annual meeting, fostering collaboration and advancing research in the field.

The Katma Award, established by the American Ornithological Society in 2003, honors innovative research that challenges existing theories in avian biology. This award encourages submissions of research articles, commentaries, or short communications published within the last two years. Nominees are expected to uphold high ethical standards, and the award includes a $2,500 prize and a certificate. Ideal submissions include papers authored by one or two researchers, with self-nominations also accepted.

The AOS-Sponsored Student Memberships provide one year of free membership to students globally interested in ornithology. Awardees gain full access to AOS membership benefits and are encouraged to participate in various opportunities, including the annual meeting and travel grants. This initiative aims to foster the next generation of ornithologists by supporting their academic and professional growth while upholding high ethical standards aligned with the AOS Code of Conduct.

The Florence Merriam Bailey Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, honors outstanding articles published by early career members in AOS journals within the last two years. Awarded annually, it includes a $1,500 cash prize to the lead author. Papers recognized alternate between the journals 'Ornithology' and 'Ornithological Applications'. Nominees must adhere to high ethical standards as outlined in the AOS Code of Conduct.

The Scleroderma-Related Lung Disease— The Debra Lurvey Memorial Research Grant, provided by the National Scleroderma Foundation, aims to support research in scleroderma-related lung disease. With a funding amount of $200,000, the grant encourages established investigators to explore innovative solutions and enhance understanding of this condition, ultimately working towards improving the quality of life for affected individuals and advancing medical knowledge in the field.

The Bob Skiera Memorial Fund Building Bridges Initiative Grant Program supports urban forestry research and collaboration. With a maximum award of $30,000, it aims to enhance communication between arborists, urban foresters, and various professionals. The program welcomes proposals that explore the benefits of urban forests, policy implementation, and ecosystem services. This initiative honors Bob Skiera's legacy, fostering trust and cooperation within the urban planning community for sustainable urban forestry practices.

The Friends Foundation for the Aging Grant supports innovative and impactful programs aimed at addressing the needs of older adults, particularly within underserved populations. This Quaker foundation prioritizes collaboration and sustainability in its funding efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities focused on enhancing the quality of life for aging individuals. Grants are typically awarded for one year and target organizations that align with the foundation's mission and values.

Siemens Healthineers supports charitable donations that align with its focus areas, including diagnostic imaging and oncology. They prioritize well-rated organizations that allocate a significant portion of donations to clinical efforts rather than administrative costs. Events must ensure at least 65% of funds go to the intended cause. Local chapters of national nonprofits should coordinate with their national teams for requests, as Siemens typically does not entertain separate local requests.

Siemens Healthineers USA offers sponsorships to support healthcare initiatives across the U.S. They emphasize funding for healthcare organizations and related events, ensuring that requests comply with eligibility criteria. The company prioritizes diagnostic imaging, laboratory diagnostics, cardiology, and oncology. Applications must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the event, and funding is not available for sole sponsorships or certain excluded initiatives. For more information, visit Siemens Healthineers' official site.