Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Hilliard P. and Helen P. Jenkins Scholarship

Recipient must: (1) be an African-American resident of Baldwin County; (2) attend a two- or four-year public and accredited institution as a full-time student; (3) intend to pursue a Liberal Arts, Health/Medical, Social Sciences, or Physical Sciences degree, and (4) have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0.

The Home Depot Foundation's Path to Pro Scholarship aims to support U.S. veterans and train skilled tradespeople. With a commitment of $750 million by 2030, the Foundation has already trained over 44,000 participants. The program collaborates with industry leaders to address the skilled labor gap, offering resources and training in various trades such as carpentry and plumbing. By providing opportunities for high school seniors and graduates, this initiative fosters career development in the home improvement sector.

The Institutional Impact Grants by Wake Forest University aim to support U.S. colleges and universities in fostering moral, civic, and intellectual character among their community members. In 2026, these grants will empower institutions committed to character development for faculty, staff, and students, promoting a holistic educational environment. This initiative underscores the importance of character in education, aligning with the university's mission to cultivate ethical leaders.

The Mark W. Schwiebert Fund for Environmental Studies, established in 2016, supports educational programs and research addressing climate change and resource depletion. It emphasizes projects that are financially and technically feasible, with a focus on public education and impactful returns on investment. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, universities, and governmental entities, particularly those serving Rock Island County, Illinois, and Scott County, Iowa. Funding is not available for marketing campaigns, deficit funding, or projects already completed.

The Wake Forest Capacity Building Grant, part of the Educating Character Initiative, aims to enhance character education in U.S. higher education institutions. Established in 2023 with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., the initiative has already provided $35 million in grants to 146 institutions. In 2026, new grants will be awarded to colleges and universities focused on fostering moral, civic, and intellectual character among their faculty, staff, and students.

The Exploring Christian Practices Initiative by Lilly Endowment aims to enhance access to settings that enable diverse individuals to engage in Christian practices. This initiative seeks to address spiritual interests, foster community connections, and support the growth of faith. By multiplying opportunities for exploration, it encourages meaningful participation in religious life and nurtures a deeper understanding of Christian traditions.

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Hosea Hall & Lilly Eason Vann Scholarship

For a graduating senior of a high school located in Thomas County, Georgia who has attained at least a 3.0 GPA in high school. The award is based on Academics, Financial Need, Leadership Qualities, Extracurricular Activities and Community Service.

The Rachael Ray No-Kill Excellence Grants, funded by the Rachael Ray Foundation, support Best Friends Network partners in maintaining a 90% Save Rate for animals. These grants encourage innovative projects that enhance community partnerships and mentorships, helping organizations achieve sustainable lifesaving outcomes. Eligible organizations can apply for grants up to $60,000, with a focus on scalable programs that benefit animals and promote no-kill initiatives across the United States.

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.

Cindi Conaty Memorial Scholarship

Established by Susquehanna County President Judge, Jason Legg, in honor of his mother to provide a college or post-secondary degree program scholarship for a student from one of the six Susquehanna County high school districts, including home schooled students.

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.

Daniel Arnold Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Daniel Arnold, killed in action in Iraq in September, 2005. Provides a college scholarship for a student who has excelled in athletics and has exhibited patriotism for the United States.

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.

Gil Depew Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Mr. Depew to provide a college scholarship for a diabetic student from one of the six Susquehanna County high schools.

About the Chester County Community Foundation

Our Mission

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

Robert & Doris Hanna Scholarship Fund

Mission

The Chester County Community Foundation honors the long and philanthropic lives of Dr. Robert and Doris Hanna.

The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, established in 2001 by Mark and Jim Wahlberg, aims to support youth service programs that eliminate barriers to success for inner city youth. By providing financial and community support, the foundation empowers young individuals to achieve their potential and dreams, fostering a nurturing environment reminiscent of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, where Mark spent his formative years.

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.

Robert and Diane Turrell Family Scholarship

Established by Robert and Diane Hill Turrell. Provides a post-secondary scholarship to a high school graduate who is a student of good moral character and who demonstrates financial need through their Student Aid Report. Students from Lackawanna Trail, Tunkhannock, Elk Lake, Homeschooled and Wyalusing Valley High Schools may apply. Priority will be given to students living in Habitat for Humanity Housing. The recipient may re-apply during each of the remaining years of undergraduate study until reaching the age of 25.

Takeda Oncology offers grant funding opportunities aimed at addressing unmet educational and research needs in the medical community. They prioritize support for programs in hematology, thoracic, and gastrointestinal cancers, including lymphoma, leukemia, and previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer. Takeda encourages partnerships that enhance patient outcomes and provide tangible benefits through donations, grants, and sponsorships. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the program start date for timely review.

The Overwatch Alliance Grants support non-profit organizations with annual revenues of $500,000 or less that aid military members, veterans, and their families. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for impactful projects such as emergency financial assistance, transitional housing, and employment support. Eligible organizations must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) entities. The Alliance encourages applications from those addressing crucial veteran community needs while reinforcing the importance of community backing for capital projects.

Stealth Biotherapeutics offers grants and sponsorships aimed at enhancing healthcare education for providers and patient communities. These funding opportunities focus on innovative programs that address rare genetic disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and ophthalmic disorders. To apply, requests must be submitted 60 days prior to the funding start date, ensuring alignment with the therapeutic interests of the organization while providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals.

Who We Are

The Unitarian Universalist Funding Program (UUFP) is a denominational grantmaking program of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Inspired by the richness and diversity of our liberal religious tradition, the mission of the UUFP is to promote the influence of Unitarian Universalist principles through grantmaking.

With funds generously provided by the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock, the UUFP awards grants to Unitarian Universalist (UU) and non-UU projects and organizations. Grants are made that:

• Support the work of social justice.
• Strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions.
• Transform gratitude for being into generosity of living.

Get Out The Vote - 2026

The Fund for UU Social Responsibility has increased funding for grants to UU congregations and organizations working to Get Out The Vote in 2026. Grants of up to $1,000 will be made on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.  

Please note that funds must go to a UU congregation or organization for the work by UUs of the organization. The funds may not be passed through to another organization. Collaboration and partnerships are encouraged.

UU congregations and organizations frequently support the democratic process in an election cycle in a non-partisan* manner by participating in voter registration drives, organizing to stop voter suppression, providing non-partisan educational materials or forums for voters, or by volunteering to help registered voters get to the polls on election day.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

About Dale "Haynes" and Elaine Woolcott Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for a college-bound student who is a legal resident of Henderson County, North Carolina or Van Buren County, Michigan. The applicant must demonstrate financial need and have a record of community service. Preference will be given to graduates of a Henderson County high school or a graduate of Hartford Public Schools. 

This is a renewable scholarship.

The ROSES25: B.2 Heliophysics Foundational Research program invites proposals for foundational research in heliophysics. The submission deadline for Step-1 proposals is May 1, 2026, with Step-2 deadlines announced 60 days prior. Amendments include an increase in Step-1 proposal length from two to three pages and clarification on budget expectations per award. Individuals may serve as Principal Investigators for only one proposal, with exceptions for specific institutional requirements.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

About Denis Barton ScholarshipApplicant must be a resident of either Transylvania or Henderson County who has graduated from a public, private, parochial or home school program who wishes to pursue an undergraduate degree at a degree granting college or university and who demonstrates the need for financial assistance in order to attend an institution of higher learning. The applicant should have a cumulative GPA equivalent to a "C average" upon graduation. Preference will be given to students from Transylvania County. Financial need will be more strongly considered than grades. An adult student will be considered for this scholarship if he or she can demonstrate reason as to why he or she did not pursue his or her college education immediately after high school. Such reasons would include but are not limited to military service, medical reasons, family obligations, and/or mission work. The recipient must be awarded the scholarship prior to the age of 30.This is a renewable scholarship.

The Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to transform open-source research into sustainable ecosystems that tackle national and societal challenges. This initiative promotes innovation across various sectors, including AI and cybersecurity, by fostering strong governance and broad user engagement. PESOSE invites proposals to establish and enhance open-source ecosystems, ensuring their safety, security, and effectiveness in meeting emergent needs.

The ENF Community Investments Program - Freedom Grants will award $1,000 grants to 1,000 Lodges for projects focused on veterans and active-duty military families in 2025-26. Eligible projects must address five key areas: employment, homelessness, current military members and their families, health, and educational support. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for service members and their families, ensuring that local needs are met through community-driven efforts.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

About Dirk and Paige Willms Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide financial assistance for students seeking a higher education leading to a degree, certification or licensure at an accredited institution approved by the Foundation. Student must be a child or stepchild of a current employee in good standing who works as operations personnel with one of the following agencies: All municipal police departments located in Henderson County, Henderson County Sheriff’s Department, Hendersonville Fire Department, all Henderson County Volunteer Fire Departments, and the Henderson County Rescue Squad. Students may live within or outside of Henderson County, NC; meet all academic requirements of the attending institution; and be a United States citizen.

This is a renewable scholarship.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is set to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for randomized controlled trials examining the long-term effects of nutritional interventions on risk factors for age-related chronic conditions. This initiative seeks to enhance understanding of how various dietary practices can influence health throughout the life span, emphasizing the need for studies with at least five years of follow-up. Researchers are encouraged to prepare collaborative proposals in response to this upcoming funding opportunity.

The Marine Trades Scholarship, offered by the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA), supports students pursuing education in marine trades. Since 2008, NMRA has facilitated annual scholarships funded by members and affiliates. This initiative not only encourages academic growth but also fosters professional development through networking events, industry insights, and advocacy support. Applications are accepted each spring, with recipients chosen in the summer, promoting a brighter future for the marine industry.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

About Francis H. and Margery T. Escott Scholarship

This scholarship is for a student in need of financial support who is pursuing an education beyond high school. Preference will be given to a student pursuing a career in math or business administration.

This is a renewable scholarship.