Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Kentucky

The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission is inviting research proposals aimed at apple crop protection, emphasizing organic practices and pollinator protection. Key areas of focus include the management of pests like Codling Moth and Fire Blight, testing new crop protection products, enhancing soil health, and developing efficient monitoring techniques. Collaboration among institutions is encouraged, and projects should aim for practical industry applications to ensure sustainable and profitable tree fruit production.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers the Sylvia Lawry Physician Fellowships to support MDs in acquiring essential clinical trial training. This fellowship aims to enhance expertise in conducting complex trials for MS therapies, fostering skills in protocol design, patient recruitment, and data analysis. Applicants must have relevant medical training and be engaged in ongoing MS clinical research. The program is vital for addressing the increasing demand for trained professionals in MS clinical trials, contributing to advancements in treatment.

The Bay Area Lyme Foundation's Emerging Leader Award supports innovative research in Lyme disease, offering two $150,000 grants to post-doctoral and early-career scientists. Applicants are encouraged to propose proof-of-concept projects that enhance diagnostics or therapeutics. The award seeks to attract talent and foster scientific leadership in biomedical sciences. Evaluation criteria include the potential for novel therapies, scientific rationale, and support from institutions. This opportunity is ideal for those new to tickborne disease research.

The Celiac Disease Foundation offers the Jocelyn Silvester Rising Villus Student Research Award to encourage medical students and residents to pursue celiac disease research. This prestigious award provides a $5,000 stipend for a 10-week mentored research experience across North America, honoring Dr. Jocelyn Silvester's contributions to the field. Recipients must secure a mentor and maintain good standing in their academic programs, ensuring a commitment to advancing celiac disease research.

The Whole Foods Market Store Giving Program supports local communities by providing financial assistance to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that focus on food access and environmental stewardship. This biannual program allows eligible organizations to apply via the Community Engagement Portal, although not all requests can be fulfilled due to high demand. Priority is given to those without recent funding, promoting sustainable community engagement.

The Sallie Morgan Behavioral Health Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in behavioral health. Open to high school graduates or current students in accredited mental health programs from Fauquier and Rappahannock Counties, the scholarship awards $1,000 to candidates demonstrating academic excellence, community service, leadership, and financial need. This initiative aims to foster future professionals in the vital field of mental health.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers Career Transition Fellowships aimed at fostering young scientists in MS research. This program supports postdoctoral trainees with a doctoral degree and exceptional potential, providing funding for advanced training and faculty support over five years. Applicants must demonstrate relevance to high-priority research questions outlined in the Society's Pathways to Cures Roadmap, which focuses on stopping MS, restoring function, and ending the disease through prevention.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers Postdoctoral Fellowships to support innovative research aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of multiple sclerosis. These fellowships are designed for promising researchers holding advanced degrees, providing funding for training that enhances their ability to conduct impactful studies. The Society prioritizes applications that align with high-priority research questions outlined in its Pathways to Cures Roadmap, emphasizing the importance of diverse methodologies and engagement with underserved populations.

The Charles F. and Edith E. Brunkow Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, aims to support residents of Buena Vista Charter Township pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or Career and Technical Education (CTE) training. With a minimum GPA requirement of 2.0, this scholarship provides financial assistance ranging from $500 to $4,000, fostering education in skilled trades such as welding, auto mechanics, and culinary arts, which are increasingly in demand.

The Daniel J. Alcock Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in trades such as welding, electrical work, and auto mechanics. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled part- or full-time. The scholarship honors Dan Alcock's legacy, a dedicated mentor in the electrical trade, and aims to empower students to achieve their career aspirations in technical education.

The Pauline H. Bruce Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, offers $2,000 to students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. This scholarship honors Pauline Bruce, a dedicated educator with over 40 years of service in local public schools. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a strong desire and aptitude for success in their college education, reflecting the spirit of community and educational excellence.

The Frank N. Andersen Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a dedicated philanthropist in Saginaw. Established to support local students pursuing education in Career and Technical Education (CTE), it provides financial assistance ranging from $500 to $4,000. Eligible applicants include Saginaw County high school seniors and undergraduate students with specific GPA requirements. This scholarship continues Mr. Andersen's tradition of uplifting the community, reflecting his belief in the importance of education and helping others.

The Marvin and Janice Brandle Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Saginaw County. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled full- or part-time in an undergraduate or graduate program. Scholarships typically range from $500 to $4,000, addressing the growing demand for skilled workers in trades such as welding, carpentry, and electrical work.

The Robert and Jenilie Palla Education Fund offers scholarships to graduating WCPS seniors who have participated in Cross Country and/or Track & Field Teams. This initiative, supported by the Community Foundation of Washington County, Maryland, aims to honor local students and encourage their academic pursuits. With a commitment to enhancing the community's quality of life, the fund exemplifies the importance of education and athletics in shaping future leaders.

The Saint James School Scholarship Fund provides essential financial assistance to deserving students in the greater Washington County area. Established by local families and organizations, this fund aims to honor individuals and promote education. With over 100 scholarships available through the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, it supports both high school graduates and non-traditional students pursuing continuing education. This initiative strengthens the community and fosters educational opportunities for all.

Curtis & Dorothy Young Scholarship

Duane Young, a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and Michigan State University as well as a professional football player, established this fund in 1994 to provide scholarship assistance to student athletes who have the desire and the skills necessary to participate in athletics while attending a college/university.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc.  Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

Scholarships

We partner with donors to administer scholarships for students across the state. Most NCCF scholarships open for applications on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

Undergraduates, graduates, medical and professional school students and adult re-entry students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities, career/technical schools, teaching credential programs and graduate, medical or professional schools in the United States are eligible for scholarships offered at NCCF.

Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements defined by the donor when the scholarship was established. Be sure to read the requirements of each scholarship carefully as directed through the universal application and address those elements as needed in your application.

Baronowski Family STEM Scholarship

Female graduates of a Brunswick County, NC, high school who plan to attend or currently attend a qualified institution of higher learning, including a college, university or community college, to pursue a degree in one of the STEM disciplines (Science, Engineering, Technology, or Math).

The Carver, We’ll Find a Way Scholarship Fund, established by the Carver Family, offers scholarships to local students passionate about helping others. This fund is part of the Community Foundation of Washington County, Maryland, which manages over 100 scholarships aimed at supporting both high school graduates and non-traditional students pursuing further education. The foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life in Washington County through educational support and community engagement.

Department for Local Government

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG), under the Office of the Governor, provides financial help in the way of grant and loan assistance, as well as advising local governments in matters of budget, personnel and other issues relevant to those entities.​

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities, and Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Housing Program

​​​​​The Housing program works to fund projects designed to develop decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing.

The Fred and Betty Worsh Scholarship Fund, managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation, offers financial support to residents of New Hanover and Brunswick Counties who are U.S. citizens attending accredited four-year colleges or universities. Scholarships are available to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, and may be renewed annually based on academic performance and financial need. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

The Journalism & Media Grant aims to promote inclusive narratives and accurate media that engage communities in democratic processes. It supports U.S.-based nonprofit organizations focused on professional reporting, multimedia storytelling, and civic media. The grant addresses barriers to media participation and fosters innovation in journalism, providing essential infrastructure for a diverse media landscape. While unsolicited proposals are not accepted, organizations can share ideas through a Letter of Inquiry (LOI).

The American Journalism Project is dedicated to enhancing local news organizations by investing in their business capacities and providing personalized coaching. They prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging inquiries from organizations serving underrepresented communities. Their approach offers tailored support based on grantees' strategic challenges, fostering sustainable growth in revenue and programming. They seek grantees with strong public-service missions, independent 501(c)(3) status, and a commitment to transparency and accountability in their operations.

The Autism Care Today SOS Program is dedicated to providing immediate assistance to families affected by autism across the United States. Established in 2005, this program addresses urgent needs for effective treatments and services for autism spectrum disorders. Unlike typical grant cycles that may take up to 12 weeks, the SOS Program prioritizes those in critical situations, ensuring timely support based on available funding. Eligibility includes a family income below $45,000 and a demonstrated immediate need for treatment.

The Autism Care Today Grant provides vital funding assistance to families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders across the United States. Since its inception in 2005, it has supported over 1,562 families with more than $1.85 million in grants. The program focuses on enhancing the quality of life for children with autism through various initiatives, including safety measures, assistive technologies, and behavioral therapy funding, while also addressing the unique challenges faced by military families.

The Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF) offers grants for research focused on Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). With funding of up to $125,000 over two years, the ANRF encourages innovative projects that reveal the underlying mechanisms of PsA. Eligibility includes M.D. or Ph.D. qualifications and affiliation with a U.S. nonprofit research institution. Preference is given to senior post-doctoral researchers transitioning to independent status and new assistant professors. Applications without a Co-PI or those who have previously received ANRF funding will not be accepted.

The Cancer Health Equity Research Centers (CHERCs) initiative by the American Cancer Society aims to address health disparities by supporting research focused on social determinants affecting cancer care. This program encourages innovative projects that engage communities, enhance access, and improve outcomes across diverse populations. By fostering collaborations and promoting multidisciplinary approaches, CHERCs strive to create equitable cancer prevention and treatment solutions, ensuring that all individuals have fair opportunities for cancer care and survivorship.

The BRAIN Initiative's BBQS Program aims to revolutionize the study of brain function by facilitating high-resolution tracking of complex behaviors alongside neural activity. This transformative research opportunity seeks to develop innovative tools for minimally intrusive measurements of various biobehavioral functions while accounting for environmental variables. Emphasizing transdisciplinary collaboration, it focuses on creating new analytical frameworks that model neurobehavioral function as dynamic systems influenced by an organism's surroundings, thereby advancing our understanding of behavior at the organismal level.