Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Kentucky

The Stem Cell Grants: Travel Award supports students, postdocs, and faculty attending scientific conferences and workshops related to stem cell research. Up to $1,200 is available for each application, with a maximum of two applications per PI lab each calendar year. Priority is given to those presenting at stem cell meetings and workshops. All applications must be submitted at least one week before travel to ensure funding consideration.

The Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque Scholarship Fund, established in 1948, supports graduating seniors from Albuquerque metro area high schools who demonstrate strong academic performance and community service. Annually, one to four scholarships of up to $1,000 are awarded to students pursuing careers in child development and teaching. The fund emphasizes the importance of community involvement and academic excellence, encouraging students to share their career goals and financial needs through an essay as part of their application.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is inviting applications for the Clinical Trial Cooperative Agreement Program. This funding opportunity supports investigator-initiated, interventional clinical trials at various phases. Initial funding will facilitate the preparation needed to start trials, with successful milestones leading to further support. NIAMS emphasizes hypothesis-driven trials that promise significant clinical impact within its research mission.

The Ochylski Family Foundation supports registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through grants aimed at enhancing their operational capacity. With an application deadline of October 1, organizations must submit a detailed request outlining their initiatives. The foundation's mission aligns with its commitment to foster community development and nonprofit effectiveness in Iowa, ensuring that resources are allocated to impactful projects that serve the public good.

The AHRF Discovery Grants support innovative research on hearing and balance disorders, offering up to $50,000 for one year. Targeting early-career investigators, these grants aim to generate preliminary data for larger funding applications. Special consideration is given to projects exploring Meniere's disease and sudden hearing loss. Grants cover direct research costs, excluding principal investigator salaries and indirect expenses. The initiative strives to fund promising studies that can advance our understanding of auditory and vestibular health.

The Alcohol Research-Related Resource Award (R24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) aims to support investigator-initiated resources that enhance biomedical research on a national level. Through this non-hypothesis-driven grant, essential data, materials, and services will be provided to facilitate progress in the alcohol research community. The resources must be available to qualified investigators and should not replicate existing commercial offerings, ensuring high-quality and cost-efficient support for diverse research activities.

The NIHCM Foundation's Local Media Award honors outstanding local journalism that enhances understanding of health care issues in the U.S. It aims to recognize reports that improve health care affordability, accessibility, and quality. A $15,000 prize is awarded to the winner. Eligible entries must be published in 2025 and focus on local markets, offering insights relevant to health plans and policymakers. This award encourages innovative reporting that addresses the complexities of the health care system.

The OREF/MTF Biologics Research Grant encourages innovative research in biologics, focusing on reconstruction, bone regeneration, and transplantation, including stem cells. It is open to licensed U.S. orthopaedic surgeons and PhD researchers with faculty appointments. The grant seeks clinically relevant projects that demonstrate practical applications and multidisciplinary collaboration, promoting excellence in research. New investigators are especially encouraged to apply, ensuring a commitment to advancing orthopaedic science.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program provides crucial support to Indian Tribes and organizations in addressing sexual assault through intervention and advocacy. This program aims to assist victims of all ages, including youth and children, as well as their families and those affected by the trauma, except for perpetrators. Applications must be submitted by September 3, 2026, at 4:59 PM ET in JustGrants.

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 Curriculum and Instruction Honor Award, presented by SHAPE America, recognizes outstanding contributions to health and physical education curriculum research. This prestigious award highlights the importance of effective instructional practices that prepare students for active and healthy lives. Award recipients are selected based on their scholarship in health education and physical education, demonstrating commitment to excellence since the organization's founding in 1885. SHAPE America advocates for quality education and promotes the well-being of preK-12 students across the United States.

The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) offers grants to support education and research related to Thoroughbred horses. The foundation prioritizes funding for scholarships, educational programs, and equine research aimed at promoting thoroughbred health and welfare. Eligible applicants include qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, while those previously funded must submit reports before applying again. Notably, TERF does not provide funds for facilities caring for unwanted horses or cover overhead costs for grants.

The NINDS Exploratory Clinical Trials for Small Business (R41/R42) program supports Small Business Concerns in conducting investigator-initiated exploratory clinical trials. This funding opportunity emphasizes projects that align with the NINDS mission, evaluating diverse products including drugs, biologics, and devices. Only STTR Phase II and Fast-Track applications are eligible, fostering innovation in neurological disorder treatments. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 30 days prior to the deadline.

The Little Giraffe Foundation is dedicated to supporting neonatal health through research grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Since 2011, they have provided substantial resources to hospitals and institutions, focusing on both immediate and long-term health challenges faced by premature infants. Eligible applicants include scientists and healthcare professionals from U.S.-based institutions. The foundation aims to advance research in biological processes, genetics, clinical studies, and more, improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.

The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) offers grants to support thoroughbred health, welfare, and education. Focused on enhancing equine research and safety in racing, TERF prioritizes funding for scholarships, educational programs, and veterinary medicine. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, with a commitment to transparency in reporting. This initiative aims to significantly impact the thoroughbred industry by fostering improved care and understanding of these horses, contributing to their overall welfare.

The Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors young professionals who have made significant contributions to research in curriculum and instruction within health and physical education. Eligible candidates must be current SHAPE America members and have 3 to 6 years of experience post-doctorate. This award emphasizes active involvement and scholarship in the field, encouraging innovative research that enhances educational practices for preK-12 students.

The Little Giraffe Foundation, a national non-profit based in Chicago, provides NICU Support Grants ranging from $100 to $1,000. Since 2011, they have positively impacted countless families by delivering over 32,000 gift bags and funding essential research. These grants aim to enhance the experience for parents and patients in neonatal intensive care units, supporting initiatives like holiday gift bags and resources for bonding with babies. Applications are welcomed from eligible U.S.-based institutions.

The NIDCD Mentored Research Education Pathway (R25) aims to enhance research education for otolaryngology residents and medical students. This program provides essential career development activities and mentored research experiences, fostering a new generation of researchers in biomedical and clinical sciences. By focusing on specialized training, it supports the recruitment of individuals from diverse backgrounds into impactful research careers, ultimately benefiting the field of otolaryngology and related health sciences.

The Hearing Health Foundation's Emerging Research Grants (ERG) program supports innovative research in hearing and balance, providing up to $50,000 per year for promising projects. Since 1958, it has fostered early-career researchers and led to significant advancements in the field. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with U.S. institutions and hold relevant advanced degrees. The program emphasizes underfunded areas and encourages applications that expand knowledge and research capabilities in hearing health.

The ASSP Foundation Academic Scholarships provide vital financial support to students in environmental health and safety programs. With over $6 million awarded since 1990, the foundation aims to enhance career prospects through education and leadership development. In the 2024-2025 academic year, $215,000 was allocated to 117 recipients, fostering a sustainable talent pipeline in EHS. This initiative not only promotes the profession but also ensures a safer future for workers by encouraging new talent to enter the field.

The Lotte Lenya Competition, established in 1998 by the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music, honors the legacy of renowned actress Lotte Lenya. This unique contest blends acting and vocal skills, targeting performers aged 19-32 from diverse backgrounds. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, the competition has increased its prize offerings, with over $1.6 million awarded to more than 800 singers. It's a prestigious platform that has propelled many winners to successful careers in musical theater and opera.

The Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (K25) aims to engage skilled professionals in NIH-relevant research, enhancing their expertise in addressing health-related issues. This award supports individuals with backgrounds in quantitative sciences and engineering, providing them with dedicated time for supervised research and study. Key application deadlines span from June 2024 to February 2027, emphasizing the program's commitment to fostering innovative research in health and disease.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Land Conservation and Indigenous Languages Scholarship

The purpose of the Land Conservation and Indigenous Languages Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited institution and pursuing degrees with a focus in Indigenous languages, natural resources, land management, and conservation or cultural preservation. 

This opportunity is a need-based award.

The Lead-Safe and Healthy Homes Financing Demonstration aims to allocate approximately $10 million for a National Fund Manager to create a national platform that pools public and private capital. This initiative seeks to reduce residential lead exposure, particularly for children, and enhance housing-related health conditions in low-income communities. By leveraging public funds and encouraging private investments, the fund will support local financing programs addressing lead-safe and healthy homes activities effectively.

American Brain Foundation

The American Brain Foundation funds research across the spectrum of the brain and nervous system, because it is our best hope for improving treatments, advancing prevention strategies, and discovering cures. Brain diseases, disorders, and injuries are interconnected. When we cure one, we will cure many.

Next Generation Research Grants

The American Brain Foundation’s Next Generation Research Grants (NGRGs) support early career investigators conducting high-quality research aimed at better understanding, treating, and curing brain diseases. These grants are offered in collaboration with disease-focused partner organizations and reflect ABF’s Cure One, Cure Many research philosophy: the belief that breakthroughs in one area of research accelerate progress across many others.

Lawrence M. Brass, MD Clinical Research Training Scholarship in Stroke

This award aims to recognize the importance of good clinical research and to encourage early career investigators in clinical studies related to stroke, vascular neurology, and neurocritical care.

For the purpose of this scholarship, research is defined as “patient-oriented research conducted with human participants, or translational research specifically designed to develop treatments or enhance diagnosis of neurological disease. These areas of research include epidemiologic or behavioral studies, clinical trials, studies of disease mechanisms, the development of new technologies, and health services and outcomes research.” Disease-related studies not directly involving humans or human tissue are also encouraged if the primary goal is the development of therapies, diagnostic tests, or other tools to prevent or mitigate neurological diseases.

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.

About

A History Of Making Waves

Carnival Foundation oversees the many philanthropic endeavors of Carnival Corporation as well as its employee-driven service group, the “Friends Uniting Neighbors” (F.U.N.) Team.

Carnival Foundation’s contributions are widespread, touching the communities where the brands visit and operate. From the cities where our brands are headquartered to ports we visit around the world, we endeavor to make a difference to the lives of many.

Through monetary and in-kind donations, innovative philanthropic programs, employee fundraisers and hands-on volunteer initiatives, Carnival Foundation and the brands of Carnival Corporation support a variety of organizations. Whether it’s providing meals to the homeless and abuse prevention or working toward medical advancement and educating youth, Carnival Foundation’s reach is communitywide.

Grants Or Sponsorships

To apply for a grant or sponsorship from Carnival Foundation, prospective applicants must complete an online application and include the following information and documents:

• A letter of request with a brief description of the organization, including its legal name, history, activities, purpose and governing board
• Purpose for which the grant is requested
• Grant amount requested
• Listing of other sources of financial support
• Operating budget of the project for which the funds are requested
• Organization’s annual budget
• Copy of the organization’s most recent audited financial statement
• Copy of organization’s most recent 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service
• Copy of Internal Revenue Service determination letter indicating 501© (3) tax-exempt status as an organization that is not a private foundation
• Organization’s completed W-9 form
• Geographical area(s) served
• Organizations applying for a grant renewal must submit a final report detailing use of the prior grant award. Interim and final reports will be submitted through our online portal.