Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Maine

The Stephan D. Weiss Student Mental Health Award, established by the American College Health Foundation, aims to enhance mental health support for college students. Offering $5,000 annually, it encourages innovative initiatives that can improve mental health service delivery and student retention. Eligible applicants are members of the American College Health Association, focusing on identifying mental health needs and developing effective campus-wide strategies. This award addresses growing concerns regarding mental health issues in higher education, fostering a supportive learning environment.

The Translational Transplantation Tolerance Cooperative Study Group, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, aims to advance transplant tolerance strategies that promote long-term graft survival without lifelong immunosuppression. This initiative focuses on developing, optimizing, and evaluating methods to induce immune tolerance in allogeneic transplants through collaborative efforts across multiple centers, utilizing translationally relevant models to ensure effective outcomes.

The FY26 Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Breakthrough Award Level 4 supports innovative research with the potential for significant breakthroughs in breast cancer. Applications must address key BCRP challenges or justify exceptions, focusing on impactful solutions. This program mandates clinical trials and requires participation from breast cancer consumer advocates. The funding supports single or partnered Principal Investigators, ensuring comprehensive submission processes to avoid administrative withdrawal.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Woodlands’ Families Scholarship ($2,900)

This renewable scholarship is available to students who are descendants of the enslaved families of the former Woodlands Plantation in Bamberg County, South Carolina. 

The Weiss Writing Prize, established by the American College Health Foundation in 2010, aims to enhance mental health care quality for college students. It honors the lead author of a significant publication addressing student retention programs for those with mental health challenges. By fostering innovative and effective solutions, this prize encourages the dissemination of impactful research among American College Health Association members, ultimately contributing to the well-being and success of students across campuses.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

William S. and Elizabeth B. Heath Scholarship ($2,100)

This renewable scholarship is for students graduating from a high school in Sumter County, South Carolina. 

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Wesley United Methodist Church Scholarship ($1,000)

This scholarship is for graduating high school students who are members of Wesley United Methodist Church located in Columbia, South Carolina. 

The John Stashonsky Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from John Glenn High School, Cambridge High School, or Mid-East Career and Technology Center (Zanesville Campus) who are pursuing higher education. Applicants are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and improve the quality of life in Muskingum County through philanthropy.

The DoW Ovarian Cancer Academy Early-Career Investigator Award supports junior faculty in conducting innovative ovarian cancer research. Established in FY09, this unique virtual academy fosters mentorship, collaboration, and networking among Early-Career Investigators (ECIs) and their mentors. Participants engage in monthly webinars and annual workshops, enhancing their research skills while contributing to impactful studies in ovarian cancer. The program aims to cultivate a new generation of highly productive researchers in this critical field.

The Charles and Mary Lou Heck Educational, Forest M. and Meryl C. Cale, and Violet and Ralph Hennessey Educational Scholarships, administered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, support residents pursuing higher education. Established to honor community leaders, these scholarships target students maintaining a 'C' average or higher, including late bloomers and those from families not qualifying for financial aid. Preference is given to graduates of Muskingum County high schools, ensuring local talent is nurtured.

The Carolyn Ann Weiner Scholarship, established by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Carrie Weiner, a brave young woman who faced significant health challenges. This scholarship supports college-bound seniors who have overcome extraordinary obstacles, reflecting Carrie's dedication to education. Candidates are nominated by mentors who highlight their resilience and character. The scholarship aims to empower students pursuing their dreams despite adversity, ensuring that Carrie's inspiring story continues to impact future generations.

The 1Fur1 Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities that engage in animal-assisted programs. Eligible organizations can apply for grants ranging from $500 to $7,500 to support Animal Assisted Therapy, Activity, and Service Dog programs. The foundation focuses on charities that align with its mission and does not fund individual requests, for-profit businesses, or initiatives that promote animal cruelty. Applications are reviewed within 90 days.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is advancing organ transplantation outcomes through the Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation in Children and Adults (CTOT-CA) program. This initiative supports multicenter clinical trials and mechanistic studies related to heart, lung, kidney, liver, and intestinal transplants, as well as non-hematopoietic cellular transplantation. By exploring immune mechanisms and innovative therapies, the program aims to enhance the success and efficacy of organ transplantation.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Junior League of Columbia Scholarship ($3,000)

The Junior League of Columbia created this non-renewable scholarship to assist students who attended one of the elementary schools located in Richland School District One in Columbia, SC. 

American Psychiatric Association Foundation

There is no health without mental health. The APA Foundation is working in your community to provide the support and resources we all need to prioritize mental wellbeing where you live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Backed by the medical expertise of the APA and industry-leading strategic partners, we administer community-changing programs, public education campaigns, grants, and awards aimed at increasing mental health literacy, connecting individuals to needed care, and shifting attitudes toward mental health.

Our Mission is to promote the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities. Our Vision is a mentally healthy nation for all – where we live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Diversity Leadership Fellowship

The Diversity Leadership Fellowship identifies and motivates minority psychiatry residents or those interested in minority and vulnerable populations to become well equipped to teach, administer, and provide culturally competent, evidence based mental health and substance abuse services to diverse minority groups and at-risk populations. These populations include—but are not limited to—American Indians/Native Alaskans, Asian Americans/Native Hawaiians/Native Pacific Islanders, Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, LGBTQ, and religious minorities. Program Benefits:

• Sponsorship to attend a minimum of four APA meetings:
  • Two APA Annual Meetings
  • Two Fellowship Forums
• Develop leadership skills in the field of psychiatry and advance understanding of the life experiences of racial ethnic minority communities
• Gain an understanding of APA/APAF Governance through observation and service on an APA Council, Committee, or APAF initiative
• Have the opportunity to sit on the APAF Board of Directors as a non-voting member (one Diversity Leadership fellow allowed)
• Cultivate a professional network with psychiatrists interested in minority mental health and services through exclusive events and engagements with APA leaders. Establish relationships and peer-mentorship with a diverse group of resident fellows with similar career interests and goals

The Undergraduate Winner's Circle Scholarships, offered by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, support Iowa youth pursuing agricultural studies at 2- or 4-year institutions. Eligible applicants must be graduates of Iowa high schools or members of 4-H or FFA chapters and maintain full-time status. This initiative aims to encourage students to excel in agricultural careers by providing financial assistance tailored to their educational needs.

The Aden, Jane and Roger Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $500 financial award to Beatrice High School graduating seniors actively involved in a Christian church. With a focus on financial need, applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational opportunities within the Beatrice School District, managing a $3.8 million Endowment Fund and providing over $55,000 in scholarships annually.

The Gerald D. Peet Scholarship honors the legacy of Gerald D. Peet by providing financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate or professional students pursuing degrees in Medicine at accredited institutions. This need-based award, administered by Native Forward, offers varying amounts from $100 to $30,000 per academic year, based on financial aid information from the institution's Financial Aid Office.

The Emergency Department Alternatives to Opioids Program aims to implement practices that offer alternatives to opioid treatments in hospitals. This initiative focuses on reducing the harmful consequences of opioid use for pain management, promoting safer treatment options, and minimizing the risk of opioid misuse and overdose. Specifically, it targets healthcare organizations to enhance their pain care strategies, ultimately contributing to better patient safety and health outcomes.

The Samuel R. and Anna Barone Scholarship, established by the Erie County Community Foundation, supports Erie County, Ohio graduating seniors who are first-generation college-bound students. This scholarship aims to assist students demonstrating financial need and academic achievement, with a requirement of a minimum 3.0 GPA. Since 1995, the foundation has been committed to empowering local youth and enhancing community quality of life through education.

The Civic Engagement Microgrant Grant Program, funded by Research!America, aims to enhance public engagement skills among early-career scientists. By providing financial support for innovative projects, this initiative encourages collaborations across various STEM disciplines. Grantees will develop essential skills in communication and policy-making to strengthen community ties and promote science as a national priority. This program addresses the critical need for scientists to connect with local communities and policymakers to ensure the relevance and impact of scientific research.

The PEO, Chapter BE Scholarship, offered by the Erie County Community Foundation, supports female graduates of Erie County high schools pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. Since 1995, the foundation has focused on enhancing community needs and leadership, aiming for a lasting impact in Erie County, Ohio. This renewable scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Scholarship Advisory Committee, ensuring continued support for students dedicated to their academic pursuits.

The Sandusky Bay Kiwanis Community Services Scholarship supports graduating seniors from several high schools in Erie County, Ohio, including Huron, Margaretta, Perkins, Sandusky, and St. Mary’s Central Catholic. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 and demonstrate a commitment to community service and financial need. This scholarship aims to empower students to contribute positively to their communities while furthering their education.

The Shirley Mudy Scholarship Fund, managed by the Crown Point Community Foundation, offers financial assistance for graduating high school seniors from Lake, Porter, Jasper, or Newton County. Eligible students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, have participated in the Cedar Lake Girls Softball League or Riptide Travel Ball for at least four years, and plan to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school. An additional essay is required for application.

The Trails Capacity Program, previously known as the Trail Fund Grant, aims to enhance community capacity for trail maintenance, research, and stewardship training across the nation. The program focuses on supporting non-Forest Service Federal lands, as well as state and local areas, fostering inclusivity and improved user behavior. By collaborating with diverse trail partners, it seeks to ensure effective stewardship and sustainable trail management, ultimately promoting public access and enjoyment of America's natural landscapes.

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.

The Ruth D. Frick Ames Scholarship, established by Robert Ames to honor his wife, supports students pursuing a nursing degree. Managed by the South Dakota Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to ease the financial burden for those aged 18-32 with a GPA of 2.9 or higher. Applicants should demonstrate financial need, strong academic performance, and community involvement. This initiative reflects Ruth's legacy of compassion, service, and commitment to helping others in the nursing field.