Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Maine

The Craft Artists Emergency Relief Grant provides $3,000 to U.S.-based individual craft artists aged 18 and older who are facing recent, unforeseen emergencies. Established by the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) in 1985, this grant aims to empower artists during critical times, allowing them to use the funds as needed for recovery. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring timely support for artists in distress.

The CERF: Artist Get Ready Grant offers up to $1,000 to craft artists for safeguarding their studios and preparing for emergencies. Priority is given to underrepresented artists, including BIPOC and folk/traditional artists. Eligible activities encompass studio safety upgrades and disaster readiness. Applicants must be 18 years or older, residing in the U.S. for two years, and not have received this grant in the previous year. Funds must be used within six months, with outcomes documented for CERF+.

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.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

Dave Smith Scholarship Fund

The Dave Smith Scholarship Fund benefits graduating seniors who attend public high schools in Napa County and Napa Valley College students who plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, computer science or music at a community college or four-year college/university. Recipients will receive funding for up to four years of undergraduate study.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. There is one scholarship that is available to students in Cecil County. 

Talbot Democratic Women's Club Scholarship

Awarded to female minority students, graduating from Talbot County Public Schools.

The Glenn D. and Bennie Lou Hammons Family Scholarship, established by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation in 1960, supports residents of Hardin County with a GPA between 2.5 to 3.5. This scholarship aims to empower local students by providing financial assistance for their educational pursuits, fostering community growth and development. As part of the Lincoln Trail Region's extensive network of community foundations, it reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for deserving applicants.

The NCCIH Natural Product Mid Phase Clinical Trial (R01 Clinical Trial Required) grant invites applications for mid-phase clinical trials focusing on natural products such as botanicals and dietary supplements. It aims to advance scientific knowledge by determining optimal dosing and patient responses. Applicants must provide preliminary data demonstrating bioavailability and measurable impacts on target engagement. This initiative will not support efficacy trials for cancer treatments and encourages early contact with NCCIH scientific contacts.

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Award supports innovative clinical trials of natural products, such as botanicals and dietary supplements, with a strong scientific basis. Applications are encouraged to explore optimal delivery methods and combinations with other treatments. Funding is available for up to three years to assess the impact on target engagement and clinical outcomes, aiming to translate basic science findings into practical clinical applications.

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Phased Innovation Award (R61/R33) invites research proposals for early phase clinical trials of natural products, including botanicals and dietary supplements, emphasizing scientific validity for further testing. Applicants may receive up to three years of funding for pharmacokinetics and bioavailability studies, with potential for an additional three years to evaluate clinical outcomes. This initiative aims to optimize natural product delivery through innovative study designs.

The Willis C. Helm Charitable Trust, established in 1954, focuses on supporting organizations that work on juvenile delinquency and the development of boys from broken homes. It provides annual grants averaging between $5,000 and $15,000, with a total giving of around $60,000 for five grants each year. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and preferably located in Minnesota. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of March 31 for annual review.

The Mary Beth Williams Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, honors the life of Mary Beth Williams, who tragically passed away in 1997. This scholarship supports students from Rappahannock County with a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrating financial need, and pursuing higher education in agriculture or related fields. Award amounts vary, reflecting the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the community.

Devinci's Community Grant Program aims to support North American cycling organizations with financial assistance for development projects. Eligible applicants include cycling clubs, non-profits, and individuals leading community initiatives. Projects must occur in Canada or the U.S. within the year, with a maximum grant of $5,000 CAD. The program collaborates with key industry partners to foster growth in the cycling community, making a lasting impact through local initiatives.

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.

Mission

The Mission of the Muskingum County Community Foundation is to improve quality of life in the community by nurturing opportunities and serving needs through collaboration and philanthropy.

Vision

The Envisioned Future of the Muskingum County Community Foundation is that Muskingum County’s quality of life attracts organizations and people to pursue their dreams and practice their passions.

A. Porter Spirit of ZHS Fund

A long time teacher at Zanesville High School. As a new teacher ZHS embraced her and she embraced the Blue Devils. Annette Porter is a first generation college graduate from a single parent home. While her parents supported her decision to go to college, it was necessary to incur personal debt which was and is common. This scholarship is available to help those students who may need a little financial help to take the first step toward college, and also make the collegiate experience less burdensome.

Becoming a Blue Devil was a process. Annette had a lot of help along the way, from Principals, Asst Principals, teaching peers, friends and family, so in an effort to pay it forward she has created this scholarship. “ Everyone of my students had potential, the most difficult thing was to convince them to work toward achieving it”. This scholarship will be awarded to a Blue Devil, not necessarily the most “spirited” but the Best Blue Devil who demonstrated all of the qualities that make up a Blue Devil.

The Ryder Sroufe Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Whitley County in 2025, honors the legacy of Ryder Carl Sroufe. This scholarship supports young individuals who embody enthusiasm, humility, and compassion, reflecting Ryder's spirit of kindness and service. It aims to empower the next generation of leaders and helpers, ensuring that Ryder's values of hard work and community commitment continue to thrive. Eligible students are recognized for their efforts to strengthen their communities.

Keith Brabant Music Scholarship Application

The Keith Brabant Music Scholarship committee is interested in finding and assisting young aspiring musicians who are willing to put in the hard work to pursue their talent, but are in need of financial help. This scholarship is to assist those with a documented financial need. Monies may be used for a broad range of music related activities (college, lessons, instruments, books, summer music camp, etc.). If the money is for lessons, instruments, or other specific items, please include information on the costs below; payment may be made directly to provider.

Ocean State Media Scholarship

The scholarship offers awards to residents of Ocean State Media’s demographic market area who demonstrate promise of a successful career in the fields of journalism and/or media.

Scholarship Award Details

Established by Rhode Island PBS in 2017, the Ocean State Media Scholarship offers awards to residents of the station’s demographic market area who demonstrate promise of a successful career in the fields of journalism and/or media. Awards of up to $15,000 will be awarded annually and are renewable for an additional three years.

The Jim and Fran Foss Scholarship, administered by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Sioux Falls public high schools. This scholarship encourages students who plan to attend accredited four-year colleges or universities, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrate financial need. With over 70 scholarships awarded annually, it aims to empower local students to achieve their educational aspirations and contribute positively to the community.

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.

North Central Zone Covering Jefferson and Lewis Counties "Retired Educators Helping Future Educators" In Partnership with The Northern New York Community Foundation

Scholarship Awards for 2026

Three $1,000.00 scholarships will be awarded by the North Central Zone of the Retired Educators of New York (RENY) and the Northern New York Community Foundation (NNYCF) for students residing in Jefferson and/or Lewis Counties - These are a onetime award to help students get started with their college education

Any high school senior pursuing a career in the teaching profession is eligible

• You must be a 2025-2026 high school senior
• You must be accepted into a college program starting in the Fall of 2026

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Dobe E. and Jacqueline C. Ulmer Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

For a graduating senior who is hard-working, focused, thoughtful, caring, selfless, and dedicated to continuous learning.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $1,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. A second award of $500 may also be given.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Elaine Sirkin Forbes Scholarship Fund

The Elaine Sirkin Forbes Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for high school seniors graduating from Allegheny County Schools who wish to major in visual, performance or media art.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

Juanita Muller Scholarship

Juanita Muller was widowed in 1949. She reared two sons, Joe, then 14 and Charles, 10, working six days a week in a dress factory. Charles, the provider of this scholarship, was the first in his family to receive a college education, thanks to the Woodward Trustees Foundation in Cincinnati. It provided financial aid in high school and a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati. May the recipients of the scholarship fully appreciate the effort of their single parent and have an impact on the lives of those they touch.

The NIDCR Behavioral and Social Intervention Clinical Trial Planning and Implementation Cooperative Agreement (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required) aims to support innovative research in behavioral and social interventions for dental, oral, and craniofacial conditions. This funding opportunity includes a milestone-driven planning phase of up to 2 years, with potential transition to implementation for an additional 5 years, facilitating comprehensive trial development and assessment.

The Lipsky-Whittaker LGBTQ Scholarship, established by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, provides financial support to graduates from New Bedford area high schools who identify as LGBTQ+. Applicants must be under 24 years old and enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college. This scholarship aims to empower students committed to addressing LGBTQ+ issues in their communities, contributing to a more inclusive society.

The Statewide Perinatal Quality Collaboratives initiative aims to enhance the health of pregnant and postpartum women and their newborns through quality improvement strategies. Funded by the CDC, the program encompasses two components: state-based Perinatal Quality Collaboratives and a National Network coordinating center. Key strategies include strengthening data systems and fostering partnerships to improve healthcare services and outcomes. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to implement successful quality improvement initiatives that ensure better coordination and health outcomes for mothers and newborns across the United States.

The NCAA Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship honors the legacy of journalist Jim McKay by awarding a one-time $10,000 scholarship to one male and one female student-athlete annually. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.5, demonstrate integrity, and show interest in sports communication. There is no limit to the number of nominations from institutions, highlighting the NCAA's commitment to supporting student-athletes in their academic and professional pursuits.