Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The SDA Award of Excellence recognizes innovative achievements in textile and fiber arts, promoting the mission of the Surface Design Association (SDA). This prestigious award is presented to artists exhibiting exceptional work in current exhibitions, emphasizing creativity and excellence. Recipients receive a one-year premium digital membership in SDA, which includes various member benefits. By celebrating artistic accomplishments, the award aims to enhance awareness of the SDA's commitment to supporting textile and fiber artists and their contributions to the community.

The Columbus Firefighters Foundation Scholarship supports the dependent children of active or retired members of the Columbus Division of Fire. Established by The Columbus Foundation in 1943, this scholarship aims to enhance the educational opportunities for these children. Eligible candidates must attend a public or nonprofit independent college or university in the U.S. full-time, with an award amount of $1,000 to assist in their educational journey.

The Columbus Hilltop Lions Community Service Scholarship Fund, established by The Columbus Foundation in 1943, aims to support high school seniors from the Hilltop area of Columbus who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. The scholarship offers $2,000 over two years to eligible candidates who have completed at least 30 hours of volunteer service. This initiative reflects the foundation's long-standing dedication to enhancing the quality of life in central Ohio.

The John and Yvonne Hsu Edmisten Scholarship honors Allan Voight M.D. and supports graduating seniors from Lucia Mar Unified School District or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.9. Offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to empower local students to achieve their educational and career aspirations. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open, inviting eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity.

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.

Estelle Jones Non-Traditional Students Scholarship ($2,000)

This renewable scholarship is designed to support students who are residents of Richland County School District One. 

The Ian Van Heyde Memorial Culinary Scholarship Fund, established by Stephen and Nancy Van Heyde, honors their son Ian, a culinary arts student from Whetstone High School. This fund provides scholarships to students pursuing postsecondary education in culinary arts, food management, or restaurant management. Award amounts start at $1,500, aimed at supporting talented individuals from central Ohio's public culinary programs. Previous recipients are encouraged to apply again, fostering continued growth in the culinary field.

The Installed Building Products Building for Tomorrow Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support employees and their families in pursuing educational goals. Award amounts include $5,000 annually for the duration of a program or degree, with a special $10,000 scholarship for a candidate demonstrating the highest financial need. Open to anyone attending accredited institutions in the U.S., preference is given to those in construction-related fields.

Pacific Northwest Gold Star Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC), which connects veteran advocacy organizations in and around southwest Washington.

Award Information

Awards from this fund are $2,500. 

Ethan’s Coffee Fund Scholarship aims to support graduating seniors from Benton County pursuing degrees in STEM or philosophy, who demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.5 and financial need. This fund honors Ethan Daley's passion for learning, encouraging students to share their unique interests and humor. Examples of suitable candidates include those with diverse experiences and a zest for life, as the scholarship seeks to foster creativity and community engagement among aspiring scholars.

Contractors for Implementation and Evaluation of Healthy Native Babies Project (HNBP) Materials

The CDC Foundation is re-releasing this RFP to allow for additional applicants to partner with us in this work. The CDC Foundation invites proposals from Tribes, Tribal Serving Organizations (TSOs), and Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) [T/TSOs/UIOs] to implement and evaluate the updated Healthy Native Babies Project (HNBP) materials within their service areas. This initiative aims to strengthen culturally relevant infant safe sleep education, increase community awareness, and support Native families in reducing -sleep related- infant deaths. Selected T/TSOs/UIOs will adapt, disseminate, and assess the use of HNBP materials in ways that reflect the cultural, linguistic, and community-specific needs of the Native populations they serve. This project is a rapid turnaround project to support

T/TSOs/UIOs in:

• Implementing HNBP materials in clinical, community, and family setting.
• Training staff and community partners.
• Evaluating reach, effectiveness, and community feedback.
• Identifying barriers, facilitators, lessons learned, and best practices for future replication.

Funding Amount:

• Up to $100,000

Performance Period:

• May 18, 2026 to September 29, 2026

The Marcia L. Wetherbee Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from central Ohio who plan to pursue higher education. With a minimum award of $1,000, this scholarship honors Marcia Wetherbee, a passionate community advocate and social worker. Eligible candidates must have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.8 and demonstrate commitment to their education. This scholarship aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the community.

The Robert L. and Pauline H. Minton Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the children of Pauline H. Minton, honors their parents' legacy as dedicated Battelle employees and single parents. This scholarship aims to support children of full-time Battelle staff who are pursuing education at public or nonprofit colleges in the U.S. With an award amount of $1,000, it reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for deserving students in central Ohio.

 Advancing Markets for Producers Grants

ALB has received a USDA AMP (Advancing Markets for Producers) grant, and we’re excited to invite sheep producers to be part of this opportunity to help grow the US sheep industry. This grant will integrate new technology and sustainable management strategies to boost productivity, open new markets, and strengthen opportunities for the next generation of producers.

Producer Program

The project will provide an opportunity for 150 sheep producers to identify production inefficiencies and to develop conservation plans. Producers will also modify management plans through technology implementation to mitigate emissions and improve their overall productivity. Enrolled producers will work with a Technical Service Provider (TSP) to establish operational plans, implement recommended changes and organize farm data to identify best management practices for productivity improvements. 

Enrollment Benefits

Producers enrolled in the program will be paid up to $23,000 to develop and implement improved sheep and land stewardship management plans. Additional enrollment benefits:

• Technical Service Provider
• Electronic livestock identification system
• Soil sampling
• NSIP ultrasound and genetic consulting services

The Stinn & Oebser Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports students from Pierce Counties (Wisconsin) and the Harlan Community School District (Iowa) pursuing trade schools, colleges, or universities. Eligible applicants are high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Selection is based on financial need, work experience, and extracurricular involvement. This scholarship aims to empower local students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The John and Barbara Wolcott Memorial Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports public high school students in San Luis Obispo County pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship recognizes students demonstrating academic potential, motivation, and a strong work ethic. It aims to help deserving individuals achieve their educational and career aspirations, contributing to a brighter future for the community. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open.

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.

Franklin Hines Scholarship ($3,600)

This renewable scholarship is available to students who are graduating seniors from one of the following high schools: Hartsville High School, Darlington High School, Lamar High School, or McBee High School. 

The Kevin & Rita Vance Family Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports students from St. Croix County, WI, pursuing trade degrees. This scholarship is aimed at individuals demonstrating financial need and a commitment to vocational training. The Foundation, a key philanthropic organization in the region, aims to foster community growth and prosperity through support for educational initiatives and charitable funds. This scholarship exemplifies their dedication to investing in local talent and future careers.

The Hudson Physicians Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports graduating seniors from high schools in St. Croix or Pierce Counties who are pursuing a career in healthcare. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and financial need will be considered. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering local talent and enhancing community well-being by investing in future healthcare professionals.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Vietnam Veteran’s Moving Wall Fund

The Vietnam Veteran’s Moving Wall Fund Scholarship was established to support the children of local veterans who served in the Vietnam War or subsequent conflicts. It was created in 1990 by the Vietnam Veteran’s Moving Wall Committee using remaining funds originally raised to bring the National Vietnam Veteran’s Moving Wall Exhibit to Glen Oak Park in Peoria, Illinois. The exhibit honors the 58,126 Americans who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.

The Women's Initiative for Screening and Health (WISH) aims to enhance women's health by improving access to preventive services. It focuses on updating HRSA-supported guidelines, increasing awareness of these guidelines, and promoting their adoption in clinical practice. By collaborating with healthcare providers, academic institutions, and patient organizations, WISH strives to implement a comprehensive strategy that benefits women's health across their lifespan.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Spokane Area Swimming Adam England Memorial Scholarship

Graduating high school seniors in all counties served by the Foundation are eligible to apply. Applicants must have participated in competitive swimming meets while in high school and must submit a letter of recommendation from a coach confirming participation in these swimming meets. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and plan to enroll in post-high school program at full-time status.

United Institute for Theatre Technology

The United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) connects performing arts design and technology communities to ensure a vibrant dialog among practitioners, educators, and students.

Driven by our core values of inclusion, excellence, and responsibility, we provide mentorship programs, exhibit opportunities, grant funding, awards, and other opportunities for our members and for the entertainment industry. 

Emerging Digital Design Showcase

USITT is seeking expressions of interest from students and early-career creatives to participate in the Emerging Digital Design Showcase during the USITT26 Annual Conference & Stage Expo. Presented on the main USITT Awards Stage, this curated showcase highlights the next generation of digital and graphic designers working in performance, live events, and immersive environments.

This year’s showcase is inspired by the ocean, coastal environments, and the world beneath the surface — reflecting both the Long Beach location and the ideas of depth, motion, and interconnectedness inherent in live performance. Designers are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly rather than literally.

This showcase is not a competition; rather, it is intended as a platform for visibility, mentorship, and the celebration of emerging voices within the USITT community.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

MidAmerica National Bank’s Employees Children Scholarship Fund

The MidAmerica National Bank’s Employees Children Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 by MidAmerica National Bank to provide scholarship support to the children of bank employees. It is open to students graduating from high school or currently enrolled in an undergraduate college or vocational program.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

School Bus Road Scholarship Fund

The School Bus Road Scholarship Fund was established in 2023 by the Louisa County, VA Chapter of the NAACP. The purpose of the scholarship is to support postsecondary educational scholarships for qualifying graduates of Louisa County Public High School. and any future high schools built by Louisa County Public Schools in Louisa County, VA, attending an accredited two or four-year community college, techical or vocation school, college or university in the United States.

Ezekiel Hennessey Mitchel Scholarship Fund

The Ezekiel Hennessey Mitchel Memorial Scholarship is designated for graduating high school seniors from Benton, Polk, Lincoln, and Linn Counties pursuing careers in vocations such as the following:

• Home building trades
• Tile setting
• Carpentry
• General contracting
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Welding
• Entrepreneurship and/or small business development
• Other trades defined by Benton Community Foundation

Students must attain certificates or degrees from accredited trade schools, technical schools, or community colleges. 

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

J. Martin Diggs Memorial Scholarship

• 2 yr., 4yr., Community College, College or University (U.S.)

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Ruble Family Scholarship Fund

The Ruble Family Scholarship was established in 2010 in honor of Cindy Ruble's many years of service and her retirement as Superintendent of Lakeview School District. The purpose of the scholarship is to reduce barriers for at risk Battle Creek area graduating seniors and adults seeking educational opportunities beyond high school. The fund honors Cindy's dream that every graduate has the skills needed and resources available to continue their post-secondary education. "Every child has a dream for what they can be and for what they can contribute to society and that dream can and will become a reality!"