Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The BJA FY26 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program aims to assist law enforcement agencies in acquiring body-worn cameras and establishing comprehensive BWC programs. This initiative addresses the increasing demand for reliable video evidence in criminal cases, enhancing documentation and prosecutorial outcomes. By utilizing BWCs, agencies can deter assaults on officers and protect them against false accusations, ultimately improving community trust and accountability in law enforcement practices.

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.

In God We Trust, Mitchelle T. Savage Memorial Scholarship Fund

The In God We Trust, Mitchelle T. Savage Memorial Scholarship was established to provide educational opportunities beyond high school for Battle Creek area graduates or graduating seniors. Eligible recipients will be graduating seniors from Battle Creek area public and private schools who will be attending a college that is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

Maury and Betty Hull Endowed Scholarship

The Maury and Betty Hull Scholarship was created to honor their lives and appreciation for their hometown, Forks, WA. The scholarship was established to help community students pursue their higher education dreams.

Award Information

Awards begin at $2,000 and are at the discretion of the committee.

The Stanley Fahn Junior Faculty Award, offered by the Parkinson's Foundation, supports early-career scientists in Parkinson's research. With $300,000 in funding over three years, it aims to bridge the gap for junior faculty transitioning to independent research. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD or MD and be U.S. or Canadian faculty members. This award promotes innovative research proposals that advance understanding and treatment of Parkinson's disease, fostering the next generation of scientists in this critical field.

The Gina M. Finzi Memorial Student Summer Fellowship Program, funded by the Lupus Foundation of America, aims to engage students in lupus research across various disciplines. Six awards of $4,000 each will be granted for projects spanning 10 weeks between May and September 2026. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate/medical students, with specific allocation preferences. This initiative promotes valuable research experiences under the guidance of established faculty at accredited institutions.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation offers Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Awards to support research training in cystic fibrosis. The program provides up to $66,000 in salary support for the first year and $67,000 for the second year, along with $9,000 for research and travel expenses. Applicants focusing on CFTR protein function restoration or gene correction strategies are encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. citizens and residents, preference is given to recent graduates beginning their research careers.

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. 

The Early Career Research Programs: 'A' Award Grant by Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation aims to support promising early career scientists in pediatric oncology. This grant fosters innovation in childhood cancer research by funding original projects that are not currently financed. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to pediatric cancer investigation and provide a solid career development plan with mentorship. The funding can reach up to $800,000 over four years, with a maximum of $200,000 available annually.

Access Advocate for Clinical Research Participation

Objective:

This program will support implementation and evaluation of a Parkinson’s disease (PD) focused Access Advocate model designed to increase inclusive research participation. Funding will support Access Advocates at clinical sites to build practical, relationship based pathways to improving representative research enrollment and retention.

Funding Details:

• Duration: 24 months 
• Award Amount: $200,000 

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) and its inclusive recruitment strategy has examined what barriers and motivators shape participation (e.g., FIRE-UP PD study3) as well as funded sites to pilot tactics that address those barriers (e.g., Black & African American Connections to Parkinson’s Disease study4). Now we aim to scale and validate approaches that show early promise by investing more deeply and measuring impact across settings.

This program will fund advocates at clinical sites to build practical, relationship-based pathways to improving representative research enrollment and retention. These support staff will help patients and care partners navigate health system complexity and everyday needs that often determine whether research participation is feasible. They will help address barriers such as transportation, caregiving responsibilities, language needs, and insurance and financial strains by connecting people to resources, coordinating logistics and providing consistent follow-up. These advocates also should discuss research participation opportunities with patients and connect them to recruiting studies.

The model is grounded in the idea that research participation is more feasible when (i) foundational practical needs are addressed first and (ii) raised by a trusted health care partner. By helping to reduce practical barriers, advocates are expected to increase screenings, enrollment conversion and retention across key trial milestones.

This program will test these hypotheses and further establish training, infrastructure needs and sustainability of such positions.

Program Goal

This program aims to:

• Support establishment of site-based Access Advocates to support potential participants and care partners across multiple active or planned PD studies.
• Evaluate needs and opportunities for onboarding and ongoing training for advocates in PD and clinical research fundamentals as well as site and local resources.
• Recommend repeatable workflows for identifying prospective participants, assessing barriers, connecting them to resources, coordinating logistics and supporting follow-up.
• Collect and report a core set of evaluation metrics across sites (reach, encounters, referrals, screened, enrolled, retained), including barrier tracking and resolution.
• Evaluate the impact of Access Advocates in recruiting and retaining underrepresented community individuals to/in Parkinson’s studies.
• Evaluate the impact of Access Advocates on “health system value” indicators (e.g., appointment adherence/show rates, medication access/adherence proxies) that could support funding sustainability from other sources.
• Establish a cross-site learning community that enables funded sites to share lessons, refine the Access Advocate model and inform broader adoption beyond the funding period.

The African-American Community Foundation - Wahid Abdullah Memorial Scholarship, established in 1997 by Jim Bucher, honors the memory of Wahid Abdullah, a promising young scholar whose life was tragically cut short. This scholarship aims to support Montgomery County students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. The Dayton Foundation, a key philanthropic partner in the region, manages this scholarship as part of its mission to promote equitable opportunities and strengthen the community through education and charitable initiatives.

The ASTRO-PCF Young Investigator Award, a collaboration between the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the American Society for Radiation Oncology, supports early-career researchers in prostate cancer. It offers $225,000 over three years to young investigators under 35, enabling them to further their research and career. Awardees are required to participate in the Annual PCF Scientific Retreat and Young Investigator Forum, fostering a community dedicated to advancing the field of radiation oncology.

Phoenix Scholarship Fund

Award Amount

Several scholarships in the range between $2,000 - $5,000 may be awarded at the scholarship committee's discretion.

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin awards nearly $300,000 in annual scholarships to support Central Wisconsin students’ educational needs. 

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation provides scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school seniors, college students, non-traditional learners, and those pursuing specific fields of study.

Ann G. Haley Scholarship

Criteria for Selection:

• Pursuing a degree in the medical field.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Kent A. & Diana C. Morgan Family Scholarship

The Kent A. & Diana C. Morgan Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2019 as a legacy fund. It will provide scholarships for Marion County high school seniors and graduates pursuing a degree in the field of education, with special consideration given to applicants who demonstrate, through the applicant’s application, extraordinary financial need.

The Student Ambassador Program by USITT offers a unique chance for student members to connect with international theatre professionals during the Annual Conference. Participants will engage in meaningful conversations and networking opportunities, including a special luncheon and the International Reception. This program aims to foster collaboration and mentorship among emerging designers and experienced industry leaders, enhancing professional growth within the performing arts community.

The Raskob Foundation offers domestic grants to organizations located in the U.S. and its territories. Founded in 1945, this private, non-profit foundation focuses on supporting Catholic institutions. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, listed in the P.J. Kenedy Official Catholic Directory. However, requests from individuals and certain projects, such as debt reduction or completed projects, are not accepted. The foundation emphasizes its commitment to philanthropy and community support.

The Autism Speaks Predoctoral Fellowship aims to support early career autistic scientists in their research endeavors. By providing a two-year fellowship that includes a $40,000 annual award, the program seeks to enhance research training opportunities for promising candidates. Fellows will collaborate with leading mentors in autism research, ensuring that individuals with both academic expertise and lived experience can significantly contribute to advancements in the field. This initiative underscores Autism Speaks' commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation in autism research.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Rick Chapman Legacy League Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Rick Chapman Legacy League, created in memory of Rick, a beloved local entrepreneur who owned and operated Chuck Wagon Pizza in Ludington, Michigan, for many years.

Inspired by Rick's own path of starting his business at a young age, the scholarship supports students who are pursuing business education and entrepreneurship with the hope that recipients will eventually live and work in Mason County. The scholarship fund is administered by the Rick Chapman Legacy League Board, composed of Rick's high school friends who would visit Rick at Chuck Wagon when in town, longtime customers and neighbors from the community, and an overall eclectic mix of people from different walks of life that Rick welcomed. The board and several other Rick Chapman friends and fans host an annual golf outing near Rick's birthday in August to raise money for scholarships. Entry fees, sponsorships, and a silent auction contribute to the scholarship fund. The Rick Chapman Legacy League Scholarship honors Rick’s memory and commitment to fostering entrepreneurship. By investing in local students, the Legacy League hopes to inspire students to follow in Rick's footsteps, contributing to the vibrancy of the Mason County community.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Rick & Mary Ann Randall Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Rick and Mary Ann Randall, who established the Rick and Mary Ann Randall Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

As quoted by Rick and Mary Ann Randall..."We value education and the opportunities it provides. We believe that all students who wish to pursue higher education should be able to do so, regardless of their academic standing or financial resources. Therefore, we offer scholarships to deserving students who demonstrate a strong desire to continue their education beyond high school."

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Legacy Foundation Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Lucy C. Perry Scholarship

Preference for funds from this scholarship is given to applicants studying at Indiana University and interested in public health.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Liesel M. Hiemenz Scholarship

This permanent scholarship was established in memory of Ms. Hiemenz, a nurse from Germany. Preference is given to applicants interested in public 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.

Health Services Research in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (HSR-ADRD) Program

The HSR-ADRD program seeks to support research that strengthens dementia detection, diagnosis, and post-diagnostic care pathways along the care continuum. Projects may address a range of health services research questions, including, but not limited to, studies examining barriers and solutions to timely access, quality, and care coordination. By supporting rigorous and innovative research, this program aims to generate actionable evidence to improve person-centered, coordinated, and equitable brain health and dementia care.

Program overview

The program welcomes proposals that utilize rigorous methodologies to advance understanding and improvement of cognitive impairment, including MCI and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) detection, diagnosis, and post-diagnostic care.

This award is structured as an individual research grant, with funding administered through the recipient’s institution. Proposals should address one or more Areas of Focus. Areas of Focus represent high-priority research topics for which this program is actively seeking proposals and include: 

• The Value of Early Detection and Diagnosis: Studies should investigate outcomes associated with early detection and diagnosis on at least two levels of the dementia care ecosystem (i.e., individual/families, providers/clinicians, health systems/payers, and policy/society).
• Care Pathways for Individuals with MCI or Dementia: Studies should consider comorbidities and investigate how people are being screened and diagnosed in different settings, and the post-diagnosis pathways for care and treatment, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions or combinations thereof.

Funding overview

• Each HSR-ADRD award is limited to a total of $250,000 U.S. (direct and indirect costs) for a duration of up to two years (awards should be a minimum one year).
• Indirect costs are capped at 10 percent of total direct costs and are inclusive of indirect costs for the implementing institution as well as for any subcontracts.

Charlottesville Promise Scholarship

The Charlottesville Promise Scholarship is a multi-year award that can fund up to $13,000 of the cost of a two or four year undergraduate degree, or a vocational training/professional certificate program at an accredited technical school. Charlottesville Scholarship Program typically awards nine new scholarships each year to seniors attending Charlottesville High School, one potential new scholarship each year to a graduating high school senior residing in Charlottesville City and attending an alternative or non-traditional learning centers listed here, and one potential new scholarship each year to an eligible adult student currently attending or planning to enroll in a post-secondary undergraduate program or vocational training/professional certification program at an accredited technical school.   

The ASTRO-BCRF Emerging Investigator Award aims to support one early career researcher in breast radiation oncology from underrepresented populations. This initiative by the American Society for Radiation Oncology and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation provides $100,000 for direct costs over one year, emphasizing diversity in the scientific workforce and encouraging eligible individuals to self-identify as part of underrepresented groups in biomedical research.

The Cooley, Dearing And Rinker Foundation Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports graduates from public schools in Winchester, Frederick, Rappahannock, and Warren Counties. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and show commitment to their college education. Award amounts typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, helping students pursue their academic goals. The foundation has a strong history of addressing community needs since its establishment in 2000.