Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The Live Like D.J. – Dwon Fields Jr. Scholarship, established in 2021 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, honors Dwon Fields, Jr. This scholarship supports high school seniors and recent graduates from Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties, who demonstrate kindness and compassion. By fostering educational opportunities, this fund aims to empower students to make a positive impact in their communities, reflecting the values exemplified by D.J. throughout his life.

The NIOSH K01 grant offers vital support for early-career researchers in occupational health, providing 'protected time' for mentorship and professional development. This funding aims to bridge the gap from postdoctoral training to independent research, fostering the next generation of investigators. By emphasizing skill enhancement and independence, the program plays a crucial role in advancing safety and health research. Applicants must articulate their mentorship needs and demonstrate the potential for increased autonomy in their research careers.

The Don Linn Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides $700 to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational opportunities in the district and awards over $55,000 annually in scholarships. Candidates are selected based on academic merit and financial need, with preference given to those who may struggle to pursue higher education. Applicants must submit their FAFSA Student Aid Report to qualify.

The 9.11 Promise Run Scholarships provide financial support to children of first responders and military personnel who have been killed or injured. Established in 2019, these scholarships range from $5,000 to $15,000 and can be applied toward trade school or college tuition. Eligible applicants must be under 25 years old and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Awards are issued directly to accredited institutions and can be renewed for up to six years, ensuring continued support for eligible students.

The BHS Class of 1961 Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $700 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. This scholarship prioritizes students in the top 40% of their class, demonstrating financial need and exemplary personal ethics. Recipients must provide a Student Aid Report from FAFSA, ensuring assistance for tuition and related expenses. The Foundation, established in 1987, aims to enhance educational opportunities within the Beatrice School District.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Grant aims to address significant challenges in mental health and substance use disorders. With a commitment of up to $90 million over three years, the Foundation seeks partnerships with nonprofits to enhance treatment access, promote prevention strategies, and alleviate loneliness among affected individuals. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions and measurable outcomes, targeting both national and local programs, particularly in states with pressing health disparities.

The nccPA Health Foundation's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - PAs STEP Up Grant aims to empower PAs and PA students to create initiatives that enhance diversity and foster inclusive practices within the PA profession. With funding up to $2,500, this grant encourages projects that raise awareness of the PA profession among underrepresented groups, ultimately striving to reduce health disparities and promote equity. Applications are accepted year-round, providing ongoing support for impactful community-driven efforts.

The BHS Writing Achievement: Mark Metcalf Award, sponsored by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 scholarship to Beatrice High School graduating seniors who demonstrate a strong commitment to writing. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational opportunities through an Endowment Fund and awards over $55,000 annually in scholarships. This award is designed for students who excel in writing and need financial assistance for higher education.

The Pride in the Hills Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, offers a one-time award to graduating high school students who identify as LGBTQ+ or as allies of the LGBTQ+ community. This initiative, part of the Foundation's commitment to support local students, reflects over a century of dedication to enhancing educational opportunities in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region. With generous donor support, this scholarship aims to help students achieve their college dreams.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Michael G. Lindquist, PhD ScholarshipA scholarship will be given to a graduate of any Alger County high school planning to pursue a degree in engineering, chemistry, math, or physics. Academic excellence coupled with financial need are prime considerations.

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.

Good Teachers Count 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.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.

ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community. Lloyd C. Artibee ScholarshipApplicants must be planning to attend a university, college, technical, or vocational institution, and have been involved in community and/or school activities. 

The Texas Educational Foundation Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing an Associate's Degree or vocational training. Open to Texas residents demonstrating financial need, this renewable scholarship covers tuition, fees, and supplies. Priority is given to Federal Job Corps graduates and honorably discharged veterans. Established in 1964, the foundation has significantly impacted the San Antonio community by funding education and enhancing quality of life.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships. ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Frank & Mary Hausler Scholarship FundApplicants must be planning to pursue educational advancement in medicine, law, dentistry, engineering or the priesthood.

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.

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Scholarship

The purpose of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian tribal and Alaska Native graduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in any field of study.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

The Anne Arundel Women Giving Together Grants support nonprofits dedicated to enhancing the lives of women and families in Anne Arundel County. Eligible organizations must have an annual revenue under $1 million and focus on critical issues such as health, education, and equity. AAWGT prioritizes programs that address domestic violence, food insecurity, and promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring impactful community contributions while adhering to strict eligibility and funding guidelines.

The Community Foundation of Grant County offers over 120 scholarship opportunities for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. With more than $1 million awarded annually, the foundation supports students of all backgrounds and academic abilities. Scholarships are competitive and aimed at covering qualified educational expenses, including tuition and fees. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate on proposals, enhancing community impact through education and development.

Jack Sherman Scholarship

Applicants must be pursuing a two- or four- year degree or advanced education and/or training in the skilled trades and show evidence of involvement in co or extra-curricular activities or volunteerism related to the applicant’s field of interest. Transcripts and scores are requested, but not necessarily a determining factor. .

The Kress Conservation Fellowships, offered by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, support post-graduate training for emerging conservators in various specialty areas like paintings and textiles. The fellowships provide competitive grants to museums for supervised internships, running 9 to 12 months. Eligible applicants must have completed a master's degree in conservation. Preference is given to institutions without recent Kress Fellows, ensuring diverse opportunities across North America and beyond.

The UPMC Microvascular Reconstructive Fellowship offers a one-year clinical program designed for qualified surgeons, focusing on mentorship in microsurgical techniques and comprehensive patient care. Participants will gain hands-on experience in reconstructive surgeries, including extremity trauma and facial reanimation, while also engaging in multidisciplinary cancer treatment. The fellowship emphasizes both clinical and didactic learning, with opportunities for research in renowned laboratories, ensuring fellows acquire a deep understanding of the field.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Palmetto Citizens Scholarship Fund

At Palmetto Citizens, we're committed to giving back to our members and community, beyond just providing low-cost financial services. We're excited to partner with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation to award TWENTY individual members with a $1,000 Pametto Citizens Scholarship!

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation offers a General Fund Scholarship if you are not chosen, or are not eligible, to receive a Palmetto Citizens Scholarship. You are automatically entered into this General Fund Scholarship by submitting an application for the Palmetto Citizens Scholarship (cannot be awarded both). 

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

About NUFCU

Neighbors United Federal Credit Union is a federally chartered, not-for-profit financial cooperative, offering a wide array of financial services and products to meet our members’ needs since 1961. We are owned by our members, and excess income is returned to them in the form of lower fees, and more attractive rates.

Membership in Neighbors United Federal Credit Union is open to persons who live, work, worship, or attend school, and businesses and other legal entities located in the following counties in South Carolina: Greenwood, Laurens, Edgefield, Abbeville, Newberry, Saluda, and McCormick.

Neighbors United Federal Credit Union Scholarship Fund

With a Neighbors United FCU Scholarship, you have the chance to win the funds you need to start your college experience!  

Students can apply for the Neighbors United scholarship of $1,000.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

Piedmont Advantage Credit Union (PACU) 

Headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and founded in 1949 within the aviation industry, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union (PACU) serves member-owners, who reside, work, worship, attend school or operate a business in one of the six counties it serves in North Carolina or who are employed by one of its many employer companies. These six counties are Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg and Rockingham.

Piedmont Advantage Credit Union Scholarship Fund

For high school seniors and beyond, pursuing all kinds of academic dreams.

While there is no set limit on the number of scholarships awarded, we average six $1,000 scholarships yearly.

This scholarship isn’t just for high school seniors. It’s for any PACU member ready to take the next step with continuing their education. 

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Curis Financial Credit Union is also a proud South Carolina state-chartered financial institution, operating under the supervision of the South Carolina Department of Banking to ensure financial integrity and excellence. 

Curis Financial Credit Union Scholarship Fund

We are proud to announce Curis Financial Credit Union will award four $2500 college scholarships to help deserving students further their education.

The SHAPE America: Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an exemplary role model committed to fostering student engagement in professional activities. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of membership in SHAPE America and serve as full-time faculty at a higher education institution. This award emphasizes mentorship through professional behavior, involvement in student projects, and providing academic guidance, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers.

The VFW Student Fellowship, hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Student Veterans of America, empowers student veterans to advocate for their community on Capitol Hill. Running from October 2025 to March 2026, this program offers selected fellows the chance to collaborate on policy priorities, attend leadership training, and participate in significant conferences, ensuring their voices are heard among 500 advocates at the VFW Washington Conference. Travel expenses are fully covered.

The Henry J. and Lucille J. Straus Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides twelve renewable scholarships of $6,000 each for high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.2. Eligible students must enroll in a four-year accredited private college and demonstrate financial need via FAFSA. Requirements include a transcript, an essay on community service, and a letter of recommendation highlighting the applicant's character and commitment to diversity and inclusivity.