Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Medical Scholarship

At a very early age in Alabama, Lee Essie Smith was a self-taught musician. After losing her mother as a young teenager, she began putting her God-given musical talent to work as a pianist for several churches. By the time she graduated from high school, she had learned the cosmetology trade and met Charlie McMillan, Jr.

After his wife’s death, Mr. McMillan continued his community service with the Democratic Party, Habitat for Humanity and Mt. Olive Baptist Church as an usher. Although he did not serve very long in the military, Mr. McMillan continues to exemplify the values and physical energy of the “Army Strong” slogan. He is the patriarch of the family – always dapper – and a regular attendee at church services.

Glass, Paul Memorial Scholarship Fund

A one-time payment for a high school senior or undergraduate college student from Noble County who is pursuing a career in agriculture related field. Awards $750 one time. Students can reapply. 

Amount

$750

Awards Per Year:

1 scholarship

Colleges:

Any accredited college or university

Areas of Study:

Agriculture

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who is a current employee of a McDonald’s restaurant located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Ellenbecker, Oliver and Eleanor Scholarship Bachelor’s Program Fund

For Noble County High School seniors (one awarded to a Central Noble High School senior, one awarded to an East Noble High School senior, one awarded to Oak Farm Montessori School senior, one awarded to a West Noble High School senior) who will be attending a four-year college or university as a full-time student. Awards $3,500 one-time.

Awards Per Year:

1 scholarship

Areas of Study:

Any

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to individuals seeking financial support to obtain a certification or degree in the nursing field, including a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or a Registered Nurse (RN), Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN), or nurse educator.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Judy’s altrusim, devotion to the betterment of education and the community, combined with her great love of music are the pillars on which this scholarship is based.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors from Lackawanna County high schools who plan to continue their education in a college or university program. This $6,000 scholarship, renewable for up to three years (for a total of $24,000), is offered each year for full-time study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university of the student’s choice. 20 students will be selected annually for this award.

The James F. Swift Scholarship Fund has awarded over $5.5 million since 2008, benefitting 360 local students.

Created in 2002 through a gift by Mr. James F. Swift to the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund provides support for higher education for students graduating from high schools in Lackawanna County. Following Mr. Swift’s death in 2006, the Scranton Area Community Foundation gratefully received a significant gift from his estate to the scholarship fund, which has allowed a great number of students from Lackawanna County the opportunity to pursue their academic and professional goals through higher education.

The Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) at the NIH aims to advance small molecule drug discovery and development. This program supports investigators in their own labs while offering access to NIH experts and contract research organizations. By combining NIH resources with industry expertise, BPN reduces risks in drug development, enabling partners to undertake late-stage projects. Focused on small molecules, it uses a cooperative agreement mechanism to support innovative, higher-risk projects, fostering essential collaborations for successful therapeutic advancements.

Noble County Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Noble County Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 by the board of directors of the Community Foundation of Noble County for the purpose of allowing Noble County residents the opportunity to memorialize a friend, family, or loved one without creating a named endowment fund where the minimum is much larger than the $1,000 minimum for this fund.

Awards Per Year:

3 scholarships

Degrees/Programs:

Certificate, Vocational, Associates degree (2-year), Bachelor’s degree (4-year)

Areas of Study:

Any

National PTA® is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America. For 125 years, PTA has worked with school communities and decision makers to solve the toughest problems in our nation’s history.

PTA is a network of millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools.

PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education.

Here for Healthy Schools: Quality Time Off (QTO) Grant

National PTA teamed up with Lysol to support healthier school environments through its HERE for Healthy Schools program. The HERE for Healthy Schools: Quality Time Off (QTO) Grant, funded by Lysol, provides funding and resources to help PTAs create meaningful in-school experiences, designed to foster connection, engagement, and lasting memories for families nationwide. 

Five selected PTAs will each receive:

• $2,000 to help enhance your PTA’s planned family engagement activities; and
• 50 canisters of Lysol Disinfecting Wipes intended to help reduce the spread of illness-causing germs in classrooms and common areas on campus.

Zavala Scholarship

The Zavala Scholarship Fund was opened at WFACF in 2014 to support students of the Hispanic community to pursue higher education. It has since transformed to consider any graduates of high schools in Wichita, Archer, Clay, Wilbarger, or Young County who have great financial need and a minimum 2.75 GPA, including current college students. There are multiple $1,000 scholarships available to be used for any field of study at any college or university in the U.S.

SparkForce: The FMA Foundation

Formerly known as Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (or NBT), SparkForce is the charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. While our name has changed, our mission has not. Our purpose is to inspire, attract, and support individuals in discovering an interest in manufacturing and to encourage their pursuit of a manufacturing career.

2020 marked the 50th Anniversary of FMA. Started by one man and his vision, FMA has transformed into an association dedicated to helping metal manufacturers thrive and move the industry forward.

Scholarships

SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, awards scholarships twice each year to students pursuing degrees or certifications related to manufacturing careers.

3 Scholarship Awards, 1 Application

• Community College, Trade School, or University; The U.K. Gupta & Family Scholarship; and The John Grossheim Memorial Scholarship.

Scholarship funds can be used to cover tuition, school fees, books purchased through the college store, and required tools or equipment such as PPE (if available for purchase through the college store). Funds cannot be used for housing, meals, or costs unrelated to the program.

FMA Scholarship: Community College, Trade School, or University

Open to eligible students pursuing degrees or certifications related to a career in manufacturing.

The Margaret 'Margo' Kaler Langohr Art Scholarship, established by Margo to support Whitley County students pursuing art education, reflects her dedication to the arts. A former educator, Margo, despite her declining eyesight, created inspiring works, including 'May Your Light Shine Through My Darkness.' This scholarship aims to empower students aspiring for a Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in an art-related field at accredited institutions.

SparkForce: The FMA Foundation

Formerly known as Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (or NBT), SparkForce is the charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. While our name has changed, our mission has not. Our purpose is to inspire, attract, and support individuals in discovering an interest in manufacturing and to encourage their pursuit of a manufacturing career.

2020 marked the 50th Anniversary of FMA. Started by one man and his vision, FMA has transformed into an association dedicated to helping metal manufacturers thrive and move the industry forward.

Scholarships

SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, awards scholarships twice each year to students pursuing degrees or certifications related to manufacturing careers.

3 Scholarship Awards, 1 Application

• Community College, Trade School, or University; The U.K. Gupta & Family Scholarship; and The John Grossheim Memorial Scholarship.

Scholarship funds can be used to cover tuition, school fees, books purchased through the college store, and required tools or equipment such as PPE (if available for purchase through the college store). Funds cannot be used for housing, meals, or costs unrelated to the program.

FMA Scholarship: The John Grossheim Memorial Scholarship

Preference to employees and their dependents of FMA member companies.

This scholarship is funded through the Outside Processors Council (OPC) Endowment.

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.

Gay R. Maney Reach for the Green Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide assistance to graduating high school seniors residing in the City of Rochester who will be attending college.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $10,000; divided into equal annual installments paid over four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award may be split between two or more students and is paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. One-time scholarships may also be awarded and are paid in one lump sum. Minimum award $1,000.

Donor Information

This fund was established to provide scholarships to high school seniors who have participated in golf programs.

The CDC's NCIPC invites proposals for rigorous evaluations of programs aimed at preventing child sexual abuse (CSA) and problematic sexual behavior (PSB) among youth. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of prevention policies, especially in digital spaces and youth-serving organizations. Eligible proposals should address issues like online exploitation, harmful behaviors, and the impact of organizational policies on youth safety. This initiative seeks to enhance the evidence base for effective prevention strategies.

Rotary Club of Biloxi Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Rotary Club of Biloxi Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in June 1999. This scholarship is funded by the Rotary Club of Biloxi for the purpose of providing scholarship assistance to a graduating senior of Biloxi High School, St. Patrick Catholic High School, D’Iberville High School, or the Mississippi School of Math and Science, or a homeschool senior student registered with the County Attendance Office and whose parent or legal guardian resides in Biloxi.

Rotary Club of Gulfport Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Rotary Club of Gulfport Scholarship Endowment Fund is funded by the Rotary Club of Gulfport and was established in February 1997 for the purpose of providing scholarship assistance to graduating seniors of Gulfport High School, St. Patrick Catholic High School, West Harrison High School and Harrison Central High School in recognition of their academic accomplishments. Applicants must be a resident of the city of Gulfport.

The CDC's NCIPC invites research proposals to evaluate innovative approaches for preventing firearm-related violence and injuries. This initiative emphasizes the importance of data-driven solutions without infringing on legal firearm ownership rights. Funding options are available for existing data evaluations (up to $350,000/year for 2 years) or new data collection (up to $650,000/year for 3 years). Target areas include mass shootings, suicides, and crime prevention across various demographics and settings.

The Robert W. Knox, Sr. and Pearl Wallis Knox Charitable Foundation Grant Program, established in 1964, supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. The foundation prioritizes projects that benefit Harris County, TX, and surrounding areas, focusing on charitable, religious, scientific, and educational initiatives. Organizations must wait one grant cycle before reapplying, ensuring fair distribution of funds. This commitment reflects the foundation's legacy of community service and support for various humanitarian causes.

Randy Blevins Memorial Scholarship (Piedmont)

Provides a scholarship to a Piedmont graduating senior.

Randy and Deanna Clonts Scholarship (Piedmont)

Provided to Piedmont high school graduating senior attending a two- or four-year university with GPA of 3.0-3.99.

Richard Gebhart Leadership Legacy Scholarship

Provides scholarships to members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (and their children) who are attending graduate school and best meet the criteria. In partnership with the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association.

The Thing 1∙2∙3 Foundation Grant Program, established in 1999, is dedicated to improving the lives of children. This private foundation, inspired by Dr. Seuss' characters, focuses on providing essential support to organizations that help children. Grants are awarded to U.S. and U.S.-based international entities that align with the foundation's mission. The foundation seeks to empower those on the front lines delivering impactful services, ensuring that children's needs are met effectively.

Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Scholarships

Provides scholarships to members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (and their children) who best meet the criteria. In partnership with the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association.

The HEAL Initiative Whole Joint Health Program aims to advance research on the biological mechanisms of joint pain by exploring the interactions of various tissues within the joint. This innovative program will support clinical studies that focus on non-pharmacological interventions to enhance healing and improve quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic joint pain. By fostering a comprehensive understanding of joint health, the initiative aligns with the NIH's broader goals to reduce chronic pain and opioid dependency.

The HEAL Initiative's new program aims to generate comprehensive datasets on human pain networks through advanced 'omics and physiology research. Utilizing primary human tissues, the initiative promotes collaboration among diverse experts to enhance the understanding of pain mechanisms. This cooperative agreement will foster best practices and data sharing, ensuring integrated approaches across various pain conditions. While applications are not currently being accepted, the initiative encourages multidisciplinary teams to prepare for future opportunities in pain research.