Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Abbott Fellowship Program Grants, established by the Abbott Fund, aim to enhance medical education and patient wellness. Through these grants, medical institutions can develop fellowship programs focusing on critical areas such as cardiovascular disease, electrophysiology, and heart failure. The initiative seeks to foster innovation in healthcare by enabling organizations to support the training of fellows and advance scientific knowledge, ultimately improving patient outcomes and community health.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Williamson Pioneer Fund

Must demonstrate community involvement and show financial need.

The Martin, Lucas Scholarship, provided by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $1,000 award to a graduating senior male from Beatrice High School. Eligible students must have participated in soccer during their junior and senior years and demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork. One reference letter must come from the head boys soccer coach, and financial need will be considered. The Foundation aims to support students seeking higher education.

The Jeanne H. Hemmingway Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to students facing adversity who plan to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth. Established in honor of Jeanne H. Hemmingway, a dedicated advocate for education, this fund offers awards ranging from $5,000 to $7,500 annually for up to four years, totaling up to $30,000. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and have graduated from a high school within the DSACF service area or possess a GED.

The Gary & Helen Howell Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Erie Community Foundation, offers financial support to high school seniors from local schools such as McDowell and Cathedral Prep who demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students pursuing post-secondary education, showcasing its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Jim Ferree Educational Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports graduating seniors from Beaufort County, SC, aiming for post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate extracurricular involvement beyond golf, and write an essay on how golf has shaped their personal growth. This initiative fosters educational opportunities for youth impacted by the game of golf, positively influencing their futures.

The Point Foundation's Internship & Professional Development Award supports LGBTQ+ and ally students seeking hands-on learning experiences to advance their academic and career goals. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. degree program and apply for a summer 2025 professional development opportunity. Funding can cover costs for activities such as conferences, research, and internships, aimed at enhancing leadership skills and representation in various industries.

The Manes, Max Scholarship offers a $1,000 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School pursuing a career in Accounting, or a business student with a numerical focus if no accounting candidates are available. Established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this scholarship aims to support students with a minimum 3.5 GPA, good citizenship, and a strong work ethic. Preference is given to students engaged in community and school activities.

The Deana and Paul Strunk Military Veterans Scholarship Program offers financial aid ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 for veterans and military dependents pursuing geoscience degrees at accredited institutions. This program facilitates educational opportunities and aids in the transition of veterans to civilian careers. Eligible applicants must provide proof of military service and demonstrate financial need, along with academic excellence and a commitment to geoscience. This initiative aims to support both active service members and veterans in their educational journeys.

The SOT Science Policy Leadership Award honors elected officials who advocate for scientific research that protects health and the environment. By recognizing individuals who support public policy that advances safety for people and animals, this award promotes the importance of science in decision-making processes. The Society of Toxicology aims to highlight the contributions of leaders in science policy, encouraging further advancements in health and safety research while fostering a collaborative relationship between science and government.

The TidePointe Community Educational Scholarship, established by the residents of TidePointe, supports employees and their dependents pursuing secondary or post-secondary education. This initiative reflects the community's generosity and commitment to academic achievement. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, work at least 12 hours a week at TidePointe, and have maintained good employment records. This scholarship empowers individuals to achieve their educational ambitions, fostering growth and opportunity within the Lowcountry community.

The Jim and Marge Krum Foundation Scholarship, established in 2003, aims to support outstanding high school seniors from Hilton Head Island and Bluffton who demonstrate academic excellence and significant community service. Funded by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, this scholarship fosters a lifelong commitment to community leadership among recipients, ensuring they remain connected through their shared dedication to service. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 and be accepted into an accredited college or university.

The Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Scholarship at Harvard Kennedy School is designed for alumni of the PPIA Junior Summer Institute. This scholarship aims to support both U.S. and international students by considering merit and financial need. Harvard Kennedy School is committed to fostering leadership and public policy expertise, making a significant impact on global societal issues. Recipients must have participated in the PPIA program to be eligible for this limited funding.

The Iron River Lions Club Marie Larson Scholarship Fund offers $2,000 to graduating high school seniors from public or private schools in the Iron River area. Established by Marie Larson, this fund supports students pursuing higher education, with its origins tracing back to a golf tournament begun in 2008. The scholarship honors Larson's legacy and her commitment to the community, encouraging local youth to achieve their educational goals.

The Jack and Mary Rowe Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Jack and Mary Rowe by supporting high school graduates in Duluth, Hermantown, or Proctor who are pursuing engineering studies. This scholarship, valued at $4,500 for one year, recognizes academic excellence without considering financial need, encouraging students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher, or 3.5 in honors courses, to apply and engage in extracurricular activities.

The Joan and Wade Webster Scholarship Program, established by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry in 1995, aims to provide annual post-secondary educational scholarships for students in southern Beaufort County. It supports those with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who demonstrate a commitment to sound financial principles. This scholarship not only aids in educational pursuits but also encourages students to develop financial self-sufficiency, ultimately empowering them to positively impact their community.

The Hubert A. Nelson Scholarship Fund, established in honor of a distinguished Duluth native, provides financial support of up to $8,000 over four years. It is aimed at graduates from select Duluth high schools who pursue Business or Accounting at the University of Minnesota Duluth or the University of Wisconsin Superior. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, ensuring that deserving students can access quality education.

The Mina Larson and Mandas S. Mulrain Scholarship, established in 2005 by Mr. Sam Mulrain, honors the legacy of his wife, Mina Larson Mulrain. This scholarship aims to support high school seniors from southern Beaufort County who exhibit exceptional determination in their academic pursuits. With a focus on financial need and a minimum GPA of 3.0, it empowers deserving students to achieve their post-secondary educational goals, fostering leadership and community engagement.

The Judith A. Dormann “Good Apple” Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, aims to support students who may not consider post-secondary education. With over $800,000 allocated to scholarships in 2023, this initiative seeks to recognize hard-working individuals demonstrating strong personal initiative and a commendable work ethic. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, ensuring that the scholarship reaches those who are committed to their educational goals.

The Lucrecia C. Lester Memorial Scholarship, established in 2015 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, provides financial assistance to high school seniors from Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, or Beaufort Counties in South Carolina. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing post-secondary education, emphasizing financial need and academic determination. The foundation has invested over $125 million in the Lowcountry since its inception, striving to enhance community well-being through philanthropic leadership.

The Joyce H. Power Scholarship Endowment, established in December 2022 by Joyce H. Power, supports Southern Beaufort County residents pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship is aimed at students who have experienced the loss of a parent and have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, requiring a minimum GPA of 2.5. Funded by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, it plays a vital role in enhancing educational opportunities for deserving students in the region.

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 Rich Huntsman Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, aims to support high school seniors from the Muskingum Valley League or Muskingum County who have actively participated in bowling. Eligible applicants must demonstrate ongoing involvement in the sport during their senior year. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing community quality of life through education and sports engagement.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

The Gubelmann Family Foundation Scholarship Fund

The Gubelmann name has been prominent in and around Palm Beach since the early 1940s, when the late Walter Gubelmann and his wife, Barton, first began to spend time in the area. Their son, William grew up in Palm Beach before moving to England to pursue his dream of racing where he became a British Formula Car champion and drove the European Formula II circuit.

Education is the most important thing to help disadvantaged people to better themselves,” William Gubelmann says. “We want to help the right person go to the right school for the right reason.”

Adds Shelley Gubelmann, “What impresses me is the fact that many of these students aren’t looking for large amounts of money. I don’t think people have nearly enough awareness that you don’t have to be a rich person to help somebody else.”

The first scholarships were awarded from the Gubelmann Family Foundation Scholarship Fund in May 2001

The NWPA Food Council Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County high school graduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA pursuing post-secondary education or training. With over $800,000 awarded in 2023, this scholarship is particularly aimed at those entering the food, grocery, or convenience store industries. This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to empowering local students and enhancing workforce development in essential sectors.

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 Stazer Sisters’ Scholarship, provided by the Erie Community Foundation, supports U.S. citizens graduating from the Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy who are entering a four-year college. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students, based on their academic achievements, financial need, and extracurricular involvement. This scholarship aims to empower deserving students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.