Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

About Us

Who We Are

The Wayne County Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community organization that works to strengthen the community we all share by helping donors make a lasting difference with their philanthropic endeavors – connecting their dreams and passions with causes that matter.

Established in 1978 with a single gift of $1,000, WCCF has become the steward of over 620 separate funds created from bequests and gifts, each with their own philanthropic purpose to support the future of our community now – and for many years to come.

The mission of Wayne County Community Foundation is to provide philanthropic leadership to our community.

Pair-A-Douce Scholarship

Scholarship is open to individuals who are pursuing a technical/vocational education or two-year program in a one of the following skilled trade field of study:

• Building Trades
  • (examples may include, but are not limited to, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, or welding)
• Mechanical Trades
  • (examples may include, but are not limited to, agricultural equipment or farm machine mechanics)

Non-traditional students (adult learners) must be residents of Wayne County, Ohio and enrolled at Wayne County Schools Career Center, Heartland Technical Education Center (previously known as Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center), or OSU-ATI and pursing an applicable field of study. Applicants should demonstrate good character, strong work ethic, and financial need. First preference shall be given to students pursing a building trades program.

This application is for non-traditional students (adult learners) only. Traditional students (graduates or current graduating seniors of any high school located in Wayne County, Ohio) who wish to apply may do so by completing the Wayne County Community Foundation Universal Scholarship Application, found online at www.WCCFOH.org/scholarships

The Home Depot Foundation's Veteran Housing Grants Program aims to enhance the lives of U.S. veterans by funding the construction or rehabilitation of supportive housing. Grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with experience in veteran housing. Since 2011, the Foundation has committed over $550 million to veteran causes and seeks to invest an additional $750 million by 2030, focusing on projects in major cities across the U.S.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Jesse and Hertha Adams Charitable Trust Scholarship

The Jesse and Hertha Adams Trust Scholarship is made available for those individuals who wish to achieve their dreams. Success is acknowledged through hard work and the effort you put forth. And the Jesse and Hertha Adams Scholarship acknowledges both. In addition to funding this named scholarship, the trust generously contributes to our program travel expenditures for our winners and many of our National Federation of the Blind other scholarships.

The Dr. Marshall H. Layton Memorial Scholarship honors Dr. Rock's dedication to education by supporting graduating seniors from the Harrisburg School District. This one-time award aims to help students with financial need who plan to pursue higher education or trade school. Applicants must demonstrate a desire for success through an essay, reflecting Dr. Rock's lifelong commitment to fostering learning and achievement.

The C4O Organizing Grant, offered by the National Education Association Staff Organization, supports collaborative strategic organizing projects. It provides resources for training, coaching, and workshops aimed at enhancing member engagement and addressing equity in education. Eligible projects include those that align with NEA Strategic Goals, fostering leadership among members on critical issues affecting their practice. This grant aims to empower educators and improve opportunities for all students.

The Stop & Shop School Food Pantry Program addresses childhood food insecurity by partnering with schools to establish or support food pantries. More than 9 million children in the U.S. face hunger, and this initiative ensures students from pre-K through college have access to meals, so they can focus on their education rather than their hunger. Currently, new applications are not accepted from schools in Boston or NYC boroughs due to capacity issues.

The Funding the Future of Finance in Indian Country/Johnson Scholarship offers financial support to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate students pursuing full-time degrees in business, accounting, or finance. The program aims to enhance diversity in these fields and provides awards of up to $10,000 per academic year based on need. Applicants must demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

The SDIAS Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, is designed for high-achieving seniors in San Diego County. It supports students enrolling full-time in accredited four-year universities across the U.S. with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This scholarship aims to empower future leaders and enhance educational opportunities, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to community development and equitable access to higher education.

The Dale & Delores Willi Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, provides financial support to students from Hudson High School or homeschool programs who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to pursue music in college. This scholarship awards $2,000 per year for up to two years, focusing on applicants who demonstrate financial need and a strong passion for music, thereby aiding their academic and musical development.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Julie Herrick Easterly Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family and friends of Julie Herrick-Easterly, who established the Julie HerrickEasterly Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Julie Herrick-Easterly, an only child and part of an established family tradition of journalism, worked as a copy editor for various newspapers across the country. Her father, Robert Herrick, was editor of the Muskegon Chronicle for 17 years. At age 34, Julie died from a terminal illness. Following Julie's death, her parents established this scholarship in her memory. Awards from the scholarship are given to a Muskegon area graduating senior who plans to pursue a career in journalism. The award represents an acknowledgment of the student's past achievements in this area of study. To the credit of the Herricks, Julie's love for journalism will always be remembered, and the family tradition will be perpetuated through the lasting gift of education.

ASPCA PRO

ASPCApro.org provides tools and resources for animal welfare professionals, veterinary personnel and volunteers. We take a progressive approach to helping the country's at-risk animals, promoting cutting edge research to advance the field.

ASPCA Research Grants

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) research grants fund high-quality research with a clear potential to benefit animals, either directly or through effecting systems-level change. Proposals to extend existing studies, focused on other disciplines, will also be considered if they can clearly demonstrate substantial potential benefit to animal welfare.

This year we are soliciting proposals in the following six research areas:

• Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) Research
• Applied Behavior Research
• Cruelty Research
• Farm Animal Welfare Research
• Psychological Trauma Research
• Shelter Research

Proposals focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a program or service must demonstrate methodological rigor and a clear plan to produce generalizable scientific knowledge. Please view eligibility information for specific projects from the research area you are interested in. 

Psychological Trauma Research

Proposals related to developing and validating novel approaches to the objective documentation of animal cruelty and neglect in the absence of physical trauma (i.e., documenting psychological trauma) in dogs. Proposals are encouraged from any relevant discipline (e.g., physiology, psychology, ethology). Of particular interest is research that focuses on objective measures, including biomarkers and quantitative behavioral phenotyping.

The Rahsaan Roland Kirk Scholarship for the Arts, offered by The Columbus Foundation, honors the legacy of the innovative jazz musician Rahsaan Roland Kirk. This scholarship supports seniors from Columbus City Schools who are pursuing studies in music, music performance, or the arts. With a focus on artistic freedom and excellence, it aims to empower young artists to continue the rich traditions of Black American musical expression while fostering creativity and cultural appreciation in the community.

The James G. Hewlett Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to Franklin County residents pursuing degrees in nursing or medical support fields. Established through James G. Hewlett's estate, this fund aims to assist undergraduate students, while also considering graduate applicants if no eligible undergraduates are available. The scholarship is managed by the Franklin County Community Foundation, ensuring that local students have access to educational resources and opportunities to advance their careers in healthcare.

The Six Flags Associate Scholarship, offered by the Erie County Community Foundation, aims to support recent high school graduates or college students with financial need. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be enrolled in an accredited institution in the U.S. Preference is given to those demonstrating community service and leadership. This scholarship can be renewed for up to three additional years, ensuring ongoing support for scholars committed to enhancing the quality of life in Erie County.

The Adrienne Asch Memorial Scholarship, offered by the National Federation of the Blind, provides thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships to legally blind students in the U.S. Selection criteria include academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Finalists attend the national convention in July, where winners are announced. This scholarship emphasizes the belief in the potential of blind individuals to achieve their dreams and contribute to society, making education accessible to all qualified candidates.

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit.

Ounce of Prevention Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the fund is to provide one or more annual scholarships to graduates of an accredited high school located in Marshall County, Indiana.  

Recipients must be a survivor of cancer, have an immediate family member or friend who experienced cancer, or have demonstrated active participation in community service related to the prevention or cure of cancer.

The HVAC Skills Lab Grant aims to support middle and high schools in the U.S. and Canada by providing equipment and resources to establish plumbing and HVAC skills labs. With a growing demand for skilled trades, this program encourages educational institutions to equip students with vital trade skills. Grant recipients will receive $25,000 worth of products and equipment, along with access to SkillCat's technical training platform, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals.

The Six Flags Lamond Jasper Maintenance Scholarship supports dedicated maintenance associates of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Eligible applicants must have at least 12 months of employment, be a high school graduate or GED holder, and be enrolled in a vocational training or apprenticeship program focused on trade or maintenance roles in the U.S. This scholarship aims to empower individuals to enhance their skills and contribute positively to their communities.

The HVAC Skills Lab Grant aims to refurbish existing plumbing and HVAC skills labs in middle and high schools across the U.S. and Canada. With a focus on preparing students for vital trade careers, the grant provides $10,000 in equipment to enhance hands-on learning. This initiative supports schools with technical training resources, promoting the growth of skilled labor in these essential fields. Schools that have not received a Skills Lab award in the past 24 months are eligible to apply.

The NIA Academic Leadership Career Award (K07) provides funding for established investigators to strengthen research capacity in aging and Alzheimer's Disease. The program supports the development of educational infrastructure, mentorship, and career development activities. Key deadlines for applications include February 12, June 12, and October 12 from 2025 to 2027. This award is specifically for research not involving independent clinical trials, allowing applicants to gain experience in trials led by others.

American Camp Association

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 10,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, we’re uniquely able to unleash the life-changing power of camp. Our work gives more children and adults the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.

Character at Camp Grant Program

The purpose of this program is to provide financial support, training, and technical assistance for selected day and overnight camps in the U.S. who are interested in starting, enhancing, expanding, or celebrating character development programs or projects. By the end of the Character at Camp initiative, we anticipate camps in the US will represent one of the largest and most potent contexts for character development in the learning and development ecosystem.

Eligible organizations can apply for a Planning Grant, an Implementation Grant, or a Network Implementation Grant.

Planning Grants

Planning Grants are designed for organizations that need a year of planning, training, and capacity building before they can develop and implement a full character program or project.

American Camp Association

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 10,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, we’re uniquely able to unleash the life-changing power of camp. Our work gives more children and adults the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.

Character at Camp Grant Program

The purpose of this program is to provide financial support, training, and technical assistance for selected day and overnight camps in the U.S. who are interested in starting, enhancing, expanding, or celebrating character development programs or projects. By the end of the Character at Camp initiative, we anticipate camps in the US will represent one of the largest and most potent contexts for character development in the learning and development ecosystem.

Eligible organizations can apply for a Planning Grant, an Implementation Grant, or a Network Implementation Grant.

Implementation Grants

Implementation Grants are designed for organizations that have a specific character program or project in mind and sufficient capacity to successfully implement that program or project starting in 2027. 

We welcome both individual and joint applications to the Implementation Grant Program.

Individual Applications 

Individual applications are for programs and projects that will be implemented by and for a single organization. Single organizations can propose programs and projects to be implemented across multiple sites — this would be considered an individual application as there is a single coordinating entity, and the small number of sites (less than six) operate more or less the same within this organization.

Joint Applications

Joint applications are for programs and projects that will be implemented by up to five organizations that will receive one grant award to implement programs and projects across each of the organizations. In this case, the organizations are either distinct and functionally independent from each other or are sites that operate more or less independently or with different programmatic foci from one another. One organization will submit the application and serve as the primary point of contact. Applicants submitting a joint application will be asked to identify the additional organizations in the application and to reflect budgetary allocations to these organizations

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. These scholarships are open to all residents of Marshall County, as long as other requirements are met.

Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit.

Marshall County Farm Bureau Agriculture Scholarship

The purpose of this fund is to provide one or more annual scholarships to any graduating senior or any non-high school senior residing in Marshall County, Indiana entering at least a full-time freshman year of undergraduate studies in an agricultural program or in agricultural classes.

The scholarship recipient must submit proof to the Community Foundation of successful completion of the first semester/trimester in order to receive the scholarship.

This scholarship may be renewable to previous recipients.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Mimi and Marvin Sandler Scholarship

The Mimi and Marvin Sandler award is funded by longtime friends of the Federation, Mr. and Mrs. Sandler. Marvin Sandler served as president of Independent Living Aids for more than thirty years. He and his wife wish to further academic excellence by sponsoring this award.

Cohen Cares Scholarship

The Cohen Cares Scholarship was created by a family business that believes deeply in the power of community — and in the potential of young people who lead with their hearts. Named to reflect a commitment to caring for others, this award recognizes students who don't just dream of a better world, but actively work to create one.

Whether through volunteering, advocacy, peer support, or quiet acts of service, Cohen Cares recipients are students who have made a meaningful impact on those around them — often while navigating real challenges of their own. This scholarship is MCF's way of saying: your compassion matters, and your future is worth investing in.

What This Scholarship Looks For

• Resilience - Cohen Cares recipients have faced hardship and kept going. This scholarship honors students who have turned personal challenges into fuel for growth and service.
• Compassion - A genuine concern for the well-being of others is at the heart of this award. Recipients are students who show up for their peers, their families, and their community.

• Impact - Cohen Cares students don't just care — they act. This scholarship recognizes those who have taken meaningful steps to make a positive difference, however large or small.

American Camp Association

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 10,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, we’re uniquely able to unleash the life-changing power of camp. Our work gives more children and adults the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.

Character at Camp Grant Program

The purpose of this program is to provide financial support, training, and technical assistance for selected day and overnight camps in the U.S. who are interested in starting, enhancing, expanding, or celebrating character development programs or projects. By the end of the Character at Camp initiative, we anticipate camps in the US will represent one of the largest and most potent contexts for character development in the learning and development ecosystem.

Eligible organizations can apply for a Planning Grant, an Implementation Grant, or a Network Implementation Grant.

Network Implementation Grants

Network Implentation Grants are designed for organizations that serve as the coordinating entity for 6+ camps that are eager to implement a character program or project with their on-site program teams. 

The Logan Nainoa Fujimoto Memorial Scholarship, established in 2005, supports students pursuing Automotive Technology at the Universal Technical Institute or community colleges in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and be residents of Hawaii. Preference is given to past recipients and those attending the Universal Technical Institute. This scholarship honors the legacy of Logan Nainoa Fujimoto, encouraging academic and vocational excellence in the automotive field.