Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The ACTA Apprenticeship Program has been supporting California's cultural traditions for nearly 25 years by providing $5,000 contracts to mentor artists for intensive training of eligible apprentices. This program fosters the continuity of traditional arts through one-on-one mentorship, culminating in public presentations and documentation of the learning process. Eligible applicants must submit a collaborative application, demonstrating commitment and quality in their respective art forms. This initiative not only preserves cultural practices but also enhances community engagement.

The Association of Legal Writing Directors (ALWD) History Grant is designed to support projects that research, interpret, or celebrate the history of ALWD and its contributions to the legal writing discipline. These grants reflect ALWD’s commitment to preserving the history of ALWD, honoring community contributions, and making ALWD’s history accessible to scholars, teachers, and practitioners into the future.

Types of Fundable Projects

• Oral History & Interview Projects - Projects may include interviews with founders, early leaders, past presidents, award winners, or other members central to ALWD’s history. 
• Archival Preservation & Digitization - A project may include scanning, organizing, and preserving historical materials such as conference programs, newsletters, board minutes, and committee records, accompanied by the creation of searchable digital archives for long-term access.
• Creative Dissemination Projects - Short documentary films, podcasts, interactive digital exhibits, timelines, or “museum-style” digital or physical installations are possible projects.
• Conference Integration  - Projects may include the preparation of history-focused materials for ALWD’s biennial conferences, such as poster sessions, anniversary exhibits, or a temporary “history wall.”
• Publications & Reflections  - Written projects may include essays, case studies, memoir pieces, or historical analyses suitable for publication 

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries offers financial support to underfunded schools to enhance their library collections, promoting literacy and a passion for reading. Eligible applicants include Title 1 public schools and private institutions with at least 50% of students qualifying for financial aid. The grant funds can be utilized exclusively for books, periodicals, and subscriptions, ensuring that all students have access to diverse reading materials. Applications require a designated librarian and completion of necessary documentation.

The Hardin County Principal Organization Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from Hardin County Schools who plan to pursue a career in education. Applicants must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. This scholarship serves as a stepping stone for future educators, ensuring they have the financial resources to achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The NIH is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity for early to definitive clinical trials across various biomedical fields. This initiative focuses on trials evaluating drugs, devices, and interventions that align with NIH's mission. Utilizing the R61/R33 funding mechanism, projects can span up to 7 years, supporting both planning and trial phases. Interested investigators are encouraged to prepare collaborative proposals, although applications are not currently being solicited.

The Clinical & Translational Science Award TL1 Postdoc Fellowship Training Grant offers comprehensive support for biomedical researchers at Vanderbilt University. This program empowers scholars through career development tools, mentoring opportunities, and participation in national Translational Science meetings. Trainees must hold a doctoral degree and be committed to translational research while pursuing full-time training. This fellowship fosters innovation and collaboration among researchers, enhancing their contributions to the field.

The Alpha Foundation Grant, established in 1997, focuses on enhancing the human condition by supporting educational, scientific, and charitable organizations. With a strong emphasis on biotechnology, the foundation aims to aid in disease discovery and cure. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily operating in Madison County, Alabama. The foundation does not fund individuals or political activities, ensuring its resources directly benefit public charities.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Clemens-Clair Future Educators Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is named for Clemens J. Rosen and Clair J. Hemphill – two fathers who encouraged and paid for their daughters to pursue college educations. Both believed an educated woman had more opportunities and would be better able to take care of herself and her family.

Clemens Rosen (1919-2016) did not finish grade school as he was needed on the farm. However, nobody could beat him in Scrabble. He served in WWII on a B24, was shot down twice and was held in a Nazi POW camp until the end of the war. He then took employment in Peoria, IL, first working for Western Electric and then as a foreman for Caterpillar Tractor Company.

Clair Hemphill (1912-1979) finished high school and was a life-long farmer in Elwood, Illinois. Clair’s father was a farmer as was his grandfather and others before him. Clair’s mother was a teacher until she married. He had a strong belief in women pursuing education and was proud that his daughter did just that.

This scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship, awarding $5,000 for two consecutive years providing that students maintain their enrollment status. 

Davie Community Foundation

Founded in 1988, Davie Community Foundation is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving the lives of Davie County residents, today and for generations to come.

Mission: The Davie Community Foundation inspires philanthropy to strengthen Davie County for present and future generations. Vision: We envision Davie County as a vibrant community where everyone can thrive!

Stella Ledbetter Rising Stars Memorial Grants

The Stella Ledbetter Rising Stars Memorial Fund was established by community members in loving memory of a beautiful little girl who touched countless lives with her strength and spirit. 

The purpose of this special grant is to support creative and engaging classroom projects that spark learning and imagination. 

The Reidsville Area Foundation Grant supports transformative initiatives in Rockingham County, focusing on early childhood education, health, and community development. This grant is open to public charities, government units, and institutions that align with these areas. By fostering partnerships, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and build pathways to success for all. Organizations interested in collaboration are encouraged to apply before the monthly deadline.

The Huston Foundation Grants support both Protestant Evangelical Christian and secular needs, emphasizing humanitarian efforts since 1957. Applicants must demonstrate evangelism and provide a doctrinal statement of faith for Christian grants, while secular projects must show unique community needs and measurable goals. All applicants must also possess 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This dual-focus ensures diverse community support, fostering personal development and innovative solutions to pressing issues.

The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant, offered by the American Library Association, supports libraries facing budget constraints by providing $2,500 to three selected libraries. The 2025-2026 cycle focuses on programming that strengthens community ties through libraries as third spaces, promoting gatherings and connections among individuals. Eligible proposals may include intergenerational gardening programs, play-based activities for adults, or visual arts performances. Applicants must have ALA or ARSL membership and demonstrate how their program will foster community engagement.

Raymond and Paulette Cox Scholarhsip (Piedmont)

Provides scholarship to a Piedmont graduating senior with a GPA of 3.0-3.00, attending a two- or four-year college or university and majoring in health services or public service.

The Prof. Chan Two-Year College Award for the Engaged Teaching of Biology recognizes outstanding contributions by Two-Year College faculty who develop and implement innovative, inclusive pedagogical approaches. Sponsored by Sarah McBride and John Melville, this award emphasizes the impact of teaching on a broader student population and includes a $500 travel grant for the NABT Professional Development Conference, fostering professional development and collaboration among biology educators.

The CORE Funding: AHNS/AAO-HNSF Translational Innovator Award supports innovative research in head and neck neoplastic diseases with a grant of $100,000 over two years. Eligible applicants include full-time academic head and neck surgeons, who must demonstrate a commitment to developing independent research careers. The award encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and aims to yield significant findings within the funding period, fostering long-term research potential and attracting further funding opportunities.

The NNLM CHIS Training Award Year 5 aims to enhance the capabilities of rural and small library staff in providing reliable health information. This initiative not only supports health literacy but also promotes community engagement by enabling awardees to conduct CHIS classes. By utilizing existing materials, participants can present these classes in various formats, ensuring broader access to essential health resources. This award fosters local health information leaders, ultimately improving public health outcomes.

The Two-Year College Biology Teaching Award, sponsored by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), recognizes outstanding biology educators in two-year colleges who implement innovative teaching techniques. This award highlights the importance of culturally responsive pedagogies that foster equity and inclusion in various learning environments. Recipients receive a $500 travel honorarium, a recognition plaque, and one year of complimentary NABT membership, supporting their professional development and commitment to enhancing biology education.

The Arts & Science Council's Strategic Investment Grants (SIG) offer up to $50,000 to support established nonprofits in Mecklenburg County focused on arts, science, history, and heritage. These grants aim to enhance organizational capacity through project-based funding, encouraging sustainable growth and collaboration in the community. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for funding to strengthen management, improve fundraising, and achieve operational efficiencies between October 1, 2025, and May 1, 2026.

The Herman Frasch Foundation Grant, administered by the American Chemical Society, supports research in agricultural chemistry with practical benefits for U.S. agriculture. Eligible applicants include tenured or tenure-track faculty within seven years of their first appointment. Grants of $50,000 annually for five years are available, with a focus on training students and disseminating research findings. The next application period opens on November 5, 2026, following a five-year cycle.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts Domestic Indemnity Program provides museums and cultural institutions in the U.S. with financial protection against loss or damage to significant artworks during exhibitions. Established in 1975 and expanded in 2007, the program aims to enhance public access to art by minimizing insurance costs. Managed by the National Endowment for the Arts, it involves thorough evaluations by expert panels to ensure eligibility and compliance, facilitating the safe display of invaluable cultural treasures.

The H.S. Lopez Family Foundation Grant focuses on funding innovative projects that enhance the quality of life, primarily in Arizona. With an emphasis on health, education, and welfare, the foundation aims to support not-for-profit organizations that address critical community needs. Grants are awarded to initiatives that demonstrate potential for lasting impact and community benefit, encouraging sustainable support beyond the foundation's involvement.

The Gunther & Lee Weigel Medical School Scholarship is an exclusive opportunity for current and former Elks National Foundation scholarship recipients pursuing medical or osteopathic degrees. This scholarship, established in memory of Gunther Weigel, aims to support Elks scholars entering their first year of medical school. The number and amount of scholarships vary annually, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to healthcare education.

The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), honor exemplary teaching assistants in geoscience education. With up to 30 awards given annually, both undergraduate and graduate TAs are eligible. Winners receive a one-year NAGT membership, including a subscription to the Journal of Geoscience Education. This award aims to recognize the contributions of TAs in enhancing Earth education, regardless of their formal titles.

Bengier Foundation

After lots of hard work and more than a bit of luck, Gary and Cynthia were able to retire from professional business careers at an early age. They decided then to try to give back a little to their community and to others less lucky than they. So the Bengier Foundation was formed in 2004 to give a helping hand to bright, hardworking young people who need a little help to find their own success.

One of our goals is to help – in a small way – to focus attention on the need to increase our American educational capital. The dropout rate statistics are shocking. We must do more to help the next generation prepare for the increasing demands of our ever-more sophisticated information economy. The Bengier Foundation believes that we must give everyone a chance to achieve their potential.

Bengier Foundation Grants

The foundation's mission is to provide educational experiences that motivate, broaden and qualify bright, hard working young people who have limited means and limited opportunities to enlarge their expectations of what they can accomplish in life.

• By motivate we mean to change a young person’s expectations about themself, by providing experiences which pique their interest, or that let them see themself in a role or career that they never previously imagined.
• By broaden we mean to allow a young person to have experiences that broaden their perspective of the world or cause them to view it and their role in it differently.
• By qualify we mean to help a young person gain the experiences and education that will allow them to succeed in college and in life.

The Limited Competition for High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs aims to enhance clinical and translational science by funding unique capabilities and addressing critical gaps through the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program. This initiative fosters collaboration across a national network of academic medical centers, facilitating the transition of scientific discoveries into impactful health interventions. Applications are peer-reviewed, ensuring funding is directed towards the most promising proposals.

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) funding aims to enhance health services in underserved communities across the U.S. by providing grants for comprehensive preventive and primary health care. The initiative supports health centers in delivering essential services, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care they need. Service areas for competition are announced periodically, and additional areas may be added if existing centers are unable to continue their services.

Artis offers exhibition grants to support contemporary artists from Israel, aiming to promote critical dialogue and cultural exchange in international settings. These grants facilitate presentations at renowned organizations globally, focusing on innovative and impactful projects that engage with pressing social and environmental issues. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate curatorial ambition and artistic experimentation, fostering collaboration across diverse disciplines. Artis is committed to shaping a sustainable art world while addressing urgent global challenges through artistic practice.