Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award for Biography, presented by PEN America, recognizes outstanding literary works in biography published in the U.S. during the previous year. With a prize of $5,000, this award celebrates authors who demonstrate exceptional narrative and artistic merit through scrupulous research. Since its inception, PEN America has awarded over $370,000 annually, supporting diverse voices in literature and promoting the freedom of expression.

The NATA Doctoral Student Grants Program, offered by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Foundation, provides financial support for innovative research projects in athletic training. Each year, multiple awards of up to $2,500 are available, with funding limited to direct costs over a maximum of one year. This initiative aims to enhance the profession through research, benefiting athletic trainers and the broader physically active community.

The Recordings at Risk Grant, administered by CLIR, supports the preservation of rare audio and audiovisual media of scholarly value through digital reformatting. With funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the program aims to award $6.75 million across twelve competitions, offering grants between $10,000 and $50,000. It encourages U.S. nonprofit institutions to preserve vulnerable media, helping them to develop strategies for effective digital reformatting and promoting best preservation practices.

Artist Support Grants

What are Artist Support Grants?

Artist Support Grants is a program funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions.

Artist fees are also allowable expenses under the new program. Grant amounts vary from region to region. Statewide, most grants are between $500 and $2,000.

Avery, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey Counties

Grant Range:

• $250 - $1,000

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

Otto A. Huth Scholarship Fund

Aging out of foster care or child welfare custody in Nevada?

The Otto A. Huth Scholarship Fund is established to provide support for youth who are about to age out of foster care or have already aged out of foster care in the state of Nevada who are seeking support for post-high school education (university, community college, business school, and trade school) at institutions located within the United States. Applicants must apply before their 21st birthday.

Applicants may apply for a scholarship for a maximum of 5 years for up to $40,000 in total. Annual scholarship awards are not to exceed $10,000. Scholarship awards may cover tuition, on-campus room & board, books, student health insurance, on-campus meal plans, and other education-related expenses.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

Nico Goon Compassionate Scholar Award

The Nico Goon Compassionate Scholar Award is designed to support graduating high school seniors from Northern Nevada who are planning to attend a 4-year university to complete their degree. One scholarship of $2,500 will be awarded each year to a student who the committee feels exemplifies the qualities that Nico possessed. Consciously, Nico had a love for learning and pursuit of knowledge that was inspiring to his classmates and teachers. Subconsciously, Nico walked through life with a kindness and compassion that impacted the lives of others. Together, these qualities can have a lasting impact on the world around you. This is a one-time award. 

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

Gordon Lymbery Scholarship

Candidates for the Gordon Lymbery, PhD Memorial Scholarship must have graduated from a Northern Nevada high school, or received a GED, and must be seeking an Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

Candidates for the Gordon Lymbery, PhD Memorial Scholarship must have graduated from a Northern Nevada high school, or received a GED, and must be seeking an Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, or Master’s degree. Awards for up to $1,000 are available for graduates of any Northern Nevada high school. Please see the Lymbery Certification Scholarship if you are seeking a certificate. This is a one-time award but has the potential to be renewed with reapplication.

The CAA Professional Development Fellowship in Visual Arts offers a $10,000 grant to support MFA students and artists from underrepresented groups. This fellowship aids in job-search expenses or purchasing materials for their studio practice. Recipients also receive a one-year CAA membership and free registration to the Annual Conference. Honorable Mentions will also receive membership and conference registration. This initiative promotes diversity and provides crucial support to emerging artists in their professional journey.

The New Foundation for Art History (NFAH) offers innovative non-residential fellowships for mid-career scholars, emphasizing excellence in research across various art eras and cultures. Established in 2019, NFAH aims to support scholars from U.S. institutions, particularly those at smaller schools, with grants up to $50,000 to aid in their research endeavors. The initiative promotes diversity and equity within the field, ensuring that scholars receive the resources they need to thrive.

The New Foundation for Art History (NFAH) offers Fellowships for Contingent Faculty to address the growing reliance on contingent positions in art history. Launched in 2019, these fellowships provide $10,000 to $15,000 for each summer, up to $45,000 over three years. By accommodating the unique schedules of contingent faculty, NFAH aims to support research and publication efforts, facilitating career advancement and promoting equity within the discipline.

Artist Support Grants

What are Artist Support Grants?

Artist Support Grants is a program funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions.

Artist fees are also allowable expenses under the new program. Grant amounts vary from region to region. Statewide, most grants are between $500 and $2,000.

Anson, Montgomery, Moore, Richmond, Stanly and Union Counties

Grant Range:

• $500 - $3,000

The New Foundation for Art History (NFAH), established in 2019, aims to innovate within the art history field by addressing gaps left by other institutions. Offering five publication subvention grants of $1,000 to $5,000, NFAH prioritizes applications from U.S. scholars, especially those in underrepresented areas. With a commitment to diversity and equity, NFAH adapts its initiatives based on community feedback, fostering excellence in research and publication.

Artist Support Grants

What are Artist Support Grants?

Artist Support Grants is a program funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions.

Artist fees are also allowable expenses under the new program. Grant amounts vary from region to region. Statewide, most grants are between $500 and $2,000.

Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell and McDowell Counties

Grant Range:

• $500 - $1,500

The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation offers Kit Grants for teachers and community members to enhance materials science education through outreach projects. Applicants can request various science kits, including Materials Science Classroom Kits, Mini Kits, and Glass Kits, while adhering to specific limitations. The foundation aims to inspire the next generation of ceramic and glass professionals, ensuring all projects align with educational goals and promote student engagement with science.

The Howard C. Gale Excellence Scholarship, offered by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, awards 5-10 scholarships of up to $2000 each to high-achieving students. Eligible candidates must graduate from a career or technology center in Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry county, possess a minimum GPA of 3.5, and intend to pursue a career in the construction industry or related fields, such as Architecture or Engineering.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

Caesars Nevada Team Member Scholarship

This year, Caesars Entertainment is partnering with Phil and Jennifer Satre to match the scholarship funding.

Paid work, internships, and volunteerism will be a weighted selection tool used by the committee. This is a one-time award; awards may be single- or multi-year.

The Michael Aurbach Fellowship for Excellence in Visual Art, awarded by the College Art Association, supports artist members with an MFA or equivalent who teach studio classes. This fellowship provides a $7,500 award and conference registration to a qualifying artist, focusing on their artistic work rather than a proposal. It aims to recognize and empower visual arts professionals in academia.

The Northern Albemarle Community Foundation Grant Program supports local nonprofit organizations in Camden, Gates, Perquimans, and Pasquotank Counties with annual grants ranging from $500 to $3,000. This initiative addresses community needs and enhances quality of life. The program accepts applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and local government units, including fire and rescue departments, ensuring inclusive support for a variety of community services. However, grants are not available for capital campaigns, political activities, or religious initiatives.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Reno and Gloria Quilici Scholarship

The Reno & Gloria Quilici Scholarship is designed for students who may not qualify for other scholarships based on GPA but demonstrates commitment, passion, and drive.

The Reno & Gloria Quilici Scholarship is designed for students who are graduating seniors and Churchill residents, and may think college is out of reach, but who show potential, have drive, and are likely to succeed. Students must agree to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and stay enrolled full-time.

The Presidential Global Scholarship at Northeastern University offers financial support ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 for over 400 undergraduate students seeking global co-op opportunities. This scholarship helps cover essential expenses such as travel, meals, and housing, enabling students to fully engage in their international experiences. Eligible applicants must exhibit a commitment to academic success and maintain a full-time enrollment status. The selection process considers GPA, financial need, and the duration of the co-op.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

GIAR Grandmother’s First-Generation Scholarship

This scholarship is established in the memory and honor of Gramie Georgina, Grandma Isabella, Grandmother Ann, and Grannie Ruth, all first-generation women who were never able to attend college. This scholarship is only accepting renewal applications for 2026.

Helps First-Generation Young Women living in Nevada or Hawaii.

The scholarship funds the undergraduate or graduate college education of first-generation young women of Portuguese, Mexican, Central American or South American ancestry, under the age of 25. The term first-generation is defined here as a young woman who has immigrated to the United States of America and become a naturalized citizen or the daughter of an immigrant of Portuguese, Mexican, Central American and South American Ancestry. The student must be a resident of Nevada or Hawaii.

This scholarship is a one-time award of up to $5,000 based on need (which will be verified through your attached FAFSA and Financial Aid documents). One scholarship may be awarded to cover the full cost of attendance at UNR (up to $25,000), also based on need. All awards have the potential to be renewed with reapplication.

AΩA is committed to preparing future leaders in medicine and health care. Leadership is about making a positive difference and can be developed through education, observation, experience, and by working with leader mentors. Service learning provides excellent opportunities for students to develop as servant leaders. Only one team from each school may be nominated.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Ty Larson Fuller Scholarship Fund

The Ty Larson Fuller Scholarship Fund was established by the Fuller family and the Family Enrichment Center to honor the life of Ty Larson Fuller. Ty, was a young man with a determined spirit, who despite many challenges in his life, fought the odds to reach his goals. He also valued being a team player, building skills, and spending time with his family. This scholarship supports foster, adoptive, and kinship students under the age of 26 as they pursue higher education in the skilled trades.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Officer Mike Scofield Memorial Scholarship

The Officer Mike Scofield Memorial Scholarship supports graduates or graduating seniors of northern Nevada high schools.

The Association of American Educators Foundation offers classroom grants of up to $500 for full-time educators to support various educational projects and materials. These funds can be used for items such as books, software, and art supplies. Grants must be utilized within one year of approval, and competition is strong due to high application volumes. Note that applicants from specific states will not be eligible for national funding.

The Association of American Educators Foundation offers the National Teacher Scholarship to promote professional excellence among educators. This scholarship provides funding for various professional development opportunities, including conferences and learning materials, with awards up to $500. Available to full-time educators who haven't received AAE funding in the last two years, the scholarship aims to enhance the quality of education across the nation while supporting educators' growth and collaboration.

The Exploring Christian Practices Initiative by Lilly Endowment aims to enhance access to settings that enable diverse individuals to engage in Christian practices. This initiative seeks to address spiritual interests, foster community connections, and support the growth of faith. By multiplying opportunities for exploration, it encourages meaningful participation in religious life and nurtures a deeper understanding of Christian traditions.