Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The DoW Orthopaedic Applied Research Award supports innovative research aimed at improving treatment and functionality for individuals with combat-related orthopaedic injuries. Applicants are required to present preliminary data and focus on applied research that evaluates new solutions, including pharmacologic agents and rehabilitation techniques. This initiative emphasizes the importance of military relevance, aiming to benefit Service Members, their families, and Veterans, while clinical research proposals are not permitted.

The Neal Foundation Trust Grant supports organizations dedicated to the humane treatment of animals. With a focus on local community projects, the foundation funds initiatives aimed at reducing pet overpopulation and alleviating animal suffering. Eligible programs include spay/neuter services, fostering, and humane education. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate significant local impact, ensuring a compassionate approach to addressing the needs of abandoned and neglected animals.

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Eugene F. Zordan and Erminia Zordan Scholarship Fund

Academic Focus:

Unspecified

Average Award:

• $4,300

Established by Marie Zordan, this scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students who lives in NCCF’s *20-town service area.

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Douglas and Janet Roberts Scholarship

Academic Focus:

• Unspecified

Award Average:

• $4,000-$8,000

The Cambiar Catalyst Fellowship is a transformative year-long program designed for experienced educators and systems leaders. It offers intensive professional development through coaching, in-person and virtual learning experiences, and community building. Participants tackle real-world challenges in their districts using the CREATE framework, enhancing their leadership skills and impact. The fellowship aims to reimagine K-12 public education by supporting leaders in creating sustainable solutions for improved student outcomes.

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.

Richard R. Montgomery Scholarship Fund

The Richard R. Montgomery Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by his family and friends to honor him after he passed away on June 22, 2004. Dick came to Battle Creek to work at the Enquirer and News after graduating in Journalism from Michigan State University. He later worked at Clark Equipment as the national sales promotion manager. Dick was a talented, enthusiastic person whose positive attitude enriched all who had the good fortune of knowing him. He worked to enhance the quality of life in the Battle Creek community through his many years of community involvement. He focused on problems that required action. He applied his positive spirit and his eloquent voice to many issues. Dick felt that he could make a difference in the lives of young people by his personal involvement on the General Scholarship Committee of the Battle Creek Community Foundation Scholarship Program. This scholarship has been established to help individuals who are starting out on their educational journey following high school graduation. It is our hope that recipients of this scholarship will display the same character and compassion to better their community as Dick Montgomery did.

The Families Invested in Reforming Education (FIRE) Fellowship is a six-week virtual training program designed to empower advocates committed to enhancing the education system for PreK-12 students in the U.S. Participants will engage in eight interactive sessions, focusing on advocacy skills and community networking. Graduates will benefit from ongoing support and training from the 50CAN team to further their advocacy efforts. This volunteer-only program does not offer stipends, emphasizing a commitment to educational reform.

The Burke Women's Fund, established in 2009 by 15 women, aims to unite diverse groups around critical issues affecting women and families in Burke County. Operating under the Community Foundation of Burke County, it supports 501(c)(3) organizations with grants for charitable, humanitarian, or educational purposes. The Fund prioritizes programs that enrich the lives of women, target underserved populations, and foster collaboration among different backgrounds, while ensuring a minimum project size of $5,000 for consideration.

The TESOL Leadership Mentoring Program connects TESOL members with experienced leaders for mentorship and professional development. Participants receive free registration to the annual convention, up to $1,000 for lodging, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships within the TESOL community. This program is designed for members in good standing, with a preference for individuals from underrepresented groups, fostering inclusivity and active participation in the association's initiatives.

The Limited Competition: Biomedical Research Environment & Sponsored Programs Administration Development (BRE-SPAD) Program aims to enhance the research capacity of resource-limited institutions. By focusing on essential areas like biomedical research environment and sponsored programs administration, this initiative seeks to foster rigorous and reproducible biomedical research. Eligible organizations are encouraged to submit proposals addressing their specific needs, thereby expanding the pool of qualified researchers and strengthening the settings for NIH-funded research.

The TESOL Teacher of the Year Award, presented by National Geographic Learning, honors exceptional English language teachers who have demonstrated outstanding dedication in the classroom for at least three consecutive years. The winner receives $1,000, a one-year TESOL membership, and free registration for the TESOL International Convention, including travel accommodations. This recognition not only highlights the importance of teaching excellence but also fosters a community of learning and collaboration among educators around the world.

The TESOL Award for Excellence in Research honors outstanding empirical research in language teaching and learning, promoting advancements in English language education. Sponsored by Dr. Deborah Short, this award includes a $1,500 grant, an additional $1,500 for conference expenses, a featured session at the TESOL convention, keynote speaking opportunity at the Graduate Student Forum, a one-year subscription to TESOL Quarterly, and a featured article in TESOL Connections.

The Ron Chang Lee for Excellence in Classroom Technology award recognizes three TESOL members for their innovative use of technology in English Language Teaching. Established in 2018, the award offers prizes of $1000 for first place, $750 for second, and $500 for third. Eligible candidates must be TESOL members with at least two years of classroom experience and have designed the materials used for this award. Applications from certain countries may be ineligible due to international regulations.

NBA Foundation San Francisco Bay Area Scholarship

The NBA Foundation has partnered with UNCF to provide a grant opportunity for eligible residents of the San Francisco Bay Area for up to an amount of $5,000. 

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is launching a funding opportunity for outstanding graduate students interested in aging research. The Transition to Aging Research Award for Predoctoral Students will support late-stage doctoral students in completing their dissertation projects. This two-phase award aims to ensure a smooth transition into postdoctoral positions focused on aging, promoting the recruitment and retention of new investigators in the field. Applications are currently not being solicited, allowing time for potential applicants to prepare collaborations.

Foot Locker Foundation, Inc-UNCF Scholarship

Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. has partnered with UNCF to fund this scholarship program for students attending a UNCF member college or university during the 2026-2027 school year.

Foot Locker Foundation works to improve upward mobility to build a more equitable and inclusive future through education, economic development and community empowerment. For nearly twenty years, it has partnered with leading organizations helping to mobilize and uplift local communities. 

When applying, a UNCF member school will appear in the drop down options in the application. 

Completed application packages include: transcript, essay, and one letter of recommendation from a faculty member, employer or other community member familiar with your academic performance. All information will be submitted in the appropriate section of the online application.

Individual Award

• Up to $5,000.00

Athletes for Animals Grants offer essential funding to non-profit animal welfare organizations in the U.S. and Canada. These grants support programs focused on adoptable companion animals, specifically canines and felines, ensuring they are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Organizations are encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to animal welfare by not euthanizing adoptable animals. Applications are accepted semi-annually, with a wait period of 18 months between applications.

The JAMS Foundation-ACR Initiative for Students and Youth RFP aims to support conflict resolution education and training for Pre-K to 12th grade students and adults working with them. This initiative encourages peaceful interactions through conflict resolution strategies, addressing cultural understanding and systemic policy changes in educational settings. Funding is available for programs that enhance these skills in various community contexts, ensuring effective transfer of conflict resolution skills from adults to youth.

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation

The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation (NPCF) began in December 2000 when nine concerned citizens from Virginia’s Piedmont region were searching for solutions to the charitable needs in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. With modest beginnings, our funds have grown to over $39 million in support of local charities, scholarships and community need in our northern Piedmont region.

Scholarships

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation manages the scholarship application process for dozens of scholarships for students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties (as well as a handful serving students from surrounding counties too). 

Fauquier County Chamber Of Commerce Max Tufts, Sr. Memorial

This scholarship was created in memory of Maximilian A. Tufts Sr. who was an energetic community volunteer. He was committed to many organizations including the Fauquier County Chamber of Commerce, Highland School, Fauquier Community Action Committee, Fauquier Human Relation Committee, Warrenton Rescue Squad, the Meadows Outdoors Foundation and the Airlie Foundation. Eligible students should be college or university bound graduating seniors from any Fauquier County public or private high school. Scholarship recipients should demonstrate involvement in both school and community. 

The Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship supports Ph.D. candidates in the humanities and social sciences with a $31,000 stipend for their final year of dissertation writing. This prestigious fellowship encourages original research that engages with religion, ethics, and values. Candidates must have completed all coursework and preliminary exams, and be in the writing stage of their dissertation. The fellowship aims to alleviate living expenses and is open to students whose work significantly contributes to scholarly discussions in their fields.

Taka Domingo HLP Vocational Scholarship

The HLP Hamakua Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed to benefit the people of Hamakua. Taka Domingo was one of the original board members when HLP was established after the closure of sugar. He was an electrician and County Councilman representing the Hamakua District. The Taka Domingo HLP Vocational Scholarship was established after his death in August 2016. 

Individual award amount: $2,000. 

Possible trades include: welding, tourism, fire science, electrical, early childhood education, agriculture, auto body, auto mechanics, diesel mechanics, carpentry, culinary and others not listed.

The Petco Love Foundation, previously known as the Petco Foundation, has been dedicated to animal welfare since 1999. With a mission to enhance the lives of pets and their families, they provide significant funding to nonprofit organizations for lifesaving initiatives. The 'Access to Care' program supports spay/neuter clinics and low-cost veterinary services, ensuring that more pets receive essential care. Petco Love remains committed to fostering healthier communities and improving the well-being of pets across the nation.

The Petfinder Foundation's Disaster Response and Recovery Grants provide crucial support to Petfinder members affected by natural disasters. These grants assist organizations in recovering from events like hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, ensuring that adoptable pets receive necessary care. Eligible applicants must be active Petfinder members and demonstrate a need due to disasters occurring within the past 60 days. The initiative aims to enhance the resilience of shelters and rescue groups in challenging times.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Poarch Creek Indian Community Scholarship Fund

Annually, the Poarch Creek Indian Community Scholarship Fund will award a minimum of one scholarship to a male student and one to a female student. Applicants must be a resident of the State of Alabama or one of the following counties in Florida: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington or Gadsden. Academic merit, community involvement, and other factors such as financial need and/or workforce demand, will be taken into consideration when reviewing applications

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Roland and Jean Fry Scholarship

For Mobile County Public High School senior who demonstrates financial need, has a good GPA and can attend any college.

Bill Boehlke Scholarship

Bill Boehlke worked for both the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle SuperSonics as a creative member of their digital communications departments. His imagination, humor and positive personality were appreciated by everyone he worked with. In memory of Bill, his family established this scholarship fund in 2020. The fund will provide scholarships to high school seniors in the state of Washington who are pursuing a career in digital communications, including social media video production. Scholarships will help cover qualified expenses including tuition, books and other expenses necessary for their classes. Scholarships are not renewable. Special consideration will be given to students based on financial needs and the applicant’s history of good character and community service.

Amount:

$1,000 - $5,000

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.

Teresa Sue Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund

Teresa Sue Davis was born and raised in Battle Creek. Her name is not well-known, nor is she lauded for large philanthropic donations to the community. But like so many other city residents, she left an unforgettable mark on her family and the lives of others. Some may consider her contributions small. To those she touched, they were immeasurable. She was a 1984 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and held many jobs in the community. No job was perhaps more important than as a mother, where she often selflessly pushed her children to achieve their life goals. This scholarship was established as a helping hand to graduates of Battle Creek Public Schools so that they may pursue their dreams of higher education.