Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The Koch, Delvin Dee Scholarship, funded by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 scholarship to a deserving Beatrice High School senior. Established in 1987, the foundation supports students with financial need who demonstrate good citizenship and a commitment to education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and provide a Student Aid Report from FAFSA. This initiative promotes academic success and civic involvement within the community.

The Alfred M. Aseel Legacy Scholarship honors the memory of Alfred Aseel’s parents and supports non-traditional students from Tupper Lake and surrounding areas in their pursuit of higher education. With a grant maximum of $5,000 annually, this scholarship aims to empower students to reinvent their futures through accredited colleges, universities, trade schools, or certification programs in the U.S. Eligibility includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a commitment to personal growth and integrity.

The Indian Highway Safety Traffic Records Forum Grant is exclusively available for federally recognized tribes without an existing grant for FY 2027. This program, managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, supports initiatives aimed at enhancing traffic safety through data collection and analysis. Eligible tribal employees can apply for funding to cover registration and travel expenses for attending the Traffic Records Forum from August 3-5, 2027, promoting improved traffic records and safety measures.

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, known in the MS community as MS Focus, is a nonprofit organization focused on providing free services that address the critical needs of people with MS and their families, helping them maintain the best quality of life. 

The symptoms of MS are unpredictable and may increase in severity over time. This presents physical, emotional, and financial challenges families must face. MS Focus is here to provide the support, education, and assistance needed to adapt to these challenging circumstances. Our primary focus is on providing individuals with MS the help they need to maintain their health and well-being, to continue to be productive and independent, and to keep a roof over their heads and a safe environment in their home. We do so with empathy, resourcefulness, and conscientious care.

Whom does MS Focus serve?

Our resources assist people who have MS, their families and caregivers, regional support groups, and healthcare professionals. Our programs and grants are available in the 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Online resources, such as our educational materials or audio programs, are available throughout the world.

Assistive Technology Program

The Assistive Technology (AT) Program may help locate, partially fund, or provide full funding for one of a wide range of devices. These allow those with MS to function more independently in their daily lives, as well as more easily participate in recreational, educational, and vocational activities. These include:

• Aids for daily living
• Communication devices
• Computer aids
• Environmental control systems
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Orthotics
• Seating, positioning, and mobility devices
• Aids for vision and hearing
• Cooling aids

The Allen Family Career Advancement Grant (AFCAG) offers financial support for credentialing, licensure, internships, degrees, or certificates for working residents in Essex, Elizabethtown, Lewis, Westport, or Willsboro, NY. Award amounts range from $250 to $3,000 annually, with renewal options available based on academic progress. This grant aims to enhance career opportunities and foster educational pathways, ensuring that eligible residents can pursue their professional goals effectively.

The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses offers an $800 scholarship to high school seniors or undergraduate nursing students. Preference is given to orthopedic nurses and dependents of NAON members. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate financial need, and apply to an accredited institution. Required documents include a transcript, personal essay, and a letter of recommendation, fostering the next generation of nursing professionals.

The Dr. U.R. Plante Medical Scholarship, established by the Adirondack Foundation, honors the legacy of Dr. U.R. Plante, a dedicated physician in rural New York. This scholarship aims to support students from the Adirondack region pursuing medical education, with amounts up to $10,000. Eligible applicants must be accepted into an accredited medical school and demonstrate a commitment to serving their community post-graduation. This initiative not only fosters education but also encourages the return of healthcare professionals to underserved areas.

About

Our Strong Community Framework — the first-ever philanthropic vision for the Adirondack region — guides our approach to investing in promising opportunities across our five "whole community" focus areas. In partnership with generous donors and capable nonprofits, we bring all the tools of a community foundation to bear to meet today's pressing needs and build charitable resources for the needs of tomorrow. 

Scholarships

What could be more important for the future of the Adirondack region than to educate our children? As one of five key interest areas for what we fund, creating educational pathways helps to ensure all students in the Adirondacks have meaningful opportunities to pursue post-secondary education, career training, and pathways to gainful employment and fulfilling lives. Scholarships can play a pivotal role in helping students better themselves, no matter their life stage or path.

Scholarship funds at Adirondack Community Foundation have been created to benefit specific educational institutions or fields of study. The most common way we distribute scholarships is in partnership with schools across our region that manage scholarship committees that select recipients based on guidelines set forth by fundholders. We also have some scholarship funds to which students can apply directly for support. All scholarship funds use a competitive application process to make decisions.

Sean P. McCullough Memorial Scholarship

The Sean P. McCullough Memorial Scholarship Fund was named after Sean McCullough, a Plattsburgh High School senior who died tragically on May 14, 2005. Learn more about Sean here or watch the video above.

The scholarship supports outstanding graduating seniors from any New York State Section VII high school that plans to continue their education at the college level. Students must be a member of the school track team, embody school spirit, demonstrate academic strength, dedication, competitive spirit, and good leadership skills.

There is no student application for this scholarship. Students must be nominated by their track coach.

Scholarship amounts are up to $1,750.

Geographic Focus

New York State Section VII schools

The Jespen, Peter W. Scholarships, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offer two $2,150 scholarships to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School. These scholarships support students pursuing higher education, including vocational training. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, character, and financial need, with a FAFSA Student Aid Report required for need-based consideration. The Foundation has provided substantial financial support to local students since its establishment in 1987.

4-H Beef Club Fund

The 4-H Beef Club Fund, established by the Whitley County 4H Beef Club, provides educational scholarship support for any member of Whitley County 4-H intent upon studying Agriculture at an accredited college or university in pursuit of a 2 or 4 year degree in the field.

The Holy Cross Lutheran Church Matt 25 Scholarship, funded by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 award to one deserving student from Beatrice High School. Established to support education, this needs-based scholarship is applicable for various higher education institutions, including colleges and trade schools. Applications can be obtained from the Student Services Office or the foundation's website. The foundation has been active since 1987, promoting academic excellence and community involvement.

About

Community Foundation of Greenville bridges philanthropy and purpose in Greenville County, helping people make their charitable giving simpler and more powerful for 70 years. We strategically match diverse needs and opportunities in Greenville County with philanthropic resources.

Vision:

Community Foundation of Greenville will be the leading catalyst for developing assets and unlocking potential to meet the needs of an inclusive and equitable community.

Mission:

Community Foundation of Greenville improves the lives of Greenville County residents through strategic philanthropy, community investment, and collaborative leadership.

The Pioneer Scholarship Fund

Purpose:

This Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial assistance for higher education attainment to first generation need-based students residing in Greenville County.

Criteria:

• Applicants must be residents of Greenville County, South Carolina.
• Applicants must be first-generation college students.
• Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 (un-weighted) scale in high school.
• Applicants must be a rising first-year college student.
• Applicants must be accepted to an institution of higher learning prior to applying.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need (economically disadvantaged).

Preference will be given to African American applicants who meet the outlined criteria, demonstrate financial need, and reside in a single-earner household. However, the final decision will be based on how well applicants meet the overall scholarship requirements, including past academic achievements and future goals.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Gregory Keith Jones Memorial Scholarship

The Gregory Keith Jones Memorial Scholarship was established in remembrance of the creative energy, kindness and passion that embodied his much too short time on this earth. This beautiful soul would spread joy, love, and the gospel through music.

Greg was a 1997 graduate of Saginaw High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in project management. Along with his gifts of writing music, singing, and playing keyboard and bass, Greg was also a lover of math and tutored young students who struggled with the subject.

The Gregory Keith Jones Memorial Scholarship was established as an enduring legacy to a kind, loving, humble and giving man. May his spirit continue to live on. 

The Gage County Agricultural Society Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, awards four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and have participated in Gage County Agriculture Society events. The foundation, established in 1987, supports educational opportunities and does not consider economic need in its selection process. Applications are available through local resources and online.

The Goble, Eldon and Frances Agriculture/Business Scholarship offers a $500 award to graduating seniors from Gage County, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation. Established in 1987, the foundation provides financial support to enhance educational opportunities in the Beatrice School District. Candidates are evaluated based on academic goals, achievements, and community involvement. Applications are available in the Student Services Office and online at www.beatricepublicschools.org, promoting academic excellence and civic engagement.

Newman’s Own Foundation is offering the Food Justice for Kids Prize, providing up to $100,000 in grant funding over two years for organizations promoting food justice for children in the U.S. This initiative focuses on Indigenous Food Justice and Nutrition Education, addressing the high rates of food insecurity among children, particularly in marginalized communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, public schools, and tribes that serve children under 18. The foundation aims to ensure all kids have access to nutritious food and education on sustainable food systems.

The Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants program, administered by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service, aims to provide funding for water infrastructure repairs in areas affected by federally declared disasters during 2022. Eligible applicants include public bodies, non-profit organizations, and tribes, all required to demonstrate capacity and legal authority. The grants support not only repairs but also the enhancement of system resilience to mitigate future risks.

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Grant Program, initiated by Eric Smidt through The Smidt Foundation, supports high school students in skilled trades education. This initiative facilitates pathways to graduation and fosters opportunities for meaningful employment. Each year, it awards $1.5 million in cash prizes to 25 exceptional U.S. public high school skilled trades teachers, enhancing support and investment in trades education. This program is a vital resource for schools aiming to improve their vocational training.

The National Scleroderma Foundation supports pediatric scleroderma research with up to $500,000 in funding for new and established investigators. Their mission focuses on advancing medical research and promoting awareness of scleroderma, with the vision of improving the lives of those affected. This initiative aims to encourage innovative research that could lead to better treatments and a potential cure for pediatric scleroderma, enhancing support for affected families.

Blue Meridian Partners Grant aims to transform lives of young people and families in poverty by investing in scalable strategies that enhance economic and social mobility. The organization seeks stand-alone nonprofits with a proven track record, a compelling vision, and strong leadership. With a commitment to performance-based investing, Blue Meridian provides significant capital, often exceeding $100 million, to foster impactful solutions and address pressing social challenges effectively.

The Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) Program aims to foster the development of American Indian and Alaska Native scientists by funding eligible Tribal Entities. This initiative focuses on creating effective training and mentoring activities for individuals pursuing doctoral degrees in biomedical research. Ultimately, it seeks to enhance the capability of researchers to address health disparities within AI/AN communities, ensuring culturally appropriate and ethically responsible research practices.

The Elizabeth Nash Foundation Scholarship supports individuals affected by cystic fibrosis (CF) in their pursuit of higher education. Since its inception in 2005, over 200 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 have been awarded to undergraduates and graduates at accredited U.S. institutions. The selection process considers academic performance, character, leadership, community service, and financial need. To qualify, applicants must have a CF diagnosis and be U.S. citizens.

The Conagra Brands Foundation offers Community Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in the USA that address food insecurity and promote healthy lifestyles. Eligible organizations must align with core focus areas like food access, nutrition education, and cooking skills. Grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and provide entrepreneurial skills. Nonprofits must uphold a non-discrimination policy protecting various characteristics. Applications are accepted through a Letter of Intent from January 1 to February 15, 2025.

The NEA Professional Excellence Grants aim to empower state and local affiliates by providing funding for innovative practices and resources that enhance the education profession. These grants support initiatives focused on student success, professional development, and the establishment of a quality educator workforce. Typical funding ranges from $3,000 to $25,000, enabling affiliates to implement programs that address specific learning needs and foster community partnerships.

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 June Bacon-Bercey Scholarship in Atmospheric Sciences for Women supports women pursuing careers in atmospheric sciences and meteorology. Established in 1978 and reintroduced in 2021, it offers a $1,000 scholarship, mentorship opportunities, and networking through AccuWeather. Eligible applicants must identify as women and belong to underrepresented groups in STEM, including Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ individuals, and must be graduate or undergraduate students in relevant programs.

The CSA Angels Project, initiated in 2006, provides critical conservation and curatorial support to small institutions with costume collections in proximity to the CSA National Symposium. Each year, one grant is awarded to enhance collection care, encourage volunteer engagement, and ensure preservation of these important cultural artifacts. Institutions must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a non-profit organization with a limited budget and staff, to qualify for this valuable assistance and training opportunity.