Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

The Skyler James Wenger Scholarship, established in 2012 in memory of Skyler, a 14-year-old who tragically lost his life, supports graduating seniors from Cedar Cliff or Red Land High School. Eligible applicants must plan to attend college or trade school, come from a single-parent household, be athletes, and demonstrate financial need. This one-time award aims to honor Skyler's legacy by helping deserving students achieve their educational goals.

The Steven C. Leuthold Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) non-profits in areas such as land conservation, environmental protection, human services, and animal welfare. Founded in 1991 by philanthropist Steven C. Leuthold, the foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its giving preferences. Applications are due by June 30, 2025, with grants distributed by December 2025. Note that incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The Edward J. Bouwer/AEESP Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award recognizes outstanding research by emerging scholars in environmental engineering and science. This prestigious award, honoring Prof. Edward J. Bouwer, includes a plaque and a $1,500 cash prize for the student, along with a $500 prize for the faculty advisor. Additionally, a travel allowance of $750 is available for both the student and the faculty advisor to attend the Awards Ceremony, encouraging participation and celebration of academic excellence.

The Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science Education (E4) Award recognizes outstanding contributions by university faculty in environmental engineering education. Administered by AAEES and AEESP, this annual award includes a $1,000 monetary prize and $500 for travel to the E3 ceremony. Nominees should demonstrate significant impacts in curriculum development, student mentorship, and educational outcomes. Past nominations can be reconsidered for three years, encouraging ongoing recognition of excellence in environmental engineering education.

The NTSS Toshio Narahashi Neurotoxicology SS Trainee Conference Endowment Award offers a stipend of at least $250 to support deserving trainees in Neurotoxicology attending the SOT Annual Meeting. Selection is based on scientific merit and mentor support. This initiative, funded by the Toshio Narahashi Neurotoxicology Fellowship Award Fund, aims to enhance the professional development of trainees in toxicology.

The Perry L. McCarty AEESP Founders' Award, presented by the AEESP Foundation, honors outstanding contributions to environmental engineering education and research. It recognizes a professor's excellence in these fields, offering a plaque, a $1500 cash prize, and a $750 travel allotment for the awards ceremony. Nominations are accepted annually, with past submissions considered for three years. Careful adherence to nomination guidelines is essential for eligibility.

The Steven K. Dentel AEESP Award for Global Outreach recognizes faculty excellence in environmental engineering outreach. This annual award honors individuals who significantly contribute to global community health through education, research, and mentorship. Recipients receive a $500 cash award and a plaque. Nominations from students are welcomed, and past nominations can be modified within three years. This award aims to highlight sustained leadership and service in the environmental engineering field.

The Lam Research Core Values Scholarship, offered by the East Bay Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from specific districts in California and Oregon. Recipients are awarded $10,000 over four years, promoting educational success. Eligible students must exemplify Lam's Core Values, maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher, and plan to attend a college or technical school. This scholarship aims to empower diverse youth in their educational pursuits and foster community development.

The Huether/Gillan Scholarship, established by the Niskayuna Community Foundation, supports community-minded students from Niskayuna or its school district. This need-based scholarship aims to assist those pursuing higher education while emphasizing academic achievement and community service. Mr. Huether initiated this scholarship in honor of his parents, promoting values of dignity, diversity, impact, inclusion, innovation, and integrity. Interested applicants should contact Mr. Vince Bianchi for further details.

The Michael Hurewitz Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors in the region who have a passion for journalism and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship aims to empower students by providing them the necessary financial assistance to pursue their educational goals in journalism, fostering the next generation of storytellers and communicators in our community.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will announce funding for patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) studies focusing on rare diseases. This initiative encourages collaboration and aims to fill critical research gaps affecting approximately 30 million Americans with rare diseases. Applications can request up to $12 million over five years, including coverage for patient care costs. This funding opportunity is set to open on August 12, 2025, with a focus on addressing pressing patient-centered CER questions.

The Viola Pfaff Bowman Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, supports high school students in Hamilton County, particularly those from Hamilton Heights, Noblesville, Sheridan, and Westfield High Schools. Candidates must be pursuing a degree in communications or business and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship honors Viola Pfaff Bowman, a dedicated alumna who inspired many through her involvement in school media. It encourages students with media program experience to apply.

The Dr. Susan Holstine Behavioral Health Professions Scholarship, established in 2022 by the Chuckanut Health Foundation, honors Dr. Holstine's commitment to accessible behavioral health services. This scholarship aims to support local students pursuing careers in behavioral health, alleviating financial barriers and empowering the next generation. By investing in education, we strengthen our community and encourage future leaders in mental health care.

The Marion Kellum Performing Arts Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts or related degrees. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and documented involvement in at least five theatre productions. This non-renewable scholarship provides essential financial assistance to nurture talent in the performing arts, enhancing the cultural landscape of South Lake County.

The Hays, Colin, Legacy Scholarship, administered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers financial assistance to deserving graduating seniors of Beatrice High School. With one to three scholarships available, totaling no more than $2,000, applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance, with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This initiative supports students in their pursuit of higher education, fostering academic excellence and community engagement in the Beatrice School District.

The James V. Gray Memorial Scholarship II, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County graduating seniors pursuing two-year programs with a minimum GPA of 2.5. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to help over 500 students achieve their educational dreams. This need-based scholarship honors James Vincent Gray, a dedicated teacher and coach, reflecting the foundation's commitment to education and community development.

The St. Joseph Foundation Grants, administered by the Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area, aim to support nonprofit organizations addressing the evolving healthcare needs of individuals in the CSRA. With a commitment to enhancing community health, the foundation prioritizes initiatives related to health service education, medical uninsured populations, and hospice care. Grants are awarded based on a competitive process, ensuring that resources effectively meet local challenges.

The Kowalik Family Christopher Gott Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, aims to support a high school senior from the City of Erie who embodies Christopher Gott's passion for learning and skill development. In 2023, the foundation provided over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students pursuing further education. This scholarship honors Christopher, a devoted nurse and classical guitarist, who epitomized the spirit of continuous personal growth.

The Sophie Kosiorek Scholarship, provided by the Erie Community Foundation, awards $800,000 in scholarships to over 500 deserving students annually. This scholarship specifically supports a four-year member of the Seneca High School girls basketball team, recognizing the positive attitude and strong team ethic exemplified by Sophie. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, ensuring that the scholarship supports both athletic and academic excellence.

The AVID: Priscilla and Ranney Draper Scholars Fund offers scholarships to high school seniors enrolled in the AVID elective, supporting their transition to a four-year college or university. Administered by Scholarship America, this program recognizes students from Orange County, CA, who have demonstrated commitment and financial need. Each applicant completes a single application for multiple scholarships, with awards of up to $5,000 available for undergraduate studies.

The Learning Bridge Foundation aims to empower individuals caught in poverty and discrimination by providing scholarships for education and job training. Focused on Oklahoma, the foundation offers support to those with limited financial resources or prior incarceration. Scholarships, typically ranging from $2,500 to $6,000, cover tuition and supplies, with potential funding for Bachelor’s Degrees in unique cases. Through targeted activities, the foundation seeks to break the cycle of crime and poverty, granting second chances for a better future.

The Dr. Jim and Betsy Bobenhouse Scholarship, established in 2026, supports graduating high school seniors from Lancaster County, Nebraska, who plan to pursue a degree in education or healthcare at a Nebraska college or university. The scholarship aims to encourage students with a GPA of 3.0 or above who are actively involved in extracurricular activities and demonstrate financial need. This initiative reflects the commitment of the Lincoln Community Foundation to foster educational opportunities in the community.

The RRF Foundation for Aging offers research grants aimed at improving the well-being of older adults and their caregivers. Established in 1950, the foundation has awarded over $239 million to support innovative projects nationwide. Grants are targeted at nonprofit organizations proposing research with immediate implications for adults aged 60 and older, with a focus on practical knowledge and dissemination to impact policy and practice.

The Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership (SIGP) Scholarship Program, funded by the A.P. Sloan Foundation, aims to support Indigenous graduate students in STEM fields. This program, a collaboration among the Montana University System institutions, offers scholarships, professional development, and networking opportunities to enhance the academic journey of Indigenous students. With awards of $20,000 for M.S. and $40,000 for Ph.D. candidates, the SIGP seeks to increase the number of Indigenous scholars earning advanced degrees in science and engineering.

The AACR-Torrey Coast Foundation Transpacific Gastric and Esophageal Cancer Research Partnership Grant supports innovative research on upper gastrointestinal malignancies, which are responsible for over one million deaths globally in 2023. This grant encourages collaboration between U.S. and Asian institutions, focusing on resistance, metastasis, and novel treatment strategies. Proposals should detail plans for clinical translation and are open to researchers at all career stages, especially those new to upper GI cancer research.

The Bernice M. Brightbill Fund Scholarship offers a one-time award to a senior female student from the Central Dauphin School District pursuing a college degree in business studies. This scholarship aims to support students demonstrating financial need, regardless of citizenship or documentation status. Eligible applicants can apply for multiple scholarships and may be selected for any or all they qualify for, promoting accessibility in education.

The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation offers the Bookmobile Grant to promote literacy among underserved children. Grants range from $500 to $3,000 specifically for purchasing books for youth from preschool to grade 8. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public libraries that operate lending bookmobiles. The Foundation aims to ensure access to quality literature, fostering a love of reading in disadvantaged communities while addressing their limited book budgets.