Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

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 Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, promotes excellence in journalism education by awarding scholarships to outstanding students. With up to $700,000 in awards, the program includes various competitions in writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia. Open to undergraduate journalism majors and minors from ACEJMC-accredited institutions, it encourages participation in campus media and recognizes exceptional work published while enrolled. The Hearst Foundation has a rich history of supporting educational initiatives.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports journalism education by offering scholarships and grants. With up to $700,000 in awards, it features various competitions, including writing, photojournalism, audio, and multimedia. Each participating university can submit entries from two students per competition. Notably, undergraduate journalism majors or minors from accredited institutions can participate, while photojournalism entrants are exempt from this requirement. This initiative fosters talent and excellence in journalism across the country.

The Great Lakes Bay Community Resource Association Scholarship, founded in May 2023, aims to enhance health outcomes and educational opportunities for underserved individuals. With a focus on human medical-related fields, this scholarship supports students pursuing careers in nursing, psychology, and more. Beneficiaries will engage with professional mentors and gain hands-on experience in community health initiatives. The scholarship reflects a commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and empowering future professionals in the medical field.

The Great Lakes Safety Training Center Scholarship, established by local contractors and businesses, aims to support residents of Gratiot or Saginaw County pursuing careers in trades or construction with a focus on safety. This scholarship is available to individuals enrolled in degree or certification programs at accredited institutions in Michigan, emphasizing the importance of safety in skilled trades. With awards typically ranging from $500 to $4,000, this initiative addresses the growing demand for skilled workers in the community.

The Stephen Francis McNally Scholarship Fund offers need-based scholarships up to $4,250 for undergraduate students at UNCF-member institutions or accredited HBCUs. Established in honor of Steve McNally, this fund aims to support students facing financial challenges that hinder their college completion. With over 70% graduation rates for recipients, the scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens but also empowers students to thrive and succeed in their academic pursuits.

The Guadalupe “Lupe” Gomez Memorial Scholarship, established by Lupe's family after her passing in 2009, honors her legacy of dedication and service in education and the community. This scholarship supports students from Saginaw County who demonstrate hard work and self-motivation, particularly those pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) or other degrees. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, it aims to empower the next generation of skilled workers in various trades.

The Hebert Memorial Scholarship, established by Jacquelyn and Donald Hebert, aims to support Saginaw County residents pursuing higher education. With a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, this scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors and current college students enrolled full-time. The Heberts, who valued education and community service, created this fund to help students achieve their academic goals, reflecting their commitment to enhancing the lives of local youth.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports journalism education through scholarships and competitions. With up to $700,000 in awards across various categories, it encourages undergraduate journalism majors and minors from accredited institutions to showcase their work. The program includes multiple writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia competitions, providing a platform for emerging journalists to gain recognition and experience in their field.

NIFA requests applications for grants under the RCDG program for FY 2025 to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping nonprofit organizations who in turn provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas. This notice is being issued to allow applicants sufficient time to leverage financing and prepare and submit their applications. This notice identifies the goals and objectives, eligibility criteria, and application forms and instructions.

The purpose of the RCDG program is to enable nonprofit institutions to establish and operate centers for rural cooperative development (Center). The primary objective of the program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping nonprofit organizations who in turn provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas.

The goals of a Center funded under this subsection shall be to facilitate the creation of jobs in rural areas through the development of new rural cooperatives, value added processing, and rural businesses.

The Altrusa Club of Wenatchee Scholarship supports female graduates of Wenatchee Valley College pursuing further education. Funded by the Community Foundation of NCW, this scholarship aims to empower women through financial assistance based on need and academic merit. Eligible recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate commitment to their educational goals. This initiative reflects the club's dedication to promoting women's education and ensuring their successful transition to higher learning institutions.

The Dollie Lane Harp Memorial Scholarship Fund for Classical Music, established by Ruth Harp Gibson, honors her mother’s legacy through music. This scholarship is available for students majoring in classical music at accredited U.S. universities or conservatories. Eligible candidates include graduating seniors from specific Texas high schools who have participated in music during their studies. Awards range from $500 to over $5,000, with payments made directly to educational institutions.

The Rahsaan Roland Kirk Scholarship for the Arts, offered by The Columbus Foundation, honors the legacy of the innovative jazz musician Rahsaan Roland Kirk. This scholarship supports seniors from Columbus City Schools who are pursuing studies in music, music performance, or the arts. With a focus on artistic freedom and excellence, it aims to empower young artists to continue the rich traditions of Black American musical expression while fostering creativity and cultural appreciation in the community.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Sonoco Scholarship ($2,500)

This renewable scholarship is for dependents of qualified Sonoco employees of U.S. domestic facilities. 

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Central Presbyterian Church - Raisner Family Scholarship Fund

The Central Presbyterian Church-Raisner Family Scholarship Fund assists deserving Stark County students who are active in the church or who are children or dependents of an active member of Central Presbyterian Church who are pursuing first-year post-secondary education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• No

The Pete and Mary Houck Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, honors the legacy of Pete and Mary Houck, long-time residents of Wenatchee Valley. This scholarship aims to support local students pursuing healthcare degrees, reflecting the couple's commitment to education and community. Eligible applicants must be residents of Chelan or Douglas County and plan to attend accredited programs in healthcare-related fields, ensuring a brighter future for the community.

The Virginia Randolph Scholarship, established in 1963, honors the legacy of a pioneering educator in Henrico County. Managed by The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, this scholarship supports graduating high school seniors who demonstrate academic promise, community service, and financial need. It ensures a lasting tribute to Virginia Randolph’s commitment to education and helps empower the next generation of leaders in the region. Eligible students can receive tuition assistance for higher education pursuits.

The Cytokinetics Communications Grant Program provides five grants of $20,000 each annually to patient advocacy organizations focused on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and heart failure. This initiative aims to enhance communication and outreach efforts, helping organizations expand their community engagement and awareness. By supporting crucial marketing initiatives, Cytokinetics fosters improved resources for advocacy groups, ensuring they can effectively address the needs of patients facing muscle performance challenges.

The Pediatric Rheumatology Symposium (PRSYM) Abstract Award supports students and residents attending the ACR’s Pediatric Rheumatology Symposium, providing essential clinical insights into pediatric rheumatic diseases. This opportunity encourages medical students and residents to engage in pioneering research, enhancing their understanding and management of these conditions. Applicants must be authors of accepted abstracts and demonstrate significant contributions to their work. This award fosters the next generation of healthcare professionals in pediatric rheumatology.

The Loren Engel Memorial FFA Scholarship, established by Margaret Engle in 2005, honors Loren Engel’s dedication to agriculture and leadership. This $300 scholarship is available for graduating high school students from Dickinson County who have served as FFA chapter officers, demonstrating commitment to agricultural education. The Community Foundation of Dickinson County aims to support local students pursuing technical or vocational education, ensuring future generations can thrive in their community.

The Mark Mayden Scholarship, established in 2006 by the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, honors the legacy of Mark Mayden, a devoted supporter of agribusiness. This $700 scholarship aims to assist hardworking students from Dickinson County in pursuing technical or vocational education, fostering opportunities for future generations. By rewarding initiative and talent, the scholarship reflects Mark's belief in the transformative power of education and hard work, ensuring that deserving students have the support they need to succeed.

The Alice and Richard Henriquez Memorial Fund and Youth World Awareness Program, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, supports young individuals (ages 14-22) from Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess, and northwest Litchfield counties. It provides grants for international travel experiences aimed at promoting peace and justice. Since 1995, this initiative has encouraged students to engage in humanitarian work abroad, fostering cultural understanding and personal growth while addressing social injustices.

About Us

For more than eight decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $6 billion and help more than 550,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 11,000 students scholarships, worth more than $62 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

This three-pronged approach is powerful: Since our founding in 1944, we’ve helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college. The six-year graduation rate for UNCF African American scholarship recipients is 70%. This is 11% higher than the national average and 31% higher than the national average for all African Americans.

Thelma M. Shafran Endowed Scholarship

The Gerald E. Robinson Memorial Scholarship, established in 2018 by the Community Foundation of NCW, honors the legacy of Gerald "Jerry" Robinson, a devoted animal lover. This scholarship supports college students pursuing veterinary or pre-veterinary programs, ensuring that Jerry's passion for animals continues through future generations. Eligible applicants include high school seniors from Okanogan, Ferry, or Lincoln Counties, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and experience in animal care.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

South Carolina Arms Collectors Association Scholarship ($2,000)

This renewable scholarship is for members, dependents or grandchildren of members of the South Carolina Arms Collectors Association in good standing for the last three consecutive years. 

The Mary Lou and Dwight Pitman Scholarship supports area public high school students in Sangamon County, excluding Springfield and Chatham districts, who have siblings planning to attend college. Established through the Sangamon County Foundation in 1924, this scholarship honors the legacy of community leaders and aims to empower the next generation by aiding students' educational pursuits. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors and current college students who are direct descendants of U.S. Service Members.

The African-American Community Foundation - Colbert Family Scholarship, established in 2018, aims to support graduating seniors from Dayton Public Schools who plan to pursue a nursing degree. Administered by The Dayton Foundation, which has a rich history of community philanthropy, this scholarship focuses on enhancing educational opportunities for students in need. It promotes inclusivity and addresses regional challenges while fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals in Greater Dayton.