Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Talati Family Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, aims to support students of color pursuing higher education. Students can apply through a single online application, which connects them to various scholarships based on eligibility. Awards can reach up to $3,000 and may impact financial aid offers. This scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S., particularly those from Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties.

The Bowman Family Swimming Scholarship, provided by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors in Hardin County who are active swimmers. Eligible applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be involved with their school's swim team. This scholarship embodies the Foundation's mission to enhance community life by empowering students to pursue their educational goals in athletics.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Madison Kiwanis - Connor K. Salm Scholarship

Criteria evaluated:

• Academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and altruistic service

Scholarship amount:

• $1,800 | 1 scholarship

The John and Evelyn Turnbull Nursing Education Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides scholarships of up to $3,000 to residents of Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties pursuing a Baccalaureate or Master’s degree in Nursing. This fund is aimed at supporting students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring access to education in nursing, and addressing the region's healthcare needs.

The Handweavers Guild of America (HGA) offers scholarships to students in accredited fiber arts programs in the U.S. and Canada. These scholarships, awarded based on artistic and technical excellence rather than financial need, support education in fiber arts, textile research, and conservation. Annually, funds of $4,000 or more are allocated for tuition. Applicants can apply under categories of artistic merit or scholarly research in the textile industry, with only one scholarship awarded per individual per year.

$20K for changemakers with transformative ideas & firsthand insight in early childhood

About the Imagine Award

The Imagine Award by the Promise Fund offers $20,000 in flexible funding (see definition in FAQs) and a six-month cohort-based learning experience for community-rooted early childhood leaders with ideas for transformative impact. ​​Award recipients are at the idea stage and will launch a pilot within six months, testing their solutions with real users, gathering feedback, and refining their approach.

Imagine Award recipients will learn strategies for designing and executing lightweight tests for rapid learning while gaining clarity on their idea's direction using impact and business models. They will craft a compelling story about their work to build future partnerships and run a focused pilot with strong feedback loops for gathering data, all while growing alongside a supportive peer community.

What We Provide

Our grant dollars are flexible and meant to be used at award recipients’ discretion for the pursuit of tests or a pilot of a transformative idea. Read the FAQ for more information.

Direct, one-on-one support from our team to help you learn, get tailored help, and make relevant connections.

Multi-day gathering for peer connection, learning, and pilot design.

Access to a bench of mentors to guide you as you transition out of the program and navigate next steps with your pilot.

Light, tailored coaching to support pilot preparation, launch, and implementation.

Ongoing peer community and resources to continue learning and collaboration

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Joan Tatsak Memorial Scholarship

Joan Tatsak was a beloved friend, colleague and mentor to many of our friends and neighbors here in Armstrong County. She inspired and encouraged her peers and coworkers to achieve and strive for excellence. This unique fund is a fitting memorial. The Joan Tatsak Memorial Fund is a non-traditional scholarship fund that offers grants for entrepreneurship, leadership and scholarship.

Scholarship Details

• Available to Adult Students
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Michael Petronchek Musical Scholarship Fund

Mike Petronchek was a well known musician in our community. During the 40′s Mike played trombone in Angie Sgro and Johnny Murphy’s Dance Band. He loved the Big Band sound and attended many of the formal dances that were held at Laube Hall in Freeport to benefit charity. Mike served as a radio operator with the 8th Air Force during World War II because of his great “ear”. He received his bachelor’s degree from IUP and his master’s from Penn State.

For nearly four decades Mike shared his love of music with children here in Armstrong County. He was the Ford City High School music director from 1958 through 1984 and organized the county’s first elementary school band at Lenape Elementary. In his honor, the Michael Petronchek Musical Scholarship Fund was established for Ford City High School graduates pursuing an education in music.

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

Emand Hamad, M.D. Healthcare Career Scholarship

Provides scholarships to students planning on majoring in a healthcare major.

About the Awards

The late Dr. James F. Fries, formerly professor emeritus of medicine at Stanford University, came up with the idea for the James and Sarah Fries Prize for Improving Health in a 1987 ascent of Nepal’s Makalu—one of the world’s highest peaks—when his party became trapped in a severe snowstorm and was ultimately unable to scale the mountain.

Following that experience, Dr. Fries returned to sea level and set about establishing a foundation to support a Nobel-like prize for health that now annually awards a $100,000 prize to an an outstanding leader judged by an expert panel to have done the greatest good for the greatest number of people in the field of health.

In 1992 the Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award was established in honor of Elizabeth Fries, daughter of James and Sarah Fries. The $50,000 prize is awarded annually to an individual judged to have made substantial contributions to their area of health education and health promotion. Sarah Fries remained active in the Fries Awards for Health program until her death in May 2017, and Jim Fries remained active in the awards until his death in November 2021.

The CDC Foundation is honored to partner with the James F. and Sarah T. Fries Foundation, which established and funds the award. As of 2016, the CDC Foundation manages and administers the Fries Awards for Health program, which include the James and Sarah Fries Prize for Improving Health and the Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance program aims to enhance flood mitigation funding delivery, focusing on the needs of disaster survivors. This federal initiative, managed by FEMA, provides essential funds to states, territories, and local governments to mitigate flood risks and reduce repetitive damage to properties insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. The program supports various activities designed to lower the financial exposure of the NFIP while promoting community resilience against flooding.

The Patricia Goodman Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors in the CKCF service area, prioritizing Hardin County residents. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and intend to pursue a career in nursing or a related medical field. This scholarship aims to empower future healthcare professionals while enriching community life through educational opportunities.

The Nugent McGrew Scholarship, provided by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from Grayson or Hardin County who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to their education. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to attend a two or four-year academic or technical school. This scholarship serves as a vital resource to help students achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The John and Olive Cornellisson Scholarship Fund, managed by the Greater Salina Community Foundation, supports students graduating from USD 239 or 240 high schools pursuing higher education in agriculture or vocational training. Open to high school seniors, current college students, and non-traditional students, the fund emphasizes financial need over GPA. Previous recipients can apply for renewal, ensuring continued support for those striving to advance their education.

The Jewell County Community Foundation's Fine Arts Future Development program supports high school seniors in the Solomon Valley area, including Mitchell, Cloud, and Jewell Counties, who are pursuing majors in Instrumental Music or Art. This initiative, backed by the Greater Salina Community Foundation, aims to foster creativity and artistic talent among youth, helping them to achieve their educational aspirations through scholarships and community support.

The Graduate Professional Advancement Grant at Montana State University provides funding for graduate students in their 3rd semester or higher to present at professional conferences. This grant encourages scholarly research and supports students by covering travel costs, up to $750. Applications are reviewed monthly on a first-come, first-serve basis, and funding is limited based on availability. Students must be in good standing and have their committee on file to be eligible.

Heartland Community Foundation: Paul and Terrii Bowman Scholarship

Amount

$1,000 minimum; Multiple scholarships may be awarded.

Geographic Limitations:

High school seniors qualified for graduation from a high school in Rooks County, Kansas.

Renewals

• Recipients are eligible for a one-year automatic renewal by meeting the following criteria:
  • Enrolled in a vocational field at a post-secondary institution.
  • In good academic standing.

The Paul V. Roberts/AEESP Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award recognizes exceptional doctoral theses that advance water quality engineering in both natural and engineered systems. This prestigious award includes a $1,500 cash prize for the student, $500 for the faculty advisor, and travel stipends for attendance at the awards ceremony. Nominations are limited to one per advisor, with submissions automatically considered for three related awards, highlighting the importance of innovative research in environmental engineering.

Joseph L. Ruby Student Scholarship Fund

Established in honor of former Direction Home Akron Canton President and CEO Joseph Ruby to award scholarships to students enrolled in gerontology, social work, nursing or a related health care program.

Amount:

• $5,000 or more

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.

The Walter J. Weber, Jr. AEESP Frontier in Research Award recognizes outstanding professors in environmental engineering or science for their innovative research contributions. Awardees receive a plaque, a cash prize of $500, and a $750 travel allotment for attending the ceremony. Nominations are valid for three years and must include a complete package of materials, ensuring strong endorsement of the nominee's pioneering work in the field.

The William Brewster Snow Award, presented by the AEESP Foundation, honors outstanding environmental engineering graduate students. This annual award recognizes significant achievements in academic or employment projects, offering a plaque and a $250 cash prize. Eligible candidates must either be enrolled in or have recently completed a relevant Master's program. Evaluation criteria include academic performance, community service, and engineering accomplishments, ensuring that deserving students are acknowledged for their contributions to environmental engineering.

MetroWest Health Foundation

The MetroWest Health Foundation is an independent health philanthropy whose mission is to improve the health status of the community, its individuals, and families through informed and innovative leadership.

The foundation meets the health needs of our region's residents by supporting community-based and community driven programs. We encourage and foster leadership on critical health issues. We are a grantmaker, convener and facilitator, working to provide resources, information, ideas and advocacy for community change. Since its inception in 1999, the foundation has provided more than $50 million in financial support that helps residents and their families lead healthier lives.

MetroWest Health Foundation: Nursing Scholarship

Scholarships are provided to students who are residents of one of the 25 towns in our MetroWest service area. Students must be accepted into an eligible nursing program at an accredited academic institution.

Tuition scholarships are awarded for a maximum of up to $4,000 per academic year. Students can receive a maximum of 4 scholarships. Applicants are eligible to reapply on an annual basis.

Joseph P. Siegferth Sr. and Family Fund

Established by Joseph P. Siegferth Jr. in memory of his father to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors majoring in elementary education, K-12 physical education, sports management or logistics.

Amount:

• $1,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Drs. Ruth & John Carney & Irene Carney Kendrick Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Dr. John Carney, who established the Drs. Ruth & John Carney & Irene Carney Kendrick Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

The Carney’s love of Ludington ran deep, and they served the Ludington community through their family medical practice for over 42 years. Dr. Carney valued education and wanted to help others achieve their dreams. John’s encouraging spirit lives on through this scholarship, established in memory of his first wife and their late daughter, to create opportunities for adult students, students pursuing postgraduate degrees, or those facing barriers to getting a college degree.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Emily & Frank Smiddy Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Emily & Frank Smiddy who established the Emily & Frank Smiddy Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

Frank Smiddy, former owner of ProAct Environmental Services located in Ludington, has always had a passion for STEM-related learning and wants to give back to the community where he owns his business. He and his wife, Emily, wanted to leave a legacy of students going into this field the best chance possible to get their college education with as little debt as possible, so they established the Emily & Frank Smiddy Scholarship Fund. It is their hope that students receiving this scholarship will be motivated, when they are financially able, to give back to the community to help others see success.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

George Dila Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Wayne and Jeanie Mortenson, who established the George Dila Memorial Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County to honor the memory of their dear friend, George Dila.

This scholarship is for graduating senior(s) of Ludington High School pursuing a degree or certification at any two or four-year accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school.

The Fred and Betty Worsh Scholarship Fund, managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation, offers financial support to residents of New Hanover and Brunswick Counties who are U.S. citizens attending accredited four-year colleges or universities. Scholarships are available to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, and may be renewed annually based on academic performance and financial need. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.