Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Stone Owl Scholars Scholarships, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, provide a one-time award of $3,000 to 120 high school juniors and seniors who complete a 9-week program. This initiative aims to support students entering vocational schools or colleges, with additional matching scholarships available for those enrolling in specific institutions. The foundation manages over 150 scholarship funds, ensuring financial aid for a diverse group of students pursuing various educational paths.

The Salute to Citizens Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors individuals who enhance their communities through active citizenship. Open to Taylor County graduates pursuing higher education or trade certifications, applicants must demonstrate past contributions to society and outline their future commitment to community service. Established by Hannah Durbin, a dedicated Air Force veteran and educator, this scholarship aims to empower students with awards ranging from $500 to over $5,000.

The Shubert Foundation's Shubert Scholars program offers unrestricted grants to support the training of theatre artists in the United States. Targeting preeminent graduate drama departments, it emphasizes merit-based scholarship support while promoting exemplary theatrical training. Funding is primarily allocated to not-for-profit professional theatres and dance companies, fostering artistic excellence in the performing arts. For further guidance, applicants are encouraged to consult the FAQs on the foundation's website.

The Barbara and Frank Quadrato Veterinary Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students pursuing veterinary medicine, prioritizing those from Woodbury or Bethlehem. Founded in 1923, the Foundation addresses critical community issues and provides scholarships to help students achieve their educational aspirations. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills area, it has a long history of generosity from donors committed to fostering educational opportunities.

The Dr. and Mrs. Arthur F. Sullivan Scholarship, established in 1923 by the Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students entering or currently enrolled in accredited medical schools. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, this scholarship is available only in even years (2026, 2028, 2030), helping students achieve their educational aspirations through the generosity of local donors.

The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business Scholarship, offered by the Connecticut Community Foundation, provides a one-time award to first-year or transfer students pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree at Post University in Waterbury, CT. Established in 1923, the Foundation supports local residents through scholarships, aiming to help students achieve their educational dreams. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the region, it reflects the commitment of numerous donors dedicated to fostering academic success.

The Harris Family Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation in 1923, supports local students pursuing post-secondary degrees in agriculture-related fields. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, the Foundation aims to address community needs and enhance educational opportunities. This scholarship reflects the generosity of many donors dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals and contribute to the community.

The Flavorful Futures Scholarship, established by Talking Rain Beverage Company, offers a $5,000 award to high school seniors pursuing higher education. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum GPA of 2.5, graduating between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026. This scholarship aims to support students who are passionate about contributing to their communities while pursuing vocational or academic programs.

The Sidney Awards, presented by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, celebrate outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Established to honor Sidney Hillman’s legacy, these monthly awards recognize investigative work and commentary that promote social justice. Nominations for the awards can be submitted for any medium, with a winner announced each month, receiving a $500 honorarium and a certificate. This initiative has been a prestigious platform for impactful storytelling for over 65 years.

The Engagement Award: Convening Support fosters meaningful collaboration among patients, caregivers, clinicians, and other stakeholders in research. Initiated by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), this program aims to enhance patient engagement throughout the research process. By providing tools and resources, the award supports initiatives that improve healthcare delivery and outcomes, ensuring that patient perspectives are integral to research efforts.

The Implementation Awards by PCORI aim to fund projects that translate patient-centered research into real-world practices. With budgets up to $2.5 million for implementation projects lasting up to 48 months, applicants must present a clear plan for broad evidence uptake. Additionally, those proposing implementation projects need an accepted Draft Final Research Report related to their original PCORI-funded research to qualify for funding.

Grassroots Voices, led by Vital Voices Global Partnership Inc, empowers young women aged 18-25 in the U.S. engaged in grassroots justice work. This program offers a unique opportunity to join a supportive cohort, travel to Washington, D.C., and engage with influential women leaders. Participants will enhance their skills and amplify their impact on critical issues like social inequity and reproductive justice, fostering a community of changemakers dedicated to transforming their lives and the world.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Community Partner Scholarships

In addition to Community Foundation scholarships, college-going and college-bound students may be eligible for scholarship opportunities available across the region from our community partners.

Kurt Gamelin STEM Scholarship

Community Partner: Cone Drive, Traverse City, Michigan

The Kurt Gamelin STEM Scholarship celebrates the vision and dedication of our recently retired President, Kurt Gamelin. Throughout his career, Kurt championed STEM education and believed strongly in investing in the next generation of problem solvers and innovators. At Cone Drive, STEM is at the core of what we do every day, driving the engineering, innovation, and precision manufacturing that have defined our company for over 100 years.

Each year, one student will receive a $5,000 scholarship to pursue a college degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, continuing Kurt’s commitment to opportunity, growth, and excellence.

The AASM Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, established in 2005, provides essential financial aid to AASM accredited sleep centers impacted by natural disasters. By supporting these centers, the fund ensures that medical care remains accessible to patients during crises. Past funding has assisted centers after events like Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 Haiti earthquake, helping them recover and restore operations quickly. This initiative highlights the commitment to maintaining patient care in the face of adversity.

The David Roy Kovacs Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports local high school graduates from New Britain who plan to pursue further education at community colleges, trade schools, or vocational schools. This scholarship emphasizes financial need as determined by the FAFSA and is intended to help students acquire the skills necessary for career success and economic independence, fostering a brighter future for the community.

The Mary Means Leadership Award, introduced by Main Street America in 2019, celebrates outstanding leaders in local Main Street organizations. This annual award recognizes the vital role of leadership in revitalizing historic downtowns and enhancing community life. Nominees must be active members of Main Street America, showcasing their commitment to community, innovation, and collaboration. The award highlights the importance of diverse leadership in advancing local economic development and preserving cultural heritage across the nation.

The Ann and Reno Arsego Medical Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports Torrington or Litchfield residents pursuing careers in the medical field. With an average award of $15,000, this scholarship is designed for students accepted into a college or university with a pre-medical program. Recipients can only receive the scholarship once in their lifetime, making it a valuable opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals.

The BURGER KING Scholars: James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship provides financial support to deserving students across North America. With a focus on leadership and financial need, up to three scholarships of $60,000 are awarded annually. Eligibility extends to high school seniors and employees of Burger King, promoting empowerment through education. The program, administered by Scholarship America, has awarded nearly $64 million to over 55,000 students, emphasizing the importance of education in achieving one’s potential.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Omer and Marie Dulin Scholarship

Awarded to Mid-Shore students, who are planning to pursue programs in Agriculture.

The BURGER KING Scholars: Nancy McLamore Scholarship offers $20,000 to deserving students, focusing on employees and their families. Administered by Scholarship America, it supports U.S. citizens graduating from high school or pursuing higher education. With over $64 million awarded to 55,000 students, the program emphasizes empowerment through education, reflecting the values of the Burger King Foundation. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria, ensuring support for those committed to their educational journey.

The BURGER KING Scholars: General Track offers scholarships for high school seniors and past recipients who plan to pursue undergraduate studies at accredited institutions. The program aims to empower students through education, providing $1,000 awards based on academic performance, community involvement, and financial need. Administered by Scholarship America, this initiative has awarded nearly $64 million to over 55,000 students across North America, embodying the Burger King Foundation's commitment to education and opportunity.

The BURGER KING Scholars: Employee-Based Track provides scholarships for employees and their families pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or enrichment programs at accredited institutions. With nearly $64 million awarded to over 55,000 students, this initiative aims to support academic success and empower individuals through education. Eligible applicants include employees, spouses, partners, and dependent children, with awards of up to $1,000 based on financial need and academic performance. This program reflects the Burger King Foundation's commitment to education and community support.

The AMA Foundation's Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship offers four $10,000 awards for medical students pursuing sleep medicine in 2025. Eligible applicants must be entering their final year, demonstrate financial need, and express interest in sleep medicine in their personal statement. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to excellence in medical education and the advancement of sleep medicine as a vital field in healthcare.

The Arthur and Hazel Auer Scholarship Fund, established by Hazel Auer's will, provides financial support to two East Noble seniors each year as they prepare for 4-year bachelor's programs at accredited colleges. Each recipient receives about $500 per semester for the first two years, totaling $2,000. This fund is managed by the Community Foundation of Noble County, which aims to enhance the quality of life in the region through philanthropic efforts.

The Louisville Institute's Pastoral Study Project Grant supports clergy and lay leaders with grants up to $20,000 for independent studies on Christian life. It aims to provide leaders with time and resources to explore meaningful questions in ministry and faith. The program encourages innovative research and community engagement, ultimately enriching the vitality of North American Christianity. Eligible candidates include those with theological training employed in diverse ministry contexts across the U.S. and Canada.

The Sleep Research Program for Advancing Careers, funded by the American Academy Of Sleep Medicine Foundation, aims to develop early-career sleep scientists through a structured grant writing curriculum. Participants receive mentorship and training to submit competitive federal career development grants, such as NIH K awards. The program includes lectures and grant review sessions, ensuring applicants complete their proposals successfully. Additionally, a travel scholarship is offered for in-person meetings, fostering collaboration and growth in sleep research.

The Louisville Institute's Dissertation Fellowship provides $35,000 to Ph.D. and Th.D. students in the final year of dissertation writing, focusing on Christian faith and related disciplines. It encourages projects that bridge the church and academia, fostering new knowledge for the church's enrichment. Recipients must attend a mandatory Winter Seminar in Louisville, KY, for collaboration and sharing of ideas. Applicants should complete their dissertations within the following year, adhering to specific eligibility criteria.