Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Ken and Ann Horoho Memorial Fund

The Ken and Ann Horoho Memorial Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the Johnstown/Altoona area to assist in furthering their educational pursuits.

• Average Award: Varies
• Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Robert L. Vann Scholarship Fund

The Robert L. Vann Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarship aid to worthy and needy students for education beyond the high school level.

• Award varies
• Award Type: Renewable award.

The Learning & Leadership Grants support educators in enhancing their professional development and leadership skills. With funding up to $5,000, these grants are available for individual educators or groups pursuing high-quality learning experiences such as conferences and seminars. Eligible applicants must be current members of the National Education Association. These grants aim to empower educators to implement innovative practices in their classrooms, ultimately benefiting students and the educational community.

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

Paul J. Falco Scholarship

The Paul J. Falco Scholarship provides a scholarship opportunity to high school level students from the Village of Marble Cliff who demonstrate outstanding scholastic and leadership qualities. The late Paul J. Falco, who served as Mayor of the Village for 36 years, was an ardent supporter of the Village, its residents, and the pursuit of life-long learning. The generosity of this endowment by Mayor Falco and his wife Bobbie Hall Falco provides the opportunity to recognize the talented youth of the Village of Marble Cliff. In its 20 years of existence the Paul J. Falco Scholarship Committee has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to residents of the Village of Marble Cliff.

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

James G. and Marguerite Cook McQuillen Scholarship Fund

Mrs. McQuillen was a retired schoolteacher. She taught for 39 years before retiring, and trained many student teachers during her tenure. The scholarship, in memory of the McQuillens, benefits graduates of high schools in and around Nelsonville, Ohio.

The RWA Perseverance Fund, administered by the Romance Writers of America (RWA), supports members in financial need for their annual national dues. RWA, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to advancing the interests of romance writers through advocacy and networking. The fund is available to applicants who can demonstrate financial need and commitment to a career in romance writing. Eligibility includes submitting proof of work, while ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for all members.

The Award for Diversity Course Design, initiated by the Society for Music Theory, aims to enhance diversity, inclusion, and social justice in undergraduate music theory courses. Starting in 2025, two annual awards will recognize outstanding syllabi: one for core theory curricula and another for topical courses. This initiative encourages original contributions that embody inclusive pedagogy, with winning entries showcased on the SMT website to foster evolving best practices in music education.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Larry Waters Scholarship

The Larry Waters Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating high school seniors from Kearny High, Eastlake High, and Southwest High schools who plan to enroll full-time in a four-year university, or community college with the intent to transfer to a four-year university, anywhere in the U.S.
• Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated financial need

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Lauer Scholarship

The Lauer Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating seniors from a San Diego County public high school who plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Be actively involved in serving their community as demonstrated by their involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service or work experience and must describe how they plan to give back to their community during and after college
• Have demonstrated social responsibility and a high level of integrity
• Have parents who have not received a college degree
• Have a demonstrated financial need

The Mentored Clinician Scientist Grant, funded by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, supports the career development of clinician scientists by providing dedicated research time for up to five years. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record in research, evidenced by receiving NIH K08 or K23 funding. This grant is renewable annually based on scientific progress and available funding, fostering a strong future in academic surgery.

The OREF Resident Clinician Scientist Training Grant aims to prepare residents for research-intensive careers in orthopaedic surgery. Grants up to $20,000 are available for one year, covering research expenses without salary. Projects must demonstrate clinical relevance and be feasible for residents as independent studies. Both laboratory and clinical research are encouraged, with potential for publication. Progress reports and annual reviews are required to ensure funding compliance.

The Resident Research Project Grant, offered by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, provides crucial funding for orthopaedic surgery residents in ACGME-accredited programs across the U.S. This grant supports innovative research initiatives, enhancing the educational and professional development of residents. Eligible applicants include domestic non-profit and private educational institutions, ensuring a wide reach for impactful research. With a limit of one submission per individual annually, this grant fosters focused research contributions in the orthopaedic field.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Lehman Family Scholarship

The Lehman Family Scholarship applicants should:

• Be graduating seniors from Lincoln, Morse or San Diego (downtown San Diego only) High Schools
• Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated financial need
• Have a commitment to their community as demonstrated in their involvement in extracurricular activities, work or volunteer experience or church activities
• Preference for foreign born children of immigrant parents

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Leon and Margaret Williams Scholarship

The Leon and Margaret Williams Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating high school seniors
• Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university in the United States in fall
• Plan to pursue a career in health or the healthcare field
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Have a commitment to serving their community as demonstrated by their extra-curricular, work, church, or volunteer activities
• This opportunity is open to all applicants, with a focus on those furthest from opportunity and having a demonstrated financial need.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

Theo and Evelyn Yakel Scholarship

Theo and Evelyn Yakel Scholarship applicants should:

• Be graduating high school seniors who are children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of members of the Retired Employees of San Diego County, Inc. (RESDC)
  • Letter from the Retired Employees of San Diego County, Inc. (RESDC) on official letterhead verifying that you are a child, grandchild or great-grandchild of a RESDC member is required.
• Plan to enroll full-time at a community college or four-year university in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Be United States citizens

The Twomey Family Scholarship, managed by The San Diego Foundation, supports current or former foster youth pursuing higher education. It aims to assist students attending community colleges, universities, or graduate schools in the U.S. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need and community commitment. Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded over $59.5 million to help students achieve their academic goals.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

African American Achievement Fund

Supporting African American residents of Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties who attend four-year colleges.

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.

Robert F. Walls Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Caroline County Public Schools

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.

Roberta B. Holt Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Caroline County Public High Schools.

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.

Otis M. Trice Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Dorchester County Public Schools, who are planning to pursue degrees in Education.

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.

Mid-Shore Community Foundation Healthcare Scholarship

Awarded to Mid-Shore students, who are pursuing careers in healthcare.

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.

Mary B. Lynch Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Caroline County Public Schools

The Fund for Unitarian Universalism Grant, managed by the Unitarian Universalist Association, supports innovative projects that enhance UU community life across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This grant prioritizes programs with broad denominational impact and encourages diverse funding sources. It aims to nurture Unitarian Universalist principles while fostering a spirit of generosity among applicants. However, it excludes funding for projects limited to individual organizations or ongoing UU activities.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

John Ptaszek Family Scholarship Fund

To support graduates of Springfield, MA high schools.

Mid Shore Community Foundation 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.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Donald D. Casson Character Counts ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from Talbot County Public Schools, who have participated in a character education program, such as Character Counts. 

Our Mission

Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

Rebecca Lynn Seto Memorial Scholarship

Rebecca Lynn Seto was an amazing young lady with a huge heart and a wacky sense of humor. Despite being non-verbal and having a very rare syndrome that no one, including education and medical staff, had ever encountered before, she touched the lives of many. Family was most important to Becky. She was happiest at family gatherings, where singing "Happy Birthday" would excite her immensely. She was an active, lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she loved attending services and socializing with her church family, classmates, friends, and even strangers. Her contagious smile and laughter lit up rooms and stadiums, and she was ecstatic at her first live game watching her beloved NY Giants. Her smile and laughter were present during many of the activities she loved, such as riding roller coasters, dancing, kayaking, drumming, swimming, and bike riding.

Becky and her family benefited greatly from the help of special educators, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers. The staff who got the most from Rebecca and whom she enjoyed working with the most were those who took the time to understand her quirky personality, her likes, and dislikes. Most importantly, they figured out how to communicate with her even though she couldn’t talk. They used this understanding to build successful programming and goals for her. Over her lifetime, from early intervention through high school, teams who worked with Becky were innovative and engaged her, making her excited to go to school and work with them.

Sadly, Rebecca passed away on May 3, 2024, at the age of just thirty-one. Becky’s impact on people will continue through the Rebecca Lynn Seto Memorial Scholarship, benefiting those studying special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, or social work.

Our Mission

Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship

Mental health issues are among the most common health issues affecting individuals and families today. 

Mental illness can make it a challenge for families by not only affecting those who suffer directly but also those suffering indirectly. The Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship will not only help fund a student's education, but will also memorialize Elizabeth Schalk, who suffered from mental illness throughout her life.

To apply, write about how mental illness has had an effect on you and/or the people you are close to.