Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Norman Withrow Golf Scholarship

The Norman Withrow Golf Scholarship Fund supports students from any Marion County high school who participate in varsity golf to attend the college or university of their choice.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Nancy O. Whitaker Memorial Scholarship

The Nancy O. Whitaker Memorial Scholarship is available to students pursing an education in the field of speech and hearing, including research, treatment, education, and cures for people who suffer from speech and hearing impairments and diseases.

The Whitaker Scholarship is open to high school seniors who have lived in Marion for at least the last two years. 

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Mary Ellen Withrow Scholarship

Marion’s “favorite daughter,” Mary Ellen Withrow, the 40th Treasurer of the United States, created a scholarship fund in 2016 for female students from any Marion County high school, with special consideration for those pursuing the fields of finance or political science. 

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Marion Women’s Business Council Scholarship

The Marion Women’s Business Council created this scholarship fund in 2017 from member contributions to support future women in business. 

The Women’s Business Council Scholarship Fund annually awards a scholarship to a female student from a Marion County high school pursuing studies in business, finance, economics, marketing, management, advertising, accounting, human resources, or entrepreneurship.

The Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant offers Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) the chance to pursue innovative research projects without the need for preliminary data. Established in 2020, this grant encourages a significant shift in research direction, focusing on unique methodologies and approaches relevant to NIH's mission. Applicants must provide a detailed description of their proposed research direction, which should differ from their past work, and demonstrate its alignment with NIH Institutes' programmatic interests.

David Webb Memorial Scholarship

To provide financial support for graduates of Cheyenne-Eagle Butte, Faith, Dupree, Timber Lake, Mc Laughlin and McIntosh High School.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Jeannette Turner Memorial Scholarship

Dorothy Ellen Thew, a lifelong member of the Marion community, left, as part of her legacy, a gift to create three scholarship funds at Marion Community Foundation. A noteworthy person in her own right, Dorothy designated that three scholarship funds be created from her estate to honor beloved members of her family. The Jeannette Turner Memorial Scholarship, created in 2010, honors her aunt’s work as a teacher at the former Silver Street Elementary School.

The Aging Research Dissertation Awards aim to enhance diversity in the scientific workforce by funding research on aging and related health conditions. The program encourages applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply for dissertation awards that align with the National Institutes of Health's strategic priorities. Key deadlines for applications include February 16, June 16, and October 16 for the years 2024 through 2026.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Gary W. Troll Memorial Scholarship

The Gary W. Troll Memorial Scholarship Fund, created in 2002, supports higher education for students who reside in the service area of the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center, where Gary Troll (1947-2002) served as superintendent.

Recipients of the Troll Scholarship may come from any of the high schools in the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center’s district, including Marion County—Elgin, Pleasant, Ridgedale, and River Valley; Seneca County—Bettsville, Hopewell-Louden, New Riegel, Old Fort, and Seneca East; and, Wyandot County—Carey, Mohawk, and Upper Sandusky. They will be seniors with a GPA of 2.75 or above.

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

SVNA Educational Enrichment Program Scholarship 

Academic Focus:

• Health care professionals pursuing continued education in a health care field, except pre-med

Award Average:

• $10, 000 renewable up to 4 years

Consistent with the SVNA’s mission to provide the best home health, hospice and preventative care, this scholarship supports health care professionals pursuing continued education in a health care field who reside in Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon or Warren. 

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 Daughters of American Agriculture Scholarship honors pioneering women in agriculture, offering two $1,000 scholarships to women or their daughters pursuing education in agricultural fields. Eligibility includes being a farmer, rancher, or related to one, demonstrating financial need, and having experience in agriculture. The Jean Ibendahl Scholarship supports young women aged 18-23, while the Sister Thomas More Bertels Scholarship is for women 24 and older. This initiative empowers the next generation in agricultural leadership.

Wayne Hawkins Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship benefits students who are children of employed or independent, exclusive sales representatives or insurance agents of Alfa Mutual Insurance Company or its insurance affiliates or subsidiaries. Awarding is based on academic achievement.

Application Requirements:

• High School Transcript

The Limited Competition grant supports High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs to enhance clinical and translational science capabilities at UM1 CTSA Program Hubs. Eligible applicants include primary UM1 CTSA hub organizations, aiming to address significant gaps in research and development. Successful proposals will foster foundational innovations for broader dissemination among CTSA hubs, paving the way for future advancements in clinical practices and research methodologies.

Wyndall Ivey Scholarship

The scholarship has been established in memory of Attorney Wyndall Ivey, a 1992 graduate of Sidney Lanier High School (Lanier Academic Motivational Program), the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Washington and Lee University School of Law. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and plan to attend an accredited two-year or four-year college or university. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded.

Application Requirements:

• High School Transcript, Essay and References

The Innovative Traffic Safety Enforcement (ITSE) Grant Program aims to develop effective traffic safety enforcement initiatives to reduce motor vehicle crashes caused by risky driving behaviors. It encompasses three evaluation phases, with deadlines from September 2026 to September 2027. This program seeks to fund scalable and repeatable projects that align with the Department of Transportation's mission and executive priorities, enhancing safety across the United States.

The Amazon Literary Partnership Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that empower diverse and marginalized writers. Since 2009, it has provided over $17 million to various literary groups, fostering emerging talent across genres. Eligible organizations must focus on developing writers, celebrating storytelling, and connecting them with audiences. By funding innovative initiatives, Amazon helps ensure that underrepresented voices are heard in the literary community, contributing to a rich and diverse narrative landscape.

Foot Locker Foundation, Inc-UNCF Scholarship

Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. has partnered with UNCF to fund this scholarship program for students attending a UNCF member college or university during the 2026-2027 school year.

Foot Locker Foundation works to improve upward mobility to build a more equitable and inclusive future through education, economic development and community empowerment. For nearly twenty years, it has partnered with leading organizations helping to mobilize and uplift local communities. 

When applying, a UNCF member school will appear in the drop down options in the application. 

Completed application packages include: transcript, essay, and one letter of recommendation from a faculty member, employer or other community member familiar with your academic performance. All information will be submitted in the appropriate section of the online application.

Individual Award

• Up to $5,000.00

The Infant-Toddler Court Program State Awards empower states and communities to enhance child welfare practices by integrating courts, social services, and families. This initiative promotes safety, healthy development, and nurturing relationships for young children involved in child welfare. Awardees implement the evidence-based ITC approach, sharing lessons learned with local teams, tracking outcomes, and training to ensure effective program expansion across targeted communities.

The Infant-Toddler Court Program's National Resource Center (NRC) focuses on enhancing child welfare practices across the United States. By collaborating with courts, social services, and families, the NRC aims to improve the safety and healthy development of young children involved with the child welfare system. This initiative not only supports families but also fosters nurturing relationships essential for child growth and well-being, making it a crucial resource for communities.

NBA Foundation San Francisco Bay Area Scholarship

The NBA Foundation has partnered with UNCF to provide a grant opportunity for eligible residents of the San Francisco Bay Area for up to an amount of $5,000. 

Incyte Corporation offers an Independent Medical Education Grant to support innovative educational initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes. This funding is available to organizations committed to delivering evidence-based education to healthcare professionals. Eligible activities may include live symposia, grand rounds, fellowships, and web-based programs. Organizations must enter into a written agreement with Incyte to receive funding. Note that new request submissions will be temporarily unavailable from November 21, 2025, to January 2026.

The Council of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

NetVUE Grant Programs

NetVUE offers a variety of grants to member institutions, supporting programming for students and professional development for faculty members and staff. Grants support projects ranging from one to four years in length. Grant programs are tailored to differing circumstances among member institutions, including their particular areas of interest, their bandwidth and capacity for administering projects, and the depth of their previous engagement with vocational exploration and discernment. NetVUE grants are administered by the Council of Independent Colleges, with generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc.

NetVUE Grants for Reframing the Institutional Saga

Many NetVUE member colleges and universities have strong historical ties to a specific religious tradition, a particular educational philosophy, or a pioneering educator. These elements of an institution’s heritage are important, but their significance may not always be clear in the midst of changes in the institution’s demographic profile, surrounding community, and founding organizations. These changes can influence student recruitment and retention, curriculum design, and the composition of faculty. The purpose of this grant program is to enable institutions to produce an updated account of their history and mission in light of their current context.

The Rural Summer Legal Corps (RSLC) addresses the legal service gap in rural U.S. communities by placing law students in civil legal aid organizations. This initiative, in partnership with Equal Justice Works and the Legal Services Corporation, allows 50 Student Fellows to engage in impactful projects, such as disaster response and housing issues, while gaining practical experience over eight to ten weeks. Participants receive a stipend of $7,000, enhancing their skills and supporting underserved populations.

The Regional Public Interest Awards recognize eight outstanding law students annually for their dedication to public interest law. Selected by the Equal Justice Works National Advisory Committee, each recipient demonstrates exceptional commitment through volunteer work, internships, and clinics. Awardees receive a $250 cash prize and a commemorative plaque, celebrating their significant contributions to their communities and the legal profession.

The Design-Your-Own Fellowship by Equal Justice Works allows lawyers to create personalized projects addressing critical legal needs in underserved communities. Participants collaborate with preferred organizations to develop innovative solutions while receiving substantial financial support, health benefits, and professional training. This program not only enhances access to justice but also promotes diversity within public interest careers, empowering candidates to make meaningful impacts in their chosen fields.