Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Melanoma Established Investigator Award offers up to $125,000 annually for two years, aimed at established melanoma researchers or senior researchers transitioning into melanoma research. Eligible applicants include Associate Professors or higher, with both tenured and non-tenured faculty encouraged to apply. U.S. citizenship is not a requirement for this funding opportunity provided by the Melanoma Research Foundation.

The Grief Reach grant program, supported by the New York Life Foundation and the National Alliance for Children's Grief, invites innovative community expansion proposals to better serve grieving children. Eligible organizations can apply for funding up to $160,000 to enhance their programs, focusing on unique community needs. By collaborating with the Judi's House/JAG Institute, participants will receive essential training and resources for impactful program evaluation, fostering a supportive environment for children and families facing grief.

The Grief Reach: Changemaker Supported Community Expansion Cycle offers up to $110,000 to enhance community programs for grieving children. Organizations are encouraged to innovate and expand their services to better meet community needs. The initiative, in partnership with the Judi’s House/JAG Institute, emphasizes training and resources for effective program evaluation over a three-year period, culminating in impactful community expansion projects.

The ASSP Foundation Academic Scholarships provide vital financial support to students in environmental health and safety programs. With over $6 million awarded since 1990, the foundation aims to enhance career prospects through education and leadership development. In the 2024-2025 academic year, $215,000 was allocated to 117 recipients, fostering a sustainable talent pipeline in EHS. This initiative not only promotes the profession but also ensures a safer future for workers by encouraging new talent to enter the field.

The Anne and Tony Hillerman Scholarship, part of the New Mexico Press Women Scholarship Fund, supports New Mexico students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in journalism or communications. Established in 2023, the fund promotes ethical journalism and offers networking opportunities through the NMPW Annual Conference. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a relevant program, provide a portfolio of work, and submit a personal essay detailing their interests and career goals. This scholarship fosters the next generation of communicators and advocates for First Amendment rights.

Request for Proposals

Community Care Corps encourages organizations across the country to apply for 18-month grants ($30,000–$200,000) to develop and scale innovative volunteer programs that provide nonmedical assistance to older adults, adults age 18 and older with disabilities and family caregivers.

Projects funded through this initiative will increase the number of community-based volunteer programs available to provide nonmedical assistance while decreasing the number of older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers who need assistance in maintaining independence in the community but are unable to obtain help. In doing so, the initiative will strengthen community-based supports that help people maintain independence, reduce unmet needs, and improve overall well-being.

The Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors young professionals who have made significant contributions to research in curriculum and instruction within health and physical education. Eligible candidates must be current SHAPE America members and have 3 to 6 years of experience post-doctorate. This award emphasizes active involvement and scholarship in the field, encouraging innovative research that enhances educational practices for preK-12 students.

The Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque Scholarship Fund, established in 1948, supports graduating seniors from Albuquerque metro area high schools who demonstrate strong academic performance and community service. Annually, one to four scholarships of up to $1,000 are awarded to students pursuing careers in child development and teaching. The fund emphasizes the importance of community involvement and academic excellence, encouraging students to share their career goals and financial needs through an essay as part of their application.

The Curriculum and Instruction Honor Award, presented by SHAPE America, recognizes outstanding contributions to health and physical education curriculum research. This prestigious award highlights the importance of effective instructional practices that prepare students for active and healthy lives. Award recipients are selected based on their scholarship in health education and physical education, demonstrating commitment to excellence since the organization's founding in 1885. SHAPE America advocates for quality education and promotes the well-being of preK-12 students across the United States.

The New Mexico Veterans Memorial Scholarship, established in 2024, supports graduating high school seniors in New Mexico who embody the Medal of Honor Core Values: Courage, Sacrifice, Integrity, Commitment, Patriotism, and Citizenship. This scholarship encourages students to explore and reflect on these values through a personal essay and community service. Preference is given to students from Albuquerque High Schools, fostering a commitment to excellence and civic duty among the youth.

The Melanoma Career Development Award (CDA) is offered by the Melanoma Research Foundation to support researchers dedicated to melanoma and its prevention. This award is designed for postdoctoral fellows with under five years of experience, research associates, scientists, staff scientists, assistant professors, and those focusing on melanoma prevention. The initiative promotes innovative research to advance understanding and treatment of melanoma, ultimately aiming to reduce its impact.

The Ronald Barnes Memorial Grant, offered by The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America, supports North Americans pursuing studies in carillon performance, composition, music history, or instrument design. Established in 1998 to honor Ronald Barnes, a significant figure in carillon music, the grant has awarded over US$140,000 since 2007. For the 2025 cycle, grants of up to US$14,138 are available, depending on the number of successful applicants, promoting education in this unique art form.

The Syringe Service Program Grant, offered by The Comer Family Foundation, aims to enhance harm reduction initiatives by funding syringe access programs across the U.S. These programs provide sterile syringes, education, and support services to mitigate the risks associated with drug use, including HIV and hepatitis transmission. Priority is given to organizations in underserved areas and those led by marginalized communities. Grants are available for operational costs, program development, and staff training, with a focus on sustainability and local partnerships.

The Jill Botkin Hearing Health - Care Accessibility Scholarship, funded by the American Academy of Audiology, offers a $5,000 award to a full-time graduate student in audiology dedicated to improving access to hearing care. With nearly 50% of U.S. counties lacking nearby services, this scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate commitment through their academic achievements and personal statements. It emphasizes the importance of equitable healthcare access in underserved communities and encourages future audiologists to bridge this critical gap.

The Eunice Lou Gower McHugh Scholarship Fund, established through a generous land donation by Eunice Lou Gower McHugh, honors her parents' legacy of community service. Administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, this scholarship supports graduates from Robertson County high schools who are committed to careers in service-oriented fields like teaching, nursing, and law enforcement. With a mission to foster positive change, this fund ensures that future generations have the opportunity to pursue their educational goals.

Daviess County Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Daviess County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

The Community Foundation can help you...

• Make a difference where it matters
• Invest in the future of the community you love
• Create greater good together

John R. Chapman Scholarship

Annual, renewable scholarship established by the John R. Chapman Trust Fund to provide a renewable scholarship to graduating seniors of Washington Community or North Daviess high schools.

Award Amount

• $4,170

The F26AS00051 FY 2026 Competitive State Wildlife Grant (C-SWG) Program offers federal cost-sharing awards aimed at enhancing conservation efforts for wildlife and their habitats. By prioritizing projects that align with State and Territory Wildlife Action Plans, this program encourages proactive approaches to conservation, helping agencies avoid stringent federal regulations related to endangered species. This announcement details application procedures, award tiers, partnership requirements, and funding limits, promoting collaborative conservation initiatives across jurisdictions.

The Indigo Oak Fund's Education Grant Program supports educational initiatives in Colorado and the Bay Area, focusing on both traditional schools and alternative learning experiences. This program aims to empower individuals through education, fostering personal growth and lifelong learning. By funding resources for teachers and career advancement for adults, the Fund seeks to create equal opportunities, enhance community engagement, and contribute to a more equitable society.

The HEAL Initiative aims to address the complex interplay between chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD), affecting 40-60% of OUD patients. Through the IMPOWR initiative, this funding opportunity seeks to develop integrated care strategies that enhance treatment delivery at health systems levels. By identifying effective interventions and collaborative care models, the initiative strives to improve patient outcomes in managing both chronic pain and OUD, while emphasizing the roles of various healthcare professionals in this integrated approach.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's Innovative Conservation Program (ICP) has funded innovative water savings projects since 2001, with $250,000 available biannually. The program aims to evaluate and demonstrate the reliability of new water-saving technologies. Nearly 400 proposals have sought $36 million in funding. The ICP, supported by multiple agencies, encourages projects that can benefit Southern California's water efficiency, inviting proposals from outside its service area to enhance regional water management.

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund supports habitat conservation through land acquisition grants. Established in 1997, this program aims to minimize conflicts between listed species conservation and land use. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides matching grants to state agencies for projects that ensure the long-term protection of habitats. By acquiring land or conservation easements, this initiative facilitates species recovery and helps prevent future listings under the Endangered Species Act, enhancing overall ecosystem health.

The Stem Cell Grants: Travel Award supports students, postdocs, and faculty attending scientific conferences and workshops related to stem cell research. Up to $1,200 is available for each application, with a maximum of two applications per PI lab each calendar year. Priority is given to those presenting at stem cell meetings and workshops. All applications must be submitted at least one week before travel to ensure funding consideration.

The Mentored Career Development Award (K01) from the NIH aims to diversify the biomedical research workforce by supporting candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. It provides mentoring and training in research independence, focusing on cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic diseases, and sleep disorders. Eligible institutions can guide faculty members in special studies, but applicants should not lead their own clinical trials. This initiative promotes diversity and enhances research capability in health disparities populations.

The United States Adult Cystic Fibrosis Association (USACFA) offers a Higher Education Scholarship, honoring Lauren Melissa Kelly. This scholarship awards up to $2500 to two adults with cystic fibrosis pursuing various educational paths. Applicants must show proof of enrollment for the relevant academic year and can cover education-related costs, including tuition and materials. This initiative not only supports education but also commemorates Lauren's legacy, inspiring others to pursue their dreams despite challenges.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Irene & Marie Oberweis Nursing Scholarship Endowment Fund

This scholarship was created by Marie Oberweis as a loving tribute to her sister Irene.

Marie Oberweis (1921-2007) graduated from Madonna High School in 1939.

That year, she started her career with Oberweis Dairy where she later became a partner with her father Peter Oberweis and her brother Joseph Oberweis.

Irene Oberweis (1924-1996) attended Annunciation School in Aurora. She spent many years of her life in hospitals due to fragile health.

In gratitude for the exemplary care her sister received throughout her lifetime from those in the nursing profession, Marie Oberweis created a permanent scholarship fund to support area students entering the nursing field.

The SAF Technology Transfer Award honors exceptional contributions to technology transfer in forestry by an SAF member. It recognizes leaders who have significantly impacted forestry practices through innovation and quality work. The award includes a $1,000 honorarium, complimentary registration for the SAF convention, and up to $500 for travel costs. Presented at the SAF national convention, it emphasizes the importance of effective technology transfer for sustainable forest management.

The NANFA Conservation Research Grant, offered by the North American Native Fishes Association, supports research focused on conserving North America's indigenous fish species, particularly those that are threatened or endangered. With a maximum funding of $1,000 per proposal, this grant is open to academia, conservation groups, and independent researchers. Since 2001, NANFA has aimed to enhance knowledge about native fishes and promote their conservation through scientific research and community engagement.