Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Siemens Healthineers offers educational grants aimed at enhancing professional education in the healthcare sector. These grants support various clinical, technical, and scientific education programs, including medical imaging and laboratory diagnostics. The funding is intended for events that promote best practices and clinical demonstrations, providing healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to improve patient care outcomes. Applications must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the event, ensuring adequate time for review and approval.

The Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania Scholarship, provided by the Erie Community Foundation, aims to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder who have an IEP or 504 plan. In 2023, over $800,000 in scholarships were awarded to help more than 500 students pursue their educational goals. Preference is given to those with a current Autism Society NWPA membership, ensuring that resources are directed to those who need it most in their journey towards higher education and job training.

The Maine Chance Endowed Scholarship Fund, established by George and Joyce Fournier, aims to support students from Williamson County, Tennessee, pursuing trade or vocational education. Recognizing the importance of skilled trades, this scholarship assists with necessary costs beyond tuition, such as tools and certifications. It is open to students of all ages with a high school diploma or GED, reflecting the donors' commitment to fostering success in diverse educational pathways.

The AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grant program aims to promote inclusion within the optometric profession. This program offers $1,500 grants to under-represented minority students who are applying to optometry school. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients who meet specific academic criteria. The initiative seeks to enhance diversity in the field and expand access to primary eye care, supporting the next generation of optometrists.

The Next Generation Undergraduate Scholarship, established by the Architects Foundation, aims to support diverse students pursuing architecture degrees. With a total award of up to $20,000, the scholarship is available to US citizens or permanent residents who are seniors in high school or second-year college students enrolled in NAAB-accredited programs. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering inclusivity and excellence in the architectural profession, empowering future leaders to shape the built environment.

The Grant for Grassroots Exchange: Japan Festivals and Events supports cultural projects promoting understanding of Japan through local festivals and events. Aimed at community-driven initiatives, the grant encourages cross-cultural exchange and global perspectives while providing up to $7,000 in funding. Priority is given to projects reaching underserved communities in the Midwest, Mountain, and South regions, involving new participants in K-12 education, and demonstrating potential for replication in other areas.

The Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund, established in 1992, supports charitable organizations that enhance society, focusing on democracy and civil liberties. The fund prioritizes projects that ensure equal citizen participation in the democratic process and protect civil liberties, especially those implemented nationally or across multiple states. It operates by invitation only and emphasizes flexible, informed grantmaking to qualified projects that align with its mission and values.

The BJA FY25 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Formula Program aims to enhance state crisis intervention court proceedings and related initiatives, addressing critical public safety challenges. Funded by the US Department of Justice, this program supports mental health courts, drug courts, and extreme risk protection order programs, ensuring that only state governments can apply. The initiative is part of a broader effort to uphold civil rights and combat issues such as violent crime and human trafficking.

The Next Generation Graduate Scholarship, established by the Architects Foundation, supports aspiring architects from diverse backgrounds. With an award of up to $20,000 over five years, it aims to enhance education accessibility in architecture. This initiative honors Whitney Young Jr.'s call for a more responsible profession, inviting students from technical schools, community colleges, and non-NAAB programs to apply. The scholarship not only aids in educational pursuits but also fosters a network of future leaders in architecture.

The Music Teachers of Excellence (MToE) Award, managed by the CMA Foundation, recognizes outstanding public-school music educators. This prestigious award, with a $5,000 prize, aims to support teachers who inspire students and enrich their communities through music education. The application will open on September 3, 2025, allowing full-time music teachers with at least four years of experience to showcase their commitment and impact in the field. Stay tuned for more details!

The James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation focuses on enriching lives and making a positive impact in local communities. They prioritize funding for tax-exempt organizations that enhance education, health care, and support the under-served. The Foundation seeks to partner with those who demonstrate accountability and effective resource management, aligning with their mission for community enrichment and leadership development.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is launching a collaborative initiative aimed at exploring neurodegenerative mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD). This program, termed 'Centers without Walls', encourages interdisciplinary teams to merge diverse expertise, utilizing cutting-edge technologies and clinical insights to uncover novel ADRD pathways. By fostering collaboration and data sharing, the initiative seeks to enhance understanding of ADRD complexities and support the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

The Donald & Janice Svehla Family Endowed Scholarship, established in 2022 by their sons, supports students from Lincoln Northeast High School pursuing higher education. This initiative, backed by the Lincoln Community Foundation, honors Donald and Janice's dedication to education and community involvement. In 2025, the scholarship contributed to over $606,000 awarded to 299 recipients. It emphasizes the importance of academic excellence alongside financial need, continuing a legacy of support for local students.

The Fall Programs Grants: STEM + Families Propelling Our World initiative by the National PTA aims to engage families in hands-on STEM activities. Sponsored by Huntington Ingalls Industries, this program empowers local PTAs to conduct engineering challenges that foster collaboration between students and parents. With grants of $1,250 awarded to 20 selected PTAs, the program seeks to inspire interest in STEM careers and provide essential resources for family engagement in educational activities.

Albert Smith Conservation Scholarship

Albert A. Smith was born in Omer, Mich., in 1913. He began his education in a one room schoolhouse near Omer and successfully completed his first three grades in the first year of school. Upon graduation from Flint Northern High School at age 15, he went on to receive an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and thereafter a law degree in 1939. In the mid-1950s, he opened a law office in Saginaw that later became the law firm of Smith Bovill, P.C.

Mr. Smith’s love of the law was matched by his interest in the outdoors, and in particular his beloved Ruffed Grouse. He used his rolling farm and woods to entertain his friends, clients and courtroom adversaries. He was a consummate host to anyone who shared his love for the hunt.

Al was generous with his time and resources. He supported and served on the boards of his favorite charities and civic groups, including the Salvation Army, the Ruffed Grouse Society where he served as national president, the Samaritan Center and First Congregational Church. In 1976, he was recognized for his outstanding conservation work when he received the Wildlife Conservationist of the Year Award from the Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

About Us

Our Mission

We create lasting impact through asset development, nonprofit capacity building, and community leadership. 

Our Vision

To enrich the lives of Wabash County residents by fostering opportunity, inspiring generosity, and building a thriving connected community. 

Our Scholarships

For High School Seniors & Non Traditional Students who are beginning college more than one year after high school.

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.    

Blair and Marie Tate Scholarship Endowment

Through her will, Marie Tate honored the memory of her late husband, Blair Tate, by establishing this scholarship to assist deserving students of any Wabash County high school who have financial need. Mrs. Tate wanted to be sure that the scholarship was available to both students pursuing academic careers and those pursuing vocational training. The Tates had no children of their own, but through this scholarship, offered an inheritance to all students of Wabash County as if they were true heirs of a family estate.

The Education in the Era of Emerging Hemophilia Therapy (Round 2) grant, funded by Pfizer and the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, aims to support independent medical education initiatives. This funding opportunity focuses on providing equitable education for hemophilia patients and training for healthcare professionals. The goal is to enhance understanding of emerging therapies and improve treatment choices, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes in managing hemophilia.

Louis R. & Helen E. Schwartz FFA Agricultural Scholarship

The Louis R. and Helen E. Schwartz FFA Agricultural Scholarship was established to help prepare Saginaw County students for a future in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Both Lou and Helen Schwartz were raised on farms in Iowa, so they knew from first-hand experience that farming can be a difficult business. They moved to Frankenmuth when Lou opened area S&H Stores in 1962. The stores were sold to Quality Farm and Fleet in 1982.

Scholarships are awarded to students from Saginaw County, Michigan; Lyon County, Minnesota and Muscatine County, Iowa.

The PTA Healthy Minds program, supported by the New York Life Foundation, provides $1,250 to 75 local PTAs to enhance mental health resources for students and families. This initiative aims to empower PTAs to connect their communities with essential mental health support and programming, fostering resilience and emotional well-being among children. By engaging families and school leadership, the program promotes informed decision-making regarding mental health and ensures accessibility to resources for all students.

The Dr. Marshall H. Layton Memorial Scholarship honors Dr. Rock's dedication to education by supporting graduating seniors from the Harrisburg School District. This one-time award aims to help students with financial need who plan to pursue higher education or trade school. Applicants must demonstrate a desire for success through an essay, reflecting Dr. Rock's lifelong commitment to fostering learning and achievement.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The William and Susanna Botts Scholarship for Immigrants

The Botts family has been supportive of and advocates for the immigrant community for many years. Susanna taught English as a Second Language in Stafford County schools for eleven years until her retirement in 2010. Since that time, she has continued to work part-time with county ESL students; in addition, she has worked with immigrant families in their homes. Bill provided legal assistance to lawfully represent immigrants in civil matters for many of his 40 years as a legal aid attorney. In 2002, while Executive Director of Rappahannock Legal Services (now Legal Aid Works), he encouraged the Board of Directors to give up all federal funding for the legal aid program so that the organization could represent undocumented immigrants as well. Since 2016, he has served as a volunteer attorney for Baptist-based LUCHA Ministries Immigration Legal Services.

Bill and Susanna have also worked together through Catholic Charities to assist endangered children to come to the United States as refugees from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. They have worked through their church, Fredericksburg United Methodist, tutoring ESL students at Hugh Mercer Elementary School. All of their efforts have been informed and inspired by their experiences on over a dozen church mission trips to Central America and Mexico.

The Botts believe supporting the educational dreams of immigrant youth will serve not only the immigrant community, but also the community at large. The William and Susanna Botts Scholarship for Immigrants will award at least two annual scholarships of $1,000 to support high achieving and or/highly motivated immigrants or refugees in our community. 

The Joanie Bostic Memorial Senior Pirate Spirit Award, established by the Decatur County Community Foundation, honors Joanie Bostic's passion for youth and Greensburg athletics. This scholarship recognizes a senior who exemplifies outstanding school spirit through participation in or support of athletics or music. Eligible candidates must be graduating seniors from Greensburg Community High School and submit a statement detailing their school experience and encouragement of Pirate spirit.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Walton Mahon Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was created in March 1991 by Union Bank and Trust in recognition of the many years of devoted service which Mr. Walton Mahon gave to the bank. Mr. Mahon worked for Union Bank and Trust for 42 years, serving as President for 25 of those years. He continued to lead the bank after his retirement for another 9 years as a member of the Board of Directors, serving the bank for over 50 years in all.

With their gift, Union Bank and Trust wished to support the college or university education of a Caroline County student or students wishing to pursue a career in business. 

Yellow Dog Studio Memorial Scholarship

The Yellow Dog Studios Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Mari Zimmerman-Thompson and Christopher Thompson. Mari and Chris became husband and wife in May of 2002. They lived their remaining years together as kindred spirits until July 2, 2015 when a tragic automobile accident took them from their family and friends.

Evaluation Criteria

• Special skills/interests (30)
• Career goals (20)
• Essay (15)
• Letters of recommendation (15)
• Extracurricular activities (5)
• Awards and honors (5)
• Overall involvement in work, school and community activities (5)
• Academic performance (5)

The Kristin Lee Burry Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Decatur County Community Foundation, supports North Decatur graduates pursuing degrees in special education, pediatric medicine, or Christian ministry. This scholarship honors Kristin's legacy and her family's deep roots in the community, as her mother and brother are NDHS alumni. By providing financial assistance, this scholarship aims to ease the educational burden for deserving students and contribute to a brighter future.

The New York Life Foundation Grief Reach Grants aim to enhance the capacity of nonprofit organizations serving grieving children. This program, offered in partnership with the National Alliance for Children's Grief, provides $15,000 grants over one year to support internal improvements like organizational development and strategic collaborations. The initiative focuses on strengthening infrastructure and sustainability, ensuring that children have the resources they need to cope with loss effectively.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

The Reese and Joelle Norris Service through Music Scholarship

The Community Foundation, CoroRio, and MidSouth Music Institute is pleased to offer a $500 college scholarship: The Reese and Joelle Norris Service through Music Scholarship. We are grateful to Reese and Joelle Norris for more than ten years of service to CoroRio and the MidSouth Music Institute. Together, they have nearly 50 years of teaching thousands of all ages throughout the MidSouth and across the country.

Starting in the Spring of 2024, the scholarship will be awarded each year to a student who is currently involved in CoroRio, plans to pursue a career related to music, and has demonstrated a passion for serving others through music, like Reese and Joelle.