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Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

Get unrestricted grants for nonprofits providing flexible funding to meet pressing organizational or program needs.

32,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

32,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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32,483 Results based on applied filters

MPC Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Visiting Scholar Program

Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland
Private
Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Unspecified amount

MPC Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Visiting Scholar Program

The Marine Policy Center (MPC) at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution invites applications for a limited number of Visiting Scholar appointments, supporting short-term residential visits at the intersection of ocean science, policy, and decision-making.

The program is designed to bring scholars and practitioners to Woods Hole for a focused period of collaboration with MPC researchers and the broader WHOI scientific community. We are particularly interested in individuals whose expertise complements or expands our current areas of focus and who are interested in engaging across disciplines.

Oceanography

TPTF — Dallas Special Fund

Texas Historical Commission (THC)
State/Local Government
Dallas County, Texas
US $10,000 - US $250,000

Texas Preservation Trust Fund

The TPTF Grant Program is your opportunity to save and protect Texas' threatened historic resources.

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) awards grants for preservation projects from the Texas Preservation Trust Fund (TPTF). The Texas Legislature established the TPTF in 1989. The fund is currently managed by the Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company. Investment earnings are distributed as matching grants to qualified applicants for acquisition, survey, restoration, preservation, planning, and heritage education activities leading to the preservation of historic architectural and archeological properties and associated collections of the State of Texas. Competitive grants are awarded on a one-to-one match basis and are paid as reimbursement of eligible expenses incurred during the project.

Dallas

As the result of covenants released on several historic buildings at the Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant (NWIRP) in Dallas, over $1.4 million in funds were dedicated to the TPTF program for historic preservation projects in the City of Dallas. The total amount of funds available for eligible projects for the FY 2027 grant cycle is $783,719.00. The THC anticipates grant awards to be in the $10,000 to $250,000 range. Grants require a one-to-one match.

Historic Preservation

CFHC General Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
Henderson County, North Carolina
US $1,000

About Community Foundation of Henderson County (CFHC)

  • Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
  • Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

CFHC General Scholarship

This scholarship provides financial assistance to students of Henderson County, NC, for education beyond high school. Applicants must demonstrate reasonable need and demonstrate the capacity for pursuing an advanced education.

This is a renewable scholarship. 

Education - Higher Education

NIOSH Small Research Grant Program (R03)

Dept. of Health & Human Services: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $100,000
The NIOSH Small Research Grant Program (R03) aims to enhance the understanding of occupational disease risks and develop strategies for risk reduction. This grant supports research projects that require limited resources, including pilot studies and data analysis, to effectively translate scientific findings into practice. Applicants are urged to articulate the health burdens addressed and the anticipated impacts of their research on workplace safety and health, thereby contributing to the reduction of work-related illnesses and injuries.
Occupational Health & Safety

Private Higher Education Grant

Arthur Vining Davis Foundations
Private
United States
US $25,000 - US $300,000
The Private Higher Education Grant, offered by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, supports colleges and universities dedicated to undergraduate education and the liberal arts. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $300,000, encouraging projects that enhance student outcomes and faculty leadership. Proposals promoting advocacy for liberal arts, civil discourse, and purpose-oriented education are especially welcomed, fostering an environment of respectful dialogue and a strong sense of purpose among students.
Education - Higher Education

Interfaith Leadership & Religious Literacy Grant

Arthur Vining Davis Foundations
Private
United States
US $100,000 - US $300,000
The Interfaith Leadership & Religious Literacy Grant aims to enhance religious literacy by fostering multi-faith dialogues and collaborations. It targets 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. that educate leaders across various sectors, promoting mutual respect for diverse beliefs. Funding ranges from $100,000 to $300,000, supporting initiatives like digital media projects and campus collaborations that bridge differences. The grant encourages innovative proposals while excluding scholarships and individual grants.
Interfaith Cooperation / Religious Freedom

Charles Young Historic Preservation Grant

Community Foundation of East Mississippi Inc.
Private
Lauderdale County, Mississippi
Unspecified amount

Charles Young Historic Preservation Grant

The Charles L. Young, Sr. Grant for Historic Preservation will be used to advance a sense of place (e.g., history, culture, achievement, etc.) within the Lauderdale County African-American community by supporting building renovations, capital improvements, and special projects. 

Recognized as one of Mississippi’s and the South’s most outstanding businessmen, Representative Charles L. Young, Sr. received numerous community, state, and national awards for his outstanding service in business and politics. The Lauderdale Co. Human Relations Commission chose to honor Rep. Young’s legacy by establishing this endowment to guarantee that his name, as well as his accomplishments, would be remembered in our community for generations to come.

Historic Preservation

David M. Cordani Courage in Service Grant Program

CIGNA Foundation
Corporate
United States
Up to US $150,000

David M. Cordani Courage in Service Grant Program

The Cigna Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), today announced the launch of the David M. Cordani Courage in Service Grant, a new $1.5 million, 10-year commitment to support the health and well-being of military and veteran communities by prioritizing social connection.

Each year, $150,000 will be awarded to one nonprofit serving military and veteran communities to support programs that strengthen connections, improve well-being, and increase stability for individuals and families navigating key life transitions.

How the Grant Supports Military Communities

The Courage in Service Grant will support nonprofit organizations that deliver:

  • Programs that reduce isolation and strengthen resilience among military families through peer support
  • Community-centered health and wellness hubs offering physical activity, wellness programming, and mental health support
  • Transition-focused services that help individuals and families navigate key military life moments such as deployment, relocation, recovery, and reintegration
Military & Veterans Services

School-based Mental Health Qualifying Grant Program

Utah State Board of Education
State/Local Government
Utah
More than US $25,000
The School-based Mental Health Qualifying Grant Program (SBMHQGP) aims to enhance mental health support in Utah schools by providing funding for clinical services and trauma-informed care. Established under House Bill 373, it targets Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to employ qualified personnel for early intervention in students' academic and mental health needs. The initiative seeks to remove barriers to learning and foster essential skills for academic achievement, ensuring comprehensive support for students.
Wellness & Healthy Living Cognitive Intervention & Therapy

Robert & Doris Hanna Scholarship Fund

Chester County Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

About the Chester County Community Foundation

Our Mission

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

Robert & Doris Hanna Scholarship Fund

Mission

The Chester County Community Foundation honors the long and philanthropic lives of Dr. Robert and Doris Hanna.

Education - Higher Education

Clarke County Foundation for Tomorrow Grant

Community Foundation of East Mississippi Inc.
Private
Clarke County, Mississippi
Unspecified amount

Clarke County Foundation for Tomorrow Grant

“The Clarke County Foundation for Tomorrow was created by the Clarke County Chamber of Commerce to benefit programs and activities for Clarke County Students through their respective school systems, their teachers or staff, or to benefit any 501c(3) organization whose programs and activities will benefit Clarke County.”

Academic Success & Enrichment

Kemper Hometown Teacher Mini Grants

Community Foundation of East Mississippi Inc.
Private
Kemper County, Mississippi
Up to US $500

With over 40 years of heartfelt service, the Community Foundation of East Mississippi is dedicated to fostering charitable giving that connects generous individuals, families, and businesses to meaningful opportunities. We bridge resources and needs to uplift the dynamic communities we serve.

Community Foundation of East Mississippi awards grants through several competitive application processes each year. Our service area includes the following 5 counties in East Mississippi: Clarke, Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba and Newton. 

The purpose of the Kemper Hometown Endowment Fund is to provide mini-grants to teachers and to support educational programs and activities in Kemper County.

Six teacher grants will be awarded each year.

The Community Foundation of East Mississippi wants to support your efforts to enhance your curriculum, introduce new tools, or launch creative projects!

Teacher Development & Training

Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
State/Local Government
Illinois
US $150,000 - US $550,000

Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program

The goal of the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program is to provide grants to community-based organizations or coalitions throughout the State that will recruit, prescreen, and provide pre-apprenticeship skills training. Successful grantees will also be expected to provide pathways and manage the transition from the pre-apprenticeship program to a full apprenticeship program in construction and building trades.

Estimated Total Program Funding

  • $12,000,000

Award Range

  • $150,000 - $550,000
Apprenticeship & Internship Programs

Outcomes Innovative Pharmacy Grant Program - Original Track

Iowa Pharmacy Association
Private
Iowa
Up to US $10,000
The Outcomes Innovative Pharmacy Grant Program supports innovative pharmacy initiatives in Iowa. It offers funding up to $10,000 for projects aiming to enhance pharmacy practices. Eligible applicants include Iowa licensed pharmacists and researchers who are active members of the Iowa Pharmacy Association. The program encourages collaboration and requires a presentation of the grant proposal along with final reports detailing project outcomes and fund distribution.
Pharmacology

Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP)

Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) – Michigan Strategic Fund
State/Local Government
Michigan
US $10,000 - US $60,000

Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP)

The Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP) was established to assist in the preservation, rehabilitation, and protection of historic lighthouses in Michigan.

With more than 120 lighthouses standing sentinel along Michigan’s 3,200 miles of shoreline, Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the country. Established in 2000 when many lighthouses were transferred out of federal ownership, the MLAP program is intended to help lighthouse stewards restore and repair their historic lighthouses, which in turn helps keep them open and an active part of local economies around the state as tourist and learning destinations. 

This grant program is managed through the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

Funding for the MLAP comes from the sale of lighthouse license plates.

Historic Preservation

DDAF Community Grants

Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation
Corporate
Arkansas
US $2,500 - US $40,000
The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation’s Community Grant program aims to enhance oral health across Arkansas by supporting nonprofit organizations and community initiatives focused on education and access to dental care for underserved populations. Since its inception in 2008, the program has prioritized projects that provide preventive and treatment services, ensuring equitable access to oral health resources for individuals of all ages and backgrounds in need.
Dental Health

EZ Start Scholarship

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Private
United States
US $1,000

EZ Start Scholarship

At Ezderm, we believe education drives progress—in healthcare, technology, and every field where curiosity and hard work make a difference. To support the next generation of innovators, we’re proud to offer the EZ Start $1,000 Scholarship. This award is designed to ease some of the financial pressures of college life, giving students the freedom to focus on their goals. Whether it’s tuition, textbooks, housing, or supplies, this scholarship is here to help.

Education - Higher Education

Riverside Hospital Foundation: Innovation Grants

Riverside Hospital Foundation
Private
Baker County, Florida, Clay County, Florida +3 more
Unspecified amount
The Riverside Hospital Foundation offers Innovation Grants to support new healthcare initiatives in Northeast Florida. Established in 1991, the Foundation aims to enhance access to quality healthcare across five counties: Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns. Eligible applicants include public and private nonprofits, as well as faith-based organizations. Grants focus on projects with measurable outcomes, self-sustaining funding, and the potential for replication, all aimed at improving healthcare delivery and effectiveness in the region.
Health Care Access & Delivery

Mid-Shore Community Foundation Healthcare Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

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.

Education - Higher Education

Mary B. Lynch Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

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

Education - Higher Education

Donald D. Casson Character Counts Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

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. 

Education - Higher Education

Rebecca Lynn Seto Memorial Scholarship

Bold Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $5,000

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.

Education - Higher Education

Dorchester County Public Schools Education Foundation Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
Dorchester County, Maryland
Unspecified amount

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. Dorchester County Public Schools Education Foundation ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from Dorchester County Public Schools, who have completed the Teacher Academy of Maryland Program, with a minimum of 100 hours in internship placement and are planning to pursue degrees in Education. 

Education - Higher Education

CPB Student/PDF Research Grant

Canadian Society of Zoologists
Association/Society
Canada
Up to C $500
The CPB Student/PDF Research Grant, offered by the Canadian Society of Zoologists, supports students and post-doctoral members with expenses incurred during research visits. It aims to enhance zoological research through supplementary activities, prioritizing applications that assist core research programs. Open to all nationalities at hosting facilities, applicants must be studying at a Canadian university and can submit only one application per year. This grant reflects the society's commitment to inclusion and equality in the field of zoology.
Zoology

Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship

Bold Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $2,000

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.

Education - Higher Education

Drs. Kenneth and Michael Judd Health Professions Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
Caroline County, Maryland, Dorchester County, Maryland +3 more
Unspecified amount

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. Drs. Kenneth and Michael Judd Health Professions ScholarshipAwarded to Mid-Shore students, who are planning to pursue careers in healthcare.

Education - Higher Education

RIF: Basic Human Needs Grants

The Rhode Island Community Foundation
Private
Rhode Island
Up to US $5,000
The RIF: Basic Human Needs Grants provide crucial support to community agencies in Rhode Island, offering up to $5,000 for emergency assistance programs. These grants target organizations delivering essential services such as food, clothing, housing, and utilities assistance. The funding aims to help both new initiatives and established programs, ensuring they can meet the needs of Rhode Islanders in crisis. Organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria to apply, emphasizing the importance of local support for vulnerable populations.
Basic Human Needs

Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

Unrestricted grants for nonprofits provide flexible funding to support operating expenses, program development, and general organizational needs. The following grants empower organizations to allocate resources where they are needed most to achieve long-term impact and sustainability.


Search Instrumentl's Unrestricted Grants Database


Discover 8,000+ funding opportunities for unrestricted grants, with $3.43B available. Instrumentl connects nonprofits to tailored funding options, offering tools for tracking deadlines, customized searches, and insights to support organizational flexibility and growth.

Last updated: October 5, 2026. Next update: November 1, 2026.

Grant Insights : Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.

8,000+ Unrestricted grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

3,000+ Unrestricted grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

3,000+ Unrestricted grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

1,000+ Unrestricted grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

7,000+ Unrestricted grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

1,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Health Care Access & Delivery

300+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Social Justice / Human Rights

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Unrestricted grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
29.8%
Q2
23.8%
Q3
23.9%
Q4
22.6%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $34,887.

$0 $0 Min.
$34,887 $34.9 K Median
$655,609 $655.6 K Average
$188,250,000 $188.3 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

Unrestricted grants are open to nonprofits across various sectors, including education, healthcare, social services, and the arts. Unlike project-specific grants, these funds aren’t tied to a particular initiative, making them great for organizations that need flexibility to strengthen their operations, build capacity, and expand their reach.

Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for unrestricted grants, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 29.8% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.

Unrestricted grants aim to give nonprofits the freedom to focus funding where it’s needed most. Whether it’s covering administrative costs, hiring staff, investing in technology, or expanding prgrams, these grants help nonprofits strengthen their organization. Funders see unrestricted grants as a way to help nonprofits remain adaptable as new challenges come up while building long-term sustainability.

Funding for unrestricted grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $0 to a maximum of $188,250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $34,887, while the average grant awarded is $655,609. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.

Unrestricted grants are typically funded by private or community foundations, corporate giving programs, and individual donors. Well-known funders like the MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation offer unrestricted grants to nonprofits that align with their mission. Community foundations and corporate programs (Target Foundation, Toyota) also fund these types of grants for organizations.

To improve the chances of receiving unrestricted grants, applicants should:

  • Show financial responsibility – Funders want to know their money will be managed effectively, so provide financial reports and budgeting strategies.
  • Highlight past successes – Use data, stories, and testimonials to show how your organization has already made an impact.
  • Explain how the funds will support your mission – Make it clear how unrestricted funding will help your organization grow, expand reach, and have a greater impact.
  • Build strong relationships with funders – Unrestricted grants often come from funders who already trust an organization, so networking and maintaining strong connections can increase your opportunities.

For more information on unrestricted grants, dig into our guide on the differerences between restricted and unrestricted funding.

Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for unrestricted grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.

Learn more about Instrumentl’s and how you can scale your grant funding.