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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+

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$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

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

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32,499 Results based on applied filters

Fall River Chamber Foundation/James T. Waldron Scholarship

Southcoast Community Foundation
Private
Massachusetts
Unspecified amount

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

Fall River Chamber Foundation/James T. Waldron Scholarship

The Fall River Chamber Foundation James T. Waldron Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide an annual scholarship award to a South Coast region graduating High School senior(s) attending an accredited two- or four- year college or university.

Education - Higher Education

Carolinas Credit Union Foundation: The Advancing Equity Award

Carolinas Credit Union Foundation
Private
North Carolina, South Carolina
Unspecified amount

Who We Are

For nearly 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. The results of our work are visible across North and South Carolina, proving that by leveraging our cooperative spirit, we can change our communities.

Hero Awards

Each year, the Foundation honors people and organizations who have made or continue to make a transformational impact on the credit union movement. Hero Award winners are honored at the Foundation’s Awards Gala each year.  

Nominations for the following awards categories are accepted: The Lifetime Achievement Award, The Individual Achievement Award, The Partner in Philanthropy Award and The Advancing Equity Award.

The Advancing Equity Award

Honors an individual, credit union, business partner, or community non-profit for their commitment to the credit union industry’s 8th Cooperative Principle of DEI. This award recognizes the proactive efforts of people or organizations who cultivate belonging for all through fair and equitable policies, products, programs, and initiatives that enhance the well-being of employees, members, and/or surrounding communities. This award seeks to encourage those who, through committing time and resources to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, live out the cooperative principle to engage everyone in governance, management and representation.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Belvedere Animal Welfare Fund Grant

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Maine
Up to US $15,000
The Belvedere Animal Welfare Fund Grant, established in 2007, focuses on advancing animal welfare in Maine through one-year project proposals for organizations addressing population control for cats and dogs. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipalities, and public agencies. The fund emphasizes keeping low-income pet owners and their animals together and supports education on humane treatment. Note: No new general support applications will be accepted until 2025, but project proposals are welcomed.
Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets

Helen E. Nash, M.D. Educational Trust Fund Scholarship

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis
Association/Society
Missouri
Up to US $7,000
The Helen E. Nash, M.D. Educational Trust Fund Scholarship honors Dr. Helen Nash's legacy in St. Louis by providing need-based financial support up to $7,000 annually for qualifying high school seniors. Applicants must be residents of St. Louis City, rank in the top third of their class, and intend to enroll in a four-year college or university in Missouri. This scholarship aims to empower students to pursue higher education, reflecting Dr. Nash's commitment to equality and education.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Charter School Facility Grant Program – (SB740)

California State Treasurer's Office
State/Local Government
California
Unspecified amount
The Charter School Facility Grant Program (SB740) aims to provide financial assistance for charter school facilities, specifically targeting schools that enroll a significant percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This program, now managed by the California School Finance Authority, offers annual grants to help offset facility costs. Funding availability is announced annually on the CSFA website, ensuring support for schools in need of financial aid for their operational expenses.
Education - K through 12

IU Grant Linking Universitywide Expertise (GLUE) Award

Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI)
Association/Society
Indiana
Up to US $100,000

Mission The mission of the Grants Linking University–wide Expertise (GLUE) awards is to support “the planning and team building across campuses to develop of large multi-investigator and/or multi-project, milestone-driven, translational research teams who are planning to eventually submit a multi-year extramural grant applications with annual budgets of $300K or higher in direct costs per year”. 

IU Grant Linking Universitywide Expertise (GLUE) Award

  • The GLUE funding is available to collaborative teams where the lead PI of the research team is from IUB, and the other members of the team are from Indiana CTSI affiliate campuses.
  • Applications are expected to have a maximum requested amount $100,000 per year for up to two years.
  • The projects are expected to typically bring together two or more distinct scientific expert teams who will develop appropriate administrative and technical ‘core’ supports
  • Applications for GLUE grants are accepted for review at any stage of their development.
  • It is expected that these planning/seed grants will increase multidisciplinary collaborations, institutional competitiveness, opportunities for extramurally funded training grants and overall institutional funding.
  • The GLUE funding is available to collaborative teams where the lead PI of the research team is from Indiana University Bloomington (IUB), and the other members of the team are from CTSI affiliate campuses. 

Education - Higher Education Curriculum Development

Judy Tyree Obaugh Scholarship

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge
Private
Augusta County, Virginia, Staunton City, Virginia +1 more
Unspecified amount

About Judy Tyree Obaugh

For decades, Judy Tyree Obaugh served her community with warmth, creativity, and professionalism as a skilled hairdresser. She learned her craft under the tutelage of Boyd & Rose Thompson, founders of the Staunton School of Cosmetology in 1956. She worked for Boyd’s Hairdressers both in Staunton and Waynesboro for over thirty years until Mr. Thompson closed the Waynesboro shop. Judy is currently working and has done hair for residents at Summit Square Retirement Community in Waynesboro for over 20 years.

Judy Tyree Obaugh Scholarship ScholarshipThe Judy Tyree Obaugh Scholarship supports students from Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County who are enrolled in the Staunton School of Cosmetology and demonstrate financial need to complete their training. By removing financial barriers, this scholarship helps aspiring cosmetologists carry forward Judy’s legacy of service and style.

Vocational & Trade Education

Winchester Athena Club Students Scholarship

Community Foundation of Randolph County
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Winchester Athena Club Students Scholarship

The Athena Club was founded in 1982 as an organization where women in local businesses and professions could meet to network with one another and to learn more about the greater Winchester community. The weekly luncheon meetings were open to all working and retired women. Named for the Greek goddess of knowledge and wisdom, the club’s purpose was to gain knowledge from the weekly speakers, to promote the role of women as leaders in our community, and to contribute to the knowledge of others by giving of themselves so that others might learn. The club has provided leadership to a variety of community organizations and has given financial support to young people who wished to take advantage of educational opportunities. The Athena Club scholarship is awarded each year to a senior from one of the five Randolph County high schools. The club disbanded in 2022, but the scholarship continues to support the club’s focus on education and leadership.

Education - Higher Education

U & C Scholarship

Community Foundation of Randolph County
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

U & C Scholarship

Given to students who have been accepted into a 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning and are family members of vendors, business associates or children of company employees of B & F Plastics.

Education - Higher Education

Ava’s Grace Scholarship

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis
Association/Society
Bond County, Illinois, Calhoun County, Illinois +7 more
Up to US $5,000
Ava’s Grace Scholarship, founded in 2010, provides vital educational support to students with incarcerated parents or caregivers in Missouri and parts of Illinois. Offering scholarships up to $5,000 annually, it renews through graduation. This initiative promotes hope and community, transforming lives through education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, while also planning to pursue an accredited degree. This program, part of The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, aims to foster a brighter future.
Academic Scholarship Programs

BJC Scholars Fund Scholarship

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis
Association/Society
Crawford County, Missouri, Madison County, Illinois +5 more
Up to US $12,000
The BJC Scholars Fund Scholarship, backed by BJC HealthCare, aims to support high school seniors from specific Missouri and Illinois counties pursuing higher education. Eligible students can receive up to $12,000 per academic year, renewable for up to ten semesters. This initiative addresses community needs highlighted by the Ferguson Commission, promoting educational opportunities for youth in the regions served by BJC hospitals, which are known for their commitment to healthcare excellence.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Joe & Elizabethe Gardner Scholarship

Community Foundation of Randolph County
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Joe & Elizabethe Gardner Scholarship

This scholarship is open to a graduating senior who has applied and been accepted into a University, College, Junior College, or Technical School. Their proposed field of study must be in the area of 1) Home Economics Education, 2) Home Economics Specialty (i.e. dietetics, textiles, etc.), or 3) Home Economics related Health Occupation (listed as nursing, dental assistant, etc.).

Education - Higher Education

Pediatric Fellow Research Projects

Indiana Department of Health
State/Local Government
Indiana
Up to US $10,000

The Department of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine is pleased to announce the availability of grants to support research projects conducted by clinical fellows in accredited fellowship programs within the sections of the Department of Pediatrics.Research projects must be feasibly completed within the fellowship period.

Children’s Health & Pediatrics

rootEd Undergraduate Scholarship

Rooted Alliance Inc
Private
Idaho, Missouri
Up to US $12,000
The rootEd Undergraduate Scholarship, established by rootEd Alliance in 2018, supports high school seniors from rural Missouri and Idaho in pursuing higher education. This renewable scholarship provides up to $12,000 annually for students attending accredited nonprofit colleges or universities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and be committed to completing a bachelor’s degree program. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and promote success for students in rural America.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Ethan Cheesman Memorial Scholarship

Community Foundation of Randolph County
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Ethan Cheesman Memorial Scholarship

Ethan Taylor Cheesman, a promising young athlete and student at Union Jr./Sr. High School, went to heaven on May 6, 2009 at the age of 15. Born in Muncie to Gregory D. and Paula K. (Clevenger) Cheesman, Ethan was a well-rounded individual with a passion for sports, music, and animals. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Losantville and excelled in various extracurricular activities, including track and field, basketball, cross-country, student council, and baseball. He was also a member of the band, playing both trumpet and French horn. Ethan’s kind and gentle nature, coupled with his great sense of humor, made him beloved by his friends and family. This scholarship honors his memory and supports students who embody his spirit and dedication.

Education - Higher Education

New Bern Breakfast Rotary Todd Denson Memorial Scholarship Endowment

North Carolina Community Foundation Inc
Private
Craven County, North Carolina
More than US $1,000

What We Do

At the North Carolina Community Foundation, we bring together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about.

Our mission is to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities.

Our Philanthropic Network

We believe in the power of permanent philanthropy to strengthen our communities and people. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, our philanthropic network makes a powerful impact through robust grants and scholarships programs.

New Bern Breakfast Rotary Todd Denson Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Criteria

Graduates of high schools in Craven County, North Carolina, or Craven County, North Carolina residents graduating from high school.

Education - Higher Education

NIOSH National Center of Excellence for the Prevention of Childhood Agricultural Injury (U54)

Dept. of Health & Human Services: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $1,600,000
The NIOSH National Center of Excellence for the Prevention of Childhood Agricultural Injury (U54) aims to enhance the safety and well-being of youth in the agriculture sector. This initiative will conduct vital research, improve data collection, and implement effective interventions to mitigate risks faced by young workers. By collaborating with various stakeholders, the center seeks to translate scientific findings into practical solutions that promote healthier working environments for children in agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries.
Occupational Health & Safety

NIOSH Centers for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Safety and Health (U54)

Dept. of Health & Human Services: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $2,200,000
The NIOSH Centers for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Safety and Health provide critical support to enhance worker safety and health in the vital AgFF sector. With a focus on high-quality interdisciplinary research, these centers aim to translate scientific findings into practical solutions, improve health outcomes, and engage with partners to promote best practices. By addressing health hazards and improving data coordination, these centers strive for a meaningful impact on the well-being of AgFF workers across the nation.
Occupational Health & Safety

Robert Franklin Black Scholarship Fund

North Carolina Community Foundation Inc
Private
North Carolina
More than US $1,000

Robert Franklin Black Scholarship Fund

The endowment shall be devoted to the support of two scholarships:

The Juki Automation Scholarship (JAS) 

The JAS scholarship will be made available to individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 who have received or are expecting to receive a high school degree or its equivalent and whose parent, stepparent, legal guardian, aunt, uncle, spouse or grandparent is an employee of Juke Automation Systems. The individual must have applied to and be planning to attend an accredited institution of higher learning within one year of the application deadline. Such institution may be a four-year college or university, a community college or a technical institute, for undergraduate or graduate education. The scholarship is renewable. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, school and community activities, work experience and educational goals. 

Community Scholarship

The Community Scholarship will be made available to individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 who have received or are expecting to receive a high school degree or its equivalent and whose parent or legal guardian is a resident of Durham, Orange and Wake Counties of North Carolina. The scholarship is renewable but may not be used for graduate education. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, school and community activities, work experience and educational goals.

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

Education - Higher Education

Arnold Arboretum: Sargent Award for Visiting Scholars

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Private
Suffolk County, Massachusetts
Up to US $7,000
The Arnold Arboretum's Sargent Award supports visiting scholars in botanical sciences, providing up to $7,000 for research expenses related to its extensive living and herbarium collections. With over 15,000 documented woody plants and 5 million herbarium specimens, scholars can conduct significant research on diverse floras, particularly from East Asia. This award fosters collaboration and showcases the research potential of the Arnold Arboretum's unique resources.
Plant Science

The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund (SCSF)

Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund (SCSF) supports motivated individuals in need by providing financial assistance for education. Aimed at underserved youth and young adults, the SCSF helps cover tuition and related expenses, ensuring access to higher education. Eligible candidates include high school seniors, GED holders, and undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.0. The program encourages community service, fostering a spirit of giving back among its scholars.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Helen Hunter Scholarship

Greene County Foundation Inc.
Private
Indiana
Unspecified amount

About the Foundation

Our Mission

The mission of the Greene County Foundation is to inspire individuals to engage in strengthening Greene County now and for generations to come.

As a public charity, we accomplish our mission by:

  • Building permanent charitable funds
  • Connecting donors to organizations, programs and charitable causes of interest
  • Making effective grants
  • Providing leadership on community issues

Scholarships for Current College Students & Non-Traditional Students

Helen Hunter Scholarship

Scholarships are given in the following categories:

  • Current college student enrolled as a junior or senior for the coming fall semester.
  • Graduate student enrolled for the coming fall semester.
  • Returning or non-traditional student – an adult student at least 25 years old who has been out of the college system for 2 years or more, or an older student who has been out of high school for 5 years or more and is just now starting college.
Education - Higher Education

Hermann K. Brauer Memorial Scholarship Fund

North Carolina Community Foundation Inc
Private
United States
More than US $1,000

Hermann K. Brauer Memorial Scholarship Fund

Students must be preparing for a professional career in medicine, dentistry, nursing, engineering or other science, teaching or law. The scholarship will not be used for career preparation in veterinary medicine, funeral direction, mortuary science, or in the ministry. The student must demonstrate clear financial need. To maintain the scholarship, the student must remain in good academic standing as defined by the college or university and have no failing subject. The student must demonstrate clear financial need. To maintain the scholarship, the student must remain in good academic standing as defined by the college or university and have no failing subject.

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

Education - Higher Education

Mequon-Thiensville Community Foundation Event Sponsorships

Mequon-Thiensville Community Foundation Inc.
Private
Ozaukee County, Wisconsin
Up to US $1,000
The Mequon-Thiensville Community Foundation offers event sponsorships aimed at enhancing local activities in Mequon and Thiensville. These sponsorships support one-time or recurring events by nonprofits or municipalities, providing promotional benefits for sponsors. Eligible applicants include organizations with a non-discrimination policy and those holding tax-exempt status, as well as recognized government entities and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round, promoting community engagement and brand awareness.
Economic Services & Development

Olga R. Sylvia, Manuel Sylvia, and Iria R.S. Sylvia Scholarship Fund

Southcoast Community Foundation
Private
Massachusetts
Unspecified amount

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

Olga R. Sylvia, Manuel Sylvia, and Iria R.S. Sylvia Scholarship Fund

This fund was established to provide scholarships to: One student from NBHS and one from Dartmouth HS who attends or will be attending an institution of higher learning. Scholarships can be renewed yearly. 

Education - Higher Education

Urology Care Foundation Bridge Award

American Urological Association Inc
Private
United States
US $60,000
The Urology Care Foundation Bridge Award, supported by Dornier MedTech, aims to assist established urology researchers facing financial challenges. It provides up to $60,000 over a 12-month period to sustain vital urologic projects at risk due to funding gaps or setbacks. This unrestricted funding targets independent researchers who are no longer under formal mentorship, ensuring that those actively engaged in research receive timely support to maintain their competitiveness in the field.
Urology

The Rona Jaffe Foundation Fellowship

Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown
Private
United States
More than US $2,500
The Rona Jaffe Foundation Fellowship supports emerging women writers with a fully funded 7-month residency at the Fine Arts Work Center. Established by the Rona Jaffe Foundation, it includes a $2,500 prize to assist with travel and living expenses. Eligible candidates must be U.S. residents, at least 18 years old, and not enrolled in a degree program during the fellowship year. This prestigious fellowship aims to nurture exceptional literary talent.
Writing & Literature

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.