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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

Margery Boyce Bursary

Canadian Association on Gerontology
Association/Society
Canada
C $500
The Margery Boyce Bursary aims to support post-baccalaureate students dedicated to serving seniors in their communities. Candidates must demonstrate significant volunteer contributions and be enrolled in a program focused on aging. Preference is given to those returning to university after a break from studies. Eligible applicants are required to be CAG members and full-time students at a recognized Canadian university, with proof of registration for the upcoming academic year.
Aging / Gerontology

Kleberg Foundation: Arts & Humanities Grant

Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation
Private
Brooks County, Texas, Jim Wells County, Texas +3 more
Unspecified amount
The Kleberg Foundation supports arts and humanities initiatives, prioritizing established organizations with a history of partnership. Grants focus on high-caliber visual arts exhibitions in Kleberg and nearby counties, emphasizing educational outreach and public engagement. While capital projects are rarely funded, pre-approval discussions with Foundation staff are encouraged. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations and public universities, with an annual application limit for arts organizations.
Visual Arts

Comfort Kits and Grab N' Go Program

Disabled Veterans National Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

About Disabled Veterans National FoundationThe Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) provides critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and freedom.About Comfort Kits and Grab N' Go ProgramIn addition to our direct outreach, the DVNF also supports like-minded organizations that share our commitment to serving veterans. Approved organizations can apply to receive Comfort Kits for distribution to veterans in their communities. These kits are designed to meet the unique needs of veterans and offer critical support where they are needed most.

Military & Veterans Services

Jefferson College of Health Sciences Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia
Private
Virginia
US $1,000

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Our Community Foundation was established in Roanoke in 1988. With our growth, we expanded into the Martinsville/Henry County area in 2005. Today, we administer many hundreds of named endowment funds ranging in size from a minimum of $10,000 to millions of dollars. To date, donors have also committed very significant resources to the Foundation through future estate gifts.

Our Mission:Enabling people who love their community to easily give back.

Scholarships

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Jefferson College of Health Sciences Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarships to deserving students attending Radford University Carilion.

Education - Higher Education

Women's Fund of Essex County Grant

Essex County Community Foundation
Private
Essex County, Massachusetts
Up to US $30,000
The Women’s Fund of Essex County provides grants to non-profit organizations that support at-risk women and girls in Essex County, focusing on gender-specific services. For 2023, it offers eleven 3-year grants of $24,000 and three 1-year grants of $6,000 to address systemic inequalities. Priority areas include academic achievement, economic self-sufficiency, health, and leadership development. Since 2003, over $3 million has been awarded to enhance programs that empower women and girls in the community.
Women & Girl Services

Home Repair Assistance (HeRO) Program

Missouri Housing Development Commission
State/Local Government
Missouri
Up to US $25,000

Home Repair Assistance (HeRO) Program

Home Repair Assistance (HeRO) Program provides home repair grants for income-qualifying Missouri residents of single-family homes. MHDC does not award funds directly to households. Interested households should contact a participating agency to apply for the program. 

All project expenses must be within the following limitations:

  • The total hard cost must not exceed $25,000 per project;
  • The total soft cost that is covered by MHDC must not exceed $2,000 per project; and
  • The total administration cost that is covered by MHDC must not exceed 10% of the total cost covered by MHDC per project.
Family Services

EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships

European Molecular Biology Organization
Association/Society
Austria, Belgium +32 more
Unspecified amount
The EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships support researchers with a doctoral degree to pursue postdoctoral training in EMBC Member States. Grants cover employment contracts and stipends for fellows in non-member countries. Eligible applicants must have a first author publication and apply within two years of obtaining their PhD. Benefits include childcare and relocation allowances, as well as opportunities for networking and participation in leadership courses. The fellowship duration is typically two years, with flexibility for shorter terms.
Molecular Biology

SCF The Women's Fund Grant

Stark Community Foundation
Private
Stark County, Ohio
Up to US $5,000
The SCF The Women's Fund Grant, established in 2006 by visionary women, aims to enhance the lives of women and children in Stark County. Through vital funding, it supports programs focused on economic stability, emotional health, and community engagement. The fund seeks to empower women as leaders in philanthropy while addressing the needs of underserved populations. Its strategic goals include building a sustainable endowment and promoting philanthropy across diverse backgrounds, ensuring lasting impact for future generations.
Women & Girl Services

Gene and Donna Mallak Memorial Scholarship

Saginaw Community Foundation
Private
Michigan
Unspecified amount

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Gene and Donna Mallak Memorial Scholarship

The Gene and Donna Mallak Memorial Scholarship was established by their daughter Jeanne in honor of the tremendous support they gave her to pursue her college dreams. Her hope is that this scholarship will provide the same support for those who receive this award to also pursue their dreams.

Education - Higher Education

Edinburgh Botanic Garden (Sibbald) Trust Fellowships

Edinburgh Botanic Garden (Sibbald) Trust
Private
United Kingdom
Unspecified amount
The Edinburgh Botanic Garden (Sibbald) Trust Fellowships support taxonomic research and related activities that benefit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. The Trust prioritizes smaller projects in spring and fellowships in autumn. Funding is available for various research and illustration projects, as well as for botanists seeking to utilize the Garden's extensive resources. Applications must include a report from any previous projects completed within the last year to be considered.
Plant Science

Alliant Energy’s Community Tree Planting Program

Trees Forever
Private
Iowa, Wisconsin
Up to US $5,000
Alliant Energy’s Community Tree Planting Program, part of the One Million Trees Initiative, is a recognized program aimed at enhancing community and environmental health. Collaborating with Trees Forever, this initiative supports communities in Iowa and Wisconsin to plant trees, fostering energy efficiency and stewardship. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for purchasing local landscape-sized trees. The program helps ensure a greener future by engaging citizens in tree planting efforts, thereby improving local ecosystems and community vitality.
Greening & Beautification

Lawrence Spraragen Memorial Scholarship

The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

About

We’re Here to Serve You

Partnering with Donors and Community Leaders to Make a Lasting Impact

Our mission is to strengthen our community through philanthropy.

Scholarships for High School and College Students

Lawrence Spraragen Memorial Scholarship 

Established to the child or grandchild of a current, active member if IBEW Local 236 or the child or grandchild of the management or staff of a signatory contractor to IBEW Local 236.

Education - Higher Education

NCVMA High 5 Grant

North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association
Association/Society
North Carolina
US $5,000
The NCVMA High 5 Grant offers $25,000 annually to support organizations that enhance community service and welfare for people and animals in North Carolina. This initiative, led by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, aims to promote educational projects with veterinary involvement. Grants of up to $5,000 each are available to qualified applicants, with a preference for those demonstrating fiscal responsibility and past successes. This program reflects NCVMA's commitment to veterinary excellence and community advocacy.
Veterinary Science & Services

Program Open Space (POS) Local Grant

Maryland Department of Natural Resources
State/Local Government
Baltimore City, Maryland, Maryland
Up to US $25,000

Established in 1969, Program Open Space (POS) Local provides financial and technical assistance to local subdivisions (counties and municipalities) for the planning, acquisition, and/or development of public recreation land or open space areas.

Parks & Public Spaces

Jane C. Waldbaum Archaeological Field School Scholarship

Archaeological Institute of America
Association/Society
Canada, United States
US $2,000
The Jane C. Waldbaum Archaeological Field School Scholarship, established by the Archaeological Institute of America, supports students participating in archaeological fieldwork for the first time. With a funding amount of $1000, this scholarship is aimed at junior and senior undergraduates and first-year graduate students who are studying archaeology or related disciplines. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate academic achievement and financial need.
Archaeology

Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA) Grant

Missouri State Library Development
State/Local Government
Missouri
Unspecified amount

The Missouri State Library advances the development and improvement of library services throughout the state, provides direct library and information service in support of the Missouri state government, and strives to ensure all Missourians have equal access to library services.

Library & Information Science Library Services

Meeting Organizer Grants

Federation of European Microbiological Societies
Association/Society
Europe
Up to €15,000
The Meeting Organizer Grants by the Federation of European Microbiological Societies support both virtual and in-person meetings, offering up to €15,000. Designed for members of FEMS Member Societies, these grants prioritize funding for Early Career Scientists' attendance. Eligible events include scientific conferences, workshops, and training courses within Europe, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing in the microbiological community.
Microbiology

Helen & Bob Bintz Scholarship

Marion Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

About Marion Community Foundation

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

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

Helen & Bob Bintz Scholarship

The Bintz Scholarship, created in 2001, supports Catholic education and makes awards to any Marion County student to attend a Catholic university, especially the University of Dayton, the alma mater of many family members. The fund honors the parents of its creators, Patricia Kelly, Suzanne Burkhart, and MaryJo Balistreri.

Recipients of the Bintz Scholarship rank in the upper 25th percentile of their high school graduating class and/or maintain a college GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must have attended a high school located in Marion County for at least the 18 months prior to their application.

Education - Higher Education

Civitan Club of Marion Scholarship

Marion Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

About Marion Community Foundation

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

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

Civitan Club of Marion Scholarship

The Civitan scholarship supports life-long Marion students pursuing or intending to pursue a field of study or career that either involves working with children in education or working with children or adults with disabilities.

Education - Higher Education

Altrusa Club of Marion Scholarship I

Marion Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

About Marion Community Foundation

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

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

Altrusa Club of Marion Scholarship I

The Altrusa Club of Marion Scholarship Fund I was established in memory of Lynda L. Williams, Ruth Kramer, and Clara J Walters. It supports life-long Marion County students pursuing higher education.

Education - Higher Education

Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship

Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation
Private
United States
US $224,000 - US $542,000
The Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to advance their studies in Chemical Sciences or Chemical Instrumentation. This program supports innovative research within fundamental chemistry and the development of new instrumentation. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or DACA recipients, with a PhD in the chemical sciences anticipated by May 1, 2026. Mentorship from a qualified institution is required, fostering independent research capabilities in a collaborative environment.
Chemistry Chemical Engineering

Science Teacher Award

Native Plant Society of New Mexico
Association/Society
New Mexico
US $500
The Science Teacher Award, provided by the Native Plant Society of New Mexico, honors dedicated grade 6-12 science teachers who effectively teach about plants and plant science. This one-time award of $500 recognizes the achievements of teachers from the past two years and includes a complimentary native plant guide book. Eligible nominations can come from teachers themselves or others familiar with their work, with all teachers being equally considered, regardless of NPSNM membership.
Plant Science

Shaffer Family Scholarship

Brown County Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

Shaffer Family Scholarship

Purpose

To provide educational scholarships for students who are accepted into and attending accredited two or four year public or private intuitions of higher learning.

Education - Higher Education

P.E.O Chapter CU Scholarship

Brown County Community Foundation
Private
Canada, United States
Unspecified amount

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

P.E.O Chapter CU Scholarship

Purpose

To provide a scholarship to a female Brown County resident who is graduating from high school or completing a G.E.D. and will be attending an accredited post-secondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada, full-time or part-time, in the fall of the academic year following high school graduation.

Awards winners are chosen by P.E.O using the application process.

Education - Higher Education

New Mexico PreK Grant

New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD)
State/Local Government
New Mexico
Unspecified amount

Early Childhood Education and Care Department is seeking applications from eligible providers to renew, expand, or create new PreK slots and classrooms statewide, especially in areas of the state where there is a lack of high-quality PreK for children and families.

Education - Preschool / Early Learning

Native Plant Society of New Mexico Donations

Native Plant Society of New Mexico
Association/Society
New Mexico
Up to US $5,000
The Native Plant Society of New Mexico is dedicated to educating the public about native plants and fostering conservation efforts. Through donations, they support regional herbaria that archive biodiversity and promote botanical research. Their contributions aid in digitizing herbarium specimens for broader access, ensuring the preservation of ecological knowledge. This initiative invites other herbaria in New Mexico and West Texas to apply for funding, enhancing collaborative efforts in plant conservation and education.
Plant Science

John A. and Cheryl J. Eyed Scholarship

Brown County Community Foundation
Private
Indiana
Unspecified amount

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

John A. and Cheryl J. Eyed Scholarship

Purpose: To provide tuition assistance to Brown County residents pursuing a two or four year degree on a full or part-time basis at any Ivy Tech State College location.

Education - Higher Education

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.