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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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32,241 Results based on applied filters

Susan T. Buffett Scholarship

The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation
Private
Buffalo County, Nebraska, Dawes County, Nebraska +10 more
Unspecified amount
The Susan T. Buffett Scholarship provides financial assistance to first-time freshmen from Nebraska who demonstrate financial need and plan to attend a public college in the state. Awarded based on competitive criteria, this scholarship renews each semester for up to five years at a four-year college or three years at a two-year institution. It supports students who have graduated from Nebraska high schools or earned a GED, ensuring access to higher education for those in need.
Academic Scholarship Programs

James W. Caughy and Florence L. Caughy Verbeek Vacaville High School Memorial Service Award Fund

Solano Community Foundation
Private
California
US $4,000
The James W. Caughy and Florence L. Caughy Verbeek Vacaville High School Memorial Service Award Fund, managed by the Solano Community Foundation, honors students who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to community service. This scholarship is specifically for Vacaville High School graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0, planning to attend a four-year college in California, and who have engaged in community volunteer work for at least two years.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Jamon L. Burchett Memorial Scholarship

Perry County Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,490

Perry County Community Foundation

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

The Community Foundation can help you...

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

Jamon L. Burchett Memorial Scholarship

An annual, renewable scholarship established in memory of Jamon L. Burchett by his parents, Rich and Julie, and his brother, Travis, to honor Jamon's love for electrical repair.

Award Amount

  • $1,490

Renewal Details

May be renewable for a second year provided student continues to pursue education or training in a vocational field (i.e. auto mechanics, welding, electrical, plumbing, etc.) and remains in good standing with his or her college or university. Renewal award amounts may differ from the original award.

Vocational & Trade Education

Claud W. and Lois Kemp Family Scholarship

Pike County Community Foundation
Association/Society
Indiana
US $2,120

Pike County Community Foundation

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

The Community Foundation can help you...

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

Claud W. and Lois Kemp Family Scholarship

Annual, renewable scholarship fund established by Jerry D. Kemp to remember his grandparents, Claud W. and Lois (Corn) Kemp. Mr. and Mrs. Kemp were lifelong residents of Pike County. Claud Kemp was a long time teacher and principal at Velpen School in Velpen, IN. This scholarship is dedicated to Mr. Kemp and his enthusiasm for education.

Award Amount

  • $1,060

Renewal Details

  • May be renewable for a second year provided student continues to attend a 4-year college or university in Indiana.  Renewal award amounts may differ from the original award. 
Education - Higher Education

ASPET Travel Awards

American Society For Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics Inc
Private
Multnomah County, Oregon
Up to US $1,000
The ASPET Travel Awards aim to support the professional development of young scientists attending the ASPET Annual Meeting. Eligible participants include undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers who are ASPET members. Awards cover registration and lodging, with additional funding available for international applicants from developing countries. This program fosters networking and learning among emerging pharmacologists, enhancing their contributions to the scientific community.
Pharmacology

Mary F. Curtis Scholarship

Pike County Community Foundation
Association/Society
United States
Up to US $14,840

Pike County Community Foundation

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

The Community Foundation can help you...

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

Mary F. Curtis Scholarship

Annual, renewable scholarship established by the estate of Sammy K. Curtis, in memory of his aunt, Miss Mary F. Curtis, a beloved 2nd grade teacher at Winslow Elementary School.

Award Amount

  • $3,710

Renewal Details

  • May be renewable for up to four consecutive years. Renewal award amounts may differ from the original award.
Education - Higher Education

2026-2027 Digital Learning Ecosystem RFA

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
Unspecified amount

2026-2027 Digital Learning Ecosystem RFA

The purpose of the 2026–2027 Digital Learning Ecosystem (DLE) Grant is to support the creation, development, adaptation, management, and maintenance of high-quality online instructional resources for educators and school leaders. The grant also supports the continued enhancement, operation, and optimization of the Digital Learning Ecosystem platform, ensuring a modern, accessible, and user-centered experience that improves content discovery, navigation, and usability.

The DLE Grant provides content strategy and project support throughout the resource development lifecycle, including content planning, instructional resource development, platform integration, public release, and ongoing maintenance. Supported activities may also include the migration of existing resources from TEA-supported platforms, project planning, resource design, media production,marketing, and platform enhancements designed to improve functionality, accessibility, performance, and the overall user experience.

These online resources are intended to enhance instructional practices and support educators across Texas by increasing access to high-quality, evidence-based materials.

Funding

Total funds available for this project $1,500,000.

Academic Success & Enrichment Curriculum Development

Martha and Marion Klipsch Scholarship

Pike County Community Foundation
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount

Pike County Community Foundation

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

The Community Foundation can help you...

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

Martha and Marion Klipsch Scholarship

Renewable scholarship created by Marion and Martha Klipsch.

Award Amount

  • Open to new applicants.

Renewal Details

May be renewable for up to four consecutive years.  Renewal applications may be considered provided the recipient remains in good standing with his or her college/university. Renewal award amounts may differ from the original award. A new recipient for the award will be identified once every four years.

Education - Higher Education

John M. Ross Foundation - Program Grant

John M. Ross Foundation
Private
Hawaii
US $1,000 - US $5,000
The John M. Ross Foundation offers program grants aimed at supporting 501(c)(3) charitable organizations on the Big Island of Hawaii, specifically targeting teens aged 11-18. Priority is given to initiatives that cater to those with higher needs and limited access to resources. Key areas of interest include arts, education, health, and community services. Eligible programs must benefit local teens and can accept fiscal sponsorships, ensuring impactful outreach to those in need.
Youth Services

Harrell and LaVern Shoultz Scholarship

Pike County Community Foundation
Association/Society
United States
Up to US $3,210

Pike County Community Foundation

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

The Community Foundation can help you...

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

Harrell and LaVern Shoultz Scholarship

Annual, renewable scholarship created by Harrell and LaVern Shoultz.

Award Amount

  • $1,070

Renewal Details

May be renewable for consecutive sophomore and junior years.  Renewal award amounts may differ from the original award.

Education - Higher Education

ASPET Poster Awards - Undergraduates

American Society For Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics Inc
Private
Minnesota
US $50 - US $150
The ASPET Poster Awards for undergraduates recognize exceptional scientific presentations at the ASPET Annual Meeting. This competition showcases the best research from young scientists, including undergraduates, graduates, and postdoctoral fellows. Awards are presented by ASPET divisions and the Mentoring and Career Development committee, with cash prizes varying by category. Eligible applicants must be ASPET members and present their research in poster format. This initiative encourages participation in pharmacology-related research.
Pharmacology

Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) Scholarship

American Association of Airport Executives
Association/Society
United States
US $4,200
The Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) Scholarship, offered by the AAAE Foundation, provides financial support to aspiring leaders in aviation. With over $518,900 in scholarships available for 2025, this program aids students whose families are involved in the A.A.E. community. Applicants are evaluated based on academic performance, financial need, and community engagement. This initiative not only helps students pursue their education but also strengthens the future of the aviation industry.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Michigan Sugar Queen Scholarship

Michigan Sugar Company
Corporate
Arenac County, Michigan, Bay County, Michigan +14 more
Up to US $4,000
The Michigan Sugar Queen Scholarship, offered by Michigan Sugar Company, empowers young women aged 18-23 to represent the sugar industry as the Michigan Sugar Queen and Court Attendants. Each year, they receive scholarships of $4,000 and $2,000 respectively. Candidates must reside in sugarbeet-growing counties and demonstrate knowledge of the industry. Recipients commit to a year of service, attending various events, including parades and ceremonies, while applying funds strictly for tuition and books.
Education - Higher Education

Gaskins Family Scholarship

Pike County Community Foundation
Association/Society
United States
Up to US $9,480

Pike County Community Foundation

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

The Community Foundation can help you...

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

Gaskins Family Scholarship

Annual, renewable scholarship created by James S. and Cindy Gaskins.

Award Amount

  • $2,370

Renewal Details

May be renewable for consecutive sophomore, junior, and senior years.  Renewal award amounts may differ from the original award.

Education - Higher Education

Michigan Sugar Company Employee Scholarship

Michigan Sugar Company
Corporate
Bay County, Michigan, Hancock County, Ohio +3 more
US $1,000
The Michigan Sugar Company Employee Scholarship, established in 2014, supports employees and their families in pursuing further education. With a commitment to lifelong learning, this scholarship offers two $1,000 awards annually to children or grandchildren of Michigan Sugar Company employees. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be enrolled in a vocational program or an undergraduate degree. This initiative reinforces the company's dedication to educational advancement and community support.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Safe and Supportive Schools Continuation Grant

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
State/Local Government
Massachusetts
US $4,000 - US $10,000

FY2027: Safe and Supportive Schools Continuation Grant

Purpose:

The goals of this state funded safe and supportive schools continuation grant program are to:

  • help support implementation of school-wide action plans created by Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Fund Code (FC) 0335 Option 1 — Action Planning grantees in the prior year; and
  • continue, expand, or extend the implementation and support efforts of FY26 FC 0335 Option 2 — Implementation and Support grantees.

Priorities:

The main priorities for this grant are to help ensure that each participating school creates an equitable, safe, positive, healthy, culturally-competent, and inclusive whole-school learning environment for all students, and makes effective use of a system for integrating services and aligning initiatives that promote students’ behavioral health and wellness.

These efforts are supported through school-based implementation of action plans that were created after completing the Safe and Supportive Schools Self-Reflection Tool (SaSS Tool) .

An additional priority for Option 2 — Implementation and Support grantees is to provide support for Option 1 grantees, other new Safe and Supportive Schools Self-Reflection ToolSaSS Tool users, schools and districts that are new to implementation, the Department, Safe and Supportive Schools Commission, and others as needed and appropriate.

School Safety Academic Success & Enrichment

Central District Scholarship

Michigan Sugar Company
Corporate
Bay County, Michigan, Huron County, Michigan +4 more
US $1,000
The Central District Scholarship, funded by Michigan Sugar Company, awards up to two $1,000 scholarships annually to deserving high school seniors or college first-year students. Eligible applicants must reside in the Central District and have completed a Michigan Sugar Youth Sugarbeet Project. This initiative reflects Michigan Sugar's commitment to fostering education and community involvement, ensuring that local youth have the support they need to succeed in their academic pursuits.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Albert Flegenheimer Memorial Scholarship

Michigan Sugar Company
Corporate
Arenac County, Michigan, Bay County, Michigan +21 more
Up to US $2,500
The Albert Flegenheimer Memorial Scholarship, established by Michigan Sugar Company in 1974, honors a dedicated leader and supports high school seniors completing a Youth Sugarbeet Project with a $2,500 award. Additionally, the Next Generation Scholarship, initiated in 2013, provides a $1,000 award to the runner-up, reinforcing Michigan Sugar Company’s commitment to nurturing future sugarbeet growers. This scholarship program emphasizes community involvement and encourages local youth to pursue agricultural opportunities.
Academic Scholarship Programs

WEF Professional Development Grant

Wallingford Education Foundation (WEF)
Association/Society
United States
US $1,000 - US $2,000

Wallingford Education Foundation

Our Mission

The Wallingford Education Foundation is a non-profit, community-based partnership supporting educational innovation and excellence in our town.

Our Vision

The Wallingford Education Foundation empowers ideas and enhances educational experiences for students, educators and community members. It provides financial support outside the education budget that is aligned with the goals and focus areas of the school district’s strategic plan.

Professional Development Grant

Transformative impacts often result from staff members who choose to attend professional development programs. Typically, these opportunities are funded through the town’s annual school budget. However, the district may not be financially able to meet each request. Through the Professional Development Grant program, the Wallingford Education Foundation (WEF) provides additional funding for employees of Wallingford Public Schools to attend conferences hosted outside the district.

The Professional Grant program offers paired grants of $1,000 each for two Wallingford Public Schools staff members to attend the same professional development opportunity together OR single grants of up to $2,000 for an individual to attend a conference alone. Multiple grants are awarded yearly.

Teacher Development & Training

ASPET Poster Awards - Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Students

American Society For Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics Inc
Private
Multnomah County, Oregon
US $100 - US $300
The ASPET Poster Awards recognize outstanding poster presentations by graduate and post-baccalaureate students at the ASPET Annual Meeting. These awards aim to highlight exceptional scientific work among young scientists. Participants must be ASPET members and present their research if selected. Prizes include cash awards, with amounts varying by category. This competition encourages students conducting pharmacology-related research to showcase their findings, fostering professional development in the scientific community.
Pharmacology

George and Dorothy Eykamp Scholarship: College Scholarship Award

Gibson County Community Foundation
Association/Society
Gibson County, Indiana
US $1,000

Gibson County Community Foundation

Established in 1993, the Gibson County Community Foundation is one of over 800 community foundations in the United States today. The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Gibson County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

We are part of the Community Foundation Alliance (The Alliance), a network of nine community foundations serving counties in southwestern Indiana. The Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, provides management and administrative expertise to county-wide community foundations, empowering each to promote philanthropy, build endowments, and improve well-being in our local community. 

George and Dorothy Eykamp Scholarship (College Scholarship Award)

Annual, renewable scholarship created by Dorothy M. Eykamp to encourage Gibson County residents and the children of employees of Mid-States Rubber Products to further their education, to recognize academic achievement of those graduating from high school and continuing their education, and to motivate recipients to achieve maximum scholastic and vocational potential.

Education - Higher Education

Transformational Partnerships Fund: Grant Programs - Catalytic grants

Transformational Partnership Fund
Corporate
United States
Up to US $100,000
The Transformational Partnerships Fund offers catalytic grants of up to $100,000 to support partnerships among degree-granting institutions, focusing on student-centered solutions. These grants aim to explore innovative collaborations that enhance stability and success for students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Eligible institutions must demonstrate a commitment to transformational partnerships, with priority given to those serving diverse populations and improving educational outcomes. Interested applicants can find more information on the grant process and criteria.
Education - Higher Education

Creative Learning Grants for Schools (IL)

Illinois Arts Council Agency
State/Local Government
Illinois
Up to US $20,000
The Creative Learning Grants for Schools in Illinois, administered by the Illinois Arts Council, aim to enhance arts education in K-12 public and charter schools. Schools can apply for grants up to $20,000 to obtain essential materials and services from local artists or organizations. This initiative fosters a vibrant arts culture while addressing student needs for creative learning opportunities, ensuring access to quality arts education across the state.
Art Education

George and Dorothy Eykamp Scholarship: Junior College or State-Supported Technical College Scholarship Award

Gibson County Community Foundation
Association/Society
Gibson County, Indiana
US $500

Gibson County Community Foundation

Established in 1993, the Gibson County Community Foundation is one of over 800 community foundations in the United States today. The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Gibson County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

We are part of the Community Foundation Alliance (The Alliance), a network of nine community foundations serving counties in southwestern Indiana. The Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, provides management and administrative expertise to county-wide community foundations, empowering each to promote philanthropy, build endowments, and improve well-being in our local community. 

George and Dorothy Eykamp Scholarship (Junior College or State-Supported Technical College Scholarship Award)

Annual, renewable scholarship created by Dorothy M. Eykamp to encourage Gibson County residents and children of employees of Mid-States Rubber Products to further their education, to recognize academic achievement of those graduating from high school and continuing their education, and to motivate recipients to achieve maximum scholastic and vocational potential.

Education - Higher Education

Larry A. Kissel Memorial Scholarship

Gibson County Community Foundation
Association/Society
Gibson County, Indiana
US $2,540

Gibson County Community Foundation

Established in 1993, the Gibson County Community Foundation is one of over 800 community foundations in the United States today. The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Gibson County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

We are part of the Community Foundation Alliance (The Alliance), a network of nine community foundations serving counties in southwestern Indiana. The Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, provides management and administrative expertise to county-wide community foundations, empowering each to promote philanthropy, build endowments, and improve well-being in our local community. 

Larry A. Kissel Memorial Scholarship

Annual scholarship created by John and Phyllis Kissel in memory of their son, who died in a 1995 train accident. The award recognizes, rewards and encourages academic perseverance.

Education - Higher Education

Charleston First Responders Scholarship

Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina
Private
Berkeley County, South Carolina, Charleston County, South Carolina +1 more
US $1,000
The Charleston First Responders Scholarship, established by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, honors the bravery of first responders and their families. It provides financial support to first responders or their dependents who have served for at least one year in fire, police, or EMS units in Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties. This initiative recognizes the sacrifices made by these individuals in their commitment to public safety and community well-being.
Academic Scholarship Programs

The Light Awards

Intrepid Philanthropy Foundation
Private
Alameda County, California, Contra Costa County, California +13 more
Up to US $30,000
The Light Awards provide funding up to $30,000 over two years for professional learning projects designed by teachers. Targeting teams of educators, the program aims to enhance teaching effectiveness and student inspiration. Eligible projects must demonstrate potential for widespread impact and foster a community of practice. Applicants must be full-time teachers in California, and the program supports innovative training, tool development, and collaboration while ensuring adherence to specific guidelines regarding team composition and project funding restrictions.
Teacher Development & Training

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.

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.