Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

Maryland State Department of Education

Maryland has over 1,400 public schools, 24 local education agencies, and over 7,000 child care providers serving all of the state’s 23 counties plus Baltimore City. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) works collaboratively with the State Board of Education and stakeholders to ensure the promise of an excellent and equitable education for all students, especially those who have been historically underserved. At MSDE, we are a dedicated team of educators, specialists, and administrators joined together by a single vision: to be a system of world-class schools where students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for success in college, career, and life.

Prekindergarten Expansion Grant

Purpose

The Prekindergarten Expansion Grant is a competitive grant program administered by the Division of Early Childhood at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). It provides funding for local education agencies (LEAs) and private providers to administer high-quality prekindergarten and school readiness services throughout the State for children and their families in alignment with The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The purpose of the grant is to broaden availability and expand access to high-quality prekindergarten educational programming and school readiness services for three- year-old and four-year-old students from families with household incomes up to 300% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

The Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation Grant aims to enhance educational experiences for Nassau BOCES students by funding innovative projects that extend beyond standard operating budgets. Educators are encouraged to submit creative proposals that align with best practices in teaching and learning. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that can positively impact a broad student base, fostering a culture of excellence and lifelong learning within the community.

Chester T. Dickerson, Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Graduate of a public high school, vocational or technical school or other form of public 9th through 12th grade education, as well as home-schooled students.

Awards:

• One time award of $1,500. 

The Edward and Belle Rudoy Endowment Fund, established by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, aims to recognize and promote excellence in teaching within the Winneconne Community School District. This fund supports K-12 educators who demonstrate dedication and commitment to education, with recipients nominated by their school principals. Since its inception in 1928, the Foundation has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in local communities by uniting resources for impactful projects.

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.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Columbia Bank Kenneth R. Gifford, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program

The Columbia Bank Kenneth R. Gifford, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program (formerly Columbia Bank) awards ten, $1,000.00 scholarships each year. High school seniors attending school in Siskiyou, Shasta, Tehama, Glenn, Colusa, Placer, Sacramento counties may apply.

Columbia Bank recognizes that our continued success is contingent upon the health and vitality of the communities we serve. Taking action to improve the well-being of others is a community responsibility and commitment we fully believe in and commit to. We value the opportunity to provide financial support to the youth in our communities.

The Recruitment Assistance Program (RAP) - Dentist (SD) aims to incentivize dentists to practice in rural South Dakota communities. Eligible dentists can receive an incentive payment of $256,204 for three years of service. The funding is shared between the state and the employing facility, varying by community size. To qualify, dentists must be licensed in South Dakota, citizens of the U.S., and agree to serve full-time in an eligible community. Currently, three slots are available.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in collaboration with NOAA, is offering funding to enhance environmental literacy and community resilience across the U.S. Gulf Coast. This initiative supports projects focused on local environmental challenges and solutions through place-based education. With $4M available, applicants can request between $100,000 and $750,000 for projects lasting 12 to 36 months, aimed at engaging community members and fostering future leaders in addressing regional environmental issues.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Don & Debbie Bankson Scholarship Endowment Fund

This opportunity allows the donors to fulfill their desire to help Shasta County youth, with excellent academics and a strong community-service background, pursue a college education.

Don and Debbie Bankson are longtime residents of Shasta County with a passion to support the community they love. Through a donation of real property to the Shasta Regional Community Real Estate Foundation, the Banksons seeded the Don and Debbie Scholarship Fund to fulfill their desire to help Shasta County youth, with excellent academics and a strong community-service background, pursue a college education.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi 

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

Sr. Cora Lee Middleton Scholarship

Sr. Cora Lee Middleton Scholarship is to assist the recipient in the next step of their education. This scholarship is established in her name to assist high school graduates of Tallahatchie or Coahoma County high schools in their next education step.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi 

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

Tunica Woman’s Club Betty Jo Dulaney Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a young woman residing in Tunica County who embodies the spirit of volunteerism and exemplifies the core values of the Tunica Woman’s Club—dedication to service, advocacy for women, children, and families, commitment to global change, and the empowerment of women.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi 

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

Wesley W. Williamson Memorial Scholarship

Dedicated in memory of a beloved friend, actor, director, teacher, and passionate supporter of the performing arts and Kudzu Playhouse. The award recognizes a student who understands the importance of providing a safe, welcoming, and encouraging environment where individuals can explore their artistic interests, and who has actively demonstrated a commitment to enriching and participating in programs that provide them.

The Janosik Family Scholarship, awarded by the Delaware Community Foundation, offers a one-time financial assistance of $2,000 for graduating seniors from specific Eastern Shore High Schools. This program emphasizes citizenship qualities, work ethic, and community service as key selection criteria. In 2024-2025, the foundation distributed a record-breaking $850,000 in scholarships to support students pursuing undergraduate degrees, promoting educational opportunities and equity across Delaware.

The Eviction Help Illinois Grants, provided by the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation, aim to offer civil legal assistance to low-income residents facing eviction. These grants focus on legal services such as advice, representation, and access to mediation resources. By funding nonprofit organizations, the initiative seeks to enhance legal support for vulnerable populations, ensuring they receive the necessary help to maintain housing stability and navigate the complexities of eviction and housing issues effectively.

The J.D. O’Connor Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a four-year award of $5,000 annually to graduating seniors from Sussex County high schools. Students must enroll in an accredited Delaware institution and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50 to renew their award. This scholarship aims to support local students in their pursuit of higher education, ultimately enhancing opportunities and promoting equity within the community.

The McElhattan Foundation focuses on innovative solutions to end workplace fatalities by 2050. It invites proposals that develop new technologies, particularly those that eliminate dangerous tasks at work. The foundation partners with the National Safety Council’s Work to Zero program to enhance safety practices. Organizations seeking funding should be established non-profits with a history of successful collaboration, and grants typically start at $50,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, fostering impactful initiatives.

The Historic Preservation Fund Grant (HPF) offers matching grants to support projects that provide public benefits, reimbursing up to 60% of eligible costs. Applications open from December 1, 2025, to February 1, 2026. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $65,000, focusing on architectural surveys, preservation plans, and restoration of historically significant buildings. The program prioritizes non-profit, municipal, and civic organization projects that demonstrate public use and align with the State Historic Preservation Plan.

The Hazardous Materials Training and Planning Grant, offered by the Ohio Public Utilities Commission, aims to enhance public safety by funding training for emergency services personnel on managing hazardous materials spills during transportation. Eligible applicants include educational institutions and local governments, with grants covering various training types. Activities must be completed by May 31, 2026, with reimbursement requests due by June 30, 2026. Joint applications for collaborative training programs are encouraged, promoting cost-effective training solutions.

Who We Are

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) is a nonprofit organization focused on partnering with donors to build opportunity and advance equity in Delaware.

Our mission is to strengthen Delaware by maximizing community-based philanthropy.

Our vision is a Delaware where generosity expands opportunities for all.

Looking for some financial help this school year?

The DCF awarded scholarships totaling a record-breaking $850,000 to 245 students for the 2024-2025 school year.

Section 4: Unique Scholarships requiring a separate application

Scott Kammerer Scholarship

One-time award of $2,000.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Jane Starke Boyd and Alexander Boyd Charitable Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is for students pursuing healthcare-related majors.

The Henry Gray Distinguished Educator Award, presented by the American Association for Anatomy, recognizes exceptional contributions in human anatomy education across various formats, including gross anatomy and embryology. This prestigious award is open to full-time or emeritus faculty who are current AAA members. Nominees must submit a nomination form along with letters of recommendation. The award includes a $2,000 travel stipend for attending the AAA Annual Meeting, supporting educators dedicated to advancing anatomical sciences.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

ACF General Scholarship

The ACF Scholarship Fund was established in 2008. Any student attending an Arizona public community college or university who demonstrates a financial need, as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is eligible to apply. Applicants who have experienced foster care are given preference.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

AAUW of East Mesa (AZ) Branch Scholarship

Recipients of this award receive mentorship from members of the AAUW of East Mesa (AZ) Branch and are required to maintain communication with their mentor throughout the year. This scholarship is renewable for 4 or more years if the required criteria is met.

Growing Green Spaces Grant

The Growing Green Spaces 2026 Grant Program provides funding for community-led initiatives that support community health and climate resilience by growing green spaces. Requests can be between $15,000 and up to $40,000.

Background

The Growing Green Spaces (GGS) program at San Diego Foundation (SDF) expands access to parks, green infrastructure and community gardens to support healthy neighborhoods and climate resilience. Building on the foundation of the Outdoor Access, Climate, and Food Initiatives, GGS deepens San Diego Foundation’s commitment to climate resilience by emphasizing the multiple co-benefits of green spaces, including outdoor education, sustainable food production, public health and social cohesion. GGS supports community-driven climate solutions that protect, restore and reimagine shared spaces as essential infrastructure for climate resilience, public health and local economic vitality. GGS prioritizes projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen climate adaptation and deliver co-benefits such as improved air quality and reduced urban heat. Emphasis is placed on initiatives led by or in deep partnership with communities impacted by climate change.

The program centers local leadership and long-term stewardship, recognizing that communities are best positioned to design and sustain green spaces that meet local needs and deliver lasting environmental and social benefits.

The G. Ernest and Bernadine Rightley Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from Marshall County schools. This scholarship is designed for local residents who are entering their first year of study at an accredited college or university. The foundation is committed to fostering philanthropy and providing opportunities for students to pursue higher education, thereby investing in the future of the community.

The Highway Safety Grant in Alaska is designed to enhance traffic safety across various priority areas including impaired driving, police traffic services, and roadway safety. Managed by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, this grant encourages local agencies to match at least 20% of project costs, promoting sustainability and project continuation. Applications must be submitted by the specified deadline to be considered for funding.

The Dr. David R. Barkmeier Top Research Universities Scholarship, offered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, provides funding for students attending prestigious universities, including those in the Association of American Universities. This scholarship supports graduates from Marshall County high schools who can demonstrate residency and is renewable for previous recipients who meet eligibility criteria. It aims to foster academic excellence and assist local students in achieving higher education.