Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

J. Dean and Carolyn L. Owen (Carolee) Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of J. Dean Owen, their family and friends in memory of his wife Carolee Owen. Carolee was a dedicated community volunteer and this fund will provide scholarships to graduates of Muskegon County High Schools who are planning on attending a college or university within the state of Michigan. In 2015 J. Dean passed away. The family and friends of J. Dean and Carolee Owen can be assured that hundreds of young people, for years to come, will benefit from this fund established in her memory.

The PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction, offered by PEN America, recognizes a distinguished book of nonfiction published annually. This prestigious award, which includes a $10,000 prize, honors works that exhibit notable literary merit and critical perspectives on contemporary issues. Eligible authors, regardless of citizenship, must have published their book in the previous calendar year. This award highlights the importance of intellectual rigor and stylistic elegance, echoing the legacy of economist John Kenneth Galbraith.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Swenson Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Leland L. Swenson, who established the Swenson Family Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Dr. Leland Swenson practiced orthopedic surgery in Muskegon from 1949-1978 and worked at Hackley Occupational Health Clinic, completing orthopedic disability evaluations from 1985-2005. The Swenson family wished to continue with their charitable actions, and believe the Community Foundation would carry out their wishes. The Swenson Family Scholarship is designed to provide scholarships to students throughout Muskegon County.

The Fred Harris Daniels Foundation offers Capital Grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in the Worcester, MA area, focusing on building construction or improvements. These grants support sustainable solutions to local challenges, particularly for programs benefiting girls aged 10-14. Applications are considered annually, with funding typically spread over three years. Emphasizing arts, culture, education, and social services, the Foundation prioritizes projects near Worcester City, aiming to enhance community self-reliance.

The PEN Award for Poetry in Translation, established in 1996, honors outstanding book-length translations of poetry into English. This prestigious award, conferred by PEN America, provides a $3,000 prize to the translator of the winning work. Eligible entries must be original translations published by U.S. trade publishers within the calendar year. The award not only recognizes the art of translation but also promotes cultural exchange and literary diversity.

The PEN Translation Prize, awarded annually by PEN America since 1963, recognizes outstanding book-length prose translations into English. A $3,000 prize is conferred to the winning translator, celebrating the art of literary translation. Eligible works must be original translations published by U.S. trade publishers within the calendar year. This award highlights the importance of cross-cultural literature by honoring translators who bridge language barriers, fostering appreciation for diverse voices in the literary community.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Welder Training Scholarship

The AWS Welder Training Scholarship is for students seeking welder training in a certificate program less than two years in length through a trade school, community college, or other facility providing welder training.

Up to 800 - $1,000 Welder Training Scholarships will be awarded annually.

The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, established in 2001 by Mark and Jim Wahlberg, aims to support youth service programs that eliminate barriers to success for inner city youth. By providing financial and community support, the foundation empowers young individuals to achieve their potential and dreams, fostering a nurturing environment reminiscent of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, where Mark spent his formative years.

About Wavemaker Grants

WaveMaker at Locust Projects supports Miami’s visionary artists with INCUBATOR grants for innovative PROJECTS that  are shared with the public in Unconventional Spaces.

All projects must engage or be shared with the public in unconventional spaces in Miami-Dade County. This may include exhibitions, performances, events, workshops, screenings, programming at alternative or artist-run-spaces. Projects can not be presented at art museums or commercial galleries.

Criteria

All proposals will be considered based on criteria including but not limited to:

• Overall idea, vision, and artistic innovation
• Relevance to the local social, cultural, and/or geographic context
• Accessibility of the project to the public outside of a museum or gallery
• In person gatherings in free, publicly accessible spaces are an essential requirement.
• Capacity of the applicant to realize the project on time and within budget
• Potential impact on the local community, the arts and culture landscape, and/or the artist’s growth

Grant Categories:

Each year, WaveMaker at Locust Projects awards a total of $60,000 in grant funding to artists across Miami-Dade County in the following three categories:

New Work / Projects

• Grants up to $6,000 each to support the creation and presentation of visionary, artist-driven new work / projects.   

Long-Haul Projects

• Grants up to $6,000 each to support launching, sustaining, or completing long-term projects. This category recognizes the time and commitment required to pursue long-term artistic endeavors.

R&D + Implementation

• Grants up to $2,000 each to support research and development for ambitious new projects that take creative risks or benefit from a longer planning period. After the R&D phase, grantees are encouraged to submit a short-form proposal for an additional $4,000 to implement their projects.

The Steuben County REMC Operation Round Up Grant supports nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life in Steuben County. Applications are accepted quarterly, and projects that address root causes and foster collaboration are prioritized. The fund aims to stimulate economic development while uplifting community members through philanthropic initiatives. Eligible projects must primarily benefit residents of Steuben County, and special consideration is given to those aligned with the strategic goals of established nonprofits.

The Learning Links Grants provide up to $800 for public schools in Western North Carolina to implement hands-on creative learning projects. Funded by the Ben W. and Dixie Glenn Farthing Charitable Endowment Fund, these grants aim to enhance student engagement and educational outcomes. Successful applications should clearly outline project plans, budgets, and expected impact on students. This initiative encourages community involvement and aims to foster a love for learning, ultimately supporting students through to graduation.

The James P. Jackson Scholarship, provided by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, aims to support graduating seniors from Muskegon County High Schools pursuing an Accounting degree. Established by the Jackson family in memory of James P. Jackson, this scholarship reflects a commitment to empowering students to achieve their educational goals. The Community Foundation manages an extensive scholarship program, offering over $1 million annually to help students realize their dreams and contribute to the community.

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Jackson-Merkey Contractors Educational Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Steve Jackson and Gary Merkey, who established the Jackson-Merkey Contractors Educational Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Steve Jackson and Gary Merkey have been friends since high school and business partners for many years now. They were really excited to start this find and wish they had thought of it long ago. This scholarship will benefit Muskegon County high school graduates working toward any degree but with a preference given to students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering or Constuction Management.

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Hispanic Community Services Coaltion Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Hispanic Community Services Coalition, who established the Hispanic Community Services Coalition Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Mission of the Hispanic Services Coalition of Muskegon County is to serve the Hispanic community through education, health information and services as an instrument in improving their quality of life. HCSC promotes the Hispanic culture within Muskegon County and acts as a cultural reference. This scholarship is for a Hispanic or Latino graduating seniors who are residents of and/or attend high school in Muskegon County.

THRIVE Grants provide up to $10,000 to support innovative, artist-led visual arts projects in Oklahoma. These grants encourage impactful initiatives that engage the community and push traditional exhibition boundaries. Projects must be open to the public and occur within the funding period. The program, in partnership with The Andy Warhol Foundation, emphasizes collaboration and creativity, prioritizing new projects that have not previously received funding.

Youth Grantmakers in Action Grants empower youth aged 15-18 in Forsyth County to engage in philanthropy, fostering leadership and community involvement. This youth-led initiative encourages collaboration among young grantmakers and supports projects aimed at addressing local challenges. By amplifying youth voices, the program builds authentic partnerships that create impactful changes in the community. With a focus on meaningful projects, YGA is committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders in philanthropy.

The ASHP Foundation offers Professional Advancement Scholarships for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and graduating pharmacy students, enabling them to attend national meetings for networking and professional growth. For the 2025 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting, scholarships include full registration and $1,000 for travel support. This initiative aims to enhance professional development opportunities within the pharmacy community, fostering connections and knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals.

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change provides a renewable need-based scholarship to male students attending an accredited, four-year Historically Black College or University (“HBCU”).

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change award recipients will receive a 2026-2027 academic year award of up to $4,000 based on need. UNCF will send electronic notification to the eligible recipients in April 2026; and scholarship funds will be disbursed to the eligible recipients’ enrolled institutions in the fall 2026.

Scholarship Renewal

If funds are available, recipients may be eligible for awards for up to four (4) additional years within a five (5) year period.

Previously awarded students shall be notified and must meet the following criteria:

• Maintain academic standing consistent with the student’s institution standards for continued enrollment.
• Annually complete FAFSA and continue to have a demonstrated unmet financial need, as verified by their college or university.

A student who transfers from an HBCU to any accredited four-year college or university after successfully completing at least one (1) academic term remains eligible for recurring awards for attendance at their new institution if they otherwise meet the renewal eligibility criteria.

A student who withdraws or takes a leave of absence, after completing at least one (1) academic year, has the equivalent of a full academic year to reenroll at any accredited four-year college or university.

Drug Checking Technologies Program

The Division of Care and Treatment Services invites agencies currently participating in the DHS Naloxone Direct Program to apply to receive drug checking technologies at no cost for community distribution. The drug checking technologies available through this program include fentanyl test strips, fentanyl test strip kits, xylazine test strips, and xylazine test strip kits. 

Background

Drug checking technologies are an evidence-based method to prevent overdose deaths by educating people about the substances they are using.

Program overview

This DHS Drug Checking Technologies Program will provide:

• Test strips packaged in boxes of 100.
• Test strip kits individually packaged in a plastic zip bag with three fentanyl test strips or xylazine test strips, three mixing cups, three sterile waters, and three 10 mg scoops. 

The Gerard W.J. and Madeline Tremblay Endowed Scholarship at Western Michigan University supports undergraduate students majoring in communication. Established by Dr. Christopher Tremblay, this scholarship honors his parents and provides a minimum of $500 annually to assist with tuition and fees. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher and preference is given to first-generation college students. This scholarship aims to empower future communicators with financial assistance.

Expanding Equity and Opportunity in America’s Cities

The Kresge Foundation is a private, national foundation that works to expand equity and opportunities in America’s cities through grantmaking and social investing in arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services and community development, nationally and in Detroit, Memphis, New Orleans and Fresno. In collaboration with our partners, we help create pathways for people with low incomes to improve their life circumstances and join the economic mainstream.

Detroit Parks Coalition 2026 Summer Parks Programming Grants

The Detroit Parks Coalition, in partnership with Kresge, is offering grants of up to $20,000 to support free, drop-in youth and family programming in Detroit neighborhood parks this summer. Community-led organizations — including block clubs and community-based organizations — with a demonstrated connection to a local park are encouraged to apply.

The Middletown Community Foundation offers grants for recreation, arts, festivals, events, and sponsorships to enhance community engagement. Established in 1976, the foundation supports collaborative projects that meet specific community needs, aiming for efficient use of philanthropic funds. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits and local organizations, while individuals and for-profit entities are ineligible. The foundation encourages initiatives that foster the development of responsible youth and safe living environments.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Nan Riekse Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Nan Riekse, who established the Nan Riekse Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Nan Riekse has a lofty dream; it is her desire to inspire. By establishing the Nan Riekse Scholarship and the Nan Riekse Donor Advised Funds, she has taken an important step toward realizing her dream. Her Scholarship will support non-traditional students attending Muskegon Community College who have financial need. Her scholarships will target adult women who may be attending school after raising their children or perhaps rebuilding their lives following a divorce. The Donor Advised Fund will be used to benefit local churches and a senior care center. Nan is an outstanding example of the "Power of One".

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Ravenna Community Educational Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of many people in the Ravenna Community, who established the Ravenna Community Educational Foundation Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Dolores E. (Dee) Swanson gave the initial gift to start this back in December 2006. At that time it was a Build A Fund, but a gift from Rudolph and Ruth Lonnee put it over the top late in 2007. The Ravenna Community Educational Foundation intends to use it to enhance the quality of education through educational opportunities by generating and distributing financial and other resources for the benefit of the students and staff of the Ravenna Community Schools.

Funding Overview

Our responsive grants program is designed for you to propose your best ideas to achieve impact within one or more of our focus areas. The program is intended to respond to an urgent community need; address emerging opportunities; test innovative approaches or breakthrough ideas; or implement proven programs. At each funding deadline (Feb. 15, June 15, Oct. 15), we will identify specific objectives for our responsive grants program, which may change from deadline to deadline. Grant funding is highly competitive across all objectives open for the responsive grants program in a funding cycle. Organizations that apply for funding in the responsive grants program for this funding cycle will have to compete across the following objectives: Adult Recovery Supports, Caregiver Resources, Food Program Efficiency, Food Program Participation and Housing Financial Assistance.

Adult Recovery

Focus Area: Advance Health and Well-Being

The Colorado Health Foundation believes recovery is possible for those experiencing mental health and substance use issues.

We envision a Colorado where adults on their recovery journeys can access culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate recovery services close to their homes.

Why It Matters

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines recovery as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.”

Additional services beyond clinical treatments and traditional substance use interventions are useful for beginning and maintaining the process of recovery. Nonclinical, evidence-based supports and tools, including peer-support groups, employment services and more, help bring recovery closer. These services are most effective when they align with a person’s background, culture and values.

Mental and behavioral health conditions affect Coloradans across socioeconomic levels and ethnicities. However, barriers to accessing recovery-related services persist for certain groups of Coloradans. Obstacles include a shortage of available services, especially those tailored to Coloradans of color, concerns about affordability, and stigma associated with mental health services.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Reverend Moses J. Jones Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Reverend Moses J. Jones, who established the Reverend Moses J. Jones Endowment Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Born in 1898, Reverend Moses J. Jones was one of Muskegon's most beloved ministers. The Pastor of John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church of Muskegon for 36 years, he founded the Urban League of Muskegon and received numerous honors including the Ambassador of Goodwill Award. Reverend Jones committed his life to building racial harmony in Muskegon. He helped establish this Scholarship in 1982 to make awards to deserving youths based on their contributions to their community, school, and church. Through this, Reverend Moses J. Jones continues to support the values of community awareness and harmony by granting the lasting gift of education to Muskegon-area youth. Reverend Jones died in 1989. His legacy lives on through this fund.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Richard and Betty Cawein Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Dick and Betty Cawein, who established the Richard and Betty Cawein Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. In nearly 48 years of marriage, Dick and Betty Cawein had 28 different addresses but they found their way back to the place they really loved, their hometown of Muskegon. After a career in the Navy, Dick was a shop teacher at Mona Shores. Betty was involved with St. Jean?s Church and the Muskegon Garden Club, but they both felt very strongly about education. Dick passed away in 1993 and Betty in 2015, but their love for Muskegon and their passion for education lives on in the Richard and Betty Cawein Scholarship Fund, created with a bequest from Betty?s trust. It will help support students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree who are doing two years at MCC and then going on to one of Michigan's public colleges/universities or Notre Dame or Duke.