Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

William “Skip” Rowe Scholarship Fund

William “Skip” Rowe was a father and husband who spent his entire life taking care of his family, friends and the many young people in the community. Skip was able to make friends with people from all backgrounds, and he was known to be a father-figure and mentor to many young men that just needed a trusted adult to help keep them on the right path. This fund was created to honor his memory and will help to provide support to a male student going into the field of education. This scholarship was made possible by the many friends and family that loved Skip and continue to benefit from his endless generosity, passion and love.

The Molina Fellowship in the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences, offered by The Huntington Library, is designed for scholars pursuing advanced research in history, literature, art, and the history of science. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or have successfully defended their dissertation by the application deadline. The fellowship supports innovative studies that explore the impact of medicine on society and culture, leveraging The Huntington's extensive collections related to the American West.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Winteringham Family Permanent Endowment Fund

The Winteringham Family Permanent Endowment Fund was established through a generous bequest received from the estate of Marian Winteringham

Marian (1901-1994) taught in the West Aurora School System for over forty years. For the first half of her career, she taught at Abraham Lincoln and Nancy Hill Elementary Schools. In the early 1940s, she joined the faculty of West Aurora High School, where she taught English and also served as Dean of Women for many years.

This fund was created by Marian as a memorial to her parents Arthur J. and Minnie Winteringham, her sister Claire Winteringham, and her brother and sister-in-law Sidney and Frederika Winteringham. Although her bequest was unrestricted, Marian requested that at least a portion of her gift be used to provide scholarships for students entering the field of teaching. 

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Zonta Club of Aurora Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Zonta Club of Aurora Scholarship Endowment Fund was established to recognize academically talented female students graduating from a high school located in the City of Aurora.

Eligible students must have earned an overall grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale and also must be able to demonstrative positive values in the areas of character and leadership.

Zonta is an international professional business woman’s organization promoting improvement in the status and education of women through community service, study and action. The Aurora Club was established in 1959.

Federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to increase charter school quality and authorizer accountability. The three objectives identified in MDE’s application to ED are designed to support a landscape of high-quality/high-performing charter schools that all parents from all communities can access by making informed decisions about the best education choices for their children through empowered access to information.

Ethnic Studies 5-12 Courses: Community-Centered Knowledge Competitive Grant

Under Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 120B.251, legislation passed requiring all districts and charters to offer ethnic studies, including offering a high school ethnic studies course and integrated K-8 ethnic studies instruction. The purpose of the grant is to support districts and charters in the development, evaluation, and implementation of new 5-12 ethnic studies courses.

Minnesota School Districts, Charter Schools, Tribally Controlled Schools, Intermediate School Districts, and Cooperative Units are eligible for funding. Fiscal Year 2025 Ethnic Studies grant recipients are not eligible to apply for this round of funding.

All proposed grant projects must align with Minnesota’s definition of ethnic studies as stated in Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 120B.25.

The grant will provide three levels of support:

• Grant requests of up to $50,000 to support inter-district, co-op, or tribal school collaborations to develop new ethnic studies courses, which could include charter schools and their geographic district LEA.
• Grant requests of up to $50,000 to support district-level applicants to develop new ethnic studies courses, including charter and tribal schools which are independent LEAs.
• Grant requests of up to $50,000 to support school-level applicants to develop new ethnic studies courses, which could support individual or teams of educators working with their building administration.

Total amount available: approximately $665,000.00 per fiscal year

Maximum grant request amount: $50,000.00

The California Access to Justice Commission offers the State Legal Aid Infrastructure & Innovation Grants, providing $5 million to nonprofit organizations for civil legal aid to indigent persons. This funding aims to enhance infrastructure and innovation in legal services, ensuring all Californians have access to justice. Eligible projects include capacity building and innovative service delivery models. The anticipated grant size ranges from $25,000 to $150,000, with a focus on serving rural and underserved communities.

The Dibner Program in the History of Science offers long-term fellowships at The Huntington, a prestigious research institution. Scholars in history, literature, and the history of science can apply for nine to twelve months of support. Recipients are expected to engage with the intellectual community, attend symposiums, and contribute to working groups. This program aims to foster advanced research in fields that align with The Huntington's diverse collections, enhancing scholarly discourse and discovery.

The Public Engagement Grant - Tier 1, offered by The Genetics Society UK, supports small-scale public engagement projects relevant to genetics with funding up to £1000. This grant is available for both in-person and virtual activities, encouraging participation from Genetics Society members. Successful applicants must acknowledge the society's support and adhere to EDI principles, ensuring a strong connection to the UK for international projects.

The JLB Academic Scholarship, provided by the Junior League of Birmingham, supports women in their pursuit of higher education. Established in 2012, this annual non-renewable scholarship awards between $1,000 and $2,500 to deserving candidates based on financial need and leadership potential. Eligibility includes residency in Jefferson or Shelby County, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and active community involvement. The scholarship fosters the development of future leaders in Birmingham, emphasizing the importance of women’s leadership.

The Infinite Hero Foundation Grant Program supports military personnel and their families by funding innovative treatment programs for service-related injuries. Since 2012, it has awarded over $5.7 million to 51 organizations focused on physical rehabilitation, mental health, leadership development, family support, and suicide prevention. Grants up to $100,000 are available for programs that align with the foundation's mission, ensuring that funds directly support program costs and not administrative expenses.

The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Fellowship, hosted by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, offers fully-funded two-week or one-month residencies for African American and Latin American visual artists. This opportunity provides artists with personal studios, private accommodations, and meals in a collaborative environment. The fellowship aims to support diverse perspectives in the arts, encouraging applications from both emerging and established artists across various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, and photography.

The Goldfarb Family Fellowship for Creative Nonfiction, offered by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, provides a two-week fully-funded residency at Mt. San Angelo for writers of creative nonfiction. Established in 2000, this fellowship supports both emerging and established artists, encouraging diverse perspectives in various disciplines. The residency includes private accommodations, studio space, and meals, fostering a vibrant community of cross-disciplinary artists.

The Genetics Society offers the Junior Scientist Conference Grant Award (Scheme A) to support junior scientist members in attending genetics conferences. Grants of up to £200 cover travel and accommodation costs for eligible undergraduate, Master’s, PhD students, and postdoctoral scientists. Applicants must present a poster or talk at the conference. The society, founded in 1919, plays a vital role in advancing genetic research and education, benefiting over 2,000 members in the UK.

The Uihlein-Ironman Sports Fund supports young athletes from Lake Placid and the Olympic region, aiming to foster competitive sports and healthy lifestyles. Founded by local organizations, it provides financial assistance to promising athletes facing economic challenges and supports nonprofit programs promoting athleticism. Emphasis is placed on holistic development, with individual awards for those demonstrating significant national and international potential. Preference is given to applicants with strong performance histories and community service involvement.

The Nicor Gas: Critical Needs Fund, managed by Northern Illinois Community Initiatives, provides essential grants to nonprofit organizations for emergency situations impacting service delivery. Focused on racial equity, the fund aims to support organizations across the Nicor service area, enabling them to address critical needs swiftly, ideally within 30 days. Applicants must demonstrate their 501(c)(3) status and submit detailed project plans, budgets, and impact reports to ensure compliance and responsible fund usage.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program aims to enhance educational attainment in Indiana by supporting talented high school seniors. It covers tuition, fees, and up to $900 annually for books and equipment for four years at accredited colleges or universities in Indiana. Administered by the Independent Colleges of Indiana, the program encourages community engagement and aims to retain skilled graduates within the state, ultimately improving the quality of life in Indiana communities.

The Marshall Home Fund offers grants aimed at benefiting older adults in Watertown. Their Program Grants support public agencies and non-profits with projects that promote an Age-Friendly Community. These grants fund innovative services and programs for residents aged 55 and older, enhancing social participation, health services, and civic engagement. Applicants are encouraged to address community needs for a twelve-month project period, fostering a supportive environment for older adults to thrive.

The Simon and Anna Kirk Memorial Scholarship, established by Michael Kirk at the Juneau Community Foundation, awards $1,750 annually to one male and one female senior from Juneau Douglas High School or Yaakoosge Daakahidi High School. The scholarship supports students demonstrating dependability, effort, and financial need, providing up to $7,000 over four years for tuition and necessary academic supplies. Recipients must maintain good standing and will receive funds sent directly to their educational institution.

The Alma Harris Scholarship Fund, established by Don Harris at the Juneau Community Foundation, honors his wife Alma Harris, a dedicated English teacher for over 20 years. This $10,000 scholarship supports one graduating senior from a Juneau High School pursuing higher education. It can cover tuition or necessary educational expenses such as books and supplies. Selection is based on the application, personal essay, and recommendation letter, ensuring that all eligible seniors have an opportunity to apply.

The Bob and Darlene (Phelps) Stutte Family Scholarship Fund, established by Bob Stutte through the Juneau Community Foundation, offers two $2,500 awards for eligible high school seniors or recent graduates from specific local schools. This scholarship supports students pursuing higher education, covering tuition and necessary academic materials. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide a personal essay along with two letters of recommendation, ensuring that those with a GPA of 3.5 or lower can also apply.

The Hather Family Scholarship, established by Don and Betty Hather through the Juneau Community Foundation, aims to support Skagway High School graduates in their pursuit of higher education. Open to the 2025 graduating class and past graduates, the scholarship offers awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, totaling up to $15,000 for the year. Applicants will be evaluated based on their application, personal essay, and letter of recommendation.

The Rocinante Scholarship, established by the family and friends of Eric Zentner, supports undergraduate single mothers at the University of Alaska Southeast. It honors Eric's legacy of helping others and is available for part-time or full-time students in any discipline. Applicants must provide a 200-300 word essay about their life journey and goals. The scholarship funds cover tuition and necessary expenses, awarded before the winter term.

The Zach Gordon Youth Scholarship Program provides financial assistance of up to $300 per child per fiscal year to help youth participate in activities they might otherwise miss. In response to COVID-19, the program has expanded to cover essential supplies for engaging in healthy activities. Applications must be submitted during the designated registration period, and the scholarship must be used within 90 days to avoid returning funds to the general scholarship fund.

The Watson-Brown Foundation Scholarship offers need and merit-based financial assistance to students from Georgia and South Carolina attending accredited four-year colleges. Established in 1970, the foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged youth, awarding over $2.4 million annually. Eligible students can receive up to $3,000 per semester to cover educational expenses, supporting their academic journey while encouraging responsible scholarship and historic preservation.

The Northwest Grain Growers Robert Abbey Memorial Scholarship, established by the Blue Mountain Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from high schools within the NWGG service area. This scholarship is available to members, employees, and their children, fostering educational opportunities and community development. Since its inception in 1984, the foundation has played a crucial role in enhancing the region's charitable landscape, managing over $115 million in assets across more than 440 funds.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Albert W. Medernach Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund, which was created upon the receipt of a bequest from the estate of Albert William Medernach, provides scholarships to students residing within the Community Foundation service area.

Albert Medernach (1941-2012) was born in Aurora, Illinois to John and Loretta Medernach. His father worked at the National Brush Company and his mother was a homemaker. They were blessed with twelve children.

Their son Albert attended St. Nicholas Catholic Grade School and was a graduate of Marmion Academy.

He served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1966 and was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Company for thirty years.

After retirement, he volunteered for Hesed House and St. Rita of Cascia Church, where he became affectionately known as “Mr. St. Rita.”

Mr. Medernach was a master gardener who looked forward to the springtime when he was able to resume the design of his flowerbeds and other plantings.

His devotion to family was of great importance to him as demonstrated by the special care he provided to his mother prior to her passing. He was a kind and thoughtful man who brightened the lives of others.

Albert Medernach will be remembered for generations to come for his generous provision for the educational futures of local students.

Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) 

Provides more than $1.1 billion for states and urban areas to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other threats. 

State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) - Hawaii

Provides $415 million to support the implementation of risk-driven, capabilities-based State Homeland Security Strategies to address capability targets. States are required to dedicate 35 percent of SHSP funds to law enforcement terrorism prevention activities. In the State of Hawaii, Honolulu is the designated urban area.