Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Gus Poesch Research Fund, established in honor of innovator Gus Poesch, offers approximately $40,000 annually to support floriculture-related projects at The Ohio State University. This fund prioritizes projects that recruit high-quality graduate students, advance research, and improve industry practices. Emphasizing relevance to current industry needs, funded projects may cover pest management, production techniques, and postharvest quality. The fund encourages collaboration and aims to enhance the profitability and sustainability of the floral industry.

The Rapoport Doctoral Dissertation Grants support PhD students conducting innovative research in American political behavior. Funded by the Rapoport Family Foundation, the grants offer up to $15,000 for survey research. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program at an accredited U.S. university and have completed all preliminary requirements. The foundation emphasizes originality and transformative potential in research proposals, aiming to foster diverse approaches to understanding political behavior.

Minnesota Library Foundation (MLF) Scholarship

The Minnesota Library Foundation is excited to announce a new scholarship opportunity for Minnesota library staff!

MLF encourages career development by funding a scholarship for a Minnesota library staff worker to grow professionally through taking college or university courses that would lead to acquiring a degree or certificate in the library field. 

The MLF Governing Board establishes the guidelines for this scholarship and selects the recipients. The scholarship amount awarded is up to $1,000.00 per successful applicant.

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Kansas Arts Commision (KAC)| Arts Everywhere

Enhancing student success, the economy and Kansas communities through the arts

The Arts Everywhere grant program provides funding for cultural projects, programs, exhibitions, series, arts education projects, and other arts programming. This program provides funding for educational institutions, arts organizations, and community service non-profits to use the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills, enhance community development, and increase participation in the arts across Kansas. Projects must relate to an arts and culture discipline (music, dance, theatre, creative writing, literature, painting, sculpture, folk arts, photography, crafts, media arts, visual arts, programs of museums, and other such allied, major art forms).

Match Requirements: KAC requires that all grants are matched at a minimum of 1:1 through a combination of cash and in-kind expenses.

Arts Everywhere grants are awarded in four categories:

• Arts in Education;
• Organizational Development: a) Capacity Building; b) Salary Assistance
• Specific Arts and Culture Projects; and
• Visiting Artists

Organizational Development

Only organizations with arts and culture missions are eligible for Organizational Development. Organizational Development Grants are for: Capacity Building and Salary Assistance.

Salary Assistance

This funding is to be used for full or partial salary support for one or more positions. The positions must be critical to the mission of the organization, and the organization’s Total Operating Income for their most recent completed fiscal year must be $150,000 or less (see Organizational Development – Salary Assistance in the Specific Eligibility Requirements section). Organizations can only receive this grant for up to 3 consecutive years.

Alaska State Libraries, Archives & Museums

The mission of the Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums is to promote lifelong learning for all Alaskans through Alaska’s diverse history, art, and culture.

Congress passed an act establishing the Alaska Historical Library and Museum for the District of Alaska on June 6, 1900. The purpose of the Museum and Historical Library was to collect, preserve and provide access to objects, laws, and papers from the Territory. The Legislature established the Alaska State Library in 1955 to provide reference library service to Territorial and other public officials and to cooperate with other libraries to increase effectiveness and reduce duplication. The Legislature established the Alaska State Archives in 1970, which opened its doors to the public in 1972. The Sheldon Jackson Museum, founded in 1888 to house an exceptional collection of Alaska Native ethnographic material gathered by Presbyterian missionary Rev. Dr. Sheldon Jackson, was purchased by the State of Alaska in 1985.

Regional Library Services Grant

The Regional Library Services (RLS) Grant is an annual non-competitive grant opportunity to provide reasonable access to library materials where there are no library facilities, or to provide training or technical support to Alaskan libraries.

Applicants and proposals need to meet requirements according to Alaska Library Law. RLS Grants are awarded according to an agreement between the Alaska State Library and the applicant library.

Federal and/or State Funding Source

The Alaska State Library uses federal Grants to States funds under the Library Services and Technology Act funds (CFDA 45.310) and/or State of Alaska grant funds for Library Assistance Grants. If awarded, the pass-through funding source will be indicated in the grant agreement.

Statutes & Regulations

Visit Alaska Library Law for specific statutes and regulations for the Regional Library Services Grant under Library Assistance Grants.

• Alaska Statutes: Article 03 Library Assistance Grants Sec. 14.56.300. - 14.56.340.
• Alaska Administrative Code: Article 2: Library Assistance Grants 4 AAC 57.050. - 57.099.

4 AAC 57.050. Purpose

b.3. regional library services grants, as authorized by AS 14.46.310 (a)(3), to assist libraries in providing regional library services to areas of the state in which there are no library facilities.

4 AAC 57.069. Regional library services grants

The division shall make a regional library services grant to a library that enters into an agreement with the state library to act on behalf of the state library to:

• furnish library materials to areas of the state in which there is not sufficient population or local revenue to support operation of a public library facility; or
• provide services, training, or technical support to other libraries

The Major Research Grants on Reducing Inequality, funded by the William T Grant Foundation, support research aimed at reducing inequality in youth outcomes for ages 5-25 in the U.S. Grants range from $100,000 to $600,000 over 2-3 years. Studies can explore various systems such as education, mental health, and justice, focusing on mechanisms for change, intervention effectiveness, and improved measurement of inequality.

The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant, provided by the American Library Association, aims to support innovative community engagement projects in libraries. This annual grant awards $2,000 to two selected libraries, focusing on themes of community empowerment. Eligible applicants include various library types in the U.S. and U.S. territories, and projects must demonstrate community collaboration and creativity. Libraries are encouraged to submit proposals that reflect local needs and foster civic participation.

The Capacity Building Spring grant, offered by Allied Arts of Oklahoma Inc., supports nonprofit arts organizations in enhancing their capabilities. Grants of up to $5,000 are available without a matching requirement, aimed at projects that yield tangible results. Priority is given to professional development opportunities within Oklahoma and the surrounding region. Organizations with a budget exceeding $500,000 may submit only one request per fiscal year. Funding is limited, and submission does not guarantee support.

The Digital Divide Grant Program, established under California's Public Utilities Code, aims to bridge the technology gap for low-income rural and urban schools. With an annual funding of $200,000, it supports projects that enhance digital literacy, provide take-home devices, and ensure broadband access. This initiative, transitioning from a pilot to a permanent program, focuses on delivering essential resources to underserved communities, fostering equitable access to technology and educational opportunities.

The Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund Grant supports nonprofit arts organizations in Connecticut by providing unrestricted funding to enhance their operations. Organizations eligible for funding must demonstrate significant donor contributions and maintain compliance with state regulations. The grant incentivizes fundraising efforts by matching contributions based on a formula, ensuring that arts initiatives receive the necessary financial backing to thrive. This program aims to cultivate long-term sustainability within Connecticut's arts sector.

The Supporting Arts Grant Program, administered by the CT Office of the Arts, provides essential funding to arts organizations and municipal arts departments in Connecticut. This grant aims to support programmatic costs that align with the organizations' core missions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations and municipal arts departments with specific operational requirements. By applying, organizations must adhere to federal terms and conditions set forth by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Capacity Building Fall grant by Allied Arts of Oklahoma Inc offers cash grants up to $5,000 for nonprofit arts organizations to enhance their capabilities. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to support various projects, including training and strategic planning. Priority is given to projects yielding concrete results and those within Oklahoma. Note that submission of a proposal does not guarantee funding, as resources are limited.

This grants program is to implement a portion of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP), established in Chapter 386, Subchapter C of the Texas Health and Safety Code. 

The TCEQ has also adopted rules to implement this program under 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 114, Subchapter K. The TCEQ has adopted the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan: Guidelines for Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants, RG-388 (guidelines), which contain the more specific standards governing this program.

The goals of the TERP are to:

• assure that air in this state is safe to breathe and meets minimum federal standards established under the Federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Section 7407); 
• develop multi-pollutant approaches to solving the state’s environmental problems;
• adequately fund research and development that will make the state a leader in new technologies that can solve the state’s environmental problems while creating new business and industry in the state. 

To implement the TERP, the ERIG Program will provide grants for eligible activities to offset the incremental costs of projects that reduce emissions of NOX from high-emitting internal combustion engines in eligible areas.

RIG Project Categories for Eligible Vehicles and Equipment

Projects eligible for funding under this program are intended to reduce NOx emissions in eligible counties. The TCEQ may more narrowly define or limit the types of project categories for a particular funding period.

The types of project categories eligible under the FY17 ERIG funding period include:

• New Purchase or Lease:
• To be eligible for funding, the engine on the new vehicle or piece of equipment must be certified to emit at least 25% less NOx than required under the current standard.
• Certified means approved by EPA, the CARB, or otherwise accepted by the TCEQ.
• Replacement:
• The replacement of an eligible vehicle or piece of equipment with a newer vehicle or piece of equipment.
• Repower:
• The replacement (repower) of an existing engine in an eligible vehicle or piece of equipment with a new, rebuilt, or remanufactured engine.
• The new engine must be certified to emit 25% less NOx than the engine being replaced.
• Certified means approved by the EPA, the CARB, or otherwise accepted by the TCEQ.
• Retrofit or Add-On of Emission-Reduction Technology:
• The retrofit or add-on of emission-reduction technology to an existing engine in an eligible vehicle or piece of equipment.
• Except for retrofits with certain dual-fuel conversion systems, the vehicle or equipment must be currently owned by the applicant and the retrofit or add-on systems must be certified or verified to emit at least 25% less NOx than the engine prior to the retrofit.

Other ERIG Project Categories

• On-Vehicle Electrification and Idle Reduction Infrastructure:
• The purchase and installation of equipment that enables a vehicle or equipment to use electric power to operate, while the vehicle or equipment is parked, the systems normally supplied power by the propulsion engine or another on-board internal combustion engine that emits NOx.
• On-Site Electrification and Idle Reduction Infrastructure
• Use of Qualifying Fuel
• Rail Relocation and Improvement:
• The relocation of rail lines to reduce the number of grade crossings, improvements at rail intersections, and other improvements that will directly result in the reduction of locomotive and/or vehicle engine idling at rail intersections.
• Eligible rail intersections may include the intersection of two rail lines or an intersection of a highway or roadway and a rail line, commonly referred to as a highway-rail grade crossing.
• The grant recipient must own or otherwise control the rail line, right-of-way, or the facility being improved.

The Engagement Award: Capacity Building aims to enhance the skills of patients and stakeholders in patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) and comparative effectiveness research (CER). With funding of up to $300,000 for projects lasting up to two years, this initiative seeks to foster meaningful participation from patients, families, and caregivers. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) anticipates distributing up to $25 million for these efforts in fiscal year 2026, emphasizing community engagement in research.

About the State Library

Mission: The State Library of Iowa strengthens Iowa library services and information access for Iowans. We provide support and resources to Iowa libraries and information services to the public.

About Enrich Iowa

The State Library annually administers funding appropriated by the Iowa Legislature to libraries in Iowa. Enrich Iowa consists of three programs to aid libraries in offering improved service to Iowans: Open Access; Interlibrary Loan Reimbursement; and Direct State Aid.

To participate in any of the Enrich Iowa programs, eligible libraries must complete and submit a Letter of Agreement in the spring for the following fiscal year. Learn how to participate in Enrich Iowa programs.

Open Access

Open Access enables Iowans to check out physical materials at participating libraries, providing them with direct access to more materials and information resources.

Open Access provides Iowans with direct access to more library materials and information resources than their home library can provide. It enables eligible patrons to go to any of the nearly 500 participating public and academic libraries and directly check out physical materials.

As a result, Iowans have greater access to more library resources, more choices in library service, and the convenience of using a library where they work, shop or visit. The state reimburses the loaning library a small amount for each item checked out to offset expenses.

How Do I Participate in Enrich Iowa Programs?

For the Open Access Program:

• Sign Enrich Iowa Letter of Agreement (Reference the FY27 Terms of Agreement for the Enrich Iowa Open Access Program)
• Administer Enrich Iowa Programs: Participating libraries administer Enrich Iowa programs as agreed throughout the fiscal year of July 1 - June 30. Each (Enrich Iowa) program has different requirements for record keeping to aid in later reporting. For the Open Access program: Utilize the Open Access Worksheet & Instructions to track and determine eligible patrons; keep receipts for postage on returned items.
• Receive Funding for Participating in Enrich Iowa Programs: Funding is distributed in the first quarter of the fiscal year. Libraries are encouraged to receive funding via direct deposit, but paper checks can also be mailed.
• Submit Enrich Iowa Reports: In order to receive funding, libraries are required to submit a report on the Enrich Iowa programs they participated in once the fiscal year ends. The reports are due each year on July 31.

The GA Arts: Project Grant, offered by the Georgia Council for the Arts, fosters community growth by supporting a variety of art projects, from exhibits to workshops. This initiative aims to enhance economic development, enrich lives, and promote the arts' impact in Georgia. By funding both artistic and capacity-building projects, the grant encourages local engagement and strategic planning for future arts initiatives, ultimately cultivating vibrant communities through creative expression.

The GA Arts: Cultural Facilities Grant, provided by the Georgia Council for the Arts, aims to support the construction, renovation, or acquisition of facilities to enhance arts programs. This grant encourages a diverse range of organizations, from emerging to established, to apply and contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of Georgia communities. By fostering the arts, GCA seeks to enrich lives and promote community engagement, ultimately showcasing the significant impact of the arts throughout the state.

Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records

Arizona Revised Statutes Title 41; Article 2.1 establishes the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, referred to as "the State Library", in the Office of the Secretary of State. The State Library was founded in 1915 to collect, preserve, and provide access to materials relating to law, political science, economics, sociology, subjects pertaining to the theory and practice of government, genealogy, and Arizona history. The format of materials may vary, but the majority of the collections contain unique and original materials or historic published texts, newspapers, and maps that can be found nowhere else.

Mission: To provide Arizonans access to information about their government, their state, and their world by offering content in a variety of formats, preserving Arizona's history for future generations, and empowering local institutions to engage their communities in learning.

Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA) Funding

Competitive project grants of federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) are offered in support of the State Library’s Five-Year Plan, as approved by IMLS, and to help fulfill the mission of the Library Development branch to “empower Arizona libraries to offer excellent customer service through consulting, grant funding, resources, and training.”

All grants for 2026 fall under two categories: a smaller Express Grants; and a larger General Grants

General Grants

The larger General Grants allow for more creativity in designing projects in the areas of:

• Information Preservation and Access
• Informal Education
• Institutional Improvements
• Inclusive Communities

The Simons Foundation's Scientific Software Research Faculty Award supports faculty positions focusing on scientific software development in mathematics and physics. It aims to enhance research capabilities by providing five years of salary support and a $50,000 yearly research allowance. Awardees must have a Ph.D. and demonstrate leadership in scientific software. This initiative addresses the career limitations faced by software experts and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

The Freda Hambrick Fund Grants are designed to support Colorado-based nonprofit organizations that focus on preventing cruelty to animals, offering direct care, and providing educational programs. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and can apply for funding once every two years if awarded, or after one year if declined. Notably, the fund excludes applications from equine organizations and any projects related to euthanasia.

The Mission Main Street Grant Program, established by the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, aims to revitalize Erie County's main streets by supporting small businesses and enhancing community development. With funding opportunities for planning and implementation, the program encourages local governments and nonprofits to improve streetscapes, promote tourism, and foster economic growth. Grants of up to $200,000 are available, emphasizing community engagement and adherence to historic preservation principles.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) offers the Intervention Best Practices (TIER) grant to support school systems, education service centers, and nonprofit organizations in developing evidence-based intervention strategies. This program aims to enhance the capacity of educational institutions to implement a comprehensive framework that integrates differentiated instruction, promoting academic, behavioral, and social success for all students throughout Texas.

Dearborn Community Foundation

The Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., (DCF) is a community foundation, tax-exempt public charity that enables individuals, families, businesses and organizations to fulfill their charitable wishes. DCF builds and safeguards endowments for the community through contributions large and small. The endowment contributions are permanently invested to produce earnings so that these charitable funds make a difference in our community now and forever.

DCF Grants 

The Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., (DCF) has awarded more than $33 million in grants since 1997. The grants support the needs/interests of the community in the fields of Art, Culture and Humanities, Community and Public Benefit, Education, Public Safety, Environment and Animal Protection, Human Services, and Youth Programs.

City of Lawrenceburg Community Grant Program (LCGP) - Phase II

The City of Lawrenceburg has generously provided funds for the Lawrenceburg Community Grant Program. The program is specifically for non-profit, IRS tax exempt organizations that provide a benefit, direct or indirect, to the Lawrenceburg community and Dearborn County.

LCGP Specific Guidelines

• grant funds are not granted to sustain ongoing projects/programs;
• grant applications will be considered as long as funds are available;
• organizations may not apply for any property improvements (buildings, fencing etc. …) to land not owned by the organization seeking the grant funds

The Classified School Employee Summer Assistance Program (CSESAP) aims to support classified school employees in California by providing a dollar-for-dollar match on withheld pay during the 2022-23 school year. This program, funded by the California Department of Education, allows local educational agencies to assist eligible employees with their summer income, ensuring financial support as they prepare for the upcoming school year. A total of $60 million is allocated for this initiative.

The Global Executive Arts Management Fellowship, hosted by the University of Maryland, supports executives in the arts and cultural sector. This immersive program offers three years of fully-subsidized training, including strategic planning, leadership, and fundraising. Participants engage in cohort-based activities and residencies, fostering collaboration and personal reflection. Designed for leaders at pivotal career moments, it strengthens their impact within their organizations and communities by sharing best practices and experiences.

Mission Statement

Benefiting organizations and individuals who positively impact their local communities.

Donation Request

The Duffy’s Foundation was created in memory of Paul Emmett, the owner and founder of Duffy’s Sports Grill. Today, we are committed to providing community enhancement in the neighborhoods surrounding all of our locations.

The Civic Engagement Mini-Grants program, funded by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive civic participation. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and governmental agencies serving 42 communities in Eastern Connecticut. This initiative emphasizes the importance of an informed and engaged citizenry, particularly from communities of color and youth, to strengthen democratic values and community well-being.