Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange Grant Program aims to enhance public safety and protect the environment by funding the removal and disposal of abandoned recreational vessels. Managed by California State Parks, this program addresses the threat these vessels pose to navigation and waterways. With a history of successful financial assistance, the program has effectively mitigated the impact of abandoned vessels, ensuring cleaner and safer waterways for the community.

About HAA

Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) is a local arts and culture non-profit agency whose principal work is to implement the City of Houston’s vision, values, and goals for its arts grantmaking and civic art investments. HAA’s work is conducted through contracts with the City of Houston, overseen by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. HAA also executes privately funded programs and projects to meet the needs of the arts community, such as disaster preparation and research on the state of the arts in Houston.

In short, HAA helps artists and nonprofits be bold, productive, and strong.

Support for Artists and Creative Individuals (SACI)

The Support for Artists and Creative Individuals (SACI) grant provides funds of up to $15,000 for specific projects that create and present new works of art or complete work already in progress throughout Houston. 

Applications are accepted from all artistic disciplines and creative practitioners, including but not limited to musicians, visual artists, performing artists, textile artists, digital artists, conservation artists, and creative entrepreneurs such as hairstylists, make-up artists, nail techs, gallerists, writers, photographers, and arts administrators. Creatives are encouraged to demonstrate their creativity in whatever form it takes.

Based on community input requesting greater stability, the SACI grant program is awarded based on cash in hand and not from projected income. This practice helps guarantee grant amounts with greater certainty.

SACI grants are funded by City of Houston via the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), funded by cash-in-hand and available in one annual cycle.

About MNRCP

The Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program (MNRCP) awards competitive grants to projects that restore, enhance, and protect high priority aquatic resources throughout Maine. MNRCP is administered by The Nature Conservancy on behalf of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Since its launch in 2008, MNRCP has awarded over $36 million to non-profit groups, municipalities, and public agencies to help restore, enhance, or preserve wetlands and other important habitats at over 180 project sites across the state.

MNRCP was created to manage the allocation of funds collected through Maine’s In Lieu Fee Compensation Program. This voluntary program provides flexibility for regulators as well as for those seeking natural resource permits to choose a fee in lieu of more traditional permittee-responsible mitigation options. These so-called In Lieu Fees are collected by the Maine DEP and then transferred to the Natural Resource Conservation Fund administered by The Nature Conservancy.

Funds are awarded through an annual competitive grants process. Proposals are solicited each year and evaluated by a Review Committee, convened by the Maine DEP, and made up of public and nonprofit entities. Final award decisions are made in November or December of each year by the Interagency Review Team (Approval Committee) comprised of state and federal agencies. The Nature Conservancy administers the process but does not decide which proposals receive funding.

Apply

MNRCP awards competitive grants each year to projects that restore, enhance, and protect high priority aquatic resources in Maine. MNRCP funding rounds are usually announced in April or May. Public agencies, non-profit conservation organizations, tribes, and municipalities are encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent for eligible projects.

Farm to Food Security Grant Program

The Farm to Food Security (F2FS) Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity to help individuals and organizations buy foods grown and raised in Minnesota and distribute them at no cost to Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity, particularly individuals whose needs are not met through the traditional emergency food system.

Eligible projects and expenses

All food distributions that are part of F2FS projects must take place in Minnesota, but how the food is shared can be based on the needs of the community.

Examples of eligible projects include but are not limited to:

• A local food shelf buying food produced by farmers in their county and then distributing the food as part of their weekly distribution events.
• A regional hospital establishing a “produce prescription” program to buy local foods and deliver them to families in need and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses.
• A Tribal government buying traditional foods grown by Tribal members and distributing the foods to elders.
• A farmers’ market implementing a food recovery program to pay farmers for products left at the end of the market and partnering with a local food shelf to distribute them.
• Eligible expenses include:
• Foods grown and raised in Minnesota, including whole (unprocessed), minimally processed, and processed items.
• Up to 15% of the total project costs for administrative costs related to food storage, food transportation, and other supporting expenses.

See the request for proposals (RFP) for more details and examples of the types of projects and expenses that are eligible.

The MMUF Dissertation Grant, funded by the Mellon Foundation, supports doctoral candidates who are alumni of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. This grant aids scholars in completing their dissertations, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented in academia. With up to $30,000 for a 12-month period, the program encourages candidates to secure additional funding from their institutions. The initiative aims to bolster access to education and foster understanding among varied backgrounds, ultimately enhancing the academic landscape.

The TN Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant Program, administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, addresses the critical issue of nonpoint source pollution, which affects water quality across the state. This program provides funding for Best Management Practices to combat pollution, supports watershed restoration projects, and promotes public education on managing water resources effectively. With a cost-share model, it incentivizes local initiatives to protect and restore vital water bodies in Tennessee.

Our Mission and Vision

The Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation exists to foster innovative sustainability initiatives that make a positive impact on our planet. We want to find solutions to the complex challenges facing our world today.

Our vision is to facilitate positive action toward sustainable and innovative solutions in agricultural and environmental sectors that reduce carbon footprints and minimize risk for our communities.

Grant Programs

Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation administers projects directly funded by donors that help reduce carbon footprints through carbon positive practices and emission offsetting. The foundation holds open application periods for projects in the contiguous United States, Puerto Rico and Canada that focus on reducing environmental risk through regenerative agricultural practices, habitat restoration and using natural energy sources to make our communities more sustainable.

Reducing Carbon Footprints

The foundation supports projects that work to reduce carbon footprints through the following initiatives.

Habitat Reclamation

• Restoration of habitats creates spaces for native flora and fauna and microorganisms to survive. Natural landscapes are integral to functioning ecosystems and increasing biodiversity, not to mention creating habitats for pollinator species like bees and butterflies that we so desperately need for agricultural success.

Regenerative Agriculture

• Regenerative agricultural practices have a far-reaching impact on the industry and our lives. We aim to reduce carbon emissions by fostering projects that innovate row crop sustainability and dairy, beef, pork and poultry operations to create practices that are sustainable for years to come.

Renewable Energy

• We care about carbon positive practices that harness renewable resources like solar, wind and biomass for improved efficiencies and overall reduction in use. Organic matter often sourced from agricultural production, garbage and tree pruning can be converted to energy in various ways, recycling it back into the agricultural operation that created it or fueling our communities.

Soil

• Soil sequestering practices have wide-reaching benefits like restoring and building organic matter in the soil and increasing biodiversity. It boosts water infiltration and retention and reduces erosion. Through practices like no till, applying organic matter like manure and biochar, and planting cover crops, we improve soil health as well as take CO2 out of the atmosphere.

Tree Planting

• Planting trees is a simple act that makes a huge impact in our urban, suburban and rural communities. They provide shade, release oxygen and improve air quality, improve soil quality and biodiversity, all of which contributes to offsetting carbon emissions.  

• Water
• We want to find ways to protect and restore the integrity of our water resources. We aim to fund projects focused on practices that create efficiencies and reduce the agricultural production impact on water quality and benefit our communities by conserving one of our most important natural resources. 

John Harsch Regenerative Agriculture Grant

Funding for projects adopting best regenerative agricultural management practices that impact one or several of these areas:

• Improve water quality
• Reduce soil erosion
• Increase soil health index
• Reduce synthetic fertilizer use
• Increase effective manure use as a fertilizer
• Increase biodiversity
• Reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions

Wisconsin Sea Grant

Wisconsin Sea Grant is a statewide program of basic and applied research, education, outreach and technology transfer dedicated to the stewardship and sustainable use of the nation’s Great Lakes and ocean resources.

Headquartered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the institute is housed in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research’s Aquatic Sciences Center. Wisconsin Sea Grant is part of a national network of 34 university-based programs funded through the National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce and through matching contributions from participating states and the private sector.

Each year, the program scrutinizes the impact it has on coastal communities, serving people and better understanding the Great Lakes ecosystem. Our 2026 program one sheet provides a summary.

Wisconsin Fellowship in Water-Related Environmental Hazards and Public Health

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Aquatic Sciences Center, home to the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute and Wisconsin Sea Grant, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, seeks applicants for a fellowship focused on water-related environmental hazards and public health in Wisconsin.

This two-year fellowship provides an opportunity for a recent Master of Public Health graduate or doctoral graduate to apply their technical expertise to real-world public health challenges while gaining valuable experience working alongside professionals in state government. The fellow will be employed by UW- Madison and stationed full-time with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

The fellowship is designed to support both professional development and community impact. Community- engaged science and public health rely on building relationships, fostering trust, and working collaboratively to support informed decision-making. Through this role, the Fellow will gain experience working at this interface, developing and implementing approaches that support communities while learning how to translate scientific knowledge into meaningful public health action.

The Rhode Island Department of Health is offering a Short-Term Project Funding Opportunity aimed at promoting hypertension management and diabetes prevention in Providence communities. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $4,999 to create culturally relevant outreach events and materials that encourage the use of preventive health services. This initiative emphasizes community engagement, aiming to address social determinants of health through effective messaging and resource navigation, with project activities expected to run from April to August 2025.

City of Newark - Office of Homeless Services

The City of Newark, Department of Health and Community Wellness, Office of Homeless Services (OHS) is now accepting proposals from Newark organizations for inclusion in the City’s 2026-2027 HUD Entitlement Programs. 

The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 (HEARTH Act), signed into law on May 20, 2009, consolidates three of the separate homeless assistance programs administered by HUD under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act into a single grant program, and revises the Emergency Shelter Grants program and renames it as the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program. The HEARTH Act also codifies into law the Continuum of Care planning process, a longstanding part of HUD’s application process, to assist homeless people by providing greater coordination in responding to their needs.

Emergency Solutions Grant Program

The change in the program’s name, from Emergency Shelter Grants to Emergency Solutions Grants, reflects the change in the program’s focus from addressing the needs of homeless people in emergency or transitional shelters to assisting people to quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness.

The City of Newark has the responsibility of making use of ESG funds, as part of implementing a “Continuum of Care” to address the issue of homelessness and to coordinate activities with other non-profit service providers and organizations. This Request For Proposal (RFP) seeks to solicit proposals that will improve the quality of existing emergency shelters for the homeless and provide certain essential and preventative services to address homelessness.

The City of Newark’s ESG program provides resources for the following program components:

• Rapid Re-Housing;
• Homelessness Prevention; and
• Emergency Shelter.

The Kansas City Royals Foundation Grants Program has distributed over $25 million since 2001, focusing on Literacy and Education, Healthy and Active Communities, and Military and Veteran Support. Key initiatives include scholarships for underrepresented students, youth engagement through sports, and veteran recognition at games. Organizations within the greater Kansas City area are encouraged to apply, particularly those with budgets under $5 million. The foundation prioritizes projects aligning with its strategic pillars, fostering community growth and support.

The Research and Development Grant Program by the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) supports innovative projects in wastewater, water management, solid waste, and energy resource development. Eligible applicants include local government agencies and higher education institutions. Priority is given to proposals that enhance water quality, technology, equity, and resilience. Grants are contingent upon available funding, and applicants are advised to review the Participation Agreement before applying.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has launched the Large PWS Lead Service Line Inventory Grant program to assist water systems with over 1,000 service connections in identifying service lines marked as 'unknown'. This initiative is part of compliance with the EPA Lead Copper Rule Improvements, requiring annual service line inventories. Grants of up to $60,000 are available, with no community match required, to facilitate the identification and replacement planning of lead service lines.

The Future Fisheries Improvement Grant Program, managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, aims to restore and enhance wild fish habitats in Montana's rivers, streams, and lakes. With annual funding between $500,000 and $650,000, the program supports diverse projects that benefit native fish populations. Eligible applicants include landowners, civic groups, and government agencies. Projects must improve fish habitats and ensure public benefits while adhering to landowner agreements and respecting adjacent property rights.

The Noxious Weed Trust Fund (NWTF) Grant Program, established in 1985 by the Montana Legislature, provides up to $75,000 for noxious weed management programs. It supports local cooperative projects, research, and educational initiatives aimed at effective weed control. Eligible applicants must collaborate with organizations such as county and tribal weed districts. Grant funds cannot be used for administrative costs or equipment purchases, ensuring focus on impactful weed management efforts across Montana.

The NJ Wildlife Fencing Grants provide cost-share funding for installing wildlife fencing on unpreserved farms in New Jersey. Eligible farm owners, operators, or tenants can receive up to 50% matching funds, up to $50,000, to help construct, maintain, or restore fencing for wildlife protection. The program aims to support agricultural sustainability while safeguarding crops from wildlife. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

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.

Miller Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Michael K. Miller, who established the Miller Family Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County. This scholarship is presented to instrumentalists graduating from Ludington High School.

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)

Safe Routes to School Infrastructure (SRTS) Program Grant Solicitation

The Minnesota Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Infrastructure Program was established by the Minnesota Legislature in 2012 and is defined in Minnesota Statute 174.40. MnDOT State Aid for Local Transportation (SALT) and the Office of Transit and Active Transportation (OTAT) share responsibilities for the administration and oversight of the SRTS program. SALT administers the SRTS infrastructure funds on local roads (county, city, township, and Tribal owned roadways), and OTAT administers the non-infrastructure SRTS funds. Up to $8,500,000.00 in grant funds are available for this 2024 SRTS infrastructure solicitation.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) State Aid for Local Transportation (SALT) administers the state SRTS infrastructure program with guidance from the Infrastructure Work Group (IWG) of the Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC). The process, criteria, and prioritization for the solicitation are required by statute to establish a geographic equity-based project evaluation and selection process that is competitive, criteria-based, and objective. Projects are selected and approved by the Infrastructure Work Group of the Active Transportation Advisory Committee to provide financial assistance to eligible recipients to construct capital improvement of transportation infrastructure that improves safety and encourages non-motorized transportation to and from schools.

Teams to Promote Aging in Place in OMH Supportive Housing (TPAP) 

Request for Proposals

The purpose of “Teams to Promote Aging in Place in OMH Supportive Housing or TPAP” Geriatric Demonstration Project is to facilitate supportive housing residents aging in place based on their priorities and preferences who are age 55 years and older, as well as residents younger than 55 years living with complex medical conditions that necessitate homecare. Older adults living in OMH supportive housing are at risk of losing community tenure due to emerging unmet care coordination, cross service system navigation, and homecare needs compounded by lack of connection to social determinants of health (SDOH) resources, and community and natural supports. Grant funding will support an enhanced home care rate, provision of at least one paid peer professional, and enhanced care coordination with the local office for aging and community partners that addresses social determinants of health and social engagement needs. OMH supportive housing residents identified as at risk for losing community tenure will be supported by an interdisciplinary care team of (1) an OMH supportive housing case manager, (2) a local office for aging case manager, (3) a homecare professional, and (4) at least one mental health or substance use/gambling peer professional who will collaborate with the residents to identify outstanding service and social needs. This will build a person-centered, holistic plan that is based on the older adult’s priorities and preferences for aging in place. A peer professional in this RFP is defined as a person certified, or provisionally certified, as a mental health Peer Specialist through the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board or a person certified, or provisionally certified, as a substance use/gambling Recovery Peer Advocate through the New York Certification Board. Grantees will also be required to collaborate with community-based organizations across service systems, including mental health, aging, substance use, and gambling harms, that also address social determinants of health and social engagement needs, such as, but not limited to, Social Care Networks, Rural Health Networks, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Older Adult Rural Support Program, Regional Economic Development Councils, or Downtown Revitalization Initiatives. This may include projects focused on community inclusion, the Dwyer Veterans Peer-to-Peer Support Program, club houses, OASAS and OMH recovery centers, older adult centers, faith-based, civic, arts, cultural organizations, etc. To foster sharing of best practices in meeting the holistic needs of OMH supportive housing residents, grantees and their partners will participate in virtual and in-person learning collaboratives that include crossdisciplinary training curriculum consisting of trainings chosen in consultation with the chosen grantees and the Geriatric Interagency Mental Health Substance Use Disorder Planning Council and the Master Plan for Aging advisory groups.

Wrap around funding will be available to provide services and goods not covered through existing reimbursement channels that support aging in place in OMH supportive housing. Examples include, but are not limited to, non-medical transportation, memberships to community groups and/or gyms, continuing education, supplies to support personal interests and hobbies, large print calendars, pill containers, and mobility aids. Wrap-around funding can also be used to provide technological support based on the residents’ needs and preferences. Examples include equipment (laptops, computers, personal devices, and/or internet access), online communities and devices to support engagement (Virtual Senior Centers, GetSetUp, Discover Live interactive virtual tours, animatronic pets, and online support through self-help and peer support groups), and technology literacy classes (for email, video chats with friends, children, grandchildren, etc., banking, patient portals, and education on fraud protection) are additional supports to help people use technology to age in place.

This RFP can be used to expand or enhance existing aging programs in OMH supportive housing or can be used to develop a new program that meets all the program requirements. OMH CR-SROs awarded the “Aging in Place Pilot” grant MH253015 may also apply for this grant for their supportive housing programs.

All types of proposals will be evaluated using the same criteria and applicants must identify the geographic designation they will serve, rural or non-rural. Rural counties in NYS are listed in the table below.

The Assisi Foundation of Memphis Grant supports nonprofit organizations in improving community health, education, social justice, cultural enrichment, and capacity building. Grants are available for organizations in specific Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi counties, with eligibility focused on tax-exempt entities. Applications are accepted quarterly, with specific deadlines for different focus areas. The foundation seeks innovative ideas that align with its philanthropic mission and encourages organizations to apply for funding that promotes positive community transformation.

Curtis Marvin Hohn Endowment

To provide financial support to South Dakota students attending an in-state institution of higher learning and that demonstrate a commitment to public service.

Applicants for the Curtis Marvin Hohn Legacy Scholarship will reflect the values that embodied Curt Hohn's life. These characteristics may include, but are not limited to:

• Personal integrity, individual character, and courage
• Leadership in school and community
• Demonstrated involvement in civic affairs
• Participation in organizations that shape the school and community
• Individual leadership to reform policies that benefit the public good of the school and community
• Demonstrated work ethic in the school and community
• Demonstrated interest in national and global issues that impact the public interest
• Demonstrated interest in humanitarian issues

This scholarship was established to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Curtis M. Hohn, a prominent figure in South Dakota's water policy landscape, renowned for his service as a public servant, community activist, and leader. Curtis held several key positions, including serving on the staff of U.S. Senator George McGovern, directing the United Family Farmers organization, and managing the Oahe Conservancy Subdistrict. He played a crucial role in assessing the Oahe Irrigation Project and negotiating legislative settlements for alternative water projects. Moreover, Curtis led negotiations between the local Oahe Subdistrict with Congress and the U.S. Department of the Interior. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the implementation of South Dakota's first major pipeline project utilizing Missouri River water.

Curt was an avid reader of history. His lifetime commitment of political courage and public service are reflected in the words of Robert F. Kennedy, a man Curt deeply admired and often quoted - "Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation."

The Department awards grants from State appropriations, federal awards, and other funding sources. Since the award and appropriation of these funds do not always conform to the State Fiscal Year, the information included in this directory is based on anticipated grant awards that will begin in the period from July 1 through June 30 of each State Fiscal Year. The ability of the Department to make grant awards is expressly dependent upon the availability of funds appropriated by the State Legislature from State and/or federal revenue or such other funding sources as may be applicable.

Private Well Outreach RFA

This request for applications (RFA) is intended to increase the capacity of New Jersey’s Local Health Departments (LHDs) to respond to the needs of private well users through private well outreach and education efforts. Currently, LHDs in New Jersey have minimal funding to provide private well services or programs to their residents. The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) intends to provide grant awards to support private well testing and education outreach efforts and other private well focused initiatives. 

Greater Toledo Community Foundation

Greater Toledo Community Foundation transforms generosity into lasting impact. With over $510 million in assets across 1,000+ funds, we've granted more than $370 million to strengthen education, health, arts, and social services throughout our region.

We connect donors with causes they care about while bringing together leaders, organizations, and resources to tackle our community's biggest challenges. What began with Walter E. Terhune's vision in the 1920s continues today as we help individuals, families, and businesses create positive change that will benefit our region for generations.

Ottawa County Community Foundation Grants

The Ottawa County Community Foundation, Inc. (OCCF) is a public charitable organization created by the citizens of Ottawa County to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in Ottawa County. Grants from unrestricted funds support a variety of programs in the fields of education, health and social services, economic development, natural resources and the arts.

The David J. Morafka Memorial Research Award, established by the Desert Tortoise Council, offers $2,500 to support research on gopher tortoise species in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. This award honors Dr. David J. Morafka's contributions to herpetology. Applicants must be affiliated with recognized institutions and present their findings at a Desert Tortoise Council symposium. Evaluation criteria include research significance, originality, and feasibility, ensuring impactful conservation efforts.

The Volunteer Monitoring Lab Analysis Support Grant Program by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) offers financial assistance up to $5,000 for volunteer monitoring programs. This funding covers laboratory sample analysis and shipping costs related to water quality projects. Applicants must submit a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) and an analytical budget. DEQ emphasizes the importance of volunteer contributions to water quality monitoring and supports educational efforts across Montana's watersheds.

The Community Opportunity Fund, managed by Boreal Waters Community Foundation, empowers local organizations to enhance economic stability and independence in northern communities. The fund supports projects focused on affordable housing, job creation, and access to education. By fostering collaborative efforts, it aims to create lasting change in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Organizations led by marginalized communities are especially encouraged to apply, ensuring equitable opportunities for all.

The Women's Fund of Central New York, established in 1998, empowers women and girls through grants and initiatives, promoting their advancement and full participation in the community. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the fund supports innovative projects that address key challenges faced by women and girls in Central New York. By fostering collaboration and community engagement, the Women's Fund aims to create a stronger, more equitable society for all.