Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Iowa HHS provides high quality programs and services that protect and improve the health and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified applicants to provide state-wide and local programming that supports economic mobility for Iowa families. Funds are made available through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and must achieve one of the four purposes of TANF:

• Provide assistance to needy families
• End dependence on benefits
• Prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies
• Encourage two-parent families

Priority Projects will demonstrate that they can make measurable progress in the following areas:

• Reducing barriers to consistent and stable employment for the TANF-eligible (≤ 200% FPL) population
• Enhancing opportunities for TANF-eligible Iowans who are employed to increase their income
• Reducing dependence on government-provided benefits or assistance
• Improving overall education and work-readiness gains for the TANF-eligible population
• Enhancing community-based and local programming focused on economic mobility for the TANF-eligible population

The McKinney-Vento Competitive Grant Program in New York supports educational initiatives for homeless children and youth, ensuring they have equal access to quality education. Funded by the New York State Education Department, the program allocates substantial financial resources to local educational agencies based on the number of identified homeless students. This grant is pivotal in providing essential services like tutoring, health care, and transportation, ultimately promoting academic success and stability for vulnerable populations.

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Iowa HHS provides high quality programs and services that protect and improve the health and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities.

Refugee Youth Mentoring Program

Purpose

The purpose of this RFP  is to select qualified applicants to provide Youth Mentoring (YM) services to Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) eligible youth ages 15–24 in Iowa, consistent with ORR guidance. Program goals are to promote positive civic/social engagement and support educational/vocational advancement. Services include matching youth with mentors (one-on-one or group) and providing case management to support educational and career development, within five years of the youth’s date of eligibility.  The Agency anticipates awarding multiple contracts from this procurement. 

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism

Dougie Jr. was diagnosed with childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), a very rare autism spectrum disorder, when he was three years old. Dougie was typically developing until he started to lose his language, motor and social skills at age three. At the time, there were no services offered for people and families with autism. Doug and Laurie started the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism to help other people and families with autism have access to the same opportunities, therapies and programs to live life to the fullest.

Our mission is to help people and families with autism live life to the fullest. Our Vision is focused in a world where people with autism lead productive lives where they are included, respected, and actively engaged in their communities.

Playground Communication Boards Program

Rooted in the belief that every voice matters, our playground communication board uses images and symbols to bridge gaps in communication. Visual aids support a wide range of learners, including verbal, neurotypical peers, and promote inclusion of people with differing abilities. Our mission is to ensure everyone, regardless of their communication abilities, can express their thoughts, needs, and feelings; fostering a truly inclusive and engaging community.

We are excited to announce that grant applications are now open to playgrounds across Massachusetts as part of our vision: One Board in Every Town and City. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants will be notified of their status within 30 days of submission.

The Sea Turtle Grants: Emergency Fund, supported by Florida's Sea Turtle Specialty License Plate revenues, provides vital funding for sea turtle conservation and research. This program allocates funds to address emergency situations affecting Florida's sea turtles, including mass strandings and illnesses. Eligible applicants include local governments, non-profits, and educational institutions in Florida. The Sea Turtle Conservancy administers the program, ensuring effective support for marine turtle protection efforts.

The Housing and Urban Development Competitive Grant from the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government aims to support non-profit organizations in their efforts to reduce homelessness. Funded through federal sources such as CDBG, ESG, and HOPWA, this initiative has allocated over $3 million in the past year to enhance services for individuals facing homelessness or living with HIV/AIDS. Organizations are encouraged to propose funding solutions that align with these critical community needs.

The Ron Goellner Conservation Fund Award, administered by the Cryptobranchid Interest Group, offers grants up to $2,000 for projects focused on the conservation of giant salamanders. This initiative supports innovative research, field conservation, and educational initiatives that aim to protect these species and their habitats. Open to all applicants, the fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate broad conservation impact and partnerships. Applications are automatically considered for two separate grants of up to $1,000 each.

The NJ Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program (NJUCF) Green Communities aims to support local governments in creating a Community Forestry Management Plan (CFMP) and conducting necessary inventories. This initiative, funded by the USDA Forest Service and the New Jersey Shade Tree Fund, offers grants up to $5,000 for a CFMP alone or $20,000 for both the CFMP and inventory. Eligible entities include municipal and county governments.

Community Development Block Grant

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

For the 2026 funding cycle, DLG will receive $25,988,523​ for distribution. Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Community Projects

​The Community program is designed to provide funds for community development projects that address human service needs, such as senior centers, crisis centers, fire stations and facilities that provide services to low-income persons. As part of the Commonwealth's allocation from the CDBG program, these projects have been allocated with the maximum amount of $8​50,000 of CDBG funding per community.

The Green Acres State Land Acquisition Program, managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, focuses on acquiring land for open space from property owners. It aims to preserve areas designated for recreation and conservation, integrating these lands into state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas. The program collaborates with various DEP divisions to ensure effective land management, and it accepts donations and bequests to enhance public access to natural resources.

The Transition Readiness Grants program, established under 2017 Act 59 with $1.5 million in funding, aims to help Wisconsin students with disabilities transition to competitive work and post-secondary education. Since its inception in FY 2019, it has received over 130 applications totaling more than $9 million. Eligible school districts can apply for FY 24 funding to support evidence-based transition practices, including transportation options, competitive employment training programs, and post-secondary supports.

The Global Forest Watch Small Grants Fund supports civil society organizations in utilizing GFW tools to combat illegal deforestation. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 USD, projects may focus on advocacy, forest monitoring, journalism, capacity building, and policy influence. Eligible organizations must be non-profits with a budget over $50,000 and a demonstrated ability to effectively manage resources. This initiative aims to empower local communities and enhance forest protection efforts across various regions.

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF) offers the County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) to support agricultural producers in enhancing their farm operations. This program provides cost-share assistance up to $5,000 for various agricultural enterprises, including livestock, horticulture, and energy efficiency initiatives. CAIP aims to improve the diversity and sustainability of farming practices across Kentucky, benefiting producers through financial support for innovative agricultural practices.

The NJ Women and Minority Veterans in Construction Trades Grant Program aims to eliminate economic barriers for women and minority veterans by providing essential training and support for employment in construction trades. This initiative connects military members with quality career opportunities, ensuring they receive the skills necessary for success in registered apprenticeship programs and other industry occupations, ultimately enhancing New Jersey's workforce and economy.

The Dr. John M. Anderson Excellence in Mental Health Award recognizes outstanding mental health professionals in the St. Louis area who significantly contribute to reducing stigma and promoting mental health in the African American community. This award, presented by the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund, honors individuals who demonstrate a commitment to improving access to mental health services and advocate for the well-being of children and families. Nominations are evaluated through a rigorous scoring process.

The Black Giving Collective (BGC) champions Black-led initiatives in the eight-county region of Rochester, New York, addressing systemic disparities within the Black community. Guided by the 2024 State of Black Rochester report, BGC provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, focusing on program support, capacity building, technology, and community engagement. Organizations must have Black leadership or membership to apply, ensuring that funding directly impacts and uplifts the community.

Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Project- Community Health Worker (HW27)

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness announces the availability of grant funds.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Missouri’s air, land and water resources play an important role in our health and are essential to the environmental and economic vitality of our state. The department aspires to help Missouri citizens thrive by advancing environmental and economic sustainability. The department provides a range of services to help Missouri citizens, communities and businesses in these efforts. The department also provides opportunities to learn more about Missouri’s natural and cultural history at our state parks and historic sites.

Our Mission: We serve as stewards of our natural resources to benefit Missourians.

Water Safety and Security Act Project Grant

The Missouri Water Safety and Security Act, found in Missouri Revised Statutes section 640.144, RSMo, requires certain community public water systems to develop valve and fire hydrant inspection programs. The Act also requires systems to develop an accurate map identifying shut-off valve and hydrant locations using a geographic information system (GIS) or an alternative physical mapping system and create a hydrant inspection program.

Section 1452(g) and (k) of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act authorizes the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to distribute part of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) to public water systems to improve system capacity, promote asset management and maintain compliance with federal and state drinking water laws. Through this grant program, the department provides financial assistance to eligible community public water systems to develop accurate maps that satisfy the requirements of the Missouri Water Safety and Security Act.

Eligible Projects and Costs

Eligible projects are limited to contractual agreements to develop valve and hydrant inspection programs and accurate valve and hydrant maps that include all shut-off valve and hydrant locations throughout the applying water system’s distribution system and to satisfy the requirements of Section 640.144, RSMo.

A finalized valve and hydrant inspection program plan and/ or a map accurately depicting the locations of all system shut-off valves and hydrants must be provided to the department for a project to be considered complete. Reimbursement for pre-approved project-related costs is only issued following completion of awarded projects and submission of a finalized map to the department.

Award Amounts and Match

Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis after the priority application period. Matching funds are not required, but may contribute to project selection and ranking according to the priority point criteria described in section 4 of the grant application form.

Department for Local Government

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG), under the Office of the Governor, provides financial help in the way of grant and loan assistance, as well as advising local governments in matters of budget, personnel and other issues relevant to those entities.​

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities, and Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Public Facilities

​​​​​The Public Facilities Branch provides funding to primarily develop Kentucky's water and wastewater systems. As part of the Commonwealth's allocations from the CDBG program, these projects have been allocated an estimate of $8,834,662 with designated maximum amounts for treatment plants and lines/pumps and tanks of CDBG funding per community. Self-help grants (maximum amount of $300,000 per project) are funded under this branch.

Program Summary

The Reduce Emissions from Diesels (Go RED!) Program is a competitive funding assistance opportunity administered by the Department of Energy and Environment (E&E), Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The program is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). The Go RED! Program provides funding assistance for projects that reduce diesel emissions from heavy-duty highway trucks (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating [GVWR] Classes 5–8), buses, marine engines, locomotives, and nonroad engines.

The Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP) by the California State Water Board supports projects that enhance water supply through the recycling of treated municipal wastewater. The program emphasizes the construction of facilities for treatment, storage, and distribution, with grants covering up to 35% of estimated construction costs. A local cost share of at least 50% is required, which may be reduced for disadvantaged communities. Applications are accepted year-round, with priority scores determined annually.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 400 funds and approximately $124 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Building the Future Vocational Scholarship Application

The Building the Future Vocational Scholarship supports scholarships for Lake County residents to attend a public or private institution to earn a certificate or vocational/trade school degree with the intent to gain local employment.

• Agriculture
• Automotive/Mechanical
• Computer/Technology
• Construction
• Cosmetology/Esthetician/Barbering
• Culinary Arts
• Healthcare (Medical, Dental & Emergency Services)
• IT & Business Services
• Manufacturing/Industrial
• Paralegal/Court Reporter
• Real Estate
• Transportation/Aviation

Legacy Foundation PAYS awards directly to SCHOOLS, NOT students. Payments will be:

• Paid to the school to cover OUTSTANDING tuition costs after all other aid is used (Work One, Pell grant, etc.) AND/OR
• Paid towards costs for required books and/or equipment for the program.

The Oklahoma Arts and the Military Grants aim to empower organizations to serve military-connected individuals through arts programs. Grants of up to $5,000 support learning-based and audience-based initiatives that engage active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. This initiative, part of the Oklahoma Arts and the Military Initiative, fosters greater accessibility to the arts for the military community, enhancing their well-being and connection through creative expression.

Oregon Department of Transportation

The Oregon Department of Transportation began in 1913 when the Oregon Legislature created the Oregon Highway Commission to "get Oregon out of the mud."

Today, we develop programs related to Oregon’s system of highways, roads, and bridges; railways; public transportation services; transportation safety programs; driver and vehicle licensing; and motor carrier regulation.

Mission statement: ​We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive.

Safe Routes to School Programs

“Safe Routes to School” refers to efforts that improve, educate, or encourage children safely walking (by foot or mobility device) or biking to school. The Oregon Department of Transportation has two main types of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs: Construction and Education and technical assistance. Construction programs focus on making sure safe walking and biking routes exist through investments in crossings, sidewalks and bike lanes, flashing beacons, and the like. Education programs focus on education and outreach to assure awareness and safe use of walking and biking routes.

Safe Routes to School Construction Program

The Safe Routes to School Construction Program provides grant funding for cities, counties, tribes, transit districts, and the state through a reimbursement process for investments that address barriers to students walking and biking to school.

Program Description

The Safe Routes to School Construction Program is housed in the Public Transportation Division and divided into three types of grants: Competitive Construction Grants; Rapid Response Constructions Grants; and Project Identification Program (Planning Assistance).

Grant cycles will be every two years starting in 2019. All subsequent funding cycles will be determined by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and the Safe Routes to School Construction Program Manager.

Rapid Response Constructions Grants

Up to 10 percent of Safe Routes to School funds will be available for urgent needs or systemic safety issues. Funds will be distributed through an application process that is open as long as there are funds available.

The ODOT Safe Routes to School Rapid Response Construction Grant Program funds projects that are eligible for the Competitive Construction Grant program and meets unique eligibility requirements. Road authorities are encouraged to apply for urgent projects that address barriers for students walking and biking to school. Most eligibility requirements for the Rapid Response Grants are the same as the Competitive Construction Grants. However, some added eligibility requirements are unique to the Rapid Response Grant Program.

• Be an Urgent Safety Need or Opportunity: Project must include proof of circumstances that trigger an urgent safety need or urgent opportunity that cannot wait until the next Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Competitive Grant Program which runs every two years. 

The NC Specialty Crop Block Grant Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, and nursery crops. Administered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, the program offers funding to support projects that improve food safety, research, and distribution efficiency. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government agencies. This initiative promotes sustainable practices and increases nutrition knowledge related to specialty crops, benefiting both producers and consumers.

Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

The mission of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) is to promote, perpetuate, and preserve culture and the arts in Hawai‘i. SFCA funding is provided by the State of Hawai‘i and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Community Arts Grant Program

The Community Arts Grants program (previously called Biennium Grants) supports eligible nonprofit 501(c)3 arts and culture organizations throughout the state. The grant awards funding to organizations supporting programs and projects that advance the arts, culture, and the humanities in the lives of the people of Hawaiʻi.

The legal provisions of the Community Arts Grants are in Sections 9-11 through 9-18 of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes. Each fiscal biennium grant budget is contingent on the State fiscal biennium and appropriations from the Hawaiʻi State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. Grants awarded are subject to available funding for the fiscal year.

Grant Categories

Applicants may submit an application for a project to one of the following categories that align with the SFCA Strategic Priorities 2019-2023. Applicants can apply for one or both fiscal years, and the category and project can be the same or different for each year.

• Heritage/Preservation: Heritage and Preservation (Culture) projects are well grounded in the history of Hawaii and the living cultures in Hawaii. Amplify Hawaiian cultural arts, history, and heritage and support communities to advance cultural knowledge, build cultural capacity, and preserve cultural legacies.

• Community Arts, Community Development, Arts and Healing: Community Arts, Community Development, Arts & Healing (Engagement). Art-based community development projects that increase the creative capacity of rural communities and enhance opportunities to experience culture and the arts statewide and within rural communities and underserved populations.

• Arts Education: Arts Education (Education) provides educational opportunities in any arts discipline for arts in the school environment, out-of-school learning, Early Childhood Development, adult life-long learning, and professional development.

• Presenting & Performing Arts: Literacy Arts, Visual Arts, Media Arts, Performing Arts (The Arts). Projects support programs or activities of organizations that present artists in performances, exhibitions, in-residency settings, online format, and televised broadcasts. 

A Community Arts Grant can be requested in the amount of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. A 1:1 match is required. This is a reimbursement grant program.

About

The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state’s largest agency. It serves about 2.1 million New Jerseyans, or about one of every five state residents and one out of every three children. We serve older New Jerseyans, individuals and families with low incomes; people with developmental disabilities, or late-onset disabilities; people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind; parents needing child care services, child support and/or healthcare for their children; people who are dealing with addiction and mental health issues; and families facing catastrophic medical expenses for their children. Through our eight divisions, we provide numerous programs and services designed to give eligible individuals and families the help they need for economic and health challenges. They include health insurance through NJ FamilyCare or Medicaid, food assistance through NJ SNAP, independent living supports, personal care services, and much more. We hope you find our information and resources useful as you go through our website.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Child care can take up a big part of a family’s monthly budget. Income-eligible families who are working, going to school or in job training may be able to get help through the New Jersey Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is run by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Family Development (DFD).

Assistance for Homeless Families

Experiencing homelessness and needing child care services is a challenge. We make it easier for you to receive help paying for child care even if you don’t have all of the required documents. If you lack a fixed and adequate nighttime residence, you would meet the definition of homeless.

Specifically that means living in:

• Shared housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
• Motels, hotels, or campgrounds because you don’t have alternative accommodations;
• Emergency or transitional shelters;
• Locations not designed or intended for human sleeping, such as park benches; or
• Cars, parks, public spaces, bus or train stations, or abandoned buildings.