Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

Project Bread's School Breakfast Grant Program aims to ensure that all students in Massachusetts have access to nutritious meals through innovative breakfast solutions. By starting or expanding programs like Breakfast After the Bell, schools can significantly increase breakfast participation. The program provides essential support and resources to help schools assess their needs and implement effective strategies for enhancing breakfast accessibility, ultimately fostering a healthier school community.

The Lead-Safe Homes Program (LSHP) invites local partner organizations to apply for grant funding aimed at reducing lead hazards in homes across Wisconsin. With up to $4 million available from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, the program seeks to protect children and pregnant women eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare. Organizations will be selected based on their ability to coordinate and execute lead hazard reduction efforts, ensuring safe environments for vulnerable populations.

Urban Forestry Grants

Eligible Projects for this Funding Opportunity

The intent of this funding is to assist state, local, and tribal governments in areas impacted by hurricanes and natural disasters in 2022, 2023, and 2024 by improving mitigating post-storm threats to ecosystem functionality and providing technical assistance for rural and community forest restoration. All projects and purchases must be shown in each proposal to have a direct positive impact on the recovery of the affected areas. Proposal narratives must explicitly describe how activities will assist in the recovery in impacted areas. SCFC will prioritize funding for projects affected by Hurricane Helene. SCFC will make subawards as described below to FEMA disaster declared counties/communities in South Carolina under this supplemental funding opportunity.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation invites innovative proposals that align with their 2021-2030 Strategic Plan, aiming to invest over $1.2 billion to enhance opportunities in southwestern Pennsylvania. Their funding focuses on conservation, economic development, economic mobility, health and well-being, organizational effectiveness, and social-impact investments. The General Application offers flexibility without deadlines, allowing for a variety of support types, including project-specific and general operating funding, aimed at enriching community vitality and environmental stewardship.

The C. Scott & Dorothy E. Watkins Charitable Foundation Grant supports new organizations in Utah focusing on education, health care, and community services. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profits serving local areas. The foundation prioritizes programs promoting self-reliance through scholarships and humanitarian aid. Applications are accepted annually until August 15, with notifications by November 30. Notably, it does not fund endowments or multi-year pledges, ensuring targeted support for immediate community needs.

The C. Scott and Dorothy E. Watkins Charitable Foundation supports educational, research, and charitable organizations in Utah. Focused on promoting self-reliance, the foundation provides financial assistance for local programs in education, healthcare, and community support. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and serve the Utah area. The foundation does not fund endowments, capital campaigns, or political lobbying, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful local initiatives.

The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative supports outdoor enthusiasts and promotes responsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs). Its mission includes educating the public on land use and wildlife conservation while protecting access to public lands. Applications are accepted quarterly from nonprofit organizations and community groups focused on land stewardship and access improvements, ensuring a safe and sustainable outdoor experience for all.

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.

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.

The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.

The Richard and Mary Myerly Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, supports low-income students pursuing careers in photography or fine arts at accredited institutions. Established in memory of Richard and Mary Myerly, this scholarship invites applications from students in Washington County and surrounding areas, promoting educational opportunities and honoring community values. With over 100 scholarships available, this initiative aims to empower the next generation of artists and photographers.

The Field-of-Interest Grant Program, established by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, supports local nonprofits in creating healthy and inclusive communities. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $7,000 target projects that address basic needs, health navigation, and opportunities for women and girls. This initiative fosters equitable access to resources, ensuring all residents can thrive. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least five days ahead of deadlines, with specific eligibility criteria in place.

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.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs, including the River of the Year initiative, aim to enhance public awareness and conservation efforts for designated rivers. Local organizations can apply for a $15,000 grant to support year-long activities celebrating the honored river. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipalities, and educational institutions, with a focus on engaging communities in outdoor recreation and resource protection. This program has recognized rivers since 1983, fostering environmental stewardship and community involvement.

Fatherhood Request for Proposal (RFP)

This application packet contains guidelines for submitting an application to ADCANP for a performance-based contract to provide opportunities to families with custodial fathers and mothers. Activities (training, workshops, conferences, counseling, etc.) should encourage and facilitate active parenting by non-custodial fathers/mothers. The goals are to increase the parents’ involvement in their children’s lives, provide employment training and skills, and increase child support payments/collection. Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds for this competitive selection process are provided to ADCANP through a partnership with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR).

The target population for Fatherhood Programs should include (but are not limited to) non-custodial and custodial mothers and fathers who:

• Are unemployed or underemployed (income less than 200% of the federal poverty level)
• Lack a high school diploma or GED
• Lack the skills to obtain gainful employment
• Males or females over the age of 18 with children
• Reside in the state of Alabama

The TANF funds available for these initiatives will address the following goals:

• To gain employment skills and certifications that will allow participants to secure employment
• that can provide for the family and promote self-sufficiency
• To find and retain suitable employment
• To improve awareness of participants’ roles in the lives of their child(ren)
• To establish high-quality, emotionally supportive relationships with their children
• To pay child support and provide other financial support for their child(ren)
• To support Re-Entry services for formerly incarcerated parents

The CDBGPF Design, Engineering, and Environmental Clearance (DEEC) Grant, administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, supports local governments in enhancing community infrastructure. This grant assists eligible applicants with vital design, engineering, and environmental clearance activities for projects that benefit low to moderate income communities. Projects can include water systems, community centers, and more, aimed at fostering development and addressing urgent community needs.

Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (the “Department” or “IDOA”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to provide grants through the Local Food and Infrastructure Grant Act [505 ILCS 92] and Administrative Code Title 8: Agriculture and Animals Chapter I: Department of Agriculture Subchapter m: Marketing Programs Part 340 Local Food Infrastructure Grant. The purpose of this program is for the development of local food processing, aggregation and distribution.

The General Assembly finds that the following conditions exist in this State:

• Small fruit, vegetable, and livestock farmers are vital to the health and wealth of Illinois communities, yet Illinois does not currently have infrastructure in place to support local food farmers or to feed Illinois communities.
• An estimated 95% of the food consumed in Illinois is purchased from outside of our borders, resulting in the export of billions of food dollars outside our State rather than the enhancement of our local food economies.
• A shift of just 10% toward local food purchasing by Illinois individuals, families, schools, institutions, and State agencies could generate billions in economic growth for our State.
• For Illinois families, businesses, schools, and institutions to shift their purchasing practices, Illinois must invest in supporting critical local food infrastructure needed to bolster processing, aggregation, and distribution of local food.

The General Assembly determines and declares that there exist conditions in the State that require the Department to issue grants on behalf of the State for the development of local food processing, aggregation, and distribution. (505 ILCS 92/10) Sec. 10 (a) and (b).

All grant funding provided under this Act must be used for purchasing, leasing to own, renting, building, or installing infrastructure related to the processing, storage, aggregation, or distribution of value-added agricultural products.

Opportunity Funding

• $3,600,000.00

Funding Sources

• State

Funding Source Description 

• This grant program is utilizing state funds appropriated by Public Act 104-0003, Section 205 and Section 210. Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $3,600,000. Awards will range from $1,000 to $250,000.

The ABC Conservation Awards, funded by the African Bird Club, provide grants of up to £3,000 for conservation projects in Africa. Open to residents and institutions, these awards support diverse initiatives such as bird monitoring, educational programs, and local club support. With over £600,000 awarded since 1996, ABC has funded more than 300 projects across 50 countries, fostering significant contributions to the conservation of African birds and habitats.

The Mumford & Keller Grant and Scholarship Program, initiated by Indiana Audubon in 2010, offers financial support for projects focusing on natural resources and Indiana's birdlife. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, it aims to promote conservation, research, and education. Priority is given to initiatives targeting key species and habitats within Indiana. This program honors the legacy of Russell Mumford and Charles Keller, enhancing bird conservation efforts for future generations.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is inviting proposals for projects aimed at controlling nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, which significantly impacts water quality in Illinois. Funded by federal resources through Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act, the program seeks to address the over 60% of water pollution traced to NPS. Projects should prioritize the restoration of affected water bodies as outlined in the Integrated Water Quality Report and Section 303d List.

The Facility Planning Grants are designed to assist eligible wastewater and drinking water systems in Idaho by providing financial support for developing facility plans. These grants cover up to 50% of eligible planning costs, with maximum amounts historically set at $45,000 for drinking water and $65,000 for wastewater projects. Interested systems must submit a letter of interest annually between October and January to be considered for funding.

The Wellness Fund Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to enhance maternal and child health outcomes in the region. Non-profit organizations in Doña Ana, Hidalgo, Grant, Lincoln, Luna, Otero, and Sierra counties are encouraged to apply for funding. The grant supports various initiatives, including educational programs, direct services, and wellness prevention. With funding typically ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 annually, this initiative seeks to foster positive community health impacts.

The Southwest Badger Natural Resource Conservation Grant supports initiatives in southern Wisconsin that aim to protect and restore natural resources. Targeting counties like Crawford and Grant, this grant encourages 501(c)(3) organizations and municipalities to apply for funding up to $3,500. The grant is managed by community volunteers from The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, ensuring projects align with conservation goals for future generations.

The ArtsKC Inspiration Grant supports individual artists and small groups in the Kansas City metropolitan area by funding ambitious projects that foster growth and positive community impact. With disciplines ranging from visual arts to theater, these project grants encourage creativity and innovation. In Spring 2024, ArtsKC awarded 12 grants totaling $30,000, with a 14% acceptance rate. Eligible artists must be over 18 and demonstrate professional achievement in their art form.

The Kadel & Gerhardt Internships, funded by the Point Foundation, aim to enhance the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in HIV/AIDS research and advocacy. These internships support academically talented students pursuing unpaid opportunities in the summer of 2025, addressing the critical need for culturally competent care within the community. By investing in future leaders, the program seeks to combat the stigma surrounding HIV and increase access to essential services for those affected.