Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Banks Baldwin Foundation, established in 1994, supports community initiatives that enhance education and the arts, promote self-sufficiency, and foster leadership among youth. With a focus on active citizenship, the foundation encourages nonprofit organizations to apply for funding to drive positive change in their communities. The foundation's board meets annually to review proposals and make grant decisions, ensuring that their mission aligns with the needs of the communities they serve.

The Zanvyl and Isabelle Krieger Fund Grant aims to enhance individual and community potential in Baltimore City. Supporting 501(c)(3) organizations, the fund prioritizes housing, behavioral health, environmental justice, and families with young children. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $25,000 annually. Organizations can apply once a year, and the fund does not support endowments, indirect costs, or multi-year commitments, promoting direct program expenses to foster community resilience.

The Barbara Thom Postdoctoral Fellowships at The Huntington Library support recent Ph.D. graduates revising their dissertations into monographs. With a stipend of $50,000 for nine to twelve months of residency, these fellowships encourage scholarly work in areas aligned with The Huntington's rich collections. Candidates must be nontenured faculty and actively participate in symposiums and working groups, fostering collaboration and innovation in their research endeavors.

The Mellon Fellowship at The Huntington Library supports scholars pursuing research relevant to its extensive collections. Offering a $50,000 stipend for nine to twelve months, the fellowship emphasizes continuous residence, participation in a symposium, and weekly working groups. Eligible candidates must hold a Ph.D. or defend their dissertation by the application deadline, with opportunities for international scholars. This fellowship fosters scholarship and creativity, enriching academic inquiry through diverse perspectives.

The Katharine H. Putnam Fellowships in Plant Science, offered by the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, invite early-career researchers with a PhD to conduct independent research using the Arboretum’s extensive living collections. This prestigious program promotes collaboration and aims to enhance the scientific community's understanding of plant sciences, including evolutionary biology and ecology. Successful applicants will gain access to exceptional resources and support, fostering their development as future leaders in academia and horticulture.

The Del Mar Foundation Grant supports community projects that enhance civic pride, preserve open space, and promote cultural activities in Del Mar. Nonprofit organizations can apply for funding to support initiatives like beach improvements and community events. The Foundation encourages applications year-round, with no minimum grant amount, though individual grants cannot exceed 25% of the annual budget. Preference is given to projects directly benefiting the Del Mar community, ensuring a focus on local engagement and sustainability.

Promoting Appanoose & Centerville Together (PACT) Iowa

Every thriving community has a strong foundation, and for Centerville and Appanoose County, that foundation got a huge boost in January 2021 with the formation of PACT. We’re proud to be the result of a thoughtful merger between three cornerstones of our community: the Centerville Chamber of Commerce, the Appanoose Economic Development Corporation, and Main Street Centerville. This powerful combination means we now have a streamlined, focused approach to uplift our unique Southern Iowa community, nestled invitingly near the tranquil waters of Lake Rathbun. 

Our core purpose is clear: to be a proactive, volunteer-driven organization. We work tirelessly to help businesses stay, grow, and settle here, creating new jobs across Appanoose County and revitalizing downtown Centerville. We’re also committed to preserving our local treasures and fostering an environment where every business can flourish.

PACT Iowa Upper Story Housing Grant

The CDBG Upper Story Housing Conversion Program provides significant financial assistance to property owners looking to transform vacant or unoccupiable upper-story downtown spaces into new residential units.

Funded through the State of Iowa, this program was created to help address housing shortages while preserving and revitalizing historic downtown buildings. Grant funding can provide up to $100,000 per housing unit, with projects eligible for up to $400,000 total, making it one of the most impactful housing development tools available to downtown property owners.

Beyond creating much-needed housing, upper-story conversions bring new life to downtown buildings, support local businesses, increase foot traffic, and help preserve the historic character that makes our community unique. Successful projects turn underutilized space into quality apartments while contributing to long-term community growth and economic vitality.

The Agribusiness Innovation Grant offers funding up to $30,000 to support innovative projects in the agribusiness sector. This initiative encourages transformative ideas that enhance value chains in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. Applicants can pursue groundbreaking concepts without needing co-funding, aiming to accelerate innovation and foster collaboration. The program seeks to facilitate the development of ideas to attract additional investment and ensure the growth of New Zealand's agribusiness landscape.

The Marvin and Eleanor Blick Scholarship Endowment, established in 2019, honors the legacy of Marvin and Eleanor Blick, who dedicated their lives to caring for others, particularly those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. This scholarship aims to support local youth from the John Randolph Foundation service area who aspire to pursue educational opportunities in related fields, reflecting the compassion and commitment that the Blicks exemplified throughout their lives.

The Destination Iowa Fund Grant Program, funded with $6.5 million, aims to enhance tourism in Iowa by supporting cities, counties, and non-profits in developing vertical infrastructure for Primary Destinations. Eligible projects can receive grants covering up to 25% of costs, with minimum project thresholds of $5 million for urban and $1.5 million for rural areas. This initiative seeks to boost community quality of life and drive economic development, particularly in rural regions.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $49,999 to support community health initiatives. Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration and addressing social needs to foster well-being. Eligible organizations include non-profits, schools, and government agencies. The fund prioritizes projects that align with the Community Health Improvement Plan, focusing on health equity, civic engagement, and neighborhood enhancement. This initiative aims to empower communities and improve health outcomes while fostering corporate social responsibility.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers Community Catalyst Grants to support transformative projects that enhance community health and well-being. With grants starting at $50,000, this program prioritizes applications from non-profits, schools, and government agencies that address pressing social needs and health inequities. Open annually from September 1 to November 1, the fund aims to empower community-driven initiatives that foster collaboration and measurable health improvements.

The H. C. Gemmer Family Christian Foundation, established in 1956, focuses on peace, justice, and racial harmony. With a mission to support ecumenical efforts, the foundation has expanded its assets significantly since the passing of H. Robert Gemmer in 1992. The foundation prioritizes funding initiatives that promote peace education, human rights, and social justice, while providing grants to organizations that demonstrate financial stability and effective community impact.

Otsego Community Foundation

The Otsego Community Foundation (OCF) is a nonprofit organization created by and for the people of our community. We help meet critical local needs by collaborating with donors and nonprofits serving Otsego county, managing permanent funds, and awarding purposeful grants. We magnify your generosity and impact and ensure that charitable funds are directed where they matter most. Our services cover the entire county and all fields of interest including Arts and Culture, Conservation, Community and Economic Development, Health and Human Services, Education and Youth Initiatives.

Ultimately, our efforts help fill forests with trees, minds with knowledge, youth with dreams, workforce with skills, society with art & culture, pantries with food, communities with connections, and hearts with that joyful feeling of making a difference.

Adapt Grants

Adapt Grants are designed to fund projects that are small in scale, meet an unanticipated need, explore new opportunities, sponsor an event, and grow capacity. These grants are meant to be flexible and support you in adapting to changing needs, so whether you’re dreaming up a new project that could use seed or matching support, or are tackling a challenge that popped up suddenly, we want to support you in executing your day-to-day mission. Compared to the Community Grant Program “big rocks”, we consider these to be “pebble” projects. Both are important for advancing one’s mission. You can apply for both an Adapt Grant and the Community Grant Program in the same year.  

For 2025-2027 the OCF has identified three high impact partners areas to proactively support the community:

• OCAN-Advanced training
• Housing Task Force-Attainable housing
• START-Coordinated human service

Proposals that align with these areas will be strongly considered. 

The Robert L. Schattner Scholarship Fund, managed by the Jewish Community Foundation, offers financial support to Jewish students from Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties who are pursuing higher education. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. The scholarship can be applied towards tuition, books, or living expenses. This initiative aims to foster educational advancement within the Jewish community, encouraging students to achieve their academic goals.

Grants

We’re Here to Support You

HAF+WRCF grant funding supports charitable programs and projects in our region (Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties in California, and Curry County, Oregon).

Aging to Thrive: Empowering Aging Through Community '26-27

This grant opportunity supports programs that uplift and enhance the independence and quality of life for seniors in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. Examples include social programs, food and nutrition programs, health related activities and needs, transportation and access support. 

Grants of $2,000-5,000 available.

Grants are supported by the Senior Citizens Foundation Fund and the Andrew and Bertha Pon Memorial Fund. Recipients will be notified in November 2026.

TREC Community Investors

TREC Community Investors is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

We Are an innovative organization dedicated to equitable development and neighborhood revitalization in Dallas and Collin counties. We are a unique resource that empowers communities through an unrivaled combination of assets: financial capital, world-class expertise, targeted education, and a passion for making a difference in our city. We are a trusted partner with the experience to help rejuvenate local economies, increase essential services, create jobs, expand affordable housing, and transform underserved areas into vibrant, thriving communities.

We’ve partnered with more than 750 nonprofit and community organizations that are also dedicated to transforming Dallas.

TREC Community Investors Grant

Applications are only being accepted for projects that invest in the Dallas Catalyst Project: Mill City neighborhood.

Projects will address public safety, outdating infrastructure, affordable housing, and a lack of safe public gathering spaces and youth mentoring opportunities.

Preferred Criteria

• Real estate based and comprised of modest scope building renovation
• Leverages funds by utilizing the professional & hands-on volunteer skills of TREC members
• Project must be designed, planned and executed during the year they are accepted
• Impacts under-served neighborhoods, demonstrating feasibility and measurable long-term viability
• Involves people expected to benefit from the project in the development and implementation

The East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) offers grants for local and regional arts projects. This funding supports organizations in creating, sponsoring, publishing, performing, and exhibiting art. Eligible projects include performances, exhibitions, local theatre productions, artist residencies, public art projects, and workshops. There is no limit to the number of grants an organization can receive each fiscal year, but only one application per grant deadline is allowed.

The Daniel Foundation of Alabama provides operating grants, up to $25,000, aimed at strengthening communities and enhancing quality of life. Key focus areas include early childhood education, K-12 academic improvements, adult life skills, arts and community support, and health services. Eligible organizations must be based in Alabama and meet specific criteria, including revenue limits and employee requirements, to qualify for funding to benefit local residents.

The Thomas W. Briggs Foundation Grants support organizations that positively impact Memphis, Tennessee, through strategic funding. Eligible nonprofits must have 501(c)(3) status, a Memphis office, and focus on BIPOC communities for the Equity Fund. The foundation operates on a biennial cycle, offering Core Funding and the Equity Fund, with applications accepted in spring and fall. Prior discussions are encouraged before applying to ensure alignment with funding priorities.

The Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship, established in 2002, offers $5,000 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. The scholarship is awarded based on a panel's evaluation of work samples and character. This initiative honors Elaine Ehlers' legacy, promoting arts education and supporting students pursuing their creative passions at accredited institutions.

The Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, offered by Morris Arts, awards $1,500 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. Applicants are evaluated by a panel of experts based on their work samples, essays, and dedication to the arts. The scholarship directly supports tuition at the chosen college or arts program, continuing the legacy of Eugenie R. Coladarci, a passionate advocate for young artists.

The Valero Energy Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in communities where Valero operates. With a focus on basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives, the foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2019, it provided approximately $40 million to support disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing a commitment to corporate citizenship and community well-being.

The DCNR State and Regional Partnerships' Grants support collaborative projects aimed at enhancing local and regional capacity for managing recreation and park facilities while promoting conservation efforts. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and municipal entities that comply with tax-exempt regulations. Projects may involve training, education, or implementation of conservation strategies, with a mandatory 50/50 funding match. This initiative fosters community engagement and sustainable resource management across Pennsylvania.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Howard Brown Rickard Scholarship

The Howard Brown Rickard Scholarship, first granted in 1965, is awarded to post-secondary full time students studying law, medicine, engineering, architecture, or the natural sciences.

The NEA Community Advocacy & Partnership Engagement (CAPE) Grant aims to support local affiliates in mobilizing community organizations to enhance student achievement, particularly for students of color. Key priorities include fostering initiatives for racial justice in education, engaging NEA members trained in leadership, and creating union roles for community engagement. This grant encourages collaboration between educators and community leaders to build capacity and drive positive change.