Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Need to Know Grant by the Albuquerque Community Foundation offers nonprofits the chance to submit rolling grant requests throughout the year. This initiative allows organizations to keep the Foundation informed about their programs and ongoing funding needs. With suggestions to apply for amounts between $5,000 and $10,000, the grant aims to support projects that enhance community well-being in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia counties.

The City of Rockville RainScapes Rebate Grant, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, provides rebate incentives for stormwater management practices. Eligible projects include rain barrels, cisterns, conservation landscaping, and more, aimed at improving local water quality. Homeowners and non-profits can receive up to $5,000 for approved installations. Applicants must own the property or have permission from the owner, and projects must be pre-approved before installation.

The Virtual Professional Development Award aims to enhance professional knowledge and experience for individuals in Region 3 Network Member institutions. By funding attendance at seminars and conferences related to data science and health information access, this award supports the goals of the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). It seeks to improve health information access for healthcare providers and consumers, particularly among underrepresented populations, fostering health equity and literacy.

The Kyndryl Foundation Grant aims to empower communities through investments in education, technology, and workforce development. With a focus on cybersecurity and AI skills for underrepresented learners, the foundation fosters balanced partnerships and innovation. It prioritizes transparency and integrity, ensuring grants support long-term impact. This initiative aligns with Kyndryl's mission to create a sustainable future by enhancing access to opportunities and resources for all, thereby promoting diversity and inclusivity in economic growth.

Who we are

For more than a century, Philadelphia Foundation has increased philanthropic investment in the community, fostering the economic, civic and social vitality of Greater Philadelphia.

We take charitable dollars further through our deep relationships in the community, close connections with local nonprofits and 100-year history of building positive outcomes in the Philadelphia region.

Born of a desire for more powerful, permanent funding to address community needs, we collaborate with thousands of individuals, families and businesses to advance this goal, always with an eye on the future. As we enter our second century of service, our vision remains grounded in the needs of today and tomorrow and is shaped by the values we hold close, including excellence, diversity, equity and results.

From Ben Franklin’s civic gift of 1,000 pounds sterling to Gerry Lenfest’s endowment for independent journalism, Philadelphia Foundation stewards legacies that strengthen the place we call home, improving lives today and for future generations.

Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Forfeiture Fund – Summer Camps, Cycling, Swimming & Athletic Programs 

Description

Forfeiture Fund

Pursuant to its obligations under the Pennsylvania Controlled Substances Forfeiture Act, 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 5802, and the final order entered on February 17, 2021(Sourovelis v. City of Philadelphia, Civ. Action No. 2:14-cv-04687-ER), the Office of the District Attorney of Philadelphia must utilize funds forfeited to it to support community-based anti-crime and anti-narcotics organizations.

Organizations may request support for:

• Summer Camps
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Athletic Programs 

Organizations may use funds to support anti-crime, anti-drug, anti-violence initiatives consistent with guidance from the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania and the United States Department of Justice. A non-exhaustive list of permissible uses based on these sources will be provided to grantee organizations. The Fund will prioritize requests from grassroots community groups with smaller budgets, defined as $950,000 or less. Grants are limited to organizations working with people in the city and county of Philadelphia.

Funding priorities

The Forfeiture Fund will accept applications from community-based organizations offering programs that align with the guidelines and a single focus area of this grant cycle. Applications which attempt to address all focus areas in a single application are likely to be declined.

Priority will be given to:

• Organizations with annual operating budgets at or below $950,000 
• Organizations that can demonstrate a track record of running a summer camp, cycling, swimming and/or athletic programs 

The Sandbulte Family Higher Education Endowment Fund, supported by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to bridge the Opportunity Gap through innovative proposals in science, engineering, and business education. This fund focuses on enhancing student support systems, improving transitions from high school to higher education, and fostering partnerships between educational institutions and the workforce. Eligible organizations include the College of St. Scholastica, Lake Superior College, and the University of Minnesota Duluth.

The D3 URJGENT Grants, initiated in 2021 by the County of Santa Clara, support local organizations addressing critical needs like racial justice, equity, and homelessness. Designed for grassroots efforts, the grants prioritize project-based proposals that enhance community well-being. With a rolling review process, applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that align with the grant's objectives and funding tiers, which vary based on annual budget limits. This initiative aims to uplift smaller organizations making a significant impact in the community.

The Graduate Education Fund: AUKUS Scholarships, established by the American Australian Association, supports American and Australian citizens pursuing full-time graduate studies in security, technology, and diplomacy. With up to $40,000 in funding for tuition and living expenses, this scholarship encourages innovative research in critical fields, particularly in relation to the AUKUS initiative. Applications are open biannually, fostering educational exchange and collaboration between the two nations.

The Joe C Davis Operational Grant provides unrestricted operational support to nonprofits in the Nashville area that demonstrate strong leadership and positive outcomes. The grant prioritizes organizations focused on education, healthcare, and social services, particularly those serving low-income and vulnerable populations. It aims to empower motivated individuals and families by offering resources that help them achieve long-term success, aligning with the foundational values of personal initiative, perseverance, and hard work.

The DCLA Premier Grants provide vital support to first-time applicants, including individual artists and community organizations on Staten Island. These grants focus on projects that foster public engagement and enhance cultural programming across diverse artistic disciplines. Eligible applicants must demonstrate community interest, clear objectives, and a realistic plan for implementation. Priority is given to projects that address under-resourced communities or artistic disciplines, ensuring equitable access to funding and cultural production opportunities.

The I Tatti/Dumbarton Oaks Joint Fellowship supports early- to mid-career scholars focusing on cross-cultural interactions between Italy and the East Christian world, including Byzantium and North Africa. This residential fellowship spans the 2025-2026 academic year, with fellows spending the fall at I Tatti in Florence and the spring at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, DC. Successful candidates must have a PhD, demonstrate proficiency in English and Italian, and engage in research that contributes to the understanding of Italian Renaissance and Byzantine Studies.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs, specifically the Pennsylvania Water Trails Program Mini Grants, aim to enhance outdoor recreation and resource conservation. By partnering with various state agencies, grants of up to $7,000 are available for projects that promote sustainable use of water trails, ensuring inclusive access and community engagement across Pennsylvania's designated trails. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the program's guiding principles, including stewardship and community vitality.

The Patricia and Nicolaas Kortlandt Memorial Fund Grant, offered by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Fauquier County. Nonprofits can apply for grants that support operating expenses amid the pandemic, addressing basic human needs, promoting arts, and preserving community assets. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations committed to nondiscrimination. The fund aims to empower historically underserved communities and foster local engagement.

The Energy Sponsorship Program (MI) offers funding to Michigan-based organizations for events focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability. With a minimum of $250,000 available, grants can reach up to $10,000 for events or $250,000 for research. Successful applicants must provide a 1:1 match and share event materials with EGLE. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.

The Winona Community Foundation offers competitive grants aimed at addressing critical needs in the Winona area, supporting a variety of charitable organizations. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies within a fifteen-mile radius of Winona. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance community wellbeing, environmental conservation, and public access to nature. Note that grant recipients from cycle 2 of 2023 are ineligible for this cycle, and only one application per nonprofit is accepted annually.

MileOneCares offers community grants aimed at enhancing lives through improved access to transportation and community support. Non-profits with 501(c)(3) status, operational for two years, can apply for funding to address local needs. The program prioritizes initiatives that uplift youth and the elderly in underserved areas. Applications are accepted year-round, but those for the current calendar year must be submitted by November 8. Grants do not support endowments or individuals.

The Arthur and Lila Weinberg Artist-in-Residence Fellowship at The Newberry Library supports independent researchers like writers, artists, and filmmakers, providing a stipend of $3,000 for one month of access to its rich collections. This fellowship is designed for those outside traditional academic settings and encourages projects focused on social justice and reform. Open to international scholars, it aims to foster creativity and scholarly work at one of Chicago's historic cultural institutions.

The DOER Public Entity Decarbonization Grant Program aims to support Massachusetts state entities in transitioning from fossil-fuel systems to efficient electric solutions. With up to $2,450,000 available, the program encourages projects that enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while leveraging other funding sources. Priority may be given to projects in disadvantaged communities, as defined by the Justice40 Initiative, ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Commonwealth.

The First Federal Community Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on enhancing community life through impactful grants. With over $7.3 million awarded, the foundation prioritizes community support, affordable housing, economic development, and community development in Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Whatcom Counties, and Bellevue, WA. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The foundation aims to benefit marginalized communities and supports projects that foster collaboration and sustainable development.

The El Dorado Springs Affiliate Grantmaking Program, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, supports 501(c)(3) organizations and IRS-approved entities serving Cedar County. With a funding limit of $3,000, this program addresses vital community needs through flexible grantmaking. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the lives of local residents while ensuring non-discrimination in funding use. Applications are accepted periodically, reflecting the community's most pressing requirements.

The NASA WVSGC Undergraduate Research Scholarship offers $5,000 to support undergraduate students in space-related fields to engage in research projects under faculty mentorship. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled full-time. Funding covers stipends, travel, and supplies, with a requirement for midterm and final reports. This scholarship aims to enhance students' research experience and contribute to the advancement of space science and technology.

Our Mission

The Baughman Family Foundation aims to make an impact on our local communities by supporting organizations nominated by family members. The goal of the foundation is twofold: to make a meaningful impact on our selected charitable organizations and to encourage family members to become active in charitable giving.

Submission Guidelines

When submitting an application, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

The focus of the Baughman Family Foundation is on supporting local charities where the Foundation can make a direct, tangible impact on causes that matter to our family.

The Clorox Company Foundation

Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has a mission to foster healthy and inclusive communities so people can be well and thrive. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded cash grants totaling nearly $135 million to nonprofit organizations.

The foundation’s signature theme of health security is tied to its mission and The Clorox Company purpose: We champion people to be well and thrive, every single day.

Health security is based on the belief that health and wellness is a basic human right. The Clorox Company Foundation has organized its philanthropy around efforts to help ensure the equality of opportunity of under-resourced people and our communities. We provide support to improve their overall physical and mental health and help them flourish and are also aligning our foundation giving to programs that advance the relevant U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.

Foundation Focus Areas

Community Wellness

• Racial Justice: Organizations that are working at the community level to address social determinants of health and racial equality issues.
• Youth Development/Education: Programs that increase equity of opportunity, access and outcomes to create lasting social impact.
• Sustainability: Organizations that focus on solving environmental justice issues that disproportionately impact urban areas and communities of color.

Disease Prevention

Organizations that:

• Educate and/or provide supplies to people/healthcare facilities.
• Conduct research regarding infection control/preventing the spread of germs and disease in a post-pandemic life.

Disaster Relief & Preparedness

Organizations that focus on emergency preparedness, response and recovery locally and nationally.

The foundation serves the communities surrounding our Oakland, California, headquarters as well as those surrounding our remote offices and manufacturing facilities. We also support public health on a global level, through American Red Cross and other partners, donating cash and disinfecting products to address pandemics such as COVID-19 and Ebola as well as supporting a program to provide safe drinking water in Peru and Africa. 

Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation

The Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation transforms collective generosity into a permanent source of community support.

Founded in 1999, BHCF works to increase philanthropic giving and establish endowments in the community. BHCF is part of the North Carolina Community Foundation network and is led by a local volunteer advisory board that understands community needs. Grants are made annually to local organizations.

Community Impact Grants

Community Impact Grants are expected to range from $15,000 to $50,000 and are designed to support organizations and/or programs with demonstrated or promising impact, or projects addressing county-wide or multi-community needs.   

Grant applications are open to all eligible charitable organizations and partnerships that seek to improve the quality of life, address identified community needs, and support the long-term strength and resilience of Bertie and Hertford counties. This includes proposals that address the following community needs identified through listening sessions and focus groups held in 2025:

• Education and youth development
• Physical and mental health and well-being
• Employment and workforce development
• Housing

Grant funding may support: 

• General operations 
• Projects or programs 
• Capital projects 
• Capacity building or training and education designed to strengthen an organization’s performance and impact. This could include any training or education for board development, executive or leadership development, and/or fundraising. 
• Collaborative projects, or applications submitted by a new or existing multi-organization partnership to leverage resources, expertise and boost impact. 

Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation

The Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation transforms collective generosity into a permanent source of community support.

Founded in 1999, BHCF works to increase philanthropic giving and establish endowments in the community. BHCF is part of the North Carolina Community Foundation network and is led by a local volunteer advisory board that understands community needs. Grants are made annually to local organizations.

Community Change Grants

Community Change Grants are expected to be $50,000 or more and are designed to support multi-organization partnerships, and/or systems-level or cross-sector initiatives.

Grant applications are open to all eligible charitable organizations and partnerships that seek to improve the quality of life, address identified community needs, and support the long-term strength and resilience of Bertie and Hertford counties. This includes proposals that address the following community needs identified through listening sessions and focus groups held in 2025:

• Education and youth development
• Physical and mental health and well-being
• Employment and workforce development
• Housing

Grant funding may support: 

• General operations 
• Projects or programs 
• Capital projects 
• Capacity building or training and education designed to strengthen an organization’s performance and impact. This could include any training or education for board development, executive or leadership development, and/or fundraising. 
• Collaborative projects, or applications submitted by a new or existing multi-organization partnership to leverage resources, expertise and boost impact. 

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program focuses on enhancing behavioral health care services for children and adolescents in rural areas. By providing essential funding, this initiative aims to tackle mental health and substance use disorders, ensuring that young individuals receive the support they need. The program, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration, is crucial in addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities, promoting healthier outcomes for future generations.

The Sanilac County Community Foundation (SCCF) offers grants to enhance the quality of life for Sanilac County residents. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, educational institutions, and faith-based organizations that address community needs. The foundation supports various areas such as arts, education, health, and youth projects. While it encourages innovative community solutions, it does not fund religious purposes, political activities, or loans. Grants aim to benefit a wide range of community members.