Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Brian Edkins Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior from Cape Fear High School; South View High School (Cumberland County) or Scotland High School (Scotland County, NC).

The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation offers a Capacity Building Award aimed at strengthening nonprofits in its service area. This grant supports enhancing organizational infrastructure, governance, and sustainability through investments in training, technology upgrades, and strategic planning. By fostering robust nonprofit capabilities, the foundation ensures lasting community impact and addresses critical issues like health and education equity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and public/private K-12 schools within the designated region.

Department of Behavioral Health

The Department of Behavioral Health provides prevention, intervention and treatment services and supports for children, youth and adults with mental and/or substance use disorders including emergency psychiatric care and community-based outpatient and residential services.

DBH serves eligible adults, children and youth and their families through a network of community based providers and unique government delivered services. It operates Saint Elizabeths Hospital—the District’s inpatient psychiatric facility.

Substance Use Disorder HIV Early Intervention Services

The Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Behavioral Health, Adult Services Division is soliciting applications certified substance use disorder (SUD) providers to conduct human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) early intervention services (EIS) to individuals seeking treatment services in the District of Columbia.

The goal of this funding is to prevent the spread of HIV by increasing awareness and education through counseling, screening/testing, data collection, linkage and referral to treatment service within the SUD/ Behavioral Health continuum of care provider network.

The DBH will fund grantees to implement HIV EIS to include the following four areas:

• Promotion of prevention and education to increase awareness.
• Provide HIV Screening and testing services.
• Ensure linkage and coordination of follow-up care and referrals to treatment.
• Develop a monitoring system to collect the data that aligns with the HIV early intervention process.

Audrey Davenport Scholarship

The Audrey Davenport Endowed Scholarship honors the remarkable legacy of Audrey Davenport, a visionary leader, mentor, and advocate for cultural inclusion in Northeast Georgia. This scholarship celebrates Davenport’s lifelong dedication to education, leadership, and service.

Audrey was raised in Cornelia, Georgia. After graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) as a non-traditional student; with undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture, she returned to Habersham County and became an outspoken advocate and community leader. She was the former Executive Director of the Habersham County Historical Society and current President and Curator of the Regional African American Museum of Northeast Georgia. She is widely recognized for preserving African American history in rural communities, her leadership in promoting multicultural awareness and mentoring young people throughout the region. A proud member of her community and a non-traditional graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Davenport embodies perseverance, creativity, and community leadership.

The Scholarship supports Black/African American non-traditional female students who demonstrate resilience, leadership, and a commitment to community-building as a tool for positive change. This scholarship reduces financial barriers and helps students find their own path to serving their communities with purpose and pride. The 2026 scholarship will award a one-time award in the amount of $1,000.

2026 Veterans and Nature Grant

Supporting the health, well-being, and community connection of America's veterans

The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce grant funding supported by the American Medical Association (AMA) to expand access to nature-based experiences that support the health, well-being, and community connection of America's veterans. AMA has partnered with NEEF to bring an evidence-based health perspective to this effort, underscoring the growing body of research linking time in nature to improved physical and mental health outcomes.

Background

A Pew Research Center survey found that roughly one in four veterans say the transition back to civilian life was at least somewhat difficult. This is especially true for those who return home with stress or trauma. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates 11-20% of veterans are believed to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) each year.

Nature offers profound restorative benefits for veterans navigating the challenges of post-service life. Time spent outdoors — whether hiking, fishing, camping, or simply sitting among trees — has been shown by numerous studies to reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, conditions that affect veterans at disproportionately high rates.

Quieting hypervigilance, allowing space for reflection, fostering camaraderie, and reducing isolation are all mental and physical benefits that be found through outdoor recreation. Using America’s public lands to do so provides a powerful and accessible path forward.

Overview

Through the 2026 Veterans and Nature grant, NEEF aims to expand access to nature-based experiences that support veteran health, well-being, and community connection by

• Providing opportunities for outdoor activities on public land that improve the physical and mental health of veterans
• Increasing veterans’ understanding of the physical and mental health benefits of time in nature

The grant will provide up to $10,000 per grantee for projects on federal, state, local, or nonprofit public lands that address physical and mental health in veteran communities.

Examples of project types include outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, climbing, or fishing; wellness activities, such as forest bathing or meditation; environmental education, such as community science; adaptive programming; and conservation volunteering. Projects are not limited to those listed here.

The Herzfeld Foundation's Arts Awareness Grant aims to enhance awareness of visual and performing arts in metro Milwaukee. Grants, up to $100,000, support strategies that expand or innovate coverage of the arts through various media. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations focused on sustaining journalistic endeavors that address challenges faced by artists. The foundation prioritizes collaborative efforts and innovative reporting, continuing Richard and Ethel Herzfeld's legacy of enriching the cultural landscape of the greater Milwaukee area.

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. 

The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults Scholarship

For more than 100 years the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults has strived to improve the lives of blind and Deafblind children and adults. Best known for annually producing and gifting Braille Calendars, sponsoring the free Braille books for blind children program, and administering the Braille Readers are Leaders contest, the American Action Fund leads in promoting Braille literacy. The American Action Fund is proud to award this scholarship to a deserving and talented blind person. 

Raley's Community Giving supports impactful community initiatives in areas such as child welfare, food access, and sustainability. They prioritize requests that align with these focus areas and require submissions to be made at least 90 days prior to the need date. Organizations must be located in cities with Raley's stores and can only receive support once per fiscal year. Notably, requests for individual sponsorships or third-party fundraising are not eligible.

Baltimore Community Foundation

Mission: Inspire donors to achieve their charitable goals from generation to generation and to improve the quality of life in the Baltimore region through grantmaking, enlightened civic leadership, and strategic investments.

Kaiser Permanente’s Social Health Impact Fund

Unmet social needs such as lack of food, housing, or transportation are barriers to health and well-being. Addressing these needs is an integral part of quality care. As an integrated health system committed to total health, Kaiser Permanente not only provides excellent medical care and support for mental health and wellness, we are also addressing the social health needs of our members and communities. To help address unmet social needs, Kaiser Permanente, in partnership with Unite Us, has deployed the Mid-Atlantic Community Network – a social service resource locator that integrates clinical and social care and is supported by data integration and partnership with community.

The Bianca Michelle Devins Memorial Scholarship, established by the Devins and Williams families in memory of Bianca Devins, supports students pursuing a degree in psychology. This scholarship aims to empower individuals who aspire to assist adolescents facing mental health challenges. Open to graduates from Utica high schools or the surrounding Central New York area, applicants must maintain good academic standing and demonstrate a commitment to helping children with mental health issues.

The Public Access Program Grants, established by the California Wildlife Conservation Board, aim to enhance public access to natural areas, promoting wildlife-oriented recreation and supporting projects that encourage hunting, fishing, and equitable access for underserved communities. By funding planning, implementation, and community outreach initiatives, the program fosters a connection between individuals, families, and the environment, ensuring that all Californians can enjoy the benefits of nature while becoming stewards of the land.

The Agriculture Innovation Center Grant Program aims to support Agriculture Innovation Centers by providing grants that facilitate technical assistance to agricultural producers. This initiative focuses on enhancing the marketing of value-added agricultural products, ultimately fostering growth in the agricultural sector. Funded by the USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service, this program is designed to empower producers and promote innovation in agricultural practices.

The DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (CSGF) supports U.S. citizens and permanent residents pursuing Ph.D. degrees in computational sciences. Established in 1991, it provides a $45,000 annual stipend, full tuition, and a $1,000 professional development allowance over a maximum of four years. The program encourages interdisciplinary research, offering fellows practical experience in DOE laboratories, enhancing their careers in high-performance computing and scientific research across various fields.

Maryland Forestry Foundation

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a member of the Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards. We act as the fiscal agent for several programs of the 24 local Forestry Boards and provide important tax deductibility for their donors.

From advocating for innovative legislation that impacts Forestry in Maryland to overseeing Maryland's largest private property tree-planting operation, we're committed to making a greener and healthier future. We also actively support Urban Forestry programs, nurture the next generation of environmental leaders with the largest college fellowships in Natural Resources in the mid-Atlantic, and serve as the fiduciary agent for programs like the Natural Resources Careers Camp for high school students and the Maryland Urban & Community Forest grant program.

The PLANT Award

The Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Council (MUCFC) is a volunteer group of citizens, professionals and government officials united to protect and enhance Maryland's urban and community forested areas. Beyond their work to educate the public and to work with legislators on the issues affecting Urban Forestry in Maryland, the committee also administers a grant program that supports tree planting and tree care initiatives across the state and they manage the Maryland PLANT (People Loving and Nurturing Trees) award program.

Recognition is given to communities that have shown that they care for their trees. Communities of all types can apply for the award - schools, HOAs, parks, local governments, government facilities, scout troops and churches to name a few. The goal of the program is to provide information to communities on how they can best apply their resources to establish and maintain the health of their surrounding tree canopy.  

The Pat Landi Access Fund aims to enhance local economic development in Butler and Warren Counties, Ohio, by investing in small business initiatives. With funding up to $10,000 per project and an annual budget of $50,000, the fund supports various economic-mission based activities, including direct loans and workforce development programs. By partnering with local organizations, the fund seeks to ensure sustainability and viability of small businesses, fostering a robust economic environment in the region.

The Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP) aims to assist veterans experiencing homelessness by providing tailored employment services. This federal initiative focuses on helping veterans transition to stable employment through job training, case management, and connections to local supportive services. HVRP aligns with national priorities to enhance career outcomes for veterans, ensuring they receive the necessary tools and resources for sustainable employment and integration into the workforce.

The CFNJ Empower New Jersey Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, supports organizations in New Jersey focused on economic empowerment. This initiative aims to enhance economic stability, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and financial literacy through effective projects. With a history of granting over $100 million to non-profits, CFNJ seeks to fund innovative programs that foster access to opportunities. Up to two grants will be awarded, reinforcing the Foundation's commitment to community progress.

Low Threshold Buprenorphine Induction at Harm Reduction Centers NOFA

To support the State Opioid Response (SOR) by conducting Low Threshold Buprenorphine Induction at Harm Reduction  Centers (HRCs) that provide access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), reduce unmet treatment need, and reducing  opioid overdose related deaths through the provision of prevention, treatment and recovery activities for opioid use  disorder. 

The Guy A. and N. Kay Arboit Charitable Trust Grant, administered by First American Bank, focuses on supporting education for underprivileged individuals, funding cardiac and cancer research, and endorsing religious activities, especially those tied to the Catholic Church. Grants are primarily available to organizations in the greater Chicago area that face challenges in accessing other funding sources, ensuring targeted assistance where it is most needed.

The Downing-Nix Trust Grant provides funding for organizations engaged in research on muscular dystrophy, maintaining treatment wards in Atlanta hospitals, offering veterinary medicine scholarships, and supporting shelters for small animals. Organizations must qualify as 501(c)(3) charities. Applications are accepted year-round, but submissions by April 15 are required for annual meeting reviews. Priority may be given to hospitals and veterinary schools within Atlanta, GA.

The Charles B. Mathis Memorial Trust Grant supports residents of Ocean County, NJ, focusing on the elderly, poor, sick, and handicapped. Established by Henry C. Mathis, the trust promotes education, good government, and morals. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and operate locally to qualify. Preference is given to educational initiatives and assistance programs. Applications are accepted year-round, with a submission deadline of April 15 for annual reviews.

The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County is dedicated to enhancing educational experiences through the Arts in Education Grants. These grants support the integration of arts into school curricula for Pre-K to grade 12. Open to public and nonprofit-private schools, the program encourages creativity and cultural enrichment. Schools may apply for up to two grants annually, with a focus on Title I schools. The initiative fosters collaboration among students, teachers, and artists to create vibrant learning environments.

The KidsFUNd Grant, provided by the Central Kansas Community Foundation, aims to enhance family dynamics and children's mental health within Harvey, Butler, Marion, Elk, Wilson, and Sedgwick counties. Grants of up to $1,500 support initiatives focused on parenting education, youth leadership, and trauma recovery. This funding encourages community-driven solutions, emphasizing the importance of family engagement and positive parenting in improving children's well-being. Eligible organizations must possess a 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a commitment to these goals.

The PB&J Fund, established by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, aims to empower children and families through culinary education and improve access to nutritious food for under-resourced community members. By valuing respect, learning, caring, and collaboration, the Fund seeks to foster food sovereignty within the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and public schools, with an emphasis on innovative proposals that address food insecurity.

The Windham Foundation Grants Program offers financial support to organizations enhancing the quality of life in Vermont. Grants, averaging $2,500 to $5,000, focus on agriculture, arts, community development, and wellness initiatives. Eligible applicants include non-profits and public entities located in Vermont, with a preference for collaborative projects. The Foundation encourages applications that demonstrate financial stability and a clear impact on community resilience, while limiting funding to no more than 50% of the total project cost.

The Business Attraction Prime Sites program, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to foster economic growth by supporting large-scale capital investments. This initiative targets companies relocating or expanding in Illinois, promoting job creation through diverse projects, including infrastructure development. Eligible applicants must commit to significant investments and job creation, contributing to a robust economic landscape in the state. The program aligns with strategic industry focuses outlined in the Illinois Economic Plan.

The TURTLE Program aims to empower Tribal Entities by fostering a skilled workforce in biomedical research. It supports undergraduate and graduate students in health research, ensuring they complete their degrees and transition into impactful careers. With phased awards, the program emphasizes effective training and mentoring, inviting eligible organizations to apply. Applications will undergo NIH's peer-review process, ensuring only the most meritorious proposals are funded, ultimately enhancing Tribal health research capabilities.