Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The M&M Area Community Foundation's Women's Giving Circle focuses on empowering women and girls in Marinette and Menominee Counties. Through funding projects that directly address their unique challenges, the Circle aims to inspire and support initiatives that create lasting change in the community. By connecting donors with impactful opportunities, the Foundation fosters a culture of giving that enriches local lives and strengthens community ties.

The Indiana Court Alcohol & Drug Grant Program, administered by the Indiana Office of Court Services, aims to enhance the effectiveness of Court-Administered Alcohol and Drug Programs throughout Indiana. With grants up to $2,500, this initiative focuses on activities such as curriculum development and technology upgrades. Applicants must contribute at least 20% of the project cost. This program reflects the Indiana Judicial Branch's commitment to improving justice and public safety through innovative and accessible solutions.

The Children's Fund, Inc. is a volunteer-driven organization that raises funds to support children's charities in the Houston area. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $25,000, targeting specific needs such as equipment or training rather than general operating expenses. The Fund prioritizes charities with small budgets, limited fundraising capabilities, and minimal exposure to larger organizations, ensuring that their contributions significantly impact local children's health and welfare.

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven offers grants up to $15,000 through the Community Fund for Women & Girls. This initiative aims to enhance economic security for women by supporting nonprofits focused on workforce training, entrepreneurship, housing stability, and innovative childcare solutions. Eligible organizations must serve the Greater New Haven area and comply with tax-exempt status requirements. Priority is given to programs that provide wraparound services to ensure comprehensive support for women in need.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The GFO-23-307 grant by the California Energy Commission aims to foster large-scale centralized clean hydrogen production to combat climate change. It supports projects that demonstrate innovative hydrogen technologies, enhancing production, storage, and delivery while reducing costs. The initiative focuses on deploying clean hydrogen in sectors like transportation and industry, ensuring environmental benefits and compliance with renewable energy standards. By leveraging economies of scale, this program aspires to create a sustainable hydrogen value chain in California.

The AIAR: Marcia & Oded Borowski/Barton Research Fellowship offers a $12,000 award for four months to doctoral students and recent Ph.D. recipients from all nationalities. This prestigious fellowship supports research on cultural development in the southern Levant, emphasizing diversity and inclusivity. Applicants must reside at the Albright Institute in Jerusalem, and the fellowship includes a stipend to cover living expenses. The program encourages first-time awardees and fosters an equitable scholarly community.

The P. Joann Womble Dehring Memorial Education Endowed Scholarship supports full-time undergraduate and graduate students at Western Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Development. This scholarship encourages those enrolled in teacher education, counseling education, or counseling psychology programs to apply, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 required. Renewable for eligible students, it aims to foster academic success and dedication in future educators and counselors.

The Harry L. Katz Memorial Trust Fund Grant supports charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational initiatives. Established in 1954 by Harry L. Katz in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the fund primarily benefits qualified Jewish organizations and charities within Atlantic County. The trust prioritizes requests from local organizations and those that enhance inter-faith relationships, focusing on various program areas such as arts, education, health, and public benefit.

The Montgomery County Community Foundation offers various grants aimed at enhancing the well-being of local communities. With a focus on nonprofits in Montgomery County, Texas, the foundation supports initiatives in arts, education, health, and social services. It encourages collaborative projects that address significant community needs while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. Grants are available for organizations that are tax-exempt and provide substantial services to the area, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.

The Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund Grant supports qualified non-profit organizations in Massachusetts focused on capital projects in areas such as medicine, social welfare, visual arts, and land conservation. The fund prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate a significant and lasting impact, with a preference for projects that are well-researched and organized. Applications must be submitted electronically and in print by the specified deadlines, with funding decisions based on the project's community relevance and organizational credibility.

Michael Dean Guilliams Memorial Scholarship Fund

Fund provides scholarship assistance to deserving students who are pursuing further educational studies in a career and technical field.

Amount

$1,500+

The New England Grassroots Fund offers SEED Grants to support community-driven projects in New England, particularly those initiated by groups with limited resources and experience. These grants aim to empower organizations that represent diverse voices in their communities and focus on local environmental issues. Eligible applicants include grassroots organizations without formal tax status, emphasizing the fund's commitment to accessible funding for innovative, grassroots solutions.

The FY2022 U.S. Embassy Tokyo: Fulbright Alumni Awards celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Fulbright Program in Japan. This initiative aims to recognize the significant contributions of Fulbright alumni to the U.S.-Japan relationship. The program focuses on key areas such as security, sustainability, and women's empowerment, while promoting diversity among Japanese applicants. Selected alumni will be featured in a short video to highlight the program's impact and encourage public interest in future Fulbright opportunities.

The William H.-John G.-Emma Scott Foundation Grant supports charitable, religious, and educational initiatives primarily in Richmond, Virginia. Established in 1956, it focuses on funding capital projects that alleviate human suffering and improve the lives of families and children. The foundation emphasizes support for Church Schools of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and other private educational institutions. Grants are not given to individuals or governmental entities, ensuring assistance reaches those in need.

Taos Community Foundation Impact Grants

This annual competitive grant cycle addresses key needs in our community, including animal welfare, arts & culture, basic needs, community advocacy, environmental sustainability, health, education, and youth. This grant cycle provides both project funding and core operational support to local non-profits in Taos and western Colfax county.

The J.N. and Macie Edens Foundation Grant supports organizations in Navarro County, Texas, focusing on community improvement, education, and human services. Established by Joseph and Lilac Edens, the foundation aims to alleviate human suffering, promote scientific endeavors, and enhance public welfare. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) charities that contribute to the betterment of mankind and support religious and educational initiatives, reflecting the Edens' commitment to community service.

The Julius Sumner Miller Foundation Grant supports projects that enhance science education, particularly in physics, and improve health care for the elderly in southern California's South Bay region. The Foundation prioritizes programs that address critical needs, provide measurable impacts, and are non-discriminatory. Grants are awarded annually, with multi-year options available based on project goals and outcomes. Eligible organizations must hold IRS 501(c)(3) status and cannot be private foundations.

The Daniel C. and Beatrice M. Fisher Fund Grant, established by longtime Clarence Center residents, supports local non-profits and community initiatives. With a legacy of civic engagement, the Fishers aimed to enhance the Town of Clarence's betterment through this fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. Their commitment continues to inspire future generations. For more details, refer to the provided FAQs.

The GFO-25-301 initiative by the California Energy Commission seeks to fund innovative technology demonstrations that enhance the integration of distributed energy resources into commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. By addressing barriers to energization and reducing costs for ratepayers, this program aims to foster advanced energy management systems and flexible utility agreements, ultimately benefiting both customers and the grid.

The Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (K25) aims to attract researchers in quantitative science and engineering to focus on NIH-relevant health research. This award provides protected time for supervised study and research, allowing professionals from fields like mathematics, statistics, and engineering to integrate their expertise into health-related studies. The K25 is specifically for lead investigators of independent clinical trials or related studies, fostering innovation in clinical research and career development.

The NCMA Education and Research Foundation Grant aims to support the concrete masonry and hardscape industry through research and educational initiatives. With over $2 million invested, the Foundation invites proposals from qualified professionals, emphasizing national and regional benefits. Eligible projects should focus on workforce development, educational opportunities for students, and collaborative efforts with other organizations. Notably, certain entities, such as those involved in political campaigns or proprietary projects, are ineligible for funding.

The Organizational Development Grant by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts aims to enhance nonprofit effectiveness through funding small capital needs. This initiative supports vital resources such as furniture, equipment, and technology, ensuring nonprofits can sustain their impact. Eligible organizations can apply once per program, fostering collaboration and measurable outcomes. This grant aligns with the foundation's mission to improve community life across a diverse 33-community region, emphasizing capacity-building and efficiency.

The Ahmanson Foundation Grant supports cultural projects in Los Angeles County, focusing on arts, education, healthcare, and human services. It emphasizes funding for established 501(c)(3) organizations that demonstrate sound management and impactful programs. The Foundation prioritizes one-time or short-term requests, particularly from organizations with a history of effective leadership. While supporting innovative initiatives, it typically excludes funding for operational support, individual scholarships, and political activities, aiming to enhance the community's cultural legacy.

Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce is the front door of government across our state. Our work touches every corner of Washington and impacts every community. We are advancing the most urgent needs facing our state: the transition to a clean energy economy, climate resilience, housing supply to meet our growing population, and the equitable engagement of communities, Tribes, local governments, and organizations.

Commerce fosters resilient communities by building partnerships, delivering resources, and advancing equity through responsive, transparent and collaborative public service. We invest in Washington’s future and communities, supporting equitable economic growth, innovative solutions, and a skilled workforce. We build and strengthen partnerships, systems, and projects, deploying solutions at scale and with community input. We serve communities, individuals, and our state by ensuring transformative projects and funding reach every Washingtonian; urban, rural, and Tribal, and we are committed to supporting the Commerce team who serve our state with such dedication.

Capital Project Capacity Grants for Federally-Recognized Tribal Governments

The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Capacity Initiative is accepting applications for FY2027 Capital Project Capacity-Building Grant Program. These grants will help eligible organizations strengthen their capacity and advance viable capital projects that directly benefit overburdened communities in Washington. Funding may support a critical next step in an early-stage capital project, including targeted technical assistance and predevelopment activities. Priority will be given to projects in overburdened communities that address housing, energy or infrastructure needs and to applicants and communities with limited financial capacity.

Awards will be made through a competitive process. Commerce anticipates awarding a limited number of grantees across the three applicant tracks, depending on the applications received, requested amounts, and available funding. Applicants must apply through one of three tracks: Washington local governments, Federally recognized tribal governments, and Federally designated nonprofits registered in Washington.

Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce is the front door of government across our state. Our work touches every corner of Washington and impacts every community. We are advancing the most urgent needs facing our state: the transition to a clean energy economy, climate resilience, housing supply to meet our growing population, and the equitable engagement of communities, Tribes, local governments, and organizations.

Commerce fosters resilient communities by building partnerships, delivering resources, and advancing equity through responsive, transparent and collaborative public service. We invest in Washington’s future and communities, supporting equitable economic growth, innovative solutions, and a skilled workforce. We build and strengthen partnerships, systems, and projects, deploying solutions at scale and with community input. We serve communities, individuals, and our state by ensuring transformative projects and funding reach every Washingtonian; urban, rural, and Tribal, and we are committed to supporting the Commerce team who serve our state with such dedication.

Capital Project Capacity Grants for Local Governments

The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Capacity Initiative is accepting applications for FY2027 Capital Project Capacity-Building Grant Program. These grants will help eligible organizations strengthen their capacity and advance viable capital projects that directly benefit overburdened communities in Washington. Funding may support a critical next step in an early-stage capital project, including targeted technical assistance and predevelopment activities. Priority will be given to projects in overburdened communities that address housing, energy or infrastructure needs and to applicants and communities with limited financial capacity.

Awards will be made through a competitive process. Commerce anticipates awarding a limited number of grantees across the three applicant tracks, depending on the applications received, requested amounts, and available funding. Applicants must apply through one of three tracks: Washington local governments, Federally recognized tribal governments, and Federally designated nonprofits registered in Washington.

The Saginaw Community Foundation offers the General Grant to support a variety of nonprofit projects in Saginaw County. With five distinct grantmaking committees, it provides funding for programs that enhance community life. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $15,000, depending on the committee. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofits and local government entities, with a focus on initiatives that leverage additional resources and promote collaboration.