Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Weld Trust offers Rapid Response Grants of up to $25,000 for nonprofits, schools, and government entities in Weld County to address urgent health and safety needs. Applications are typically processed within 7-10 business days. Eligible projects may include essential items for emergency shelters or assistance for displaced individuals. This initiative aims to quickly support organizations tackling pressing issues in the community.

Holman Enterprises Community Grants aim to support low-income communities by providing essential resources like food, housing, education, and healthcare. With financial aid of $10,000 for single-year support or $15,000 for multi-year commitments, these grants focus on organizations dedicated to enhancing opportunities for low-income individuals in the areas served. This initiative reflects Holman Enterprises Inc's commitment to community welfare and social responsibility.

The Nobbs Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged youth and young adults in Southern California through education, scholarships, training, and mentoring. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its mission and seeks to provide opportunities for individuals to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. Although unsolicited applications are not accepted, invited organizations may submit a Letter of Inquiry for potential funding. Grants are typically awarded for a single year to support program, operating, or capital expenses.

The Pacific Power Foundation is dedicated to enhancing community vitality through charitable investments, with a focus on arts and culture. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, supporting projects in performing arts, visual arts, and cultural heritage. In 2021, over $1 million was awarded to local nonprofits, underscoring the foundation's commitment to community growth in service areas across Oregon, Washington, California, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho.

The Washington Federal Foundation offers Community Service Micro Grants aimed at supporting nonprofits that assist low- and moderate-income communities. Eligible organizations must have been operational for at least 12 months and be located near a WaFd Bank branch. The grants focus on essential services like housing assistance, financial literacy, and basic needs support, while excluding medical, animal welfare, and arts-related funding unless tied to employment for low-income populations.

The WMU Department of History offers the History Undergraduate Fellows Emeriti Grant Program to support undergraduate history majors and minors in scholarly pursuits beyond the classroom. Grants ranging from $50 to $500 can be utilized for research, internships, volunteer work, or travel to conferences. Applicants must submit an application, resume, transcript, project description, budget, and faculty mentor support. Deadlines are November 15 for spring projects and March 15 for summer and fall projects.

About John’s Island Foundation (JIF)Mission: The John’s Island Foundation (JIF) provides grant funding for capital needs to nonprofit agencies that serve residents in Indian River County. Agencies eligible for funding are those that serve people in need and whose programs are directed toward meeting needs or assisting with issues related to food, shelter, disabilities, health, aging, abuse, or education.About the Leadership GrantsLeadership Grants are awarded for larger, often multi-year capital projects that are expected to drive significant impact and have lasting benefits in Indian River County. If a request is part of a large-scale project, please email to discuss the leadership grant process. 

The Alice Tweed Tuohy Foundation provides grants for capital projects related to youth, education, health, community, recreation, and the arts in Santa Barbara's South Coast. With an annual budget of approximately $1.5 million to $2 million, the foundation seeks to enhance the community through impactful initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations focused on tangible improvements that benefit local residents. Applications are accepted from July 1 to September 15 each year.

The Community Engagement and Restoration Mini Grant Program, managed by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, supports activities that enhance communities and improve natural resources. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and community associations. This program accepts applications annually from June to June, promoting projects like tree plantings and stream cleanups. While matching funds are encouraged, they are not mandatory. Applicants must have received three or fewer grants from the Trust in the past.

Oakland Human Services Department

The Oakland Human Services Department exists to make our city a place that works for all. We offer free programs and provide public resources to community organizations that make sure all of our residents can access what they need to be safe, healthy and realize their full potential.

Oakland Fund for Children and Youth

The Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY) is a cornerstone initiative of the City of Oakland, operating within the Children and Youth Services Division of the Human Services Department. As the city’s largest grantmaking program, OFCY plays a vital role in supporting the well-being and success of Oakland’s children, youth, and families. 

Through strategic funding of community-based organizations, OFCY invests in programs that uplift, empower, and protect Oakland’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring access to critical resources, enriching opportunities, and brighter futures for the next generation.

Mission Statement: We provide strategic funding to support Oakland's children and youth from birth to 21 years of age to become healthy, happy, educated, engaged, powerful and loved community members.

OFCY Request for Proposals (RFP) for Children, Youth, & Family Services

Scope of Services

The City releases the Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit program proposals from non-profit organizations and public agencies to provide services to children, youth, and their families in Oakland. OFCY will fund programs that are prevention and early intervention oriented.

Programs should be culturally responsive, age-appropriate, and child, youth, and family-centered. Investments are designed to support all children in Oakland, particularly those who experience the greatest disparities in the city.

The OFCY Three-Year Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) outlines how funds should be distributed to meet the four OFCY foundational goals:

• Support the healthy development of young children
• Help children and youth succeed in school and graduate high school
• Prevent and reduce violence, crime and gang involvement among children and youth
• Help youth transition to a productive adulthood 

Eight Funding Strategies were identified to support the four OFCY foundation goals: Strategy 1: Family Resource Centers & Parent Engagement; Strategy 2: Elementary School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 3: Middle School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 4: Youth Development & Leadership; Strategy 5: Career Access & Employment; Strategy 6: Youth Summer Jobs/Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program; Strategy 7: Independent Living; Strategy 8: Placed-Based Innovations for Safety 

Strategy 4: Youth Development & Leadership

This strategy ensures access to free, community-based and culturally relevant enrichment, recreation and leadership development opportunities for middle and high school-aged youth. This strategy will support organizations that offer year-round or summer-specific programs in community-based settings. Funded programs can also host youth and family-friendly events that celebrate young people, foster spaces for joy and fun, and create a sense of belonging.

Iowa Economic Development Authority

Mission

Strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. Through two main divisions – business development and community development – IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. IEDA works to achieve its mission and goals to benefit Iowans while maintaining a high level of transparency. 

Opportunities and Threats Fund

A portion of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are reserved for communities facing an imminent threat to the public requiring immediate assistance. These funds may also be used by communities seeing an opportunity to demonstrate sustainable community activities.

The program is funded through the federal CDBG program. The goal of this program is to provide economic opportunities for people, especially those of low- and moderate income.

Health and Safety Threat Projects

• An immediate threat must exist to health, safety or community welfare that requires immediate action
• The threat must result from unforeseeable and unavoidable circumstances or events
• Must meet one of the three national objectives of the CDBG program
• No known alternative project or action would be more feasible than the proposed project
• Sufficient other local, state or federal funds (including the competitive CDBG program) either are not available or cannot be obtained within the time frame necessary to address the problem

Iowa Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation is the steward of Iowa’s transportation system. We make lives better through transportation.

Iowa Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program

The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) is soliciting proposals from eligible

entities for participation in the State of Iowa’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Program (DERA) in Iowa.

DERA Overview

As part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) appropriates funds for projects to reduce diesel emissions from diesel fleets. Thirty percent of the annual DERA appropriation is made available by the Environmental Protection Agency to support grant, loan or rebate programs administered by states and territories to achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions through the use of certified engine configurations or verified emission control technologies.

How it Works

Two-thirds of the state/territory portion of funding is provided to participating states and territories, while the remaining third is used as an incentive to those states and territories that provide a voluntary match equal to the base funding. If the state/territory provides a voluntary match that equals or exceeds the base amount, a bonus of half the base amount will be added to the grant total by the EPA.

DERA grant funding is available for profit, nonprofit, and public entities that own or operate diesel fleets and equipment in any of the 99 counties in the state of Iowa. 

The Skoll Awards for Social Innovation, presented by the Skoll Foundation, recognize social innovators addressing root societal problems. Each awardee receives $2 million in unrestricted funding and joins a global community of leaders dedicated to significant social change. The foundation focuses on key areas such as health systems, effective governance, inclusive economies, racial justice, and climate action. Nominations are made through a multi-year sourcing process, ensuring that candidates align closely with the foundation's mission.

The John and Susan Dewan Foundation Grant aims to support charitable organizations that provide direct services to individuals in poverty, primarily in Chicago and its suburbs. Grants typically do not exceed $2,500 and are awarded for one year, with potential for renewal. The foundation prioritizes public charities with 501(c)(3) status and focuses on projects that empower individuals to improve their circumstances. Special consideration is given to smaller organizations and those addressing climate change.

The River Oaks Garden Club, founded in 1927, is dedicated to enhancing the Houston community through conservation, horticulture, and civic beautification. The ROGC Civic Contribution Grant supports local projects, including the maintenance of public gardens and the establishment of the Bayou Bend Gardens Endowment. Educational initiatives like the annual environmental seminar and the publication of gardening resources further its mission. Priority is given to eligible requests from the Houston area, emphasizing a commitment to community engagement.

The Nusenda Community Rewards Giving program, established by the Nusenda Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations and public schools in New Mexico. Grants range from $2,500 to $15,000, aimed at enhancing education, healthcare, environmental initiatives, the arts, and community services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) or public schools, serving specific New Mexico areas. The foundation emphasizes alignment with its values and the impact of proposed programs. For more details, visit the FAQs on their website.

Thunderbirds Charities, established in 1986, aims to enhance the quality of life in Arizona communities by supporting at-risk youth, education, and families in need. They provide grants generated from the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in the Greater Phoenix area, while ineligible organizations include those with less than three years of 501(c)(3) status and those that discriminate or engage in political advocacy.

The ABNY Foundation Grants aim to enhance economic opportunity and livability for New Yorkers in 2025, focusing on workforce development, safe communities, and small business support. The grants will provide essential operational and programmatic funding to small and mid-size non-profits serving the five boroughs, with a maximum award period of three consecutive years. Applications are reviewed bi-annually, with deadlines on March 31 and September 30.

The Illinois Climate Pollution Reduction Grants - Stretch Code Adoption Grant aims to support local governments in implementing the Illinois Stretch Energy Code. The program provides up to $200,000 for education, community engagement, and technical assistance, facilitating the adoption of the stretch code in 90 municipalities over five years. This initiative seeks to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions in both new and existing buildings, ensuring municipalities have the resources needed for successful integration.

The FYSSEN Foundation offers research grants aimed at enhancing our understanding of behavior and cognition through interdisciplinary projects in fields such as neuroscience and anthropology. These grants support young researchers in establishing research teams in France, fostering innovative research themes, and promoting mobility within the academic community. Each year, 3 to 5 projects are selected for funding, covering essential research expenses such as equipment, consumables, and travel costs.

The Denise Kaley Fund for Berkshire County Women with Cancer provides essential financial support for women battling cancer in Berkshire County. It assists with daily living expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and childcare, ensuring that women can focus on their healing journey. Established in memory of Denise Kaley, the fund collaborates with local social services to deliver timely aid. This enduring fund continues to grow, reflecting the community's commitment to helping those in need.

The John Sage Foundation supports projects that enhance the relationship between people and the natural environment, primarily in Maine. Since its inception in 1992, it has funded various initiatives, including land acquisition, water testing, and environmental education. The foundation is open to funding a range of projects but may concentrate its resources on a single entity in a grant cycle. Notably, it does not support political advocacy efforts.

The Special Projects Grants, offered by the North Dakota Council on the Arts, open for applications on July 1, 2025. This reimbursement grant program supports art events across various disciplines, providing up to $1,500 for North Dakota groups and individual artists. Applications must be submitted six weeks prior to the activity's start date, with the latest project end date set for June 30, 2026. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance the local arts scene.

The TCA Texas Arts Respond Project Grant, offered by the Texas Commission on the Arts, supports innovative arts projects that enhance education, health, economic development, public safety, and environmental awareness in Texas. Eligible applicants include various arts organizations and institutions that comply with specific regulations. This competitive grant program aims to foster creativity and community engagement, ultimately contributing to the state's cultural and economic vitality.

The Carolyn Foundation Environmental Grant focuses on combating climate change through community-led initiatives in Minnesota and Indigenous Nations. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that work towards aggressive carbon reduction goals by 2030 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, not classified as private foundations. The Foundation seeks to support efforts that enhance community engagement and energy efficiency, ensuring equity and environmental justice in policy reforms.

The TCA Texas Arts Create 2 Grant, offered by the Texas Commission on the Arts, aims to support Established Minority Arts Organizations with budgets exceeding $50,000. This grant provides multi-year operational support, allowing organizations to apply for funding covering one year, with potential extension based on available funds. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt nonprofits and comply with various federal regulations. The program seeks to enhance the creative economy in Texas, fostering a diverse and innovative arts community.

The Antarctic Research program, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), funds innovative research requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) logistical support. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of the Antarctic region's interactions with global systems, improve decision-making regarding environmental changes, and advance knowledge of Earth systems. It also focuses on building workforce capacity and promoting diversity in polar science, while ensuring continued access to essential Antarctic facilities.