Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Antone & Edene Vidinha Charitable Trust Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations on Kauai, focusing on churches, hospitals, health organizations, and educational scholarships for Kauai students. This trust aims to enhance the lives of residents through various capital projects and tuition aid programs. Grants are not awarded to individuals or for ongoing maintenance projects, ensuring funds directly benefit the community.

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.

The Barnes-Jewish Hospital Community Support Grants program provides funding to not-for-profit organizations to enhance health care in the St. Louis area. Grants can support new projects or expand existing ones, focusing on reducing health disparities, fostering strong health networks, and promoting wellness. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly, with an average grant amount of $33,000. Note that certain requests, such as for ordinary operating expenses or capital projects, are not eligible.

The Fred J. Brunner Foundation Grant supports organizations that aid vulnerable populations, particularly the young and elderly, through education, shelter, and hunger initiatives. Established in 1956 by Fred J., the foundation distributes grants annually in the fall, focusing primarily on recipients in the greater Chicago area, although exceptions are made. The foundation operates without regard to race, creed, or ethnicity, allowing all recipients to reapply each year.

The AAO-HNSF Bobby R. Alford Endowed Research Grant offers $30,000 for one year to support innovative research in otolaryngology. This grant aims to facilitate the career development of young investigators and promote research that may lead to significant advancements in understanding diseases of the head and neck. Eligible projects should have direct clinical significance for patients and can include basic, translational, and clinical research.

The ROCORI Area Community Builder Grant, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to foster lasting, positive change in the ROCORI area. This grant supports various initiatives including education, social services, arts and culture, and civic engagement. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities. The grant encourages collaborative efforts to enhance community impact, ensuring a sustainable investment in the quality of life for residents. Organizations can apply for funding for new programs, capital projects, and other strategic investments.

The Tom and Helen Tonkin Foundation Grant supports charitable, educational, and religious organizations that benefit the youth of Wyoming, particularly those in Casper facing challenges due to illness, injury, or poverty. Annually, the foundation awards 5 to 15 grants ranging from $2,000 to $50,000, with a preference for local organizations. This initiative aims to empower young individuals aged 6-21 by providing essential resources and support.

Kansas Department of Transportation 

KDOT delivers transportation that keeps Kansans moving forward.

We maintain thousands of miles of roadways to keep people and goods moving smoothly across the state. Our dedicated team plans, builds, and maintains highways, bridges, and other infrastructure with a focus on safety and innovation.

By working closely with local communities and stakeholders, KDOT aims to enhance the quality of life for all Kansans, support economic growth, and improve travel experiences. 

Kansas Safe Route to School (SRTS) Grants

Grants and funding opportunities are available to support Safe Routes to School planning, programs, and infrastructure improvements. These include the Kansas SRTS Planning Grant, Kansas SRTS Programming Grant, and Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program.

Planning Grants

Planning Grants provide technical assistance to help communities develop SRTS Plans. No local match is required, and KDOT's consultant team works directly with communities to create a plan that guides future SRTS improvements.

What is in a SRTS Plan?

SRTS Plans include an analysis of existing conditions, summary of public outreach, and identification of potential infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions to help more students walk, bike, and roll to school. See our completed plans here.

How many schools can be included in one plan?

SRTS plans can be developed for one (1) school or up to eight (8) schools within a single school district. Elementary, middle, and high schools are all eligible for SRTS plans. For districts with more than eight schools contact KDOT’s SRTS Coordinator for assistance with selecting schools for the application.

If selected, grantee should be prepared to support plan development by meeting regularly with the project team (KDOT and their consultant), providing information, surveying parents and students (with online tools provided by the consultant team), helping to arrange and publicize public workshops, and participating in identifying local issues and solutions. Additionally, the grantee should be able to demonstrate a commitment to implementing the plan once it is complete.

How to Use Your Completed SRTS Plan

A completed SRTS Plan can be used as a communication and visualization tool for grant applications and to support SRTS programs and activities in your community. It can also be used as a catalyst for broader community conversations about walking, biking, and rolling.

The Claneil Foundation, established in 1968 in Philadelphia, aims to enhance community health through support for non-profit organizations. The Community Fund Grant offers $90,000 over three years to eligible groups with budgets under $1 million, focusing on deep-rooted community engagement. Applications are encouraged from organizations addressing critical issues like hunger and nutrition, with a deadline of December 2, 2025. This initiative fosters sustainable solutions for local communities.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduates of Conotton Valley or Carrollton High Schools planning to enroll, or currently enrolled, at an accredited college or university to pursue further education in the following fields: History, Writing (not limited to, English, Journalism, Language Arts, Communications and programs in Mass Media), Graphic Arts, Music (which shall include but not limited to, vocal music, instrumental music, music history, music education, and music performance) and any other program or field of study approved by the Selection Committee. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Kansas Department of Transportation 

KDOT delivers transportation that keeps Kansans moving forward.

We maintain thousands of miles of roadways to keep people and goods moving smoothly across the state. Our dedicated team plans, builds, and maintains highways, bridges, and other infrastructure with a focus on safety and innovation.

By working closely with local communities and stakeholders, KDOT aims to enhance the quality of life for all Kansans, support economic growth, and improve travel experiences. 

Kansas Safe Route to School (SRTS) Grants

Grants and funding opportunities are available to support Safe Routes to School planning, programs, and infrastructure improvements. These include the Kansas SRTS Planning Grant, Kansas SRTS Programming Grant, and Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program.

Programming Grants

Programming Grants provide funding over three years to implement education, encouragement, and enforcement (non-infrastructure) strategies identified in a community’s SRTS Plan. A 10% local match is required.

The SRTS Programming Grant is for Kansas communities with an existing SRTS Plan. The Grant is for a three-year period and provides up to $75,000 to support implementation of programming priorities identified in your SRTS Plan. See our completed plans here.

What to Expect if Awarded

Programming Grant recipients should be prepared to work with KDOT SRTS staff to finalize a scope for the program before it begins. KDOT staff will not implement programming. Grant funds can be used to supplement existing staff or hire consultant services through an RFP. The local project lead will meet with KDOT staff throughout the grant period to discuss program progress and outcomes.

The Rutherford County Endowment Grant, offered by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, provides funding between $2,500 and $10,000 to nonprofit organizations and public agencies that serve Rutherford County. This grant aims to foster philanthropy and enhance charitable activities, with priority given to projects that demonstrate significant community benefits in areas such as education, health, and the environment. Eligible organizations must have a history of substantial work in the area.

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.

Jaws Youth Playbook

Jaws Youth Playbook (JYP) - formerly Jaws Youth Fund - is the foundation of Former Eagles QB and NFL Analyst, Ron Jaworski and his wife, Liz Jaworski. Our 501(c)(3) non-profit has been working hard to improve the overall health and wellness of at-risk youth in the Greater Philadelphia Region for 40+ years! We invest in our youth and their future through the building of playgrounds and ballfields, providing much needed sports equipment, supporting Summer Meals programs and healthy nutrition in underserved communities AND MORE!

Grants

Together as a Community, we can spread joy & change the lives of at-risk youth throughout our shared spirit of giving. Children do not have the choice of their zip code. We take great pride in providing underprivileged youth in the Greater Philadelphia area with access to much needed safe places to play, access to healthy food and programs to keep them on the right track. We strive to make our community healthier & happier for all.

What is the Grant?

A one-time grant between $500 – $25,000 for PROJECT-BASED resources (such as playgrounds, ball-fields, and community gardens) that enrich at-risk youths’ lives, giving them access to safe places to play and thrive!

The 2025-2026 Autism Supports Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the capacity of Texas public schools to support students with autism. By providing subgrants to local educational agencies, charter schools, and nonprofit organizations, this initiative focuses on implementing evidence-based practices that address the unique academic and behavioral needs of students with disabilities, ensuring high expectations are met.

The Beaufort-Hyde Community Foundation Grant, established in 2001, is an initiative of the North Carolina Community Foundation aimed at enhancing community life in Beaufort and Hyde counties. It provides annual grants to local nonprofit organizations that address community needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, local governments, and faith-based entities for social outreach, while ensuring no discrimination in services. The foundation fosters economic access and supports initiatives that promote community welfare.

Chester County Community Foundation

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

We are entrusted with 430+ family, individual, community group & nonprofit legacy funds. We are a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible.  

Direct Service Programs/General Operations Grant

• Grants focus on Chester County causes & issues; but are not limited to Chester County.
• Charitable nonprofits working in all fields of interest are considered, such as: Arts, Culture, Heritage; Education, Libraries; Environment, Animals; Health; Human Services; Social Justice, Civic Engagement
• General operating grants are encouraged - Clear, succinct, compelling descriptions are appreciated: mission, aims, results & impact. 
• Nonprofits with higher GuideStar ratings receive stronger consideration.  
• Proposals can be submitted anytime all year.
• Grant decisions are made intermittently all year, as Fund Advisors desire.

The Youth Philanthropy Board Grant in Kent County aims to support local residents by funding initiatives that enhance safety and protect the environment. In 2026, this grant will provide financial assistance to non-profits focused on Student Support Services, aid for People with Disabilities, Environmental Conservation, and Violence Prevention efforts. This initiative reflects a commitment to community welfare and sustainable practices, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all.

T7 Social Impact GrantsThe T.D. Jakes Foundation (TDJF), in partnership with Wells Fargo, is proud to launch the Social Impact Grant Challenge, a transformative funding opportunity designed to identify, support, and amplify nonprofit organizations creating meaningful change in communities across the United States.

Designed around the T.D. Jakes Foundation's pillars of service (Educational Access & Workforce Readiness, financial inclusion, and community transformation and well-being), the Challenge seeks innovative nonprofit organizations that are addressing critical social issues through impactful, scalable, and sustainable solutions.

Finalists selected through this process will have the opportunity to showcase their organization through a live presentation at the inaugural Thriving Seven (T7) Summit, taking place November 12 –14 in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to competing for grant funding, finalists will gain national visibility for their work and connect with nonprofit leaders, funders, and changemakers from across the country.Grant Funding: A total of $1,500,000 in grant funding is anticipated to be awarded: 

• One (1) - $500,000 grant
• One (1) - $250,000 grant
• Two (2) - $100,000 grant
• Eleven (11) - $50,000 grant

The MI Natural Resources Trust Fund Grants support projects aimed at protecting natural resources and enhancing outdoor recreation in Michigan. A minimum of 25% of the fund is allocated for public land acquisition and development of recreational facilities. Eligible projects include land acquisitions, fishing and hunting facilities, and various recreational developments. Grants range from $15,000 to $400,000 for development projects, with no limits for land acquisition. Applications are assessed based on established criteria.

The Medium-Duty and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Grant Program, offered by the Maryland Energy Administration, aims to support the purchase of zero-emission vehicles and heavy equipment for commercial use. With up to $10 million available in Fiscal Year 2026, grants can cover 75% of the costs for eligible vehicles, promoting clean transportation options in Maryland's fleet companies and communities.

The Charles & Betty Degenstein Foundation, established in 1977, aims to enhance lives through grants supporting various sectors such as education, health care, and conservation. The Foundation focuses on projects that positively impact Snyder, Union, and Northumberland Counties, encouraging community support and collaboration. Grant applications are open to 501(c)(3) organizations, guided by a Trust Board, but typically do not cover all project costs, especially for operating budgets or political activities.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The Virginia Citizen Water Monitoring Grants support individuals and groups in monitoring water quality across Virginia. These grants fund essential activities like purchasing monitoring equipment and training volunteers. The program aims to generate valuable data for water quality assessment and foster community education on environmental stewardship. With options ranging from mini-grants to larger coordination grants, applicants can secure funding to enhance local water monitoring efforts and address pollution sources effectively.

The Yéigo Action Grant, provided by the First Peoples Fund, offers financial support ranging from $100 to $2,500 for Native artists and culture bearers facing hardships that affect their creative practices. This grant aims to assist artists with specific professional opportunities, such as workshops or emergencies. By honoring the spirit of encouragement embodied in the Diné word 'yéigo', the grant helps ensure that artists can continue their vital work within their communities.

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.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MASSDEP)

MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.​

MassDEP Commercial Refrigeration Grant

This program provides financial incentives for retail food businesses, food banks, and nonprofit organizations to install more climate-friendly commercial refrigeration equipment.

Through its Commercial Refrigeration Grant Program, MassDEP is providing financial incentives for voluntary adoption of more climate-friendly, low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in commercial refrigeration equipment across the state.

MassDEP will pay your grant funds on a reimbursement basis after you submit invoices and required documentation.

Eligible Projects

Program funding to support projects for ultra-low-GWP systems is available for new or existing retail food locations, food banks, and nonprofit institutions in Massachusetts that plan to install refrigeration systems that contain ultra-low-GWP (<10) refrigerants. Eligible costs for ultra-low-GWP systems include the cost of the refrigeration equipment and its installation.

Eligible Project Types: Type I – New Facilities; Type II – Existing Facilities

Type I – New Facilities

Installation of ultra-low-GWP (<10) refrigerant systems