Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The AIAR NEH Fellowship offers up to $70,000 in funding for U.S. scholars in Near Eastern studies to conduct research at the Albright Institute in Jerusalem. Fellowships last between 4 to 6 months and cover stipends for living expenses. The program seeks to engage diverse scholars, providing essential resources for projects that connect contemporary issues with the ancient past. Applications are open to post-doctoral and early career scholars, fostering a commitment to academic diversity and excellence.

UWNSV Impact Grants

The Challenge

Nearly 4 in 10 households in the Northern Shenandoah Valley cannot afford the basics: housing, food, childcare, transportation, and healthcare.

And instability does not stop at one family’s doorstep. It ripples across classrooms, workplaces, clinics, and neighborhoods. We all feel the cost.

Impact-Driven Funding Opportunities. Hyper-Local Focus.

We live in the communities we serve, working alongside local leaders and residents. Together, we use local data and lived experience to design solutions tailor-made for the challenges right here in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

It is all rooted in United Way values and proven strategies, but never a one-size-fits-all approach. Every dollar you give stays local, drives measurable results, and fuels change where it matters most — in your own community.

Our Response: Building Stability

United Way NSV invests in more than quick fixes. We create long-term stability:

• $535,000 invested through Community Impact Grants, endowed funds, and supplemental awards, strengthening 50+ nonprofit partners across the region raised during the 2024-2025 campaign season. 
• Nearly 1,000 volunteers at 80+ sites during 2024’s Day of Caring, completing painting, repairs, garden builds, and cleanups. This saved agencies thousands of dollars and strengthened community infrastructure, with even greater impact expected in 2025.
• 211 and other community initiatives connecting families to critical resources before crisis becomes catastrophe.
• $50,000 transferred annually to nonprofit partners through designated funds received during workplace giving campaigns.

Impact: Together, these efforts reached 11,000+ households and 27,628 individuals — nearly one in ten people in our region.

Our Priorities: Impact for People

We fund programs and partnerships that create lasting change:

• Education → Children succeed in school and beyond.
• Financial stability → Families avoid eviction, debt, and crisis.
• Health access → Neighbors receive care regardless of income or ZIP code.
• Community resilience → Families gain stability through food, housing, and other basic needs support.
• Collaboration → Shared solutions emerge that no one sector could achieve alone.

To ensure fairness across communities, investments were distributed regionally:

• City of Winchester – Housing stability, food access, youth enrichment
• Frederick County – Housing, crisis response, and family support
• Clarke County – Food security and youth development
• Warren County – Health clinics, shelter, and family resilience
• Shenandoah County – Rural health, education, and crisis care
• Page County – Domestic violence prevention, housing, and community care

The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation supports organizations in Southeast Michigan and Metropolitan Denver focused on improving lives through health, youth, and animal welfare initiatives. They offer grants for project development, capital expenses, and unique circumstances. The foundation prioritizes innovative solutions that address underserved community needs, ensuring sustainable impact and enhanced access to essential services. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and demonstrate non-discriminatory practices in their operations.

The AIAR: Long-term Fellowships provide doctoral students with a unique opportunity to conduct research at the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research in Jerusalem. With a focus on Near Eastern studies, the fellowships support projects in various fields, including archaeology and anthropology. The program emphasizes continuous residency and encourages applications that engage with the pre-modern past. Awards are contingent on funding availability, with a stipend of $12,000 for a four-month residency.

The AIAR Long-term Fellowships, particularly the Ernest S. Frerichs Annual Professorship, offer post-doctoral scholars the chance to engage deeply with Near Eastern studies. This prestigious fellowship provides a stipend of $13,500 for a four-month residency in Jerusalem, fostering research that bridges various disciplines. Candidates are expected to contribute to the community of fellows, mentor peers, and assist in the Albright's educational programs while gaining invaluable experience in a vibrant academic environment.

Grant Guidelines

To advance its mission to build a responsible and equitable technology ecosystem, the Kapor Foundation makes strategic grants across three focus areas: (1) Computing Education, (2) Innovation, and (3) Governance.

Within each focus area, we fund research on critical topics at the intersection of racial equity and tech, capacity-building that strengthens coalitions and movement-building infrastructure, and policy advocacy that drives systemic change.

Funding Priorities

We fund organizations and initiatives aligned with our core focus areas:

Given advances in Al, a new vision of education is urgently needed — one that ensures students are equipped with the technical skills to build emerging technologies and the critical skills to navigate their socio-technical implications. We fund computing education initiatives across K-12, postsecondary, and alternative pathways that expand computing participation at scale, shift policy to ensure equitable access, and expand the pipeline of educators prepared to teach computing.

2. 

Al is being designed, developed, and deployed rapidly, yet the communities most affected by its impacts are largely excluded from its creation and subsequent economic benefits. We support organizations and individuals that build responsible Al technologies, leverage technology to close gaps in access and opportunity, and invest in initiatives and coalitions that advance responsible Al in the entrepreneurship and venture capital ecosystems.

3.

As Al adoption accelerates, bolder approaches to regulation are necessary to protect marginalized communities from technological harm, expand economic opportunity, and ensure the benefits of technology reach everyone. We support efforts that build awareness of key policy issues, develop policy agendas, and mobilize coalitions.

For 2026, our priority advocacy areas are: 1) computing education, 2) algorithmic bias, 3) Al safeguards for children, 4) data center development, and 5) surveillance and civil rights.

The Luther T. McCauley Charitable Trust Grant supports nonprofit organizations that assist the economically disadvantaged, socially marginalized, and those with mental or physical disabilities in El Paso County, Colorado. With a focus on civic activities, community development, education, health research, and social services, the trust aims to enhance the quality of life for these populations. Organizations must meet 501(c)(3) criteria and can apply once a year, with an emphasis on youth support initiatives.

The New Jersey Department of Health is offering the Rural Health Transformation Grant to enhance chronic disease outcomes in rural communities. This funding opportunity focuses on innovative, sustainable strategies to increase healthcare access, address disparities, and strengthen health systems. Proposed activities include youth violence prevention, education, and community outreach, emphasizing collaboration with local organizations. The grant aims to empower communities by promoting health equity and improving overall health outcomes for residents in underserved areas.

The SC AmeriCorps Formula Grant, funded by the United Way Association of South Carolina, provides financial support ranging from $140,000 to $400,000 for organizations to enhance their service capacity through AmeriCorps Members. These members receive living allowances, education awards, and health benefits while focusing on areas such as education, economic opportunity, and disaster services. Organizations must match 24% of project costs if they are new to grant funding.

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.

Economic Development New Mexico

The mission of the Economic Development New Mexico is to improve the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunities and providing a place for businesses to thrive.

Our programs and initiatives support our mission. The New Mexico Partnership is a statutorily-created public-private organization under contract to the department to market the state globally in order to attract new jobs and investment. Department programs provide direct assistance to New Mexico businesses and communities.

Creative Support Organization Grant

This funding opportunity is designed for organizations with a demonstrated history of impactful work in supporting creative entrepreneurs and advancing creative industry development across New Mexico. This includes organizations that support creative industry companies and workers. Whether building networks, offering technical assistance, providing creative business incubation, or strengthening regional creative ecosystems, this grant supports continued leadership in growing New Mexico’s creative economy. Anticipated awards for up to $62,500.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, MainStreet organizations, Nations, Tribes, Pueblos, councils of governments, educational institutions, and other political subdivisions of the state, excluding local, county, municipal governments, and state agencies.

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation offers Reintegration Grants aimed at supporting individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. By focusing on abilities rather than symptoms, the foundation promotes recovery through various programs. Their funding helps organizations that maintain a commitment to mental health, ensuring that recipients receive necessary support, such as scholarships and facility management, to enhance their quality of life. The foundation believes in empowering individuals to actively participate in their recovery journey.

The MD Animal Waste Technology Grants, established by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, support innovative technologies for managing animal waste. These grants aim to reduce nutrient runoff into local waterways and promote sustainable farming practices. By funding projects that transform waste into valuable products or energy, the program not only aids farmers in meeting environmental goals but also enhances their economic viability. This initiative is part of Maryland's commitment to restoring the Chesapeake Bay's health by 2025.

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.

The Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health (IRINAH), led by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, focuses on enhancing health outcomes in Native populations. It supports research to identify causes of health issues, develop and test effective interventions, and implement strategies that promote sustainability. Emphasizing community strengths, the initiative aims to rigorously evaluate solutions to reduce health disparities, ensuring interventions can be adapted and shared across diverse communities.

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.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation

Established in 1960 as North Central Education Foundation, Central Kentucky Community Foundation is one of more than 780 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the Lincoln Trail Region, offering our donors and partners a variety of ways to touch our community through philanthropic giving.

Youth Sports Fund of Hardin County - Spring Sports

CKCF’s Youth Sports Funds encourage and support youth participation in recreational sports, making these opportunities available to any player, regardless of their financial situation. Our Youth Sports Funds offers scholarships for families who need financial assistance for children to play sports.

Scholarships may cover all or a portion of registration fees and/or sports equipment. Scholarships will be paid directly to the sports league, not to the individual participants. Funding is limited, and scholarships are not guaranteed to all applicants.

The Safe Arborist Techniques Fund Grant Program, established by the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund and the International Society of Arboriculture, aims to enhance worker safety in arboriculture through research and development. Grants focus on biomechanics and tree failure mechanisms, supporting innovative practices that protect both workers and the community. Proposals are evaluated on their potential impact, scientific rigor, and the experience of the investigative team, ensuring they align with the mission of the TREE Fund.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation

Established in 1960 as North Central Education Foundation, Central Kentucky Community Foundation is one of more than 780 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the Lincoln Trail Region, offering our donors and partners a variety of ways to touch our community through philanthropic giving.

Youth Sports Fund of Hardin County - Fall Sports

CKCF’s Youth Sports Funds encourage and support youth participation in recreational sports, making these opportunities available to any player, regardless of their financial situation. Our Youth Sports Funds offers scholarships for families who need financial assistance for children to play sports.

Scholarships may cover all or a portion of registration fees and/or sports equipment. Scholarships will be paid directly to the sports league, not to the individual participants. Funding is limited, and scholarships are not guaranteed to all applicants.

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee Catholic Community Foundation is offering the Fall Education, Lay Leadership, and Community Grant Cycle, aimed at supporting Catholic education and community initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that align with the Foundation's focus areas, including education, leadership development, and community-building. Eligible organizations must be listed in the Official Catholic Directory or have a mission consistent with the church. Note that multi-year grants are rarely funded.

The Chelsea Groton Foundation, established in 1998, has awarded over $6.79 million in grants to nonprofits in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Committed to community growth, equity, and inclusion, the Foundation will implement updated grant procedures starting January 2025. Organizations must ensure prior grants are fully expended before applying for new funding, with a maximum grant request set at $10,000 to support more community partners effectively.

About All Points North Foundation

All Points North Foundation is dedicated to navigating communities upward.

All Points North Foundation was founded in 2011 by a family who believes passionately that everyone has a “true North” – a place of achievement – and that everyone should have equal opportunity and access to realize their goals.

Our Vision

We envision a nation where the middle school years are seen as an important, vital time in the lives of youth, and where the public middle school education experience in underserved communities measurably improves

We also envision a nation where the integration of solar benefits families, local economies and the environment.

Our Priorities

All Points North Foundation funds grantees in two areas – public middle school education (grades 6-8) and solar – that have the power to help communities nationwide navigate upward.

Grant Making

All Points North Foundation seeks collaborative partnerships with grantees in our two priority areas.

Solar Energy

All Points North Foundation is focused on finding ways to significantly advance the penetration of solar through education, job training and use of solar electric technologies in the United States.

All Points North Foundation has three priority areas:

Providing solar and workforce development training for Tribal communities to expand and diversify the solar job pipeline.

Working with small- to medium-sized science centers to engage students, families and local communities on the benefits and science behind solar.

Providing solar installations to nonprofit organizations that build high-quality, safe and affordable residential housing, offsetting energy costs and enabling cost savings for households.

The cost of solar has dropped dramatically over the last decade, however the upfront cost of going solar remains a hurdle for most families, communities and nonprofits.

All Points North Foundation does consider funding solar projects outside of these focal areas, but the programs must demonstrate how solar will have a broader impact on local communities (e.g., economic, social or environmental), as well as showcase the potential for replication across the nation.

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), promotes active research participation among undergraduate students across various research areas. It supports two mechanisms: REU Sites, which engage multiple students in ongoing research, and REU Supplements, which enhance existing NSF-funded projects. Participants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, and each REU opportunity has its unique application process.

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.

Efficiency Maine Trust 

The Efficiency Maine Trust (Efficiency Maine) is the independent, quasi-state agency established to plan and implement energy efficiency programs in Maine. Through its suite of nationally recognized programs, Efficiency Maine provides consumer information, marketing support, demonstration pilots, discounts, rebates, loans, and other initiatives to promote high-efficiency equipment and operations that help Maine’s homes, businesses, and institutions reduce their energy costs and lower their greenhouse gas emissions. The result is job growth, better grid reliability, improved energy independence, a stronger local economy, and progress toward meeting the State’s climate change goals. Efficiency Maine is governed by a Board of Trustees with oversight from the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Custom Program

The C&I Custom Program incentivizes tailored energy efficiency and distributed generation projects that require site-specific engineering analyses and/or projects with energy conservation measures that are not otherwise covered by the C&I Prescriptive Program incentives.

Examples of customers who have participated in the C&I Custom Program include hospitals, manufacturers, universities, commercial bakeries, food processors, office complexes, and data centers.

The C&I Custom Program includes: 1) Custom Efficiency Projects; 2) Custom Distributed Generation Projects; 3) Energy Storage System Projects; 4) Compressed Air Leak Surveys; 5) Technical Assistance; 6) School Decarbonization Technical Assistance; 7) Scoping Audits 

Custom Distributed Generation Projects

Program Description

The Trust is seeking applications for DG projects with the principal goal of reducing grid-supplied kilowatt hour (kWh) consumption from businesses that use electricity delivered through Maine’s electrical grid.

Maine businesses, nonprofits, institutions and governments are eligible for funding for distributed generation projects through Efficiency Maine’s Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Custom Program. Distributed generation projects are behind-the-meter generation projects that reduce the consumption of grid-supplied electricity and meet Efficiency Maine’s cost-benefit analysis.

Combined heat & power (CHP) projects are the most common type of distributed generation project completed through the C&I Custom Program.

The June Rockwell Levy Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in Providence County, focusing on northern Rhode Island. The foundation does not grant to public or charter schools. Organizations may apply once a year for various sectors, including Civic and Cultural Life, Education, Climate Action, and Community Health. Each sector has specific deadlines in 2026, ensuring targeted support for diverse community needs.

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