Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Forever Idaho Regional Grant Program, managed by the Idaho Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Eastern Idaho. With grants ranging from $3,000 to $8,000, it prioritizes projects in areas like arts, community benefit, education, environment, health, and housing stability. This initiative fosters collaboration and addresses evolving community needs, ensuring that charitable efforts effectively enhance the quality of life for Idahoans. Organizations in specific counties are encouraged to apply for these impactful grants.

The MutualOne Charitable Foundation, established in 1998, focuses on promoting charitable, educational, and civic purposes within its market area. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for projects in workforce development, health services, education, community development, and the arts, with a special emphasis on benefiting underserved populations. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate significant community impact and sustainability beyond the grant period.

The Portage Foundation Grants focus on nine vital funding priority areas that address the community's needs in Portage County. These areas include animal welfare, arts and culture, children's programs, economic development, education, environment, health, human services, scholarships, and agency endowments. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,500, supporting nonprofits classified as 501(c)(3) charities. The foundation emphasizes projects that build capacity and address community challenges, ensuring a significant impact on the residents.

The Forever Idaho Regional Grant Program, managed by the Idaho Community Foundation, connects donors with community needs to foster impactful solutions. Established in 1988, this program supports various initiatives across Idaho, including arts, education, health, and housing stability. Grants are available for diverse operating expenses, allowing nonprofits to address pressing local issues effectively. The program emphasizes community-driven philanthropy and adapts to the evolving requirements of Idaho's communities.

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 Iredell County Community Foundation Grant Cycle aims to enhance the community by supporting local initiatives in areas such as education, human services, and workforce development. The foundation prioritizes one-time funding for projects that demonstrate collaboration and sustainability. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and institutions serving Iredell County residents. Ineligible projects include capital campaigns and direct support for individuals. This grant fosters community growth and engagement through philanthropy.

The Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (K25) aims to attract researchers with quantitative science backgrounds to NIH-relevant studies. It provides support and protected time for professionals to integrate their expertise in areas like mathematics and statistics with health research. Notably, it does not support independent clinical trials, focusing instead on collaborative experiences under mentorship. The application process involves specific deadlines for submissions, including standard, renewal, and AIDS-related grants, encouraging diverse participation in significant health research.

The West Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association Scholarship, established in 2001, supports students from Ottawa, Oceana, Newaygo, Muskegon, or Allegan County pursuing careers in horticulture or the green industry. Administered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, awards consider financial need and academic achievement. Applicants, including high school seniors and college students, must submit transcripts and additional required documents. This scholarship aims to foster education and partnerships within West Michigan's green industry.

The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area offers Heritage Development Grants to support projects that recognize, preserve, protect, and interpret the region's significant cultural and natural resources. Applicants are encouraged to reflect on themes such as Freedom and Dignity, Nature and Culture, and the Corridor of Commerce. These grants aim to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the Hudson River Valley's rich history for the benefit of the nation.

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

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 will be paid directly to the sports league, not to the individual participants. Funding is limited, and scholarships are not guaranteed to all applicants.

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 II – Existing Facilities

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

• Full system conversion
• Partial system conversion

The MetroWest Health Foundation is dedicated to enhancing community health through innovative leadership. It focuses on health equity by addressing disparities in immigrant health, mental health, and vaccine access. Additionally, it aims to stabilize housing for vulnerable populations, including families and older adults. The foundation supports innovative solutions to health challenges identified in the 2023 Community Health Assessment, aiming to create a healthier community for all residents across 25 localities.

The ESVCF Community Grants Program supports capital projects and ongoing programs that positively impact residents of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for initiatives in areas such as arts, education, health, and community welfare. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations that directly benefit local communities, with a focus on sustainable outcomes and collaboration. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate significant community benefits and innovative solutions.

The Season/Series Arts Support Grant is designed to assist arts organizations in Minnesota's Beltrami, Hubbard, Clearwater, Lake of the Woods, and Mahnomen counties. It allows for a single application to fund multiple arts activities, aiming to save time and resources for nonprofits. Eligible proposals include public arts projects, educational performances, and community engagement initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to expanding arts programming and removing barriers to access.

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.

The Investing in Our Future Grants by Erie Insurance aim to enhance educational outcomes in the Erie region by addressing poverty through quality education. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on two key areas: aligning instructional programming with out-of-school activities and ensuring school readiness. By supporting local nonprofits, Erie Insurance seeks to foster measurable changes that benefit students and their families, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable community.

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 RI Regional Conservation Partnership Grant Program enhances collaboration between NRCS and various partners to provide conservation support to producers and landowners. This initiative integrates four previous conservation programs and prioritizes energy efficiency, fish and wildlife habitat, plant health, soil health, and water quality and quantity. Eligible participants include agricultural producers and landowners who can access assistance through partnership agreements or in designated conservation areas.

The Carrs Foundation in Seattle offers support for nonprofit organizations that align with its mission of strengthening local communities. This biannual grant prioritizes health services, education, hunger relief, and inclusion for all abilities. Eligible organizations must have a valid 501(c)(3) status and serve the community in which they operate. The foundation is committed to inclusivity and does not fund for-profit entities, religious organizations for religious purposes, or advocacy groups.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Grants

The South Dakota Community Foundation offers an array of grants to help state nonprofits realize their dreams and continue investing in their communities. 

William Holland and Alyce Holland Foundation Grant

The Sisseton Area Community Foundation was created in 2002 to provide financial support to charitable and nonprofit purposes in the Sisseton area. Grants from the Sisseton Area Community Foundation support non-profit organizations and groups that are addressing community needs in the Sisseton area. 

The Last Will and Testament of William J. Holland, in establishing the William J. Holland Foundation, stated that the Foundation would have a perpetual existence for (1) Religious; (2) Charitable; (3) Educational; and (4) Civic Purposes. 

• RELIGIOUS PURPOSE. To promote and assist organized Christian activities in the Sisseton Community. The churches assisted are to be located in Sisseton, South Dakota.
• CHARITABLE PURPOSE. To assist groups or individuals who help those who are poor or destitute, physically handicapped or unable because of age or physical handicaps to care for themselves.
• EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE. To assist financial needy deserving students secure an education, and to assist schools in education programs. The educational institutions to be limited to the Sisseton Public School and the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota.
• CIVIC PURPOSE. To promote those activities in the City of Sisseton that improves the City of Sisseton.

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 Albrecht Family Foundation, established in 2007, supports organizations in the Greater St. Louis area that promote self-sufficiency through education and training. With a strong family commitment to the region, the foundation values creativity and entrepreneurial solutions. It has previously contributed to local institutions such as St. Louis Children’s Hospital and the University of Missouri, reflecting its dedication to enhancing community welfare and fostering new opportunities.

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.

The California Mini-Corps Program aims to enhance the educational experience of migratory students by establishing a statewide network of college tutors who provide essential support in classrooms. Funded by the California Department of Education, this program recruits bilingual college students interested in teaching to assist academically at-risk migratory students. It addresses educational barriers and promotes academic success aligned with the Every Student Succeeds Act, ensuring all migratory children meet challenging state academic standards.

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.

Borsheims

Few other stores have a history like Borsheims. From our humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska to becoming a Berkshire Hathaway company with worldwide clientele, our past helps propel us into the future. For more than 150 years, we've been honored to help our customers celebrate their special moments, and we look forward to celebrating many more.

Borsheims Gives

As an Omaha institution for more than 155 years, Borsheims is proud to give back to the community that has given us so much. Corporate citizenship and social responsibility are values that are intrinsic to our business. Borsheims is honored to support local non-profits every year with our Big Impact Grant donations, team member volunteerism, social responsibility, and through our Borsheims Gives program.

Borsheims Gives Big Impact Grant Program

Our Big Impact Grant program allows us to create new partnerships and expand our community giving to benefit a multitude of organizations across the Omaha area. Our focus areas for giving:

• Women's Initiatives
  • As a female-led company, Borsheims is committed to empowering women and creating opportunities for them to thrive. Through partnerships with non-profit organizations that support safety, education, career development, and personal growth, we champion programs and initiatives that help strengthen and uplift women to build brighter futures for themselves and for our community.
• Children's Support
  • Supporting children has long been at the heart of Borsheims’ philanthropic efforts. By providing essential resources and mentorship to local organizations dedicated to children’s well-being, we are committed to helping young people reach their full potential. By investing in the next generation, we help create stronger communities for years to come.
• Community Interests
  • We support the organizations, initiatives, and community leaders who help make our city vibrant, welcoming, and strong. Whether partnering with long-standing institutions or emerging non-profits, we are dedicated to investing in the people and causes that shape Omaha’s future.

The Goodyear Community Support Grant aims to empower nonprofit organizations that align with Goodyear's community engagement focus areas. With a strong commitment to safe, smart, and sustainable initiatives, Goodyear supports programs fostering safe mobility, inspiring students through education, and addressing environmental and societal needs. This grant serves as a catalyst for positive change, helping communities thrive by focusing on volunteerism and impactful partnerships.