Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Carbon Removal Innovation Support Program (GFO-22-901) aims to fund innovative projects that utilize advanced technologies for the direct capture of atmospheric carbon. This initiative, created under Assembly Bill 209, offers cost-sharing for eligible applicants including those receiving federal awards or follow-on funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. The program prioritizes technology research, development, and demonstration projects that do not benefit fossil fuel production.

The Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) Dollars for Scholars® Scholarship supports local students in achieving academic success through scholarships. Established in 2004, this program has awarded over $4 million to more than 1,000 students since its inception. It offers a single application for multiple scholarships, ensuring financial aid is not diminished by other funding sources. ACAF aims to provide educational opportunities for all students in Allegany County, including those pursuing various degrees and vocational programs.

The Allegheny County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program supports vital community development projects aimed at benefiting low- to moderate-income individuals. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the program encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including housing development, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development. Eligible applicants include local governments, authorities, and both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. All projects must align with HUD’s objectives and contribute to community revitalization efforts.

The Petit Family Foundation offers General Project Support Grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 to support local communities. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate programmatic capacity and leadership. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes and sustainability, focusing on projects that have a clear impact. Preference is given to local New England-based non-profits, while ineligible requests include funding for individuals, endowments, and political organizations. This initiative emphasizes collaboration and community alignment.

Education Forward Arizona, in partnership with Freeport-McMoRan, is launching a scholarship program aimed at providing education and training in critical technical fields. The initiative targets recent high school graduates and adult learners, starting recruitment for Fall 2025. Participants will gain skills for rewarding careers in mining, essential for the energy transition. Eligible candidates should be 18 or older, willing to enroll in community college programs, and participate in internships, ensuring a pathway to employment with Freeport-McMoRan.

The Heistand Family Foundation Grant aims to empower children in poverty through impactful programs and partnerships. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance human health, community well-being, and education, focusing on practical applications. Nonprofit organizations and governmental entities are encouraged to apply, particularly those located in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area or western Iowa. This grant supports initiatives that foster job skills and improve the quality of life for disadvantaged children.

The Professional Formation of Engineers: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation (PFE: RIEF) program aims to foster research in the Professional Formation of Engineers (PFE) while expanding the community of researchers in this field. It targets early-career Principal Investigators (PIs) with limited experience in social science or education research, enabling them to develop expertise in engineering education research and address critical challenges in engineering formation.

The Mary E. Kwiatkowski Social Services Scholarship Fund, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports female and LGBTQIA+ students pursuing social sciences and public service careers. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students for post-secondary education. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers for diverse talents in Erie County's social services sector, requiring applicants to submit an essay on their public service aspirations and challenges in the Erie region.

Levine Impact Lab

The Levine Impact Lab powers equitable transformation by investing in nonprofit leadership, building community organizations’ capacities, and building their capacity to accelerate positive social and environmental change.

We combine venture-capital expertise and inspired philanthropic thinking to radically amplify the value of giving.

Levine Impact Lab Operational Support Program

The Levine Impact Lab’s Operational Support Program is an 18-month, high-engagement operational partnership designed to help environmental organizations move strategic and financial priorities forward.

At the core of the program is hands-on operational support: our team works side-by-side with your leaders to drive progress on a critical project, whether it’s strengthening your financial infrastructure, increasing earned revenue, or planning for growth.

This is a working partnership. The grant funding and peer-learning community are designed to support and accelerate your momentum.

We are the best fit for organizations that:

• Operate at the intersection of environmental impact and social enterprise
• Are past the startup phase but still in a critical growth stage
• See LIL as a thought partner in unlocking strategy, scale, and sustainability
• Show up with clear goals and a commitment to moving the work forward

More information about participation commitments here.

What is Operational Support?

To get the most out of this program, organizations must come prepared with a specific project, workstream, or organizational challenge they want to tackle over the 18 months with operational support. 

Potential Area(s) of Support: 

• Financial strategy and planning
• Fundraising, development and donor engagement strategy
• Cost structure analysis
• Program development or expansion
• Corporate partnership strategy 
• New location or geographic expansion
• RFP support/capital planning
• Strategic planning
• Board engagement

Find examples of what past cohorts have worked on here.

People

The success of this program relies on having the right organizational leaders at the table. Each organization must commit two senior staff members who are equipped to make key decisions, drive implementation, and stay closely involved throughout the 18-month engagement. These leaders must:

• Have clear decision-making authority and/or strong backing from the Executive Director or CEO
• Be directly involved in the project or challenge the organization is addressing
• Be able to commit time, energy, and focus to move the work forward

There will also be opportunities to include additional staff members in operational projects, as needed, to ensure the right voices and expertise are present. 

Who this might include: Executive Director and Finance Director, Business Development Manager and Operations Lead, or Marketing Manager and Development Director, depending on the nature of your project.

What We Offer

• Tailored 1:1 operational support and strategic advising
• A national cohort of up to 10 organizations
• Peer network of strategic thought partners
• Virtual and in-person workshops and events
• Private Slack channel
• Exclusive alumni programming
• Grant funds over two years
• Supportive peer-learning community
• Accelerated organizational growth and momentum through strategic partnership with LIL

View Program Flyer here.

The Boo Grigsby Foundation, established in 2007, supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Baton Rouge and across Louisiana, focusing on education, health services, arts, human services, community initiatives, and conservation. With over $2,500,000 donated, the foundation aims to enhance community welfare through diverse programs and initiatives, ensuring all residents have access to vital resources and opportunities for growth.

The Glenn Foundation Grants support federally tax-exempt institutions and nonprofits serving Gaston County in areas such as health, education, and the arts. Emphasizing integrity and community impact, the Foundation awards grants for up to five years, focusing on projects that promote self-reliance and equity. They do not fund planning grants, scholarships, or private schools, ensuring that contributions directly benefit the community. This commitment helps preserve the legacy of the Glenn sisters while addressing vital local needs.

About Madison Community FoundationSince 1942, Madison Community Foundation (MCF) has been building a stronger, more generous community and helping people like you make a lasting impact through charitable giving. Mission : MCF will engage Greater Madison in philanthropy to advance a more vibrant and equitable community.About Portage Area Community Fund (PACF) GrantPACF is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the greater Portage area for present and future generations.Key interest areas include:

• Civic and cultural enrichment,
• Natural and historic preservation,
• Parks and recreation,
• Community development,
• Youth and educational resources, and
• The needs of the community in the Portage area.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Solomon Valley Community Foundation

Through our grant-making efforts, Solomon Valley Community Foundation supports area nonprofits in their mission to create positive change. From funding essential programs to supporting new initiatives, we're committed to strengthening our communities and helping local organizations thrive. Together, we can make a lasting change.

SVCF Competitive Grants

Solomon Valley Community Foundation's bi-annual grants are available to all nonprofit organizations, government and public entities, educational institutions, and churches located within Mitchell County. Grants are awarded through a competitive application process.

Funding Sources

Funding is made possible by the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund and the SVCF Community Impact Fund.

The Hansen Foundation has partnered with community foundations throughout the Northwest Kansas region to help improve the quality of life for communities in the region. As a result, SVCF is allocated funding from the Hansen Foundation to help support grant-making within Mitchell County. This funding can be used to support projects or programs that address the following:

• Education: Enhances the learning environment and expands opportunities for students. Provides increased self-reliance on personal life skills and workforce capability.
• Health Care: Ensures access to quality health services and promotes healthy life practices.
• Community Social Services & Security: Enhances access to social services needed for individuals of special needs and supports systems to provide community disaster relief and general community emergencies.
• Conservation & Environment: Supports efforts to improve and maintain high air and water quality, appreciation for our natural environment, and enhances economic and social benefits of outdoor resources.
• Arts & Culture: Provides cultural and artistic opportunities to enhance the quality of life for local residents and to encourage tourism and the exchange of ideas.
• Community Beautification: Supports efforts to improve and maintain public spaces to enhance community pride and encourage socialization among residents.

Competitive AmeriCorps Grants

Summary Statement

This is a funding opportunity for Institutions of higher education; local governments, school districts; nonprofit organizations; State Service Commissions; States and US Territories; Indian Tribes; and public health departments to apply for AmeriCorps members to strengthen communities through service.

Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps.

Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits. After successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

The AmeriCorps Mississippi - FY2025 Formula AmeriCorps Grants provide funding opportunities aimed at various entities including educational institutions, local governments, and non-profit organizations. These grants enable applicants to engage AmeriCorps members to enhance community service efforts. New applicants who do not currently manage AmeriCorps State & National Funding may qualify for a Planning Grant, with exceptions requiring a formal request. This initiative supports community strengthening through dedicated service.

Chelsea Groton Foundation, Inc. was established in 1998 as a Section 501(c)(3) organization. Initially endowed with a $2 million dollar donation from Chelsea Groton Bank, the Foundation has awarded over $8.1 million in grants to non-profit organizations in the Bank’s Connecticut and Rhode Island market areas.The Foundation’s mission is to support the ongoing commitment in partnership to the long-term growth of our community. Along with Chelsea Groton Bank, the Foundation is committed to belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring an ongoing sense of belonging for all, today and in the future.

The Marshall and Ellen Peters Family Foundation, established by Ellen Bookman Peters, supports charitable organizations primarily in Brazos County, Texas. With a strong commitment to community service, the Foundation funds initiatives in various program areas, including arts, education, health, and human services. Mrs. Peters, a dedicated Presbyterian and community leader, left a lasting legacy through her philanthropic efforts. The Foundation continues to honor her memory by contributing an average of $50,000 annually to enhance local community well-being.

About

The McLean Foundation is led by the passion and commitment of its volunteer directors, officers and a small staff team.

The McLean Foundation supports charitable organizations in Canada that help make life more fulfilling, communities more vibrant and our environment more durable.

Impact Areas

People: enhancing social and economic wellbeing

Places: building vibrant and creative local communites

Planet: contributing to more durable and resilient environments

We are committed to supporting work that is not as easily funded by others, but that can make a positive difference. We look for projects that show promise of increasing the wellbeing of people, communities, and our environment but may initially lack broad public appeal.

What We Fund

How We Work

We look for projects and partners who understand challenges and opportunities facing their communities, sectors and/or fields and are known for promising approaches to making life more fulfilling, communities more vibrant and/or our environment more durable. We are flexible and responsive to our partners' priorities, and we defer to each organization to share where funding can make the biggest difference in their work.  

We look for charitable organizations that address needs and gaps in the communities they work in, demonstrate strong community buy-in, and centre the experiences and priorities of communities most impacted by injustice in their work. These are generally smaller, local organizations. 

Funding Streams

Partnership Grants support organizations with a strong track record of taking risks, meeting needs and implementing promising approaches in their communities, fields and/or sectors through multi-year operating grants. These grants provide core funding to an organization so they can be adaptable and stable as they continue to innovate and do critical work in their communities.  

We anticipate making 6-8 Partnership Grants a year.

This is a two-step process, starting with an Expression of Interest(EOI).  

Organizations that submit an EOI before March 30th, 2026, may be invited to submit full proposals for consideration at the Foundation’s spring board meeting.  

EOIs received between April- July 31st, 2026 may be invited to submit full proposals for consideration at the Foundation’s fall board meeting.  

The Partnership Grant Stream will close for 2026 on July 31st.

The New England Grassroots Environment Fund's Grow Grant supports community-based initiatives in CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. This grant is designed for groups with local grassroots projects, prioritizing those with diverse voices and limited access to other funding sources. Eligible groups may not need formal tax status, but must maintain a checking account. This funding aims to enhance community engagement and empower local decision-making.

The Western Balkans Program, supported by The Rockefeller Brothers Fund, aims to advance democracy and peace in a region undergoing transformation. With a focus on Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the program encourages transparency in governance and sustainable development. Despite challenges from historical conflicts, the Fund promotes inclusive societies and civil engagement to foster reconciliation and support a European future. Organizations seeking grants must be tax-exempt and focused on educational or charitable initiatives.

The LCCF Micro Grants aim to support nonprofit organizations in La Crosse County by providing funding between $250 and $3,000 for innovative projects. With a total allocation of $70,000 for this year, the La Crosse Community Foundation encourages applications from groups enhancing community life. Applications are ongoing until funds are exhausted, with approval notifications expected within three weeks. This initiative promotes growth and improved strategies to meet local needs.

The Mathew A. and Mildred Hunter Charitable Trust Grant, established in 1997, aims to support religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. Priority is given to organizations assisting abused children and the mentally handicapped, as well as educational institutions providing scholarships. The average grant size ranges from $2,500 to $20,000. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under specific IRS codes and operate primarily in Lake County, Florida.

The LCCF Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Program, funded by the La Crosse Community Foundation, aims to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations in La Crosse County. With $300,000 available, grants of $50,000 to $90,000 will support infrastructure investments, especially for those addressing disparities in historically marginalized communities. This program emphasizes ongoing technical assistance, fostering partnerships, and sharing best practices among grantees to build a more equitable community.

The Western Lane Community Foundation Grant supports local non-profit organizations in western Lane County, Oregon, focusing on education, medicine, the arts, and civic services. Grants typically range from $100 to $5,000, depending on project needs and available funds. Preference is given to projects that provide essential services not funded by public means, aiming to address major community issues. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that significantly impact community well-being and betterment.

StopWaste

StopWaste is a public agency serving the 1.7 million diverse residents of Alameda County. Formed in 1976, we work on behalf of 17 member agencies—the County, 14 cities, and 2 sanitary districts—committed to advancing environmental sustainability and building healthy, equitable, climate resilient communities in Alameda County.

Our Current Goals

StopWaste's work is guided by three long-term goals: building a healthy local food system that eliminates waste, advancing a thriving circular economy, and accelerating innovation in the built environment. We prevent wasted food, recover surplus food to nourish communities, and keep materials in circulation through reuse, repair, recycling, and composting—while helping communities across Alameda County cut pollution, save money, and meet California’s climate and waste goals.

Reusable Foodware Mini-Grants

Up to $500 for Alameda County restaurants, cafes, and retail food businesses to purchase reusable foodware for dine-in service.

What You Get

• Up to $500 in reusable foodware (plates, cups, utensils, etc.)
• Free hands-on support during your transition
• No complicated paperwork required.

What's Covered

Reusable items for dine-in service, including:

• Plates and bowls
• Cups and mugs
• Utensils (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks)
• Serving trays and baskets

New Hanover County offers financial assistance through its Non-County Agency Funding program to support nonprofit organizations that align with its strategic objectives outlined in the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. This annual funding, with a maximum allotment of $50,000, focuses on key areas such as economic development, community safety, and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status and governmental entities, fostering transparency and accountability in the funding process.

The LCCF Mini Grants program, offered by the La Crosse Community Foundation, provides funding between $1,000 and $15,000 to nonprofit organizations in La Crosse County. With a total allocation of $100,000 for the year, the program seeks to support result-oriented projects that address community needs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities or have a fiscal sponsor and serve the local community, promoting engagement and social capital.