Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Skutch Keystone Grant, established by Dr. and Mrs. Skutch, honors over sixty years of contributions to Neotropical ornithology. It supports research on birds in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, encouraging local scholars, including students and professionals, to conduct field studies. Grants of up to $15,000 are awarded annually to promote ecological and conservation efforts, enhancing our understanding of birds in their natural habitats.

The A.F. Skutch Medal, awarded by the Association of Field Ornithologists, honors outstanding contributions to Neotropical ornithology. Established in 1997, it recognizes achievements in research, mentoring students, and public engagement through publications. The award consists of a silver medal featuring the Fiery-billed Aracari and a monetary prize of $1,000. Nominations are accepted annually until July 31, with an emphasis on candidates' impactful contributions to the field.

The Connection, Assistance, Resources and Education Grant for Dementia Caregivers in DC (CARE DC) aims to enhance the quality of life for dementia caregivers by establishing a coordinated network of resources. This initiative seeks to increase caregiver support and reduce the long-term health impacts associated with caregiving. By facilitating access to dementia navigation services, CARE DC promotes wellness and equity among caregivers in the District, addressing critical health risks and enhancing community collaboration.

The Young Forester Leadership Award, presented by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), recognizes exceptional leadership from young forestry professionals under 40 years old. This award highlights contributions to forestry through innovative projects and sustained leadership roles. Recipients receive a $500 honorarium, complimentary registration for the SAF national convention, and support for travel expenses up to $500. This prestigious accolade aims to encourage the next generation of forestry leaders to excel in their professional endeavors.

About MSHDA

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), established in 1966, provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues.

MSHDA's loans and operating expenses are financed through the sale of tax-exempt and taxable bonds and notes to private investors, not from state tax revenues. Proceeds of the bonds and notes are loaned at below-market interest rates to developers of rental housing, and also fund home mortgages and home improvement loans. MSHDA also administers various federal housing programs.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program

The ESG program provides HUD funding to organizations that support individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. ESG-funded activities include Street Outreach, Emergency Shelter, Homelessness Prevention, Rapid Re-Housing, HMIS, and administrative support, all aimed at helping households regain stable housing as quickly as possible. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, please contact your local Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA). The HARA is responsible for coordinating services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and can provide information on available resources, including emergency shelter, housing assistance, and supportive services.

The Supplier Diversity Partnership Grant Opportunity, led by the NY Small Business Funders Collective, aims to enhance supplier diversity for historically excluded entrepreneurs in NYC. This initiative focuses on innovative procurement solutions, fostering partnerships between buyers and sellers, and empowering Black, Latinx, AAPI, Indigenous, and women-owned businesses. The grant supports initiatives that address barriers in accessing contracts and promotes community-driven approaches to economic development, with funding ranging from $100,000 to $250,000.

The OREF/MTF Biologics Research Grant encourages innovative research in biologics, focusing on reconstruction, bone regeneration, and transplantation, including stem cells. It is open to licensed U.S. orthopaedic surgeons and PhD researchers with faculty appointments. The grant seeks clinically relevant projects that demonstrate practical applications and multidisciplinary collaboration, promoting excellence in research. New investigators are especially encouraged to apply, ensuring a commitment to advancing orthopaedic science.

South Dakota Department of Health

The South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) strives to promote, protect, and improve the health of all South Dakotans with information, licensing, and more.

‘South Dakota Walkable Communities’ Active Transportation Assessment Collaboration

The South Dakota Department of Health will provide one South Dakota community (or two communities as an inter-community project) with technical assistance (provided by South Dakota State University Landscape Architect Students) in conducting active transportation assessments and providing recommendations for improving the built environment to increase walkability and bike-ability within that community or joint communities.

Applicants are highly encouraged to consider the specific walkability needs and challenges of priority populations when completing the applications.

The Bozeman Film Society Jack Stonnell Memorial Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing degrees in Film and Photography. This scholarship is awarded to the top rising junior based on academic performance in key film courses. The award amount varies, encouraging excellence in arts and architecture, especially in film and photography disciplines. This initiative aims to foster creativity and innovation among aspiring filmmakers.

The MI Source Water Protection Grants, administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), offer matching funds to public water supply systems. These funds aim to develop and implement source water protection programs that prevent contamination of drinking water sources. Eligible applicants include community and non-profit water systems that demonstrate financial commitment and establish local protection teams. Approximately half a million dollars in funding is available annually to support these crucial initiatives.

The Hays, Karla, Loving Heart Scholarship offers financial support to graduating seniors of Beatrice High School, with one to three scholarships available totaling up to $1,000. Administered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this initiative aims to assist deserving students in pursuing higher education. The foundation, established in 1987, supports academic achievement and civic involvement in the community. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate ethical scholarship application practices.

About

Building a community of journalists committed to better health care reporting.

We believe accurate, contextual and balanced health care reporting is more important than ever.

People depend on health care stories to make life-altering decisions every day.

AHCJ U.S. Health System Reporting Fellowship

This opportunity is for U.S.-based journalists.

Issues with the U.S. health care system are often obvious — from large swaths of uninsured residents and junk insurance plans, to high maternal mortality rates and preventable medical errors. But what is at the root of issues like these? What could an equitable health care system look like? 

Through the U.S. Health System Reporting Fellowship, supported by The Commonwealth Fund, you can pursue a significant reporting project related to the U.S. health care system at the local, regional and/or national level.

This fellowship allows mid-career journalists to maintain their regular employment while working on a major project over a 12-month calendar year. You’ll pursue the projects with the support of your newsrooms or arranged outlets, which commit to publish or air the work.

We believe that issues of health equity impact every facet of the health care system, which is why we’re specifically interested in projects focused on health equity. This might include racial disparities within a community, gaps in public health inclusion, unstable housing, insurance access, food insecurity, violence as a health issue, how health care institutions or systems are applying a racial equity lens to their policies and practices or otherwise addressing inequities or disparities, or other examinations of systemic problems that have become so apparent over the last few years.

Guidance is provided by AHCJ mentors through customized seminars on health care systems, conference calls and email consultations. The fellowship covers the cost of attending the seminars and the annual AHCJ conference, as well as a $2,500 project allowance to defray the cost of field reporting, health data analysis and other project-related research. In addition, you will receive a $5,000 fellowship award upon the successful completion of the project.

Tipton County Foundation

Since its founding in 1986, the civic-spirited volunteers responsible for TCF’s Board leadership, fund-raising, investment decisions, and grantmaking have built a substantial endowment that will never be spent. The income earned from investments is used to help meet Tipton County’s charitable needs– from social services for youth and senior citizens, to art, culture, education, recreation, historical preservation, animal welfare, and community development projects of all types. TCF is also a conduit for individual support of organizations, receiving non-endowed contributions that are earmarked and sometimes matched for local needs.

Education Grants

The Foundation's Education Grantmaking cycle is available to projects or programs which advance the educational outcomes for Tipton County residents.

Teachers and administrators at either public school system are welcome to apply, as are those leading non-profit educational programs at local churches, homeschool associations, and pre-k organizations.

This funding opportunity invites renewal applications for existing NINDS-supported clinical trial cooperative agreements (U01) that require additional time and resources. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) expects applicants to request only what is necessary for trial completion, without introducing new aims. Discussions with NINDS prior to submission are encouraged. Eligible applications must be renewals of previously approved cooperative agreements under specified NIH funding announcements.

Washington Sea Grant (WSG) supports the sustainable management of marine ecosystems and coastal communities in Washington State. With a mission to promote research and education, WSG provides funding for conferences and events that align with its goals. Organizations can apply for sponsorships ranging from $50 to $2,500, fostering collaboration and community engagement while ensuring equitable access to natural resources and decision-making processes for all.

The Jacquelyn Bogue Foundation is dedicated to combating the stigma surrounding suicide in Orange County. By fostering awareness and understanding of suicide as a public health issue, the foundation aims to reduce suicide rates through education and community programs. It invites partnerships with organizations that share its mission, and it emphasizes the importance of supporting families affected by suicide. This initiative aligns with California's Strategy for Suicide Prevention, focusing on community stewardship and collaborative efforts.

Alkermes

At Alkermes, we apply our deep neuroscience expertise to develop medicines designed to help people living with complex and difficult-to-treat psychiatric and neurological disorders, including addiction, serious mental illness and sleep disorders. With our portfolio of marketed medicines and investigational pipeline candidates, we seek to make a meaningful difference in the way people manage these chronic diseases. Our patient-inspired science, integrated research strategy, sophisticated development capabilities and specialized commercial infrastructure enable us to pursue the development and commercialization of innovative new medicines, including those for people with conditions that have traditionally been overlooked or stigmatized.

Our greatest strengths at Alkermes are our people and our inherent empathy for patients, families and caregivers. Neurological and psychiatric disorders strike people at the core of who they are and impact many facets of their lives. We work with urgency to develop new treatment options for people living with these conditions.

Pathways APN Research Awards

The Alkermes Pathways Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) Research Awards™ program is designed to empower the advanced practice nursing community by offering funding opportunities that recognize their vital role in evidence-based care and the advancement of mental health research.

The Alkermes Pathways APN Research Awards provide opportunities for individual grants of up to $10,000 per project for licensed psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners who are actively engaged in clinical, academic, and/or community health settings and are committed to advancing research in schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA or the Department) announces a NOFA in HOME funds for single family housing programs under the general set-aside utilizing a reservation system. These funds will be made available to HOME Reservation System Participants after a Reservation System Participation (RSP) Agreement has been ratified. The following activity types are eligible uses of HOME funds awarded under this NOFA: (1) Homeowner Reconstruction Assistance (HRA), and (2) Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA). 

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the Department) announces a NOFA of approximately $1,000,000 in HOME funds for single family housing programs under the Contract for Deed (CFD) set-aside under a Reservation System. These funds will be made available to HOME Reservation System Participants with a current Reservation System Participation (RSP) Agreement. 

The Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) Planning Awards in Ohio, managed by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), aim to enhance transportation systems through funding planning studies. Eligible projects include transportation plans, complete streets implementation, and traffic calming efforts, with a total budget of $2 million. Communities with legal authority can apply, focusing on sustainable development and multimodal transportation, while projects promoting single occupancy vehicle travel are ineligible.

The American Heart Association is inviting proposals for research on the effects of GLP-1 and GIP agonists in individuals with cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases. This initiative aims to explore how these medications can alleviate the CKM burden. Researchers with expertise in causal inference, machine learning, and cardiovascular research are encouraged to apply, particularly those working in multidisciplinary teams and leveraging various data sources.

The Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) in Ohio offers funding for projects enhancing transportation infrastructure, focusing on safety and environmental sustainability. Administered by NOACA, the program supports community-led improvements based on planning studies. Implementation awards start at $100,000, with flexibility for smaller projects that align with TLCI goals. The total funding available is $2 million, aiming to enhance multimodal transportation and community engagement across Northeast Ohio.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a federal K–12 education law. ESSA was signed into law in 2015, replacing No Child Left Behind, and reauthorizing the original Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

ESSA requires every state to measure performance in reading, math, and science. Every school must inform parents about their standards and their results. 

ESSA requires every state to provide parents important information on test performance in reading, math, and science. The report cards must also provide data on graduation rates, suspensions, absenteeism, teacher qualifications, and many other areas. Texas provides maximum transparency for parents and publicly shares performance information on TXschools.gov and in data reports on the Performance Reporting pages.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant includes: 1) Title I, Part A Grants; 2) Title I, Part C Grants; 3) Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 Grants; 4) Title I, Part D, Subpart 2 Grants; 5) Title II, Part A Grants; 6) Title III, Part A ELA Grants; 7) Title III, Part A Immigrant Grants; and 8) Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1 Grants.

 Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants are designed to improve the academic achievement of all students by increasing the capacity of school systems, schools, and communities to:

• Provide all students with access to a well-rounded education,
• Improve school conditions for student learning; and
• Improve the use of technology to enhance the academic outcomes and digital literacy of students. 

Intended program beneficiaries are school systems that receive funds under Title I, Part A. 

LEAs must ensure it is using Title IV, Part A, funds to supplement and not supplant State or local funds. Title IV, Part A, funds may not be used to meet State and/or local requirements.

The Indiana Department of Health is inviting local health departments to apply for the Naloxone Grant to distribute opioid overdose reversal kits, including naloxone nasal spray. This initiative aims to increase the availability of life-saving medication in communities, especially in collaboration with organizations such as county jails. Education on the use of naloxone and legal protections for responders is also a key component of the program, fostering a safer environment for overdose interventions.

The MIND Prize, funded by The Pershing Square Foundation, supports innovative research to combat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. It empowers early-to-mid-career investigators to explore unconventional approaches and fosters collaboration across disciplines. Each winner receives $250,000 annually for three years, promoting advancements in neuroscience and creating a unique network for researchers. The initiative aims to enhance our understanding of brain health and tackle pressing societal challenges.

The City of Bellingham Preservation and Production Housing and Shelter Grant provides funding for the creation and preservation of rental housing, particularly for households earning under 60% of the area median income. With up to $3.5 million available, this program focuses on multifamily housing and transitional shelters, ensuring that vital housing resources are maintained and developed to meet community needs.

The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) has been funding land conservation projects since 1999, utilizing a special fund to support state agencies, nonprofits, and Virginia Indian Tribes. Grants cover up to 50% of project costs, with full funding available for certain entities. VLCF focuses on protecting farmland, forests, historic areas, natural spaces, and parks, aiming for a balanced distribution of protected land across the Commonwealth while ensuring public access to these vital resources.