Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Community Funds Grant by the Marshall County Community Foundation supports local organizations with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on charitable initiatives. Grants typically range from $5,000 and are awarded biannually. Eligible projects include start-up costs for new programs, one-time needs, and other specific requests identified by the foundation. However, individuals and projects for sectarian purposes or long-term funding are not eligible. This grant aims to foster philanthropy and enhance community impact.

The Star Honors Award, offered by the Texas Capital Foundation, recognizes outstanding nonprofit organizations in Texas focusing on Housing Solutions, Education, and Workforce Development. It provides two grants of $50,000 and one grant of $100,000 to support innovative programs addressing critical community needs, especially for veterans and first responders. Eligible nonprofits must demonstrate a minimum three-year performance record and deliver direct services to low- and moderate-income populations within designated Texas areas.

The Community Homeownership Impact Fund, managed by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, aims to enhance affordable housing in Minnesota by funding developers and administrators of single-family, owner-occupied homes. This program focuses on increasing the housing supply while ensuring safety and habitability. It offers interim loans, deferred forgivable loans, and grants to bridge financial gaps. Eligible applicants include cities, tribes, and nonprofits, all working towards improving housing accessibility and supporting community development.

The United Way Grant Application for Beltrami County Non-Profits aims to support organizations that enhance education, financial stability, and health in the community. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations actively providing services. Funding preferences include programs that address current community needs, while ineligible uses include capital projects and funding for athletic or political organizations. This initiative strives to create long-lasting improvements for residents in Beltrami County.

Impact100 Crawford County is a philanthropic organization focused on empowering local nonprofits through generous grants. With an emphasis on art, culture, education, health, and community betterment, they aim to enhance the lives of residents in Crawford County. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, such as being a recognized 501(c)(3) and having a minimum two-year operational history. This initiative fosters a spirit of giving and collaboration, ultimately strengthening the community.

The Montana Urban and Community Forestry program offers grants aimed at enhancing community forests' health. These grants support local governments in developing urban forestry programs through various projects such as tree inventory, urban forest management plans, and strategic tree planting. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, non-profits, and tribal governments in Montana. The program encourages innovative projects that promote biodiversity, climate change education, and workforce development, ensuring sustainable urban forestry practices.

The Increased Recycling of Empty Glass Beverage Containers Grant Program in California aims to enhance glass recycling efforts by funding regional pilot programs. Eligible applicants, including restaurants and retail establishments, can receive between $500,000 and $2,000,000 annually to implement collection initiatives. With a total funding pool of $4,000,000 available each fiscal year, this program encourages sustainable practices and aims to improve recycling rates statewide.

STI and HIV Prevention Grant Program

The Minnesota Department of Health aims to identify organizations across the state to implement HIV prevention initiatives centered on HIV testing and PrEP. These programs are designed to reduce HIV transmission by prioritizing populations most affected by the epidemic, ensuring that available state funding achieves the greatest possible impact.

MDH is seeking applications through this RFP to support the development and implementation of innovative program activities that increase people’s knowledge of their HIV status, reduce HIV transmission, prevent new HIV infections, strengthen linkage to care, and improve viral suppression. 

Program Goals

MDH is seeking applications through this request for proposals (RFP) to support the development and implementation of innovative program activities that increase people’s knowledge of their HIV status, reduce HIV transmission, prevent new HIV infections, strengthen linkage to care and improve viral suppression. Collectively, these activities advance the goals of the National HIV/AIDS strategy for the United States (NHAS), Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative – (diagnose, treat, prevent and respond), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s high impact HIV prevention (HIP) approach, which emphasizes a comprehensive whole-person approach, and the legislatively mandated END HIV Minnesota (MN) initiative. The End HIV MN initiative aims to eliminate new HIV infections and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV in Minnesota, with a goal to reduce new HIV infections in Minnesota by at least 75% in 2035 by prioritizing communities most affected by HIV. 

The BETA: Roadmaps initiative by MassCEC aims to accelerate building electrification and decarbonization for non-profit and public entities in Massachusetts. This program provides actionable roadmaps to achieve zero-emissions building portfolios by 2050, supporting the state’s climate goals. Participants receive tailored decarbonization strategies, addressing their unique needs while fostering sustainable practices across diverse building types. With a focus on efficient procurement and implementation, the initiative aligns with the Commonwealth's broader clean energy objectives.

The Harbor Point Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for underserved adults and children in the Bay Area. With a focus on innovative organizations addressing health crises and supporting educational, arts, and nutritional programs, the Foundation has distributed over $4.6 million in grants. Their mission emphasizes community engagement and advocacy, ensuring that funds support nonprofit organizations exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, particularly those benefiting Marin County residents.

The Solid Waste Management Grant Program, administered by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service, invites applications for FY 2027 funding. This initiative aims to enhance solid waste management in rural communities through technical assistance and training. Eligible organizations can receive grants to develop sustainable waste management practices, addressing critical issues like water pollution and emerging contaminants, while promoting hazardous waste collection. This program supports operational improvements and capital financing applications to ensure long-term environmental health.

The Herman H. Nettelroth Grant focuses on supporting children and families in Jefferson County, KY. It funds projects that enhance playgrounds, day nurseries, public libraries, and scholarships for the University of Louisville. The grant prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate community demand, measurable outcomes, and sustainability, while encouraging collaboration among organizations. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years of operations and prior project impact documentation available before applying.

The East Boston Foundation

The foundation was formed in 1998 to administer a generous $9.6 million commitment from the Massachusetts Port Authority as part of community mitigation and to offset the impacts associated with Massport's $4.4 Billion Logan Airport Modernization Program.

Categories of Grants

The Board of Trustees of the East Boston Foundation has identified the following categories of grants, which in the discretion of the Board may be amended from time to time. Grant requests and applications shall be grouped into various categories and identified as follows:

Education, Training and Child Care Support Grants (ETCCS)

The Foundation also recognizes the need for various educational enhancements and support, including but not limited to specialty education and training; private/public school support; adult training and education; and early childhood/preschool support as a means of achieving part of its objective.

The Foundation will consider applications for education, training, and child care support which meet the following minimum criteria:

• The proponent have at least two (2) years of demonstrated experience in the successful coordination of such events or can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board its ability to carry out such objectives;
• The program is capable of providing a substantial benefit on the residents of the East Boston community regardless of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin or handicap;
• The Grant sought from the Foundation shall not exceed 50% of the applicant’s average total cash revenue (excluding in kind support) for the two (2) years preceding the application as demonstrated by the Applicant’s 990/990EZ filing or Form PC filed with the Massachusetts Attorney General;
• The allocation of the Foundation’s grant money may be used for expenses related to salaries and or wage benefits, however the amount so allocated from any grant may not exceed 50% of the grant awarded and provided that salaries and wage benefits for the specific program do not exceed 50% of the total proposed budget.
• In certain circumstances, the proponent provides reasonable assistance to disadvantaged individuals who experience financial hardship and who would otherwise be prohibited from participation.
• A grant to the organization shall not result in the creation of a general unrestricted surplus for the program’s operating budget.
• The applicant adequately demonstrates an ability to generate the remaining revenue as contemplated under its proposed budget

Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce’s mission is to strengthen communities in Washington. We are the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. We administer a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several state boards and commissions, all focused on helping communities achieve positive growth.

HUD811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) Program

The Department of Commerce is soliciting applications from qualified applicants for funding of units to be set aside for clients referred by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, under the HUD Section 811 Project Rental Assistance program.

811 PRA units provide non-time-limited tenancy for non-elderly persons with disabling conditions.

About the Commission

The Legislature created the Industrial Commission of North Dakota (“Industrial Commission” “Commission”) in 1919 to conduct and manage, on behalf of the State, certain utilities, industries, enterprises and business projects established by state law. Through the years the Industrial Commission has been given and had removed various responsibilities.

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Grant Program

The Oil and Gas Research Program is accepting applications for the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) grant program of the North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC). The deadline for submitting applications for consideration in the upcoming grant round is Aug. 15, 2025. Applications may be submitted via email at ndicgrants@nd.gov.

The 69th Legislative Assembly appropriated $25 million in Senate Bill 2014 for the new grant program. Additional funding for projects that enhance oil recovery may be available under regular Oil and Gas Research Program funding.

Planned grant round deadlines for the 2025-2027 biennium include:

• Grant Round 1 deadline: Aug. 15, 2025
• Grant Round 2 deadline: Jan. 15, 2026
• Grant Round 3 deadline: June 15, 2026.

Qualifying projects must be completed by June 30, 2027. Funds must be matched by private dollars.

The next meeting of the Oil and Gas Research Council, which assists the NDIC in administering the program, will be held at a date and location to be determined.

Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce’s mission is to strengthen communities in Washington. We are the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. We administer a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several state boards and commissions, all focused on helping communities achieve positive growth.

Community Reinvestment Plan Homeownership Capital Accelerator 

Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) is now accepting applications from organizations, lenders and tribes to assist people disproportionally experiencing wealth disparities with buying homes and building generational wealth.

Funding will support expanding affordable homeownership opportunities. This can include:

• Land acquisition loan program
• Capacity building for emerging community-based housing organizations
• Culturally responsive financial coaching
• Flexible mortgage products that help buyers become mortgage-ready faster
• Foreclosure remediation for people who own and live in their home
• Upgrades to homes that people own and live in that address health and safety needs
• Loan programs to create accessory dwelling units (ADU) or detached accessory dwelling units (DADU)

The Nicholas Dahl Visiting Artist Scholarship, offered by the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, supports LGBTQIA+ artists aged 30 and under with a passion for various art forms. This one-week scholarship, available from November to April, includes lodging, workshop materials, and studio access. It aims to foster creativity and connections within the vibrant Provincetown arts community while promoting educational opportunities in the arts.

The Callahan Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Northeast Ohio that demonstrate exceptional leadership and create valuable community contributions. Established in 1968, the foundation prioritizes funding for arts, education, and social services, focusing on projects that enhance access to higher education and healthcare for disadvantaged populations. Organizations can apply for capital projects, operational support, and leadership development funding, fostering sustainable growth and innovation within the region.

The Maitland Emmet BENHS Research Fund invites applications for research grants focused on insects and invertebrates relevant to the British fauna. Open to members and non-members of the British Entomological and Natural History Society, the fund emphasizes conservation-related fieldwork and the creation of identification guides. Grants are capped at £1000, and successful applicants must submit a report within six months, including images for the Society's website.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student who intends to pursue nursing or a related field of study at a college or university, and who demonstrates academic achievement, good citizenship, service to others, leadership, and financial need.

The Georgia Ornithological Society offers the Lydia Thompson Grant to support projects that enhance the conservation of native birds in Georgia. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for initiatives focusing on research, public education, and habitat preservation. Preference is given to applications with matching funds. This grant is not intended for university-level research or projects by federal and state agencies. The initiative aims to foster community engagement in bird conservation efforts.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

The N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) program seeks to award two, two-year grants to an organization(s) (grantee) to manage and complete select urban forestry services (Climb to Tree City USA package) for municipalities awarded assistance (subrecipient) through our Financial Assistance Program (FAP) request for applications (RFAs) process. 

Funding Programs

There are two federal funding programs that will fund this work:

• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)

• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

• 100% of the Tribal government or municipality’s incorporated lands fall within the boundaries of NCFS U&CF Financial Assistance Program Inflation Reduction Act project areas.
• Indirect administration – 20% of services billed.
• $5.6 million in assistance is available for award of all IRA funded work.

Funded by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), this money is for arts and cultural projects that contribute to creative experiences for audiences in Brooklyn. The best proposals share how the project will impact the cultural life of their audience and community.

In 2026, Brooklyn Arts Fund distributed $625,000 to 136 projects across Brooklyn.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success. 

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

Climb to Tree City USA Package

This assistance package is designed to help municipalities that have not met all the Tree City USA standards complete select urban forestry practices and community forestry activities that are foundational in the management of public trees and to achieve Tree City USA designation. The RFA opens in January each year.

Funding Program Options

A grant will be funded by one of the three funding programs. You will need to select one. (Contact NCFS U&CF program staff for guidance, if needed):

• Consolidated Program Grant (CPG)
• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)

• Tribal government or a municipality located in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania or Yancey counties.
• Cost share %: Reimbursement of 100% of eligible purchased goods and services.
• Indirect administration – 15% de minimis/total purchased goods and services.
• $2.2 million in assistance is available for award of all HHR funded RFAs.

The ECF Grant Program supports the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta by funding ministries that address poverty and oppression. With an emphasis on community partnerships, the program aims to create sustainable impact through service-oriented projects. It welcomes applications from Episcopal parishes and nonprofit partners committed to capacity building and innovative solutions, ensuring spiritual growth for participants. Preference is given to first-time applicants, reinforcing a commitment to fostering thriving, spiritually strong communities in Middle and North Georgia.

South Arts, Inc. offers Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations to enhance the skills and knowledge of Southern arts entities. These grants aim to support operational stability and growth, focusing on organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible applicants include a range of arts organizations within South Arts' nine-state service area. The program emphasizes first-time opportunities and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match, ensuring a commitment to professional development in the arts.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship Fund

Applicants must be students currently enrolled in a teaching credential program, current student teachers, current teacher interns, students enrolled in a speech therapy program, or students enrolled in a school psychology program. Colleges considered: CSU Stanislaus, U.C. Merced, U.O.P., UMass Global, Teachers College of San Joaquin, Sacramento State University and CSU East Bay.

Award Amount:

• $3,000