Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Robert Rector Scholarship honors a legacy of education in machining and tool making, founded by Robert Rector, who believed in the power of learning. This scholarship aims to support graduates from Cascade, Cashmere, and Richland High Schools who are pursuing careers in metallurgy. Eligible candidates must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and demonstrate interest in Material Science classes. This initiative encourages young talents to develop essential skills in a high-demand industry.

Violence Against Women Justice and Training Program - Texas

Purpose:

The purpose of this announcement is to solicit applications for projects that promote a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to improve the justice system’s response to violent crimes against women, including domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

Available Funding:

Federal funding is authorized for these projects under the Violence Against Women Act of 2013 Pub. L. No. 113-4 (VAWA 2013). VAWA funds are made available through a Congressional appropriation to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated federal funds and any modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by law.

Project Period:

Projects may not exceed 12 months and must start on 9/01/2026 and end on 08/31/2027.

Funding Levels

• Minimum: $5,000
• Maximum: No Maximum
• Match Requirement: 30% of the total project (Note: Victim service providers and Native American tribes are exempt from the match requirement.)

The Rooted Philanthropic Grant is dedicated to supporting the East Side of Saint Paul through responsive and innovative grantmaking. By focusing on entrepreneurship, education, and wellness, the foundation aims to empower local communities with financial and social resources. Grants are primarily by invitation and are tailored to meet the unique needs of the community, ensuring that organizations and individuals can thrive and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

The Highmark BluePrints Small Grants program, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, allocates funds to nonprofits addressing critical health-related issues in Delaware. Grants up to $50,000 support initiatives focused on enhancing health care access, reducing disparities, and fostering early childhood development. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities and certain government agencies. The program emphasizes community equity and welcomes applications for innovative solutions that improve health outcomes for underserved populations.

The Holthouse Foundation for Kids supports organizations that empower at-risk youth through character education, life skills, and entrepreneurship. They provide grants to non-profit entities recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, focusing on community enrichment in Houston and beyond. While inquiry letters are accepted year-round, they do not guarantee funding, and applicants must understand that proposals are not a promise of financial support.

The Elliott Family Foundation, established in 2003, aims to enhance human quality of life by supporting community health projects, scholarships, and housing initiatives. They favor grant requests from organizations that are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and actively work in Sacramento, Phoenix, and Yuma. The Foundation's mission includes aiding patients, women and children in need, and disadvantaged seniors, while ensuring equality and non-discrimination in its funding practices.

Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

Agency Mission

Empowering, connecting, and amplifying creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce.

Agency Vision

Pennsylvania becomes the national leader among states for creative communities, talent, and industries.

Pennsylvania Creative Asset Program

The Pennsylvania Creative Asset Program supports small- to mid-sized creative organizations that deliver services, products, and/or programs that align with one or more of Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ strategic plan focus areas:

• Asset Development (e.g., creative organizations, entrepreneurial ecosystem, technical assistance, regional networking)
• Workforce Development (e.g., creative skills, career awareness, and employment pathways)
• Community Development (e.g., creative placemaking, engagement with local governments, and networking for practitioners)
• Visibility (e.g., promotion of creative industries, products and services, and of the contributions and opportunities within our commonwealth’s creative sector)
• Policy (e.g., creation of policies that promote and foster relevancy and opportunity for creative industries, within governmental and non-governmental agencies and businesses)

The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, led by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, aims to create safer communities by reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The program emphasizes community engagement, prevention, strategic enforcement, and accountability to foster trust and support in neighborhoods. By utilizing resources effectively, PSN seeks to address the root causes of crime, ensuring a comprehensive approach to public safety and improving community health.

The National Life Group Charitable Foundation offers sponsorships to support nonprofits, focusing on strong community connections. The application opens annually on January 1st and is reviewed on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, but nonprofit status is not mandatory. The foundation prioritizes well-planned proposals that address community needs and demonstrate measurable success. With an annual budget of $2.8 million, sponsorships typically support one-time events, promoting the foundation's do-good message.

The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation supports Virginia-based nonprofits focusing on capital projects across various sectors, including arts, education, and conservation. Founded in 1988, it has awarded approximately $73 million to enhance community life and foster civic engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and not have received funding in the past five years. Applications are accepted online with specific deadlines for the Spring and Fall cycles.

The R.C. Smith Foundation Grants support community initiatives in Chenango County, focusing on 501(c)(3) organizations that benefit local residents and programs. Established in 2005, the foundation prioritizes contributions to religious groups, youth programs, and food pantries. With a dedicated board that meets quarterly, the foundation ensures a thoughtful review of grant applications, promoting the welfare of the community through strategic funding efforts.

The James A Wharton Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports students from Chelan and Douglas Counties pursuing trade education, particularly in collision repair. Open to graduating seniors and nontraditional students, this scholarship encourages enrollment in vocational programs, emphasizing a commitment to learning. Recipients may renew their scholarships by reapplying competitively, ensuring continued support for those dedicated to advancing their skills in the trades.

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 II, Part A

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

The intent and purpose of the Title II, Part A, program is to provide resources to school systems to do the following:

• Increase student achievement consistent with the challenging State academic standards;
• Improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders;
• Increase the number of teachers, principals, and other school leaders who are effective in improving student academic achievement in schools; and
• Provide low-income and minority students greater access to effective teachers, principals, and other school leaders

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 I, Part D, Subpart 1 

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

[ESSA, Section 1401(a)]

The purpose of Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 is to do the following:

• Improve educational services for children and youth in local and state institutions for neglected or delinquent children and youth so that such children and youth have the opportunity to meet the same challenging state academic content standards and student academic achievement standards that all children are expected to meet;
• Provide such children and youth with the services needed to make a successful transition from institutionalization to further schooling or employment; and
• Prevent at-risk youth from dropping out of school and provide dropouts and children and youth returning from jails or institutions for neglected or delinquent children and youth with a support system to ensure their continued education and the involvement of their families and communities.

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) and the Windham School District are the eligible state agencies in Texas.

The CommonSpirit Health Equity & Advancement Fund aims to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations in Colorado, Kansas, and Utah. Launched in 2021, this initiative focuses on enhancing social justice through community engagement, addressing social determinants of health, and supporting innovative health equity projects. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and tribal nations that collaborate to serve underrepresented communities. Funding priorities emphasize collaboration, unique health equity solutions, and leveraging additional resources.

The CFNI Neighborhood Grants Program encourages community engagement by funding resident-led projects that enhance local quality of life. It supports initiatives such as community gardens, crime prevention, and beautification projects, focusing on partnerships among residents and organizations. Eligible applicants include 501c3 non-profits and neighborhood associations within specific counties in Illinois. The program aims to strengthen neighborhoods by leveraging local assets and fostering civic pride.

The Arts Alive! Organizational Grants, funded by the Weld Community Foundation, support innovative projects that enhance the arts in Weld County. These grants aim to expand artistic access, promote cultural diversity, and foster community engagement through the visual, performing, and literary arts. Ideal proposals should serve underserved populations, offer measurable outcomes, and have a positive impact on local artistic endeavors, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape in the community.

The Marshfield Area Affiliate Grantmaking Program, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Marshfield region. Grants of up to $3,000 are available for projects in education, arts, economic development, and more. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving the area. The program encourages community leadership and thoughtful grantmaking to support diverse initiatives that improve local welfare.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been advancing energy solutions and working to protect the environment since 1975.

Clean Energy Career Awareness Program: Teaching Resources & Educator Training

Description

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) requests proposals from firms that will help advance a Clean Energy Career Awareness Program to serve New York State (NYS) students, youths, and teachers. Proposal will be considered by contractors who wish to provide workforce development and training services for either or both of the following Pillars:

• Pillar 1 - Clean Energy Teaching Resources: A web-based platform that contains freely accessible clean energy educational resources responsive to the needs of NYS students and teachers.
• Pillar 2 - Clean Energy Educator Training: Professional development opportunities for NYS educators to advance their understanding of clean energy in NYS.

For Pillar 1, NYSERDA seeks proposer with experience and expertise in clean energy, curriculum curation, and web design. The proposer shall develop webpage(s) that contain freely accessible clean energy educational resources that are responsive to the needs of NYS students and teachers. The proposer shall maintain the webpage(s) regularly to ensure accuracy and timeliness of resources.

For Pillar 2, NYSERDA seeks proposer with experience and expertise in both clean energy and professional development for educators. The proposer shall develop and deliver professional development opportunities for at least 2,000 unique NYS educators to advance their understanding of clean energy in NYS and remove the barriers to understanding the benefits of clean energy. The proposer shall ensure 50+% of participating educators serve and/or are from NYS Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) and/or Priority District Schools.   

A total of $5,750,000 is available, with $750,000 designated for Pillar 1 and $5,000,000 designated for Pillar 2.

About Oklahoma CareerTech

For more than 100 years, Oklahoma’s system of career and technology education has focused on improving Oklahoma’s economy by offering individuals the training and skills necessary to be successful in the workplace and providing companies with the workforce necessary to compete globally.

Oklahoma CareerTech is often used as a model for programs across the United States and around the world. The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 62 campuses, 394 PK-12 school districts, 20 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 49 Adult Education and Family Literacy service providers.

Perkins Innovative Grants

Things to know:

• All grants will be on a two-year award cycle (except CTE New Program Grant) to match the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment timeline. To be eligible for awards, recipients will be required to complete and submit their Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment.

• Grant recipients will have to show progress towards goal completion by the end of the first year of funding to receive 2nd year funding. These Benchmarks will be developed in collaboration with the Program area innovative grant leads and the recipients.

• Districts can apply for multiple grants. 

There are 8 Innovative Grants that all eligible recipients can apply for: 1) Career Development and Programs of Study; 2) Career Pathways, Workforce, and Industry Partnerships; 3) Supporting CTE Special Populations; 4) High Growth and Emerging Technologies; 5) Innovation in Career Exploration; 6) Innovative Strategies to Recruit and Retain - High Schools/Tech Centers That Work & Other; 7) CTE New Program; 8) Improving Academic Proficiency

Innovative Strategies to Recruit and Retain CTE Instructors - High Schools/Tech Centers That Work & Other

In an ongoing effort to support the recruitment and retention of CTE teachers, the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education supports the development of new innovative strategies and the enhancement of existing strategies to recruit and retain Oklahoma’s CTE instructors. The strategies developed with these funds should support a culture of continuous improvement that engages the whole school community in continuously using data to identify problems and develop plans to solve them. A tool like strong school culture is important to the recruitment and retention of CTE instructors in areas that meet local and state workforce needs while embracing innovative methods to support CTE instructors through rigorous professional development, continuing education, among other strategies. HSTW & TCTW grants must utilize 51% of funds on SREB resources or services.

The Prolacta Bioscience Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing human health and empowering communities. Established in 2019, the foundation aids in innovative research on human milk and promotes educational initiatives. Grants prioritize organizations that align with the foundation's mission and serve areas where Prolacta employees live. Notable projects include creating resources for parents and organizing community events to showcase the importance of neonatal care, ultimately ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable infants.

The Sierra Health Foundation offers sponsorship opportunities aimed at improving health and quality of life in Northern California. They support nonprofit organizations and public agencies aligned with their mission. Submission deadlines are set for Feb. 1, May 1, Aug. 1, and Nov. 1, with funding decisions made within six weeks. Requests must include detailed event information and can only be for one event. Late submissions or requests for past events will not be considered.

The Phil Hardin Foundation Grant aims to enhance educational and life outcomes for children and youth in Mississippi, particularly in Meridian and Lauderdale County. The foundation prioritizes proposals that demonstrate a regional or statewide impact, focusing on areas like early childhood development, literacy, and equitable access to educational resources. It encourages collaboration among educational institutions and community organizations, fostering partnerships to improve educational quality and cultural enrichment across Mississippi.

The Newtown Savings Bank Foundation supports community nonprofits with a focus on affordable housing, economic development, and financial education. Established as a 501(c)(3) organization, it prioritizes requests from organizations that serve local communities and demonstrate innovative solutions to financial need. Applications are accepted year-round, with funding directed towards initiatives that create lasting impact. The foundation encourages submissions at least 30 days before an event to ensure timely consideration.

The Benjamin A. Black Charitable Trust for Children provides essential support to economically deprived children in central Nebraska. Established in 1990, it honors Benjamin A. Black's legacy by funding programs that offer necessities and joy, such as Christmas gifts. Grants are targeted towards public charities that directly benefit children, with a focus on areas outside Omaha and Lincoln. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of March 31 for annual review.

The Clarence W. Winter Charitable Trust, established from Mr. Winter's Will, provides annual grants of $3,000 to $5,000 to support tax-exempt organizations focused on charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. While there are no geographic restrictions, the Trust prioritizes organizations in Bucks County, PA. With a commitment to community betterment, Mr. Winter's legacy continues to support impactful initiatives for years to come.