Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The ISF Impact Campaign Grant supports completed short or feature-length films that aim to create a positive societal impact through outreach and community engagement. This grant is available to all filmmakers, focusing on projects that depict American Muslim narratives. Recipients will receive funding along with mentorship to enhance their impact campaigns, which must include a comprehensive proposal detailing goals and success metrics.

The ISF Documentary Film Grant supports emerging Muslim filmmakers creating impactful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Established in 2014, this grant has allocated $625,000 to over 111 filmmakers, focusing on projects in production or post-production. It offers funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, emphasizing journalistic integrity and originality. Eligible projects must depict American Muslim themes and be consistent with ISF's mission of using art to influence public policy and opinion.

The ISF Social Justice Short Film Grant supports emerging Muslim filmmakers in creating impactful short narrative or documentary films that address social justice issues. Launched in 2014 by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, this program aims to raise awareness and provoke dialogue about inequality and oppression. With a total of $625,000 awarded, the grant offers funding along with mentorship and networking opportunities to enhance storytelling and community impact.

The Reinberger Foundation, established in 1966, aims to empower individuals towards self-sufficiency while enriching communities in Ohio. The foundation focuses on supporting organizations in areas such as arts, culture, and humanities, including museums, visual and performing arts, and arts education. Priority is given to past grantees and organizations within the greater Cleveland and Columbus areas. For new applicants, discussions prior to application are encouraged to align missions effectively.

The Embraer Foundation's (e)NVEST Community Grant program supports local initiatives addressing critical community needs in areas such as education, housing, food insecurity, and workforce development. With grants of up to $25,000 available, the program aims to create a positive impact in communities surrounding Embraer's facilities. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities that have been active for over a year, focusing on sustainable development goals aligned with the United Nations.

Scioto Foundation

The Scioto Foundation is a community foundation serving the people of the Scioto County area. Since 1975, SF has awarded approximately $30 million in grants and distributions to local non-profit organizations, schools, and local governments. 

Regular Grant 

Typically, the Foundation funds projects in the following areas: education, healthcare, community development, economic development, arts and culture, social services, and civic benefit.

• The Foundation is interested in those organizations that can demonstrate they have planned their projects in light of overall community needs. Similar projects by other organizations should not duplicate the proposed services.

• The Foundation will look favorably at those projects that promise to affect a broad segment of the population of the Scioto County area or that tend to help a segment of the citizenry not being adequately served by other resources in the community.

• The Scioto Foundation is especially interested in supplying the “seed money” for new and dynamic projects. Grants will be made to existing groups moving in new directions or to new organizations.

• As a rule, the Scioto Foundation prefers projects that occur in a one-year time frame.

The board will review applications for the regular grant rounds quarterly.

The Gerald W. G. Kwock Charitable Foundation, established in 2015, provides scholarships for O'ahu high school seniors attending public or private schools. Awards range, typically around $6,000, depending on fund size and applicant qualifications. Eligible students must reside in Hawaii, demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA, and be full-time students at any University of Hawaii institution. Preference is given to previous recipients and those majoring in Journalism, English, or Communications.

The Carolyn Jane Scott Charitable Trust, managed by Wells Fargo Bank, supports 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in New Jersey. It funds a variety of areas including education, health, and the arts, with grants typically ranging from $15,000 to $25,000. The Trust prioritizes requests that demonstrate community need and administrative stability, while excluding individuals and for-profit entities. Its mission embodies a commitment to charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes.

The Richard L and Freda K Flerlage Foundation

Our Mission

Working to empower underserved populations through small grants in support of literacy, healthcare, reduction of poverty, and the promotion of social and environmental justice.

We are a small family foundation, when possible we aim to support organizations with relatively small operating funds where our small grants will have their greatest possible impact.

Our average grant is $3,800.

The Thriving Communities Grants program by The New York Community Trust focuses on community development initiatives. It supports non-profits that enhance affordable housing, promote job creation, and strengthen civic engagement in low-income neighborhoods. With ongoing proposals accepted, this grant aims to empower organizations dedicated to building equitable communities through innovative strategies and effective practices that foster economic opportunities and protect the environment.

Foundation of the Federal Bar Association

The Foundation of the Federal Bar Association provides the best way for practitioners to give back to the Federal legal community. Chartered by Congress in 1954, the Foundation serves people in communities across the United States through its generous grants, scholarships, and programming.

Our Mission: The Foundation’s mission is to:

• Promote and support legal research and education;
• Advance the science of jurisprudence;
• Facilitate the administration of justice;
• Foster improvements in the practice of Federal law

Foundation Grants

Foundation grants support community service projects and civics programs which comply with the Foundation’s mission to promote and support legal research and education; advance the science of jurisprudence; facilitate the administration of justice; and foster improvements in the practice of Federal law.

Pathways to the Profession Grant

The Pathways to the Profession Grant Program is designed to support educational, community service, or outreach projects and initiatives that support pathway programs and events that encourage high school, college and law school students, and newer lawyers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue and succeed in a legal career through educational, networking, mentorship programs and other opportunities. Through targeted funding, the program empowers FBA chapters, sections, divisions, national standing committees (FBA entity) and other organizations to develop and support projects that make a lasting impact on their communities.

Applicants may only receive one (1) Foundation grant per year.

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative offers implementation grants aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in visual arts museums, addressing climate change through innovative projects. With deadlines extended for those affected by the LA Fires, eligible institutions can apply for funding ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. This initiative supports museums of all sizes, helping them reduce emissions and operational costs while promoting sustainable practices in the arts sector.

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative provides funding for energy efficiency projects in visual arts museums, addressing climate change through innovative cultural leadership. Grants up to $25,000 support institutions in evaluating energy mitigation opportunities, enhancing efficiency, and reducing emissions. Eligible applicants include museums and visual arts schools across the U.S. The initiative encourages sustainable practices while assisting organizations in understanding their energy needs and planning for effective interventions within a project timeline of 18 months.

The Booth Ferris Foundation, established in 1957, offers grants through its Strengthening NYC Grant Program. This initiative aims to support organizations that promote equity and build vibrant communities in New York City. Eligible entities must demonstrate a strong track record and focus on capacity building to address systemic inequities. The Foundation provides funding for projects that enhance nonprofit infrastructure and sustainability, helping organizations achieve long-term impact in their communities.

The New Era Cap Foundation Impact Grants aim to support nonprofit organizations in Western New York and beyond, focusing on five key areas: Cancer Patient & Family Care, Veterans & First Responders, Women Empowerment, Youth Sports, and Arts & Education. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) charities, while religious organizations for non-secular purposes and individual youth sports teams are ineligible. This initiative encourages impactful community engagement and fosters positive change.

WorKS: Kansas Public Broadcasting Content Grant

This program aims to increase awareness of workforce development tools, strengthen digital literacy, and celebrate the potential of innovation across Kansas’ rural regions.

The WorKS funding was created by the legislature in 2025 in the State budget bill SB 125. The goal of this program is to provide public broadcasting stations funding to produce original, educational content highlighting rural workforce opportunities, remote work readiness, and emerging technologies that can transform how Kansans live and work in rural communities. 

Funding Amount

• Total Funding Available: $500,000
• Minimum Award Amount: $10,000
• Max Award Amount: $100,000
• Match Amount: In-Kind allowed. Match encouraged, but not required

The Michael Gregory Boyd Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors from Troy-area schools who aim to pursue higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service and belong to the African American or African descent groups. This scholarship opens doors for students seeking 2- or 4-year college programs or technical training, fostering educational growth and community involvement.

The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust offers large grants for charitable work in Sussex, focusing on areas such as elderly care, disability, general welfare, hospices, and youth support. Established in 1963, the Trust aims to support charities that have a strong connection with the community. Applications are accepted twice a year, with a review period of 12-15 weeks. Only UK-based charities are eligible, and funding can cover startup costs, core expenses, and specific projects.

The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust offers Medium Grants ranging from £10,001 to £20,000 to UK-based charities focused on charitable work in Sussex. Founded in 1963, the Trust emphasizes wildlife conservation and youth enterprise. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and funding can support start-up costs, core operations, or specific projects. Eligible charities must operate within defined areas, including care for the elderly and disability support, while larger charities and those not registered in the UK are typically excluded.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Here at the Department of Commerce, our job is to bring employment, investment, and economic prosperity to the state of Oklahoma. Through dynamic partnerships and innovative collaborations with companies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and government leaders, we are building a business environment that supports business growth and shared community prosperity.

Community Development Block Grant Programs

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program enables rural Oklahoma communities to finance a variety of public infrastructure and economic improvements and helps promote job growth as a result of these improvements. CDBG funds are provided by the federal government (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and managed by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to help ensure Oklahoma’s most critical needs are addressed.

CDBG Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR)

The Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR 2023/2024) grants are intended to support communities affected by the DR-4706 and DR-4776 disasters. Eligible counties are Carter, McClain, Murray, and Osage County. 

Introduction

On behalf of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Community Development Division (ODOC/CD), we appreciate the opportunity to partner with eligible communities and applicants as recovery and rebuilding efforts continue following recent federally declared disasters. The CDBG-DR program is intended to support long-term recovery, infrastructure restoration, housing stabilization, and community resiliency in accordance with federal disaster recovery requirements established by HUD.

The Chicago Commitment: Civic Partnerships aims to foster a more equitable city by supporting local organizations and partnerships that address systemic racism and promote racial equity. With an emphasis on inclusive actions, the initiative focuses on community-driven solutions to pressing challenges. By investing in diverse voices and creative sectors, the foundation seeks to uplift marginalized communities and create a resilient environment where all Chicagoans can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

The Community Connections Grant, formerly known as the Community Action Project Grant, provides funding of up to $4,000 for grassroots initiatives aimed at enhancing neighborhood quality of life in Hampton. This program encourages collaboration among local organizations to foster community engagement, safety, and cultural development. Eligible projects may include public safety education, organizational development, and recreational or cultural events, making it a vital resource for community-driven improvements.

The Hench Post-Dissertation Fellowship, offered by the American Antiquarian Society, provides a unique opportunity for scholars to refine their dissertations for publication. This prestigious fellowship includes a $40,000 stipend and up to $4,000 for health insurance. Applicants must be within three years of earning their doctorate and focus on topics relevant to American history and culture through 1900. The program fosters collaboration and feedback from leading scholars, enhancing the academic community in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The Kate B. and Hall J. Peterson Fellowships, offered by the American Antiquarian Society, support scholarly research in any field related to American history and culture up to 1876. Each fellowship provides a stipend of $2,000 per month for a term of one to two months between June 1 and May 31. Preference is given to applicants who haven’t received long-term fellowships in the past three years, and eligibility extends to postdoctoral scholars and graduate students.

The AAS-American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies Fellowships support research projects on the American eighteenth century. Funded by the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies and the American Antiquarian Society, these fellowships offer a stipend of $2,200 per month for one to two months of research between June 1 and May 31. Eligibility includes postdoctoral scholars and foreign nationals residing in the U.S. for three years prior to application.

The Alstott Morgan Fellowship, offered by the American Antiquarian Society, supports research on 19th-century American education. It provides a stipend of $2,200 per month for a term of one to two months, available from June 1 to May 31. Eligible candidates include postdoctoral scholars and graduate students engaged in scholarly research across various fields related to American history and culture up to 1900. Preference is given to those without long-term fellowships in the preceding three years.

The American Historical Print Collectors Society Fellowship supports research on American prints from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Funded jointly by the American Historical Print Collectors Society and the American Antiquarian Society, this fellowship offers a stipend of $2,000 per month for one to two months of research. Eligible applicants include postdoctoral scholars and graduate students from various humanities fields. Preference is given to those who have not held long-term fellowships recently.