Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The School Based Services Mini Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, aims to enhance mental health services in schools. It targets Minnesota school districts, especially those in rural and tribal areas, providing seed funding to develop sustainable behavioral health infrastructures. This initiative focuses on improving access to care through qualified providers, telehealth capabilities, and Medicaid billing systems, ensuring that all students have the support they need to thrive.

Marshall Community Foundation

The Marshall Community Foundation is a partnership of endowed funds established by individuals and organizations. A Board of Trustees, comprised of local community leaders, invest the pooled endowments. Income generated is then available for grants that address charitable needs in our community. Staff and trained volunteers monitor the grants to ensure fulfillment of the grant agreements.

The full circle of philanthropy is poetry in motion. The Foundation receives your gifts, grants to local non-profits, who in turn, give back by providing services to the community. Truly, the Foundation is all about improving the quality of life and making this a better place to live, work and raise a family.

UAW Local 220 Scholarship

Scholarships awarded to graduating seniors from Barry, Branch, Calhoun and Eaton Counties who will be attending a trade school, community college and/or a four-year institution.

Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years however, applicants must submit updated supporting materials.

The Edith M. Pritchard Scholarship, offered by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education and public health. Applicants must hold a current RN license, maintain a GPA of 3.6, and have at least two semesters of study remaining post-award notification. This scholarship promotes nursing leadership and is funded through donations, reflecting over a century of commitment to nursing education.

The KYUMC Good Samaritan Ministries Grant aims to empower charitable and educational initiatives that address spiritual and physical needs in Kentucky. With grant awards up to $50,000, it supports organizations offering primary health care to low-income and uninsured individuals. Eligible applicants include ministries connected to the Kentucky Annual Conference, provided they align with its mission. This grant fosters sustainable ministries while prioritizing non-discrimination and equal opportunity.

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health is seeking qualified hospital systems in rural counties to participate in the MATernity Journey: Integrated Maternal Wellness Framework. This initiative aims to enhance integrated care and expand comprehensive health services for pregnant and parenting women in Northwestern and Western Ohio. By partnering with local programs, this project seeks to improve health outcomes and accessibility for this vulnerable population, fostering a supportive environment for maternal wellness.

The Clark and Ruby Baker Foundation Grant aims to support charitable organizations that align with the philanthropic mission of the Baker family, focusing on Methodist-affiliated educational institutions, aid for disadvantaged children, and assistance for the sick in Georgia. The Foundation considers funding for construction projects of educational and medical facilities, ensuring that grants are awarded to meet specific community needs and promote long-term benefits.

Utah State Board of Education

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is a constitutionally established, elected, partisan body that exercises general control and supervision over the public education system in Utah, including establishing the state educational core standards, state educator licensing policies, and state high school graduation requirements.

APEX Grant Program

The APEX Grant Program, created by Utah's H.B. 447, establishes a grant program to help local education agencies (LEAs) create or expand catalyst centers. The purpose of the program is to support LEAs in creating and expanding these centers to align with labor market needs and state career and technical education goals and drive student engagement.

What is an APEX Center?

An APEX Center is a profession-based learning hub that bridges classroom education with real-world experience. These centers give students the opportunity to explore careers, gain hands-on skills, and work on projects shaped by industry partners. By blending academics with practical learning, APEX Centers spark curiosity, ignite opportunities, and prepare students for success in college, career, and life.

The APEX Grant Program includes: APEX Center Planning Grant and APEX Center Implementation Grant

APEX Center Planning Grant

Purpose of the Funding

The Applied Professional Education Experience (APEX) Center Grant Program provides funding to local education agencies (LEAs) to create new or expand existing APEX Centers to provide profession-based learning experiences through partnerships with local industry, businesses, and community organizations. Allowable planning activities include:

• Feasibility studies
• Stakeholder engagement
• Labor market analysis
• Creating the initial program design and rollout
• Teacher and staff training specific to the delivery of profession-based learning

The Creative Engagement Grants, offered by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, support individual artists and nonprofit organizations in Manhattan. This funding program provides over $500,000 annually for diverse artistic projects, including performances, exhibitions, and workshops. Grants aim to foster community engagement through art, promoting a just and equitable society. First-time applicants must attend an information session to apply. This initiative highlights the importance of art in enriching local communities and cultural dialogue.

The Goizueta Foundation Grant provides funding to support innovative educational initiatives in metropolitan Atlanta. Focused on early learning, K-12 education, and workforce development, the Foundation encourages nonprofit organizations to apply at any time, with rolling applications considered during board meetings in May and November. The Foundation aims to build strong partnerships with grantees to create lasting community impact, particularly for underserved populations.

Montana Board of Crime Control 

Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC) was created in 1968 as a planning and research agency under the authority of 2-15-2006, MCA whose goal was, and still is to promote public safety. The MBCC is a 18-member quasi-judicial board appointed by the Governor. MBCC provides financial support, technical assistance, and supportive services to state and local criminal justice agencies. The board provides funding to local, regional, and statewide projects with the central goal of making Montana a safer state.

Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA)

Description

The FVPSA grant funds shall be used for programs and projects that are designed to prevent incidents of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence by providing immediate shelter and supportive services, and that may include paying for the operating and administrative expenses of the facilities for a shelter, for adult and youth victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents; and that may be used to provide prevention services to prevent future incidents of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence (42 U.S.C. § 10408(a) and 42 U.S.C. § 10408(b)(1)(A)). The application process is non-competitive. 

Matching contributions of 20% (cash or in-kind) of the total cost of the FVPSA project (federal funds plus local match) are required and must be derived from non-federal sources. Federally Recognized Tribes are not required to provide match.

Utah State Board of Education

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is a constitutionally established, elected, partisan body that exercises general control and supervision over the public education system in Utah, including establishing the state educational core standards, state educator licensing policies, and state high school graduation requirements.

APEX Grant Program

The APEX Grant Program, created by Utah's H.B. 447, establishes a grant program to help local education agencies (LEAs) create or expand catalyst centers. The purpose of the program is to support LEAs in creating and expanding these centers to align with labor market needs and state career and technical education goals and drive student engagement.

What is an APEX Center?

An APEX Center is a profession-based learning hub that bridges classroom education with real-world experience. These centers give students the opportunity to explore careers, gain hands-on skills, and work on projects shaped by industry partners. By blending academics with practical learning, APEX Centers spark curiosity, ignite opportunities, and prepare students for success in college, career, and life.

The APEX Grant Program includes: APEX Center Planning Grant and APEX Center Implementation Grant

APEX Center Implementation Grant

Purpose of the Funding

The Applied Professional Education Experience (APEX) Center Grant Program provides funding to local education agencies (LEAs) to create new or expand existing APEX Centers to provide profession-based learning experiences through partnerships with local industry, businesses, and community organizations. Funding may support planning activities, capital expenditures, and program implementation (see Utah Code Annotated § 53F-5-224).

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) 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. TEA helps deliver education to more than 5 million students under the leadership of the commissioner of education. The TEA operational costs are supported by both state and federal funds. The Texas Education Agency administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

ESC Behavior Position Pilot

This program is being created to provide technical assistance to school systems, campuses, and teachers that have special education students experiencing behavioral difficulties that result in dangerous or unsafe learning environments for that student or others. The goal of this program is to ensure that infrastructure is in place to support the students before, during, and after they experience behavioral difficulties as well as provide support for the school system, teachers, and students who may be impacted by the behavior. The program is being established in response to TEC §29.010 (a-1) that states “…the agency may require a school district to obtain specialized technical assistance for a documented noncompliance issue or if data indicates that technical assistance is needed, such as an incident involving injury to staff or students by a student receiving special education services or data indicating an excessive number of restraints are used on students receiving special education services.”

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

OCVA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is committed to ensuring accessibility for all applicants. 

OCVA Tribal Initiative – STOP Program

STOP Program – Tribal Initiative is a grant program that funds Tribal law enforcement, prosecution, and victim services to develop and strengthen effective strategies that collaboratively respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and strengthens victim services.

Proposals should 

• Address the needs of individuals age 11 and older that have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking; and
• Improve the criminal legal systems response or ability to respond to cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking where the victim is age 11 or older.

Proposals should include activities and services for each part: law enforcement, prosecution, and victim services.

How much funding is available?

OCVA estimates that $600,000 will be available each year for this grant initiative. It is the intention of the grant for all three function areas listed below to apply for up to $200,000 each, in the same application, for a maximum total of $600,000.

• $200,000 for tribal law enforcement
• $200,000 for tribal prosecution
• $200,000 for tribal victim services

OCVA will select one proposal for award. 

The MFi Legacy Fund grant, managed by the Medfield Foundation Inc., aims to enrich the lives of Medfield residents through community initiatives. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits or associated with town departments, focusing on programs that exclusively serve Medfield. The grant process involves submitting an application to participate in the Pitch It! event, where successful applicants present their projects. Grants are awarded based on these presentations, fostering a stronger community through collaborative efforts.

The Sacramento-Shasta Chapter of The Wildlife Society offers a Professional Research Grant aimed at supporting professionals involved in wildlife research within specific counties. This initiative promotes academic excellence in wildlife biology and aligns with the organization's mission to enhance wildlife conservation efforts. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their research aligns with the chapter's objectives, ensuring the funding contributes positively to local wildlife issues and academic development.

The Australian Flora Foundation Research Grants, specifically the Ian and Janet McConachie Macadamia Conservation Grant, supports research focused on the ecology and conservation of macadamias. With a budget of up to $20,000 per year for three years, the grant aims to enhance understanding and conservation of Australian flora. Applications are open to qualified researchers and must be conducted in Australia, with a particular focus on addressing climate change threats and promoting biodiversity.

The Australian Flora Foundation offers Small Grants for research projects focusing on the biology and cultivation of Australian plants. Designed for one to two-year projects, grants range from $5,000 to $20,000. Applications are open to researchers in Australia, particularly those addressing conservation and the survival of endangered species. The Foundation prioritizes scientifically sound proposals that align with management plans for rare plants, promoting greater awareness and preservation of Australia’s unique flora.

The Steven Berkeley Marine Conservation Fellowship, established by the American Fisheries Society in 2007, honors a dedicated fisheries scientist. This $15,000 award supports graduate students engaged in thesis research on marine conservation topics. Applicants must be enrolled in a North American university's M.S. or Ph.D. program and be AFS members in good standing. The fellowship encourages innovative research addressing various conservation issues, not limited to fisheries.

The Burke Youth Organized Philanthropists Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of Burke County, aims to empower youth by supporting programs that impact children aged 0-18 in Burke County. Grants typically range up to $1,000 and prioritize initiatives addressing mental health challenges. Eligible recipients include tax-exempt organizations dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families. This grant encourages diverse and innovative projects that avoid duplicating existing services, fostering sustainable community development.

The Community Grant Program offers two-year general operating grants ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 for local nonprofits in San Luis Obispo County. This funding supports initiatives in Arts & Culture, Environment, Health & Human Services, and support for Seniors & People with Disabilities. Applications are evaluated based on their potential impact and alignment with community needs, aiming to enhance cultural expression, environmental preservation, and overall community well-being.

Powering Economic Opportunity Fund

Converting America's economic transformation into lasting earnings gains for workers — by backing the employer-side job designs and workplace practices that a durable payer will carry forward.

Across the United States, the modernization of energy systems, physical infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing is creating sustained demand for skilled workers — electricians, welders, energy technicians, construction managers, and industrial specialists — even as the broader labor market has slowed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that energy-related occupations will be among the fastest-growing through 2034, and critical trades face significant shortages as experienced workers retire. 

Geopolitical uncertainty and conflicts only accelerate these trends and the need to focus on energy security. At the same time, AI-driven disruption continues to displace entry-level knowledge roles, creating a strong and underserved candidate pool for durable trade pathways.

Investments are expanding access to skilled trades training, but a critical gap remains between funding workforce programs and achieving lasting employment outcomes. Too many workers complete training without staying in quality jobs, and too few investments address the employer practices that improve retention, advancement and long-term earnings.

As part of our multiyear partnership with Families and Workers Fund, GitLab Foundation is pleased to announce a $4M open call for the Powering Economic Opportunity Fund — flexible grants of up to $500,000 supporting organizations that partner directly with employers, unions and industry to strengthen work-based learning, improve job quality and connect workers to durable, living-wage careers. Round 2 invests in employer-side practice change — the job designs and workplace practices that help workers stay, advance, and build careers — and in the durable financing that sustains those practices after the grant ends.

The Allison Adams Wieczorek Scholarship supports graduate nurses pursuing degrees in maternal-infant and pediatric nursing. Established through the Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., this scholarship honors the contributions of Allison Adams Wieczorek, a dedicated board member with extensive experience in financial services. Applicants must have at least two semesters of study remaining and meet specific eligibility criteria, including holding a current RN license and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.6. This initiative fosters nursing leadership and education.

The Australian Flora Foundation Research Grants, specifically the Malcolm Reed Grants, provide funding for research projects focusing on the biology and cultivation of Australian plants. Established in 1981, these grants support significant projects over 2 to 3 years, with budgets ranging from $20,000 to $60,000, commencing in early 2026. Applicants must be eligible researchers in Australia and projects should address conservation priorities, particularly for rare and endangered species, ensuring outcomes within the grant period.

The Edward T. Bedford Foundation, established in 1994, focuses on supporting charitable endeavors for children and young adults. The foundation primarily funds tax-exempt organizations that promote educational, athletic, and artistic initiatives. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are typically decided within 90 days. Nonprofit organizations exempt under IRS 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply, making it a vital resource for community-focused programs.

The CLCF Opportunity Grant supports eligible organizations in Central Louisiana with grants ranging from $250 to $2,000. Applications are accepted quarterly, focusing on areas such as literacy, arts, culture, and community development. The program aims to enhance the quality of life by connecting local donors with projects they care about, promoting charitable giving, and addressing community needs effectively.

Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship

The Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship benefits current vineyard or winery workers, their children and spouses/partners studying for a certificate and/or an associate degree in viticulture and/or enology at Napa Valley College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Allan Hancock College, Cuesta College, Walla Walla Community College or Umpqua Community College. Transfer students admitted to Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo for a bachelors degree in Wine and Viticulture may also be considered. The scholarship is geared toward individuals seeking skills that will allow them to advance above entry-level positions in viticulture and enology. Previous recipients of the scholarship are eligible to reapply in subsequent years while working to complete their degrees.

Award Amount:

$6,000-$10,000 per year ($3,000-$5,000 per semester)

The Ruth Goldstein Memorial Music Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Capital Region high schools who plan to pursue music education or performance. Offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, this scholarship prioritizes students specializing in woodwind instruments, piano accompaniment, or those demonstrating financial need. Since 1968, the foundation has empowered the community through generous giving opportunities, enhancing the quality of life for all residents.