Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The John H. and Ruby M. Laurie Charitable Scholarship offers a $1,000 scholarship to graduating seniors from Camdenton High School with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This renewable scholarship supports students enrolled in accredited colleges or vocational schools, encouraging academic achievement. Preference is given to those pursuing a Business degree. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare through educational support and resource development, fostering future leaders in the region.

The New York Community Trust

The New York Community Trust (The Trust) is a public charity founded in 1924. As New York’s community foundation, The Trust engages in enduring and innovative philanthropy to promote equitable and thriving communities in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. 

Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Fund

The Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Fund (The Fund) in The New York Community Trust is now accepting proposals from Roosevelt Island nonprofits that provide direct services or benefits to Roosevelt Island residents. 

The Opportunity

The Fund expects to award $260,000 through one-year grants of up to $30,000 to nonprofits currently operating regular, ongoing programming on Roosevelt Island. Grant funds will support programs or projects that provide important services—including, but not limited to, educational opportunity, artistic and cultural enrichment, improved health, or a better environment— for the Roosevelt Island community. Priority will be given to projects that reach underresourced communities on the Island, and that have plans for long-term engagement with project beneficiaries.

The After School Education and Safety (ASES) program for FY 2024-25 aims to enhance literacy and academic enrichment for students in grades K-9 through partnerships between schools and community resources. This funding will sustain existing before and after school programs and ensure eligibility for all elementary and middle schools in California that submit quality applications, fostering safe and constructive alternatives for students.

The Les Paul Foundation Grant supports innovative music education and medical research related to hearing loss. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based public charities under 501(c)(3) and avoid religious, political, labor, or business affiliations. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance music production, performance, and STEM/STEAM initiatives, particularly those benefiting individuals in challenging situations. Proposals must detail how they will share Les Paul's legacy in their work.

The Rural Hospital Planning and Transition Grant, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health, aims to support small, nonprofit rural hospitals in developing strategic plans and implementing transition projects. This initiative enhances access to healthcare for underserved communities in Minnesota, ensuring they receive necessary services. Grant recipients will create sustainable plans to address community health needs and improve service delivery, fostering equity and inclusion in healthcare access.

Minnesota Department of Human Services

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Mission is driven by collaboration with community and partners – Counties, Tribes, non-profit and for-profit providers – supporting people to thrive in community and live their healthiest and fullest lives. The DHS Vision is that all people in Minnesota have what they need to thrive in community with no disparities.

Request for Proposals for a Grantee to provide integrated, culturally supportive perinatal care to pregnant Black/African American and American Indian Medical Assistance enrollees who are at high risk for adverse birth outcomes

Objective of RFP

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Health Improvement and Benefit Design Division, is soliciting proposals from qualified responders to provide integrated, culturally supportive perinatal care to pregnant Black/African American and or American Indian Medical Assistance enrollees who are at high risk for adverse birth outcomes. Services must be delivered through qualified integrated perinatal care collaboratives as defined in statutes. The anticipated contract term is two (2) years, from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. The State may extend the contract for up to an additional three (3) years in one-year increments, for a total contract term not to exceed five (5) years.

Funding will be distributed through a competitive review process that includes individuals with relevant subject matter expertise, and, when appropriate, community representatives with regional knowledge. If selected, Responder may only incur eligible expenditures when the contract is fully executed, and the grant has reached its effective date.

The Reproductive Health Equity initiative aims to enhance sexual and reproductive health for all Coloradans, particularly marginalized communities. By ensuring access to accurate information and culturally relevant services, we empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health. Our collaborative approach involves various stakeholders to promote equitable healthcare solutions. This initiative prioritizes young people, people of color, and low-income individuals, striving to dismantle systemic barriers and support reproductive autonomy across the state.

The O.L. Halsell Foundation, established in 1948, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Orange County through targeted grants. It supports community-based organizations focused on youth, senior citizens, battered women, health services, and education. The Foundation seeks to empower individuals to take responsibility for their well-being and foster social change. By investing in local initiatives, it aims to create a brighter future for residents, reflecting its commitment to community engagement and support.

A. Wlock and E. Woodruff Scholarship

The A. Wlock and E. Woodruff Scholarship was created by Emilee Woodruff and Autumn Wlock’s family and the W2 Foundation in loving memory of Emilee and Autumn. Emilee and Autumn passed away in February 2020 when a fire destroyed their home. Emilee was diagnosed with epilepsy as a preteen. Autumn was Emilee’s first child and love of her life. Emilee was a great mother and Autumn was a happy baby. This scholarship is aimed to help students attend college that have been affected by a fire or who have been diagnosed with epilepsy.  

Cures Within Reach

Cures Within Reach is the philanthropic leader in drug, device and nutraceutical repurposing research, which has the potential to transform the lives of patients with unsolved diseases by delivering treatments that can be used in the near-term. Our focus: we find and fund proof-of-concept clinical trials that, once successful, de-risk and catalyze follow-on funding, building the clinical evidence required for regulatory approval or to support off-label use by patients everywhere.

Clinical Repurposing Research to Impact US Veterans/Military

This Request for Proposals (RFP) from Cures Within Reach (CWR) is seeking clinical repurposing trials from US-based research institutions using already approved treatments to address unmet and high-priority medical needs of US veterans and/or active US military, such as mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and brain injuries. Our strongest preference is for proof of concept, pivotal, Phase I or Phase IIA clinical repurposing trials. Eligible trials may be conducted at accredited US-based academic, nonprofit and governmental research institutions and/or health systems involved with medical research, including Veterans Administration (VA) health systems and hospitals. 

Repurposed therapies must be approved and/or generally recognized as safe for human use by some regulatory agency, such as the US Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, Health Canada or Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, and may include drugs, devices, nutraceuticals or diagnostics, as well as combination therapies. These repurposed therapies must be tested in a new indication for which they are not already approved or used widely in clinical practice as standard of care. Repurposed therapies also may be added to current standard of care to improve patient outcomes and/or quality of life.

The Joette P. Delia Curiano Scholarship is designed for graduating high school seniors from specific schools in the Greater Capital Region who plan to pursue a degree in health care or nursing. Applicants must demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need. This scholarship is part of a universal application process, allowing students to apply for multiple scholarships with one form, thereby increasing accessibility to educational funding.

The Mattina R. Proctor Foundation Grant focuses on healthcare initiatives in Maine and Massachusetts, supporting projects that address public health and medical research. With grants typically ranging from $2,500 to $50,000, the foundation seeks to impact underserved populations through diabetes research, dental care, and preventative healthcare measures. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations demonstrating a specific need, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to meaningful, community-focused giving.

The Inez Duff Bishop Charitable Trust, founded in 1966, supports a variety of charitable organizations in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia. The trust focuses on assistance for the visually impaired and providing medical care to those in financial need. It prioritizes 501(c)(3) organizations that align with its mission, particularly those catering to local residents and vulnerable populations. The trust aims to ensure humanitarian relief and promote health and well-being in the community.

About MDWFP

Mississippi's legislative leadership recognized the need for wildlife conservation in our state and founded the Mississippi Game and Fish Commission in 1932. Since then, the Agency has been the state's premier conservation organization.

In 1989, the Bureau of Parks and Recreation merged with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Conservation to form the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). The MDWFP is a large state agency charged by state statute to conserve, develop, and protect Mississippi's natural resources and provide continuing outdoor recreation opportunities.

Land and Water Conservation Fund Program

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program was established by the LWCF Act of 1965. Federal funds are appropriated by Congress through the Department of Interior and administered on the federal level by National Park Service (NPS) and on the state level by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Outdoor Recreational Grants division.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program was established to stimulate a nationwide action program to assist in preserving, developing, and assuring to all citizens of the United States, of present and future generations, such quality and quantity of outdoor recreation resources as may be available. The program provides matching grants to States, and through the States to local units of government, for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation sites and facilities. Funding for the program is provided largely from Outer Continental Shelf mineral receipts, with additional income from the Motorboat Fuels Tax, recreation user fees, and through the sales of federal surplus property. Federal LWCF obligations have been matched by state and local contributions, for a total recreation investment of over $6 billion dollars.

How are projects funded?

• The LWCF program requires a fifty percent match by the project sponsor. This match can include cash, in-kind services, and donations of land/material/services.
• The composition of the sponsor's matching share must be approved by the ORG staff. Only costs and donations incurred during the project period are eligible for reimbursement. The appraised value of land donated for the project area can be used as all or part of the matching share for development.
• Title to a donation of or "fee simple purchase" of park land cannot be transferred to the sponsor prior to project approval by National Park Service.

What can be funded?

In order for an application to be considered, it must be a viable project (e.g., ballfield, soccer field, splash park, etc.). Applications for support facilities only do not qualify. Projects can be a combination of both.

• Acquisition: Acquisition-only projects can be submitted but will be ranked low in the ratings. According to NPS guidelines, land that is acquired must be developed.
• Development: Physical facilities such as sports and play fields, tennis courts, picnic facilities, etc.
• Acquisition/Development: Land acquired by donation or negotiated purchase followed by development of facilities on that land.

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Off-highway Motorcycle (OHM) Trail Grants

Revenue collected from off-highway motorcycle (OHM) registrations is available for development, rehabilitation and maintenance of OHM trails in Wisconsin.

Ranking priorities

Trail funds are distributed according to the following ranked purposes (NR 65.11 [exit DNR]). Priority will be given to funding projects in which OHMs are the only designated motorized equipment.

• Maintenance of existing off-highway motorcycle trails.
• Maintenance of existing off-highway motorcycle facilities.
• Major rehabilitation of existing OHM trails and facilities.
• Development of new OHM trails and facilities on publicly owned land.
• Development of trails and facilities on privately-owned land using a lease or easement.
• Acquisition of land for OHM trails and facilities.
• Signage of off-highway motorcycle routes which provide access to OHM trails.
• Other eligible OHM projects.

Eligible items and funding levels include:

• Maintenance of OHM-only Trail: Funded at $53/mile with a $1K surplus for use on rehab that is more than basic maintenance. Requires minimum of 2x maintenance passes per year (includes brushing, spot maintenance related to the treadway and environmental concerns, sign maintenance and the like)
• Maintenance of Motorized Recreation Parks: For OHM only trails within the park, funded at $53/mile with no $1k surplus.
• Maintenance of Shared-use OHM Trails: No set rate, applicants can request an amount based on their evaluation of need. If the trail is shared with ATVs/UTVs, it is presumed that the use by those machines will far exceed that of OHM, but additional expenses may be incurred for signage, etc. Amount of maintenance award will not exceed $50/mile.
• Development of OHM trails and areas reimburseable up to 100 percent of eligible costs;
• Traditional grooming of OHM trails is not a routine component of trail maintenance. In the event there are section of trail that eventually need to be graded, this action will be considered as a separate trail rehabilitation request for each specific section. Grading can only be done by proper and authorized equipment.
• Major rehabilitation of bridge structures reimbursable up to 100% of eligible costs;

The Ludlow Foundation Grant aims to support the basic needs of individuals and organizations, focusing on education, rehabilitation, and crisis situations. Grants of up to $500 can be applied for throughout the year. The foundation primarily serves Washington and Alaska, requiring organizations to have 501(c)3 or 509(a)2 status. By addressing essential human needs, the Ludlow Foundation seeks to alleviate unexpected hardships in the lives of those it supports.

The Lead-Safe Homes Program (LSHP) in Wisconsin is seeking partner organizations to provide lead investigation services for children and pregnant women eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare. This initiative aims to reduce childhood lead poisoning by coordinating environmental investigations and remediation efforts for lead hazards in homes. The program is set to begin on October 1, 2025, and will prioritize projects based on the blood lead levels of children, ensuring safe living conditions for families across the state.

Statement of Purpose

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is announcing the availability of funds for the Fluoride Varnish, Children’s Education and Screenings (FACES) grant. The overarching goal of the FACES program is to promote good oral health practices for school aged children through application of fluoride varnish as an oral health preventive measure via a voluntary school-based program. Additionally, this grant offers the opportunity to participate in the New Jersey Department of Health Basic Screening Survey for specified populations.

The infrastructure for this initiative will support new or existing programs in building preventive oral health services, including education programs and Fluoride varnish application for school aged children to promote the importance of oral health. The FACES program will coordinate and implement activities and strategies to address oral health issues affecting children from pre-K through grade 12. These efforts will be guided by a community needs assessment that identifies children at high risk for developing dental decay and other oral health problems.

Although the primary target population for this grant is school-aged children, other vulnerable groups at higher risk for dental decay—such as elderly individuals residing in assisted living or nursing homes, or pregnant women of lower socioeconomic status—will also be eligible to receive fluoride varnish as an evidence-based preventive measure. The decision to include additional at-risk populations should be made by the State Dental Director or the Program Management Officer, at the request of the applicant.

The program will utilize the Basic Screening Survey (BSS) to better understand the existing oral health status of specific populations. The BSS is a best practice recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD).

SHIFT 3.2: Rural Health Provider NetworksThis opportunity supports the establishment and/or expansion of integrated rural health provider networks, including but not limited to: rural health clinics, pediatric trauma, or maternal health networks. Awardees will develop a comprehensive resource directory of physical and behavioral healthcare services across rural Utah to detail the capacity, access, and availability of local services to efficiently support both patients and providers. These networks will pool resources, expand local services, reduce duplication of efforts, and lower administrative costs across rural Utah.

Grants

Through our grantmaking, we support nonprofits that serve South Carolina at local, regional and state levels to address root causes of poverty while honoring the dignity of every South Carolinian.

Starting in 2026, our grants focus primarily on systems change in the areas of

• economic mobility,
• housing security and
• health care (with health care systems change grants by invitation only).

By focusing our efforts and going deeper on these three issues, we aim to have an even greater impact on the nonprofits and communities we serve.

Systems Change Grants

Systems Change Grants fund organizations and coalitions that are working to change the policies, power structures and mindsets that cause and reinforce poverty in South Carolina. These grants specifically fund systems change that supports economic mobility and housing security.

Through these grants, we aim to generate a larger impact through more intentional funding, highly focused work and alignment across our Foundation’s activities.

What Systems Change Grants Support

• Organizations that are actively working on systems change that impacts people experiencing poverty and addresses economic mobility or housing security. To see how the Foundation defines these terms, visit our Strategic Plan webpage.
• Organizations that are seeking to change systems at the local, regional or state level. Systems Change Grants provide up to $75,000 annually for local or regional work.
  • State-level grants have a $100,000 maximum each year. 
• Organizations addressing systems change in at least one of the following ways:
  • Participating in advocacy and lobbying
    • Focus on changing policies, practices, processes, rules or laws
    • Impacting resource flows (i.e., reallocated and/or new funding streams)
    • Holding systems accountable to their intended purpose through the above as well as through litigation
  • Addressing unequal power
    • Focus on changing the distribution and dynamics of privilege, relationships and tradition
    • Organizing and building connections and coalitions that center community voices and perspectives
    • Civic engagement
  • Affirming the dignity of people experiencing poverty
    • Focus on changing the narrative around poverty
    • Focus on changing attitudes, mindsets, values, belief systems, norms, mental models and paradigms
  • Implementing big impact, scalable, or innovative solutions
    • Focus on changing results, especially for groups experiencing inequitable outcomes as a result of historic and current marginalization

All grants are for one year, with the possibility of renewal up to three years based on meeting reporting requirements and the availability of funding.

The Whitney R. Harris and Saint Louis Zoo Fellowship in Animal Conservation offers a fully-funded master's or Ph.D. opportunity for motivated graduates. This fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in animal conservation through a structured program that includes stipends, tuition waivers, and research funding. Enrolled fellows will participate in workshops and internships to enhance their impact in conservation efforts. The fellowship is a collaboration between the University of Missouri-St. Louis and the Saint Louis Zoo.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to students who are current or former wards of the court in Kent County, Michigan pursuing an undergraduate college or vocational education, have financial need and a 2.5 minimum GPA.

Must provide a letter of recommendation from a caseworker.

The Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation Grant supports local communities through funding for non-profit organizations. Established in 1998, the foundation has contributed over $2.5 million to various sectors, including education, health, and the arts. Grants of up to $2,500 are awarded annually, with a focus on specific funding requests. Eligibility requires a 501(c)(3) status letter, while individuals and political candidates are ineligible for support.

About Us

Our mission statement

The mission of Empire State Development (“ESD”) is to promote a vigorous, inclusive and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, local economies across New York State through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing, and other forms of assistance. 

New York State Empire State Development

Regional Council Capital Funds (formerly ESD Grant Funds)

Funding Available: Up to $60 million

Empire State Development (ESD) has $60 million of capital grant funding available for the State's Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, which helps drive regional and local economic development across New York State in cooperation with ten Regional Economic Development Councils ("Regional Councils"). The $60 million available includes $8 million for tourism projects, formerly offered though the Market New York Capital Grant program. Grant funding is available for capital-based economic development projects intended to create or retain jobs; prevent, reduce or eliminate unemployment and underemployment; increase business or economic activity in a community or Region; and/or expand, construct, restore or renovate New York State tourism destinations and attractions.

Grant funding will be allocated among the ten regions, each represented by a Regional Council. Funding decisions will be based on each Regional Council's strategic plan and subsequent progress reports that set out a comprehensive vision for economic development and specific strategies to implement that vision, coupled with New York State's economic growth priorities. Funding will be awarded by the New York State Urban Development Corporation (d/b/a Empire State Development) at its discretion.

Mission

The Fish Family Foundation of Maine is a faith based charitable organization located in Bangor, Maine. Founded in 2007, our mission is to provide resources for many initiatives including, but not limited to, missions, education scholarships, ministries, medical research, and employment creation. The Fish Family Foundation of Maine is primarily funded by the family. However, contributions from like minded individuals and organizations is appreciated. The Fish Family Foundation of Maine has a balanced strategy of making funds available for immediate needs, while also investing to build a perpetual earning endowment ensuring the Foundation's successful future.

Missions:

We support needs of missionary organizations including sponsorships for young people who wish to attend youth group sponsored mission trips. We ordinarily make one time contributions but on occasion have made up to a three year commitment. 

Education/Scholarships:

The Foundation makes scholarships available to Colleges, Universities, and other Schools for student enrollment and expenses. We also consider new construction, existing renovation, equipment, and support material contributions.

Independent Churches and Ministries:

We accept a wide variety of requests, including, but not limited to: materials, equipment, new construction, renovations, programs, and services. 

Medical Research:

We support medical research opportunities close to our hearts and organizations that our family and friends have experienced. 

Job Creation:

We Support organizations that fund entrepreneurs in impoverished areas to start small businesses providing services and employment to the community.

Requests are considered by the trustees the first week of each month. Foundation payments are made by paper check in US dollars and are reported to the appropriate tax agencies. While we certainly wish that we could contribute to all the applications that meet our funding criteria, there are times when when available funding is limited and we are not able to contribute to some very worthy causes. If we are not in a position to help in the timeline requested, we will keep the information on file for possible consideration in the future. 

The Judith Heavenrich Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of Judith Heavenrich, aims to support single, low-income mothers in Saginaw County as they pursue higher education or vocational training. Judith, a lifelong advocate for education and environmental issues, faced numerous challenges in her life but remained dedicated to her community. This scholarship reflects her spirit and commitment to empowering women to achieve their educational goals, with awards typically ranging from $500 to $4,000.

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations in Arizona and Indiana through grants aimed at environmental initiatives. With a commitment of $19.5 million over five years, the Trust emphasizes the protection and restoration of critical waterways, particularly the Verde and White rivers. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, and the Trust prioritizes projects that promote environmental awareness and stewardship, improving community engagement with nature.