Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Richard S. Reynolds Foundation, established in 1955 in Richmond, Virginia, supports diverse community initiatives in education, healthcare, the arts, and the environment. With over $71 million granted to date, it aims to strengthen communities and foster future generations. The foundation prioritizes requests from IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations while typically avoiding contributions to annual operational costs. Its commitment to impactful projects ensures a lasting positive influence both locally and globally.

About Us

Our Vision: Thriving Philanthropy, Thriving Communities

The Princeton Area Community Foundation is the philanthropic nexus of central New Jersey. We’re committed to helping our region and its residents – and especially its children – thrive.

As a robust foundation with more than $260 million in assets, we help individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create permanent charitable funds to meet the challenges of changing times. As a community leader we invest and administer these funds, award grants and scholarships, and promote philanthropy and encourage meaningful collaboration, all under the direction of a knowledgeable team.

As your community foundation, we provide services, guidance, and partnership. It’s our job to help you exercise generosity here, and to bring philanthropists together for maximum impact. We strive toward a vibrant, engaged, equitable community, from which all will benefit.

Community Impact Grants

Community Impact Grants provide support to nonprofits working to address the needs of under-resourced individuals, families, and communities in our regional footprint.

Our Community Impact Grant opportunity is focused serving children, families, and communities most impacted by poverty. In 2026, there will be one cycle to apply. Eligible nonprofits in our region may apply for unrestricted funding. If you have received funding through the Summer Initiatives grant, you still may apply for Community Impact Grants. If you have received a 2025 multi-year award, you will not be eligible to apply in 2026.

Funding considerations will prioritize requests that address under-resourced populations in our region such as children and adolescents, low-income seniors, returning citizens, immigrants, victims of domestic abuse, and others.

Funding priorities for this grant cycle:

• Education/Workforce Development
• Critical Needs (Food Security, Homelessness, Mental Health)
• Community/Capacity Building

About BlackRock

We’re a global asset manager and technology provider dedicated to helping more and more people experience financial well-being. We help millions of people invest to build savings that serve them throughout their lives. The BlackRock Foundation which funds and partners with organizations that strengthen financial security for more people,

BlackRock Future Builders

BlackRock Future Builders is a $100 million philanthropic initiative funded by The BlackRock Foundation to expand economic opportunity and power the next generation of America’s skilled trades workers. Through this Request for Proposals (RFP) process, The Foundation seeks to support U.S. nonprofit organizations (i.e., registered 501(c)3 organizations) delivering or supporting high‑quality skilled trades training.

This competitive grant opportunity operates in parallel to other BlackRock Future Builders partnerships and is intended to surface additional, regionally grounded solutions across the skilled trades ecosystem. Organizations may propose direct worker training programs or capacity‑building efforts that enable systems to function more effectively and at greater scale. This first round RFP will be administered by Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit that transforms U.S. education and workforce systems.

Focus Areas and Solutions

Applicants may propose worker training or capacity‑building solutions aligned to skilled trades workforce development.

• Worker training interventions may include direct service proposals such as pre-apprenticeship or career navigation programs, workforce training programs, apprenticeship programs, or wraparound participant supports that are supportive of training persistence and completion.
• Capacity-building interventions are organizational and system-focused, rather than in direct service of participants, and may include, but are not limited to, proposals such as ecosystem-building, demonstration projects, technology or tool adoptions, or research, among others.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Daniel R. Miller (Fretts) Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Daniel R. Miller (Fretts) Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarship assistance for vocational and higher educational opportunities for Scottdale Borough/East Huntingdon Twp. youth. The fund was endowed by Daniel R. (Bob) Miller’s daughter Karen to honor the memory of her father and the Miller & Fretts families of the Scottdale Area. Bob Miller, for whom this scholarship is named, was born and raised in Scottdale. He believed that the core values instilled in him by his immediate Miller and Fretts relatives in the Scottdale area were a contributing factor to his later successful business career and other lifetime experiences.

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide scholarship assistance to a graduating senior from Southmoreland High School who wishes to pursue a career in a traditional trade or modern equivalent (engineering, architecture, design etc.).

Award Type: Single Year Award. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply.

The Central Fund of the Finnish Cultural Foundation offers grants to support scientific and artistic projects, emphasizing cultural development in Finland. Applications are accepted for Eminentia grants aimed at senior researchers and artists, and for the Art for Institutions initiative focused on enhancing cultural rights for vulnerable populations. Eligible applicants include Finnish nationals and those with strong ties to Finland. The Foundation also funds various projects in arts, sciences, and cultural areas, ensuring a broad impact on society.

The Community Micro Grants by the Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) aim to enhance the quality of life in St. Joseph County, Michigan. These grants, up to $5,000, support smaller organizations or projects that directly benefit local residents. Funding is available year-round, ensuring timely assistance for initiatives in areas like education, health, and community development. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities, fostering a collaborative community spirit.

The Honeyland Rodenberg Family Hilleman Scholarship at Montana State University supports students enrolled in the Hilleman Scholars Program, particularly those from specific Montana counties. It prioritizes graduates from high schools in Daniels, McCone, Roosevelt, Sheridan, or Valley Counties, and also favors students pursuing degrees in Education, Sociology, Anthropology, Business, Nursing, or Engineering. This scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities and community engagement.

About the Louisiana Board of Regents

The Board of Regents, a state agency created by the 1974 Louisiana Constitution, coordinates all public higher education in Louisiana. The Board began operations on January 1, 1975, succeeding the Coordinating Council for Higher Education per Article VIII, Section 5; Article VII, Section 10.1. Regents is the coordinating board for higher education while the system boards handle the day-to-day management of campuses. Through Education, Innovation, and Collaboration, Regents oversees the Master Plan, including Funding Formula, Merger and Transfer of Institutions, Capital Outlay, Approval and Elimination of Programs & Departments, and Regents Support Fund Allocations.

Research Competitiveness Subprogram (RCS)

RCS funds projects that strengthen the fundamental research base and competitiveness of Louisiana’s public and private universities. The subprogram is a stimulus opportunity available to researchers who are currently not competitive for federal support but show strong potential for achieving national research competitiveness in an area funded by the federal government within a limited span of time. Research funded through RCS must make fundamental contributions to knowledge in eligible scientific and engineering disciplines rather than simply seek to apply existing knowledge.

RCS also includes a one-year award to assist faculty who may already be competitive through short-term pilot awards to conduct novel scientific and engineering research leading to near-term federal support.

The Browning Kimball Foundation, established in 1978, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Central Montana through sustainable agriculture and support for youth and families. With a commitment to good governance, the foundation may limit grants to four consecutive years and encourages grantees to diversify funding sources. Eligible applicants must possess a 501(c)(3) designation, and preference is given to organizations serving Central Montana, particularly in areas like health, education, and community development.

The Ida Alice Ryan Charitable Trust, established in 1953, prioritizes funding for charitable organizations in the Atlanta area, particularly in health care, education, and the arts. It allocates half of its income to the Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King and the remainder to selected charities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities located within the Metro Atlanta area. The trust emphasizes support for hospitals, educational initiatives, and cultural institutions.

The First Financial Community Grants, managed by the Hamilton Community Foundation, focus on enhancing community growth in low-income areas. Established in 1951, the Foundation supports programs in neighborhood development, workforce education, and arts initiatives. By prioritizing financial literacy and cultural experiences, the Fund aims to revitalize communities and foster long-term impact, ensuring resources benefit the region sustainably. This initiative reflects a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in Butler County, Ohio.

The Robert W. Deutsch Foundation focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Baltimore through innovative grants that support creative individuals and projects. By engaging with local young creatives and understanding their needs, the foundation aims to foster a thriving creative economy. Its initiatives include funding community-driven projects and addressing racial inequality, ensuring that marginalized voices are amplified. The foundation's approach is characterized by flexibility, responsiveness, and a commitment to building sustainable paths for emerging talent in the region.

The George Klein Scholarship at Western Michigan University supports undergraduate political science majors for study abroad in Central and East European Studies. Established in memory of Dr. George Klein, this annual award ranges from $500 to $750, encouraging students to immerse themselves in the political landscape of eligible countries such as Poland and Hungary. Preference is given to those in the WMU study abroad program, particularly in the Czech Republic, fostering international academic experiences.

The C3F: Geographic Enrichment Grant Cycle aims to enhance the quality of life in Charlevoix County by providing funding opportunities for nonprofit projects in communities like Beaver Island, Boyne City, Charlevoix, and East Jordan. This initiative encourages collaboration and innovative approaches to meet community needs while ensuring that grant proposals deliver tangible benefits to each affected area. The foundation invites diverse applicants to contribute to impactful local projects.

The Feigenbaum Foundation Grants support organizations in the Berkshires that align with the foundation's mission of promoting education in technology, medical and cultural programs, and community-based initiatives. Founded by Armand and Donald Feigenbaum, the foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that serve the community, ensuring that their contributions positively impact the local area and its residents.

The C3F Mini Grants, offered by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, support small-scale projects that address unexpected needs or enhance organizational capacity. Applications are accepted year-round, with an annual availability starting in January and a deadline of December 15th. Interested applicants must consult with a C3F staff member before submitting their proposals. This flexible funding opportunity is ideal for organizations looking to implement timely initiatives.

The Atmore Community Foundation Grant supports nonprofits in the Atmore community, focusing on enhancing quality of life through various sectors including arts, education, and health. The 2024-2025 cycle emphasizes sustainable programs with measurable outcomes and capacity-building initiatives. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000 for projects serving the 36502 zip code. Eligible organizations must be IRS recognized 501(c)(3)s or similar entities. Collaboration and innovative approaches are highly encouraged to address community needs.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion grant, funded by Project Lead The Way Inc, offers $10,000 to public schools in specific districts across several states, including Arkansas, Georgia, and Virginia. This grant aims to enhance existing PLTW Engineering courses or add new ones, alongside teacher training for the 2025-2026 academic year. Grantees are required to submit annual reports and assist in collecting surveys to aid in program improvement and stakeholder engagement.

The PLTW Engineering grant supports public schools in implementing at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2025-2026 academic year, with a total funding of $30,000 over two years. Eligible districts include those in Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Grantees are required to submit annual reports and assist in collecting surveys to enhance program effectiveness and share results with stakeholders.

Aastha Horizons Grant

The Aastha Horizons Grant seeks to support organizations dedicated to enhancing Lancaster County. Applications from initiatives addressing a wide range of topics, including but not limited to education, healthcare, social services, environmental conservation, arts and culture, community development, and youth empowerment are welcome. This grant will provide resources for projects that demonstrate a commitment to making a positive impact in our community, whether by addressing immediate needs or fostering long-term sustainability. 

The Lafayette Fellowship, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, offers funding for one year of master’s study in France to 30 exceptional American students. Open to both Francophone and non-Francophone candidates, the program partners with top French institutions across various fields. Participants engage in the French-American Leadership Program, enhancing transatlantic ties through lectures, mentorship, and cultural immersion, while addressing global challenges in health, technology, and social equity.

The Kerr Foundation Inc. offers grants to 501(c)3 organizations, focusing on education, arts, health, and human services. Priority is given to Oklahoma entities, but applications from neighboring states and Washington D.C. are also accepted. The foundation supports various project types, including capital, program, and operating expenses. Note that back-to-back grants are not allowed, enforcing a three-year gap for reapplication after funding. This ensures a broad and impactful reach for community development.

Helen Frankenthaler Foundation

The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports the artist’s legacy through a variety of initiatives, including exhibitions, loans of artworks, research and publications, conservation, grants, educational programs for the public and the scholarly community, and the publishing of a catalogue raisonné. It is dedicated to promoting greater public interest in and understanding of the visual arts.

Established and endowed by the artist during her lifetime (1928-2011), the Foundation became active in 2013, on the closing of Frankenthaler’s estate. As the principal beneficiary of Frankenthaler’s estate, the Foundation maintains an extensive collection of her work in a variety of mediums, as well as her collection of works by other artists and original papers and materials pertaining to her life and work.

Frankenthaler Climate Initiative

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative (FCI) is a pioneering grantmaking program established by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation. Since its inception in 2021, FCI has distinguished itself as the foremost private national initiative in the United States dedicated to combating climate change specifically within the visual arts sector.

FCI provides visual arts institutions with up to $100,000 to undertake ambitious sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives that directly address carbon reduction and energy efficiency. The scope of its support is broad, encompassing everything from modest, rapid-response projects to comprehensive efficiency audits and feasibility studies, and extending to financial contributions for significant infrastructural renovations and strategic planning for new buildings and major initiatives.

Building on the core values of the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, the initiative aligns a commitment to environmental stewardship with a belief in the vital importance of the visual arts and arts education. Through strategic funding and partnerships focused on tangible infrastructure, FCI aims to catalyze a sector-wide shift toward zero carbon operations, promoting a future where the visual arts thrive—while contributing to a more sustainable and ecologically conscious world.

Who We Fund

FCI funds nonprofit institutions in the United States and its territories whose primary focus rests in the visual arts. The visual arts includes but is not limited to painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and installations in clay, glass, metal, wood, fiber, paper, film, and mixed media.

Most of our grantees are art museums, nonprofit galleries, archives, noncollecting institutions, art schools, university museums, and artist-endowed foundations.

What We Fund

FCI funds energy efficiency and clean energy generation projects.

FCI meets arts institutions at every stage of the work, through four kinds of grants:

• Catalyst — first actions and stand-alone projects with a quick turnaround
• Scoping — energy audits and assessments that establish a baseline
• Technical Assistance — detailed planning for technically demanding projects
• Implementation — comprehensive capital work addressing a building's environmental impact at multiple levels

Technical Assistance Grants

Technical Assistance grants support projects that have finished initial assessments, and need procurement and financing support for an identified efficiency project. This may include providing designs, specifications, or fees for working with energy services companies (ESCOs) for project support. These grants also support more complex studies or analysis required for pursuing major implementation projects. At the conclusion of a Technical Assistance grant, the applicant should be sufficiently informed to implement a project.

The Boschee Engineering Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering. Eligible applicants must be Montana high school graduates and undergraduate students with a minimum 3.25 GPA. This scholarship aims to promote diversity by giving preference to American Indian students who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes. The award amount varies, providing essential financial assistance to deserving students in the field of engineering.

The Third District Discretionary Grant Funding in California offers financial support to community-serving organizations located within the district. Supervisor Horvath reviews grant requests, emphasizing that not all can be funded due to high demand. Eligible organizations include non-profit entities focused on various initiatives, including education and public safety. Each organization may submit one event and one regular grant request per year. Grants are limited to a one-year period and cannot be used for religious promotion or ongoing funding.

The DCF Capital Project Grants aim to enhance nonprofit facilities through capital improvements, helping organizations in Delaware operate more effectively. These grants support projects that not only renovate but also empower nonprofits to better serve their communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations within Delaware or those benefiting Delawareans. The initiative excludes funding for individuals, certain nonprofits, and specific operational expenses, ensuring support focuses on impactful community enhancements.

The Knights of Columbus Endowment Fund, established to support the sick, disabled, and needy families in Pittsburg, Kansas, continues its mission through annual grants. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities, churches, schools, and government agencies. Grants support housing assistance, health services, and community improvements for vulnerable populations, ensuring their well-being and security. This initiative reflects the commitment of the Knights of Columbus to enhance the quality of life for those in need.