Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Ifft Foundation Fund Grant, established by Sara Ifft and her late husband, Nicholas Ifft III, focuses on enhancing community beautification and public recreation in southeastern Idaho. The fund, managed by the Idaho Community Foundation, supports landscaping, beautification projects, and initiatives that improve public life. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and governmental agencies within specific counties. Grants aim to give back to the communities that supported the Ifft family’s newspaper enterprises for generations.

The Broward County Cultural Division offers a Program Support grant aimed at funding high-quality artistic projects by both arts and non-arts organizations. This grant encourages diverse activities that enhance community engagement and accessibility to the arts. Applicants can propose new or ongoing projects of any size, including events like festivals or singular artistic endeavors. The initiative seeks to broaden audience participation and enrich the cultural landscape of Broward County.

The Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program aims to enhance the educational capabilities of HSIs through innovative teaching and community development initiatives. Funded projects will not only serve the Hispanic population but will benefit the entire student body, promoting inclusivity. This program encourages applications that integrate applied research with community outreach, fostering experiential learning opportunities for students. The initiative aspires to set benchmarks for educational excellence at regional and national levels.

The Bloedorn Foundation offers annual grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable children and at-risk citizens in the Washington D.C. area. The foundation focuses on enhancing community well-being through various initiatives, including education, job training, and health support. Grants are awarded after thorough vetting of applicants, ensuring that resources are directed towards efforts that significantly improve the quality of life for those in need.

About Us

Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. is a public, 501-C-3 charity. There are 30 community foundations in Wisconsin and more than 750 in the nation. The purpose of all community foundations is to accumulate charitable dollars that impact a specific geographic region in areas such as education, the arts, economic development, recreation, environmental protection, health care, and social services. They may be relatively small, as we are (assets of $14 million), or very large, as is the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (assets over $400 million).

Most people are familiar with private foundations, established by individuals, families, or corporations. Typically, in order to establish a private foundation, one has to have considerable wealth. You could say Community Foundations are much more democratic. We are, in a sense, an umbrella foundation containing many small foundations. We call those small foundations “funds.”

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Terry & Allean Frankland Scholarship (2025)

The PCIF Community Impact Grants, offered by the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, support innovative projects that enhance the quality of life for all residents in Pottawattamie County. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and government entities. The grants focus on various sectors such as arts, education, health, and community improvement. In the last funding cycle, 42 grants totaling $65,364 were awarded, emphasizing the Foundation's commitment to fostering impactful community initiatives.

The Ruth Hornbrook Memorial Fund Grants support humane societies in West Virginia, focusing on new entities. Grants, ranging from $500 to $3,000, fund projects like humane education, shelter construction, and equipment purchases. Notably, the fund excludes spay/neuter program support. This initiative aims to enhance animal welfare and promote humane education in the community, ensuring that emerging organizations have the resources they need to thrive.

The Ray and Sue Barrett Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors in the Tri-Cities pursuing higher education in law, criminal justice, mental health, social work, or psychology. Established in honor of Ray and Sue Barrett, who valued education and mental health, this scholarship considers financial need and requires a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants must submit transcripts and relevant documents to qualify.

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

• Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma

• Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne

• Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange

• Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego

• Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura

• Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine

• Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer

• South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 8: Far South Administered by Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs, City of San Diego

The City of San Diego invites applications from eligible individual artists for the Individual Artist Fellowship (IAF), which provides unrestricted awards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The California Arts Council (CAC) has selected the City as an Administering Organization for this statewide initiative, supporting a two-year fellowship program for individual artists and culture bearers across all disciplines.

The Individual Artist Fellowship for Region 8 serves San Diego and Imperial Counties, an area spanning 9,008 square miles and home to 3.48 million residents. The program strengthens the regional arts workforce by investing directly in artists whose work contributes to the cultural vitality of their communities.

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation administers the Kirschner Trusts, established to honor Phil and Roberta Kirschner's philanthropic legacy. These trusts focus on supporting young individuals with disabilities, Muskogee nonprofits, and Jewish causes. Since their transfer to the foundation in 2013, the trusts have continued to provide vital grants to organizations that align with the Kirschners’ values, ensuring their charitable impact persists in the community.

The DCNR Community Recreation and Conservation Planning Grants support planning projects aimed at enhancing parks and recreational facilities. Eligible applicants, including municipalities and qualified organizations, can develop comprehensive plans for land conservation, indoor facility feasibility, and site development. The program emphasizes community involvement and requires a 50% match for funding. It fosters sustainable management of natural resources, ensuring a balanced approach to conservation and recreation.

The James E. Huffer and Betty J. Huffer Foundation aims to support non-profit organizations that enhance community welfare through educational, artistic, and humanitarian initiatives. The foundation prioritizes multidisciplinary efforts that demonstrate a strong commitment to regional service and impactful contributions. Focus areas include arts, environmental stewardship, health sciences, and youth education. Organizations must confirm tax-exempt status and provide financial documentation to be considered for funding.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation

Established in 1960 as North Central Education Foundation, Central Kentucky Community Foundation is one of more than 780 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the Lincoln Trail Region, offering our donors and partners a variety of ways to touch our community through philanthropic giving.

Youth Sports Fund of Grayson County - Fall Football

CKCF’s Youth Sports Funds encourage and support youth participation in recreational sports, making these opportunities available to any player, regardless of their financial situation. Our Youth Sports Funds offers scholarships for families who need financial assistance for children to play sports.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the sports league, not to the individual participants. Funding is limited, and scholarships are not guaranteed to all applicants.

The FY 2025 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) aims to enhance the physical and cybersecurity of nonprofit organizations at risk of extremist attacks. This initiative focuses on improving security postures, addressing capability gaps, and fostering collaboration among organizations and local agencies. By providing essential funding for planning, equipment, and training, the NSGP seeks to protect vulnerable facilities and ensure a coordinated community response to security challenges.

The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) offers cost-share funds to agricultural producers in Tennessee for making long-term investments in their farms and communities. Established in 2005, TAEP aids producers in maximizing profits, enhancing operational efficiency, and adapting to market changes. Eligible participants must be U.S. citizens or residents, at least 18 years old, and operate a farm in Tennessee. The program aims to ensure the sustainability and growth of agricultural practices within the state.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship, established by SHAPE America, honors outstanding graduate students in health and physical education. Awarded annually since 1995, it recognizes two graduate recipients based on academic excellence and leadership. Along with financial support, winners receive a three-year SHAPE America membership, enhancing their professional network. This scholarship underscores the organization's commitment to advancing health education and supporting future leaders in the field.

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation offers the Genuine Leelanau Charitable Endowment Grant to support various programs benefiting children and families in Leelanau County. Established in 2006, this grant focuses on integrated arts and other projects that enhance community welfare. Organizations eligible include 501(c)3 nonprofits, educational institutions, and governmental entities across the region. The foundation aims to foster community growth through targeted funding that addresses critical needs in arts, education, and health.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship is awarded annually by SHAPE America to honor outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in health and physical education. Established in 1995, this scholarship supports three undergraduate and two graduate recipients. Candidates must be SHAPE America members, majoring in relevant fields, and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. In addition to financial support, recipients receive a three-year membership to SHAPE America, fostering a commitment to health education and physical activity.

The Prof. Rahamimoff Travel Grants for Young Scientists support PhD students in research requiring expertise unavailable in their home countries. Named after renowned scientist Prof. Rami Rahamimoff, the grants fund trips to higher education or research facilities in the U.S. or Israel, lasting up to two months. Eligible applicants must be U.S. or Israeli citizens conducting supervised research at accredited institutions. This program honors Prof. Rahamimoff's legacy in science and medicine.

The Hudson-Ellis Grants, offered by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, support charitable organizations in Boyle County, focusing on public education and services for disadvantaged youth and adults. Established through generous donations, these grants aim to address community needs with sustainable and measurable outcomes. Organizations can apply for funding up to $7,500 to create a positive impact in the community. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $160 million in grants, enhancing the quality of life in Central and Appalachia Kentucky.

The California Arts Council offers the Individual Artists Fellowship to support California artists across diverse disciplines. This program emphasizes racial equity and is administered through regionally-based organizations that assist artists in their applications and promote their work. Funding tiers range from $5,000 to $50,000, aimed at emerging to legacy artists, ensuring that a broad spectrum of artistic expression is recognized and celebrated. The initiative underscores the importance of artists' contributions to their communities.

The Sparkplug Foundation Grant supports innovative projects from early-stage organizations and established non-profits in education, community organizing, and music. The foundation emphasizes community-led initiatives that address systemic injustices and engage marginalized populations. Grants are available for one year and prioritize projects with small budgets that lack extensive funding sources. The foundation encourages applications from diverse communities, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ individuals, fostering equitable access to resources.

The CKCF’s Youth Sports Fund of Grayson County provides scholarships for youth in Grayson County to participate in recreational Baseball, Soccer, and Softball, ensuring every child has the opportunity to engage in sports, regardless of financial circumstances. Applications are accepted for one season and are evaluated based on need. Scholarships cover registration fees and sports equipment, but do not include travel expenses or tournament fees. Funding is limited, and assistance is not guaranteed for all applicants.

The Perry's Foundation Grant, launched in 2017, aims to enhance community strength by supporting nonprofit organizations and religious groups focused on philanthropy and promoting equity in Olney, TX, and its surrounding areas. Eligible applicants include diverse groups across all ages and ethnicities, with interests in community, education, and healthcare. The foundation provides various support types, including program development and matching funds, to foster impactful initiatives and leadership growth.

Taos Diplomats Scholarship

The Taos Diplomats Scholarship was first established in 2015 by Peter Winter (Taos High ’04) and Dori Winter, who have served as Foreign Service Officers with the U.S. Department of State. During college at the University of Southern California, Peter studied International Relations and Mandarin Chinese, later studying abroad in Beijing, China. Dori, a graduate of the University of South Carolina and Texas A&M University, studied in China and France. Both have represented the United States government at embassies and consulates around the world, including assignments in Northern Ireland, Egypt, Pakistan, China, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.

This award is open to graduating High School Seniors from Taos County (GPA of 3.0 or above) who are interested in pursuing a degree in fields such as international affairs, political science, public and government policy, global communications, international education and development, global health, international business, and foreign languages or studying abroad. This scholarship is open to those applying to 4 year colleges and universities as well as 2 year vocational/trade schools. The award ranges from $250.00 to $1,000.00 and is paid directly to the student’s account at the college or university attended.

The Rusty & Debbie Hoffman Family Scholarship supports aspiring undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students from ASHRAE Region IV. This one-year scholarship is available to those with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or in the top 30% of their class, studying at accredited institutions with recognized ASHRAE student branches. The scholarship aims to foster the next generation of professionals dedicated to sustainable heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions in the built environment.

The Janis Chapman Merrill Foundation Grant aims to support 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to enhancing the health, education, and welfare of children and families, as well as the homeless in Arizona. This foundation prioritizes initiatives that directly impact these vulnerable populations, ensuring that assistance reaches those in need. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria to apply for funding, helping to create sustainable change within the community.