Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

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.

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 Elm Grove Junior Guild Grants support local non-profits focused on the education, wellness, and protection of women and children. With 75% of funds raised allocated to 501(c)(3) organizations in Waukesha and Milwaukee counties, and 25% dedicated to projects in Elm Grove, the guild plays a vital role in community support. Typical grants range from $500 to $10,000, empowering initiatives that benefit families in need.

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program aims to enhance the library and archival workforce by addressing community information needs and strengthening institutional capacities. It supports innovative projects that explore alternative pathways into library services, advance continuing education, and foster recruitment and retention of future professionals. By focusing on diverse training and development, the program seeks to cultivate a new generation of library leaders equipped to meet evolving challenges.

The Good Works Fund Grants support projects addressing urgent community needs in Grand Traverse County. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for nonprofit organizations focusing on arts, education, health, and more. Applications are accepted until May 2, with a focus on one-time projects that create a lasting impact. Priority is given to organizations with diverse funding sources and projects that meet pressing local needs.

The Community Based Organizations: Arts Access Grant, offered by the Delaware Division of the Arts, supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in presenting various art forms. Grants can cover up to 80% of eligible expenses, not exceeding $1,250. This initiative encourages community engagement through arts programs and is intended for groups that may not qualify for other funding categories. Applications must be submitted six weeks prior to the event, with early submissions recommended.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, aims to support initiatives that enhance public safety and reduce violent crimes. This program is designed for local governments and non-profit organizations seeking funding for innovative projects that address crime prevention and community safety. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for funding, promoting effective solutions to combat violence in Ohio.

The San Diego County District Attorney's Office is launching the Community Grant Program to foster community safety and resilience. With funding up to $50,000, the program supports innovative projects addressing youth and family safety, protecting vulnerable youth, victim support, and environmental justice. Organizations with a minimum of one year of operation and necessary licenses are encouraged to apply. This initiative aims to empower communities across San Diego County to implement sustainable solutions that enhance public safety and well-being.

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs works every day to positively impact Alabama communities through partnerships, grant programs, and services to spur community and economic development and enhance quality of life.

ADECA is a state agency that partners with leaders at the local level to positively impact and enhance the quality of life in Alabama communities through dozens of federal and state grant programs, surplus property, and water resource management.

ADECA’s grant programs support and fund local initiatives that communities often would not be able to afford on their own and improve many facets of life through community and economic development. Our programs help address critical infrastructure needs like water, sewer, and broadband; provide law enforcement equipment and support for victims of crime; build new trails and recreational features; and assist with energy efficiency that lowers energy costs.

State Energy Program (SEP) and Energy Efficiency Programs

The State Energy Program’s (SEP) purpose is to provide funding and technical assistance to enhance energy security, advance state-led energy initiatives, maximize the benefits of decreasing energy waste, and increase energy affordability. It also helps prepare for natural disasters and improve the security of the State’s energy infrastructure. Specifically, it assists states in meeting federal requirements to prepare for an energy emergency and develop an individual state energy security plan. SEP is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Authority

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), Energy Division manages the State Energy Program (SEP) for Alabama by the authority of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Energy-Efficient Retrofits of Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Purpose

The SEP is a formula grant used to reduce energy consumption in Alabama. The Energy Division is accepting applications for grants to be used for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient improvements in wastewater treatment facilities. Applications should be developed with thoughtful consideration being given to the certifications contained on page 17 of the attached PDF document. 

The Patterson Family Foundation is inviting innovative proposals to enhance community engagement in rural areas. With a focus on projects that foster long-term involvement from all generations, the Foundation aims to support initiatives that contribute to the mission of thriving rural communities. To apply, organizations must be located within the Foundation's Kansas and western Missouri catchment and possess nonprofit status. Early submission of the Letter of Intent is highly recommended for timely review.

The GFO-22-903 program by the California Energy Commission offers up to $20 million for cost-share grants aimed at advancing hydrogen projects. Funded projects should focus on producing, processing, delivering, or using hydrogen generated from renewable energy sources. This initiative aligns with California's climate goals, emphasizing benefits in air quality, equity, and workforce development, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Eligible projects are encouraged to maximize their impact across geographically diverse areas of the state.

The 2026 Carceral Systems Organizing Grant seeks to support organizations working to eradicate carceral systems, create alternative justice solutions, or pursue system reform by addressing systemic criminalization that disproportionately targets Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and low-income/poor communities across our five-state region.

We define carceral systems organizing broadly to include all systems that criminalize people’s lives based on race, poverty, gender, immigration status and/or disability. Examples include but are not limited to: 

• Abolition, transformative justice, and alternatives to incarceration
• Ending racial profiling and police brutality
• 'Addressing racial inequities in drug laws
• Child welfare, foster care, child protective services
• Youth incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline
• Detention and deportation of immigrant communities
• Homeless encampment sweeps and criminalization of survival needs
• Re-entry organizing by and for folks who were recently incarcerated

The Thomas C. McGowan Fund for Animals, established by the Cape Cod Foundation, aims to support animal welfare initiatives on Cape Cod and the Islands. This fund honors the legacy of Thomas McGowan, focusing on medical treatment, no-kill shelters, spaying/neutering, cruelty prevention, and public education regarding animal issues. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) charities and organizations with fiscal sponsors, ensuring a broad spectrum of support for animal protection efforts.

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.

The Township Safety Sign Grant Program, funded by ODOT, allocates $2 million annually to enhance safety signage on Ohio's township roads. For FY 2025, $845,040.42 has been designated for 38 projects across 30 counties, supporting local townships. Eligible townships may request up to $50,000 for signs, posts, and hardware, provided they meet specific criteria related to crash rates and prior funding. This initiative aims to improve road safety significantly.

​​​​​​​​​​​Mission

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development transforms communities into places people want to call home. Through investments in community-led placemaking, housing and small business development, infrastructure and broadband deployment, we partner with local government, nonprofits, and private sector stakeholders to make great places.

Vision

All Marylanders will have the opportunity to live and prosper in affordable, lovable and just communities.

Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

Community Development Block Grant Program funds help strengthen Maryland’s communities by expanding affordable housing opportunities, creating jobs, stabilizing neighborhoods and improving the overall quality of life.​

The Albert E. and Myrtle Gunn York Trust Grant aims to enhance the lives of Victoria, Texas residents by supporting religious purposes, education, and the arts. The trust provides funding for initiatives that promote Christian stewardship, higher education, and cultural development in fine and performing arts. Additionally, it offers assistance to the elderly and fosters the intellectual and physical growth of youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and located in Victoria.

Boone County Community Foundation, Illinois

The Boone County Community Foundation exists to improve the quality of life in Boone County for today, tomorrow and the future by building a culture of giving in our community and by connecting donors. We are a tax exempt, non-profit, philanthropic organization with the long-term goal of building permanent, named funds for the broad-based charitable benefit of the residents in Boone County and to strengthen our community through philanthropy. We offer the best tax advantages for charitable donations operating as a 501©(3) organization of the internal revenue code. 

We help raise the level of local giving and help keep charitable dollars in the local community. The Boone County Community Foundation will help to ensure that charitable endowment gifts given to help our community will remain effective and relevant over long periods of time.

Melvin & Mildred Banks Grant Fund

The Boone County Community Foundation invites charitable organizations in Boone County to apply for a community grant funded by the Melvin & Mildred Banks Grant Fund and the Wilbur & William Cummings Grant Fund.

The Banks farmed and ran numerous businesses in Boone County their entire lives. Melvin & Mildred were both active and supportive community members. They have graciously endowed an unrestricted fund for Boone County non-profit organizations. The purpose of this funding is to award grants for projects that enhance the quality of life in Boone County.

The Madison County Community Foundation offers Emergency Grants to support nonprofits facing unexpected expenses that hinder their missions. These grants are available year-round, with applications submitted via email. Organizations can receive one emergency grant annually, and decisions are made within 14 days. The Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in Madison County by providing financial stewardship and community leadership, focusing on various sectors including arts, education, and health.

The SCC COTA Grant Program, run by Speedway Children's Charities, aims to support children in the Greater Austin area. In 2023, it provided over $25,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations focused on critical needs such as homelessness, human trafficking, and medical assistance. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children. Priority is given to those addressing urgent social issues, ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable youth in the community.

Louisiana Division of Administration

Housed within the Louisiana Division of Administration, the Office of Community Development administers federal funding through disaster recovery programs, which help storm-affected communities rebuild and strengthen resilience in housing, infrastructure, economic development and mitigation, as well as through local government assistance programs that provide grants for high-priority rehabilitation, construction and improvement projects throughout Louisiana. To this end, LOCD leverages established statewide partnerships and proven best practices to help Louisiana communities recover, rebuild and implement long-term resilience planning, while also supporting critical local projects that improve our infrastructure and expand opportunities statewide.

Make a Difference Program

The Make a Difference (MAD) Program offers flexible CDBG funding to Louisiana communities for comprehensive projects that create measurable improvements. The program enables local governments to design customized solutions that enhance living conditions, expand opportunities and strengthen community infrastructure.

Each eligible applicant may submit only one application. Eligible applicants include non-entitlement municipalities and parishes as defined by 42 U.S.C. 5306(d) and 42 U.S.C. 5302(a)(7). Applicants may submit an application for any eligible CDBG activity that meets a national objective and demonstrates measurable community impact. Proposed activities must be eligible under Section 105(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended and must address a CDBG national objective. Applications may include multiple eligible activities designed to address identified community needs.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation's Austin Fresh Grants program, initiated in 2020, focuses on enhancing access to healthy, affordable food in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. This collaborative effort supports community gardens, local food production, and food assistance programs, aiming to promote equity and sustainability. With a commitment of at least $1 million annually for five years, the program empowers local solutions and addresses food access barriers, fostering community-driven initiatives for a healthier future.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project - Capital Grants Application Fall 2025 by the Open Space Institute aims to enhance conservation across the Appalachian Mountain region. With a focus on biodiversity, climate resilience, and community benefits, this initiative supports the acquisition of land and conservation easements. As a vital climate refuge, the Appalachians play a crucial role in safeguarding habitats and providing public recreation opportunities for the 26 million residents living in this area.

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 Camp Roy-El Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, offers financial support to college juniors and seniors studying at Michigan-based institutions. This scholarship is aimed at students pursuing careers in fields that serve individuals with disabilities, such as nursing, occupational therapy, and social work. Applicants are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and previous applicants are encouraged to reapply, fostering ongoing support for dedicated students.

The Herman J. and Helen D. Wyngarden Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students from Northern Ottawa County or local high schools. Established in memory of dedicated educators, this scholarship encourages academic advancement beyond high school. Eligible applicants should provide transcripts and relevant documents, with preference given to those pursuing economics or medicine. This competitive scholarship aims to honor the legacy of the Wyngardens while empowering future leaders.